VV Battery Question for the Zmax

[M&R B]

So after much research me and my wife finally decided on our first APV. We wanted the VW feature, LED readout, Ohm reader because we want make our own coil/wicks, use 18650 batteries, ego connection built in, keep under $150 with mod/batteries/charger combined and have a nice look. We decided on a Zmax! I'm not worried about having super accurate power readings, we can adjust for that. Also people say it hasn't been out to long to be tried and true bit the Vmax has and the Zmax is just an improved version of that. The Vmax has gotten lots of great reviews and generally considered a quality APV.


So here's my battery questions. First, flat top or button top? Second, which brand? If AW, black or red? I want as high mAh as possible due to the fact I vape fairly heavely (6-10ml per day). I'll be using primarily 1.5-2.0 ohm tanks at power levels between 8-10 watts. Also was wondering about chargers. Any suggestions? I don't need a super fast charge as I'll be rotating 2-3 batteries.

 

[extolrox]

IMR 18650, LiMn 2000mAh Battery

these are the batteries I would use you can use flat tops too. it all depends on where you get the AWs from as well because some are fakes and not even IMR just protected. these batteries I use with my Acrylmax (a mod with Zmax guts). Just to let you know you need to make sure your coil is above 1.2 otherwise the Zmax won't vape.

 

[Morandir835]

M&R B sir you want to use high drain (imr) batts with the zmax. You can use flat or nipple top, but suggest flat. Personally use the Panasonic hybrid 2250mah 18650 in mine, but have also used the aw 1600mah imr's as well.

As for charger, can't go wrong with one of these 3- xtar wp2, xtar sp2, pila.

 

[XtianApi]

I found that protected button tops don't fit. I have to use unprotected. This doesn't really make sense to me, because a protected AW 18650 can push enough current for the Zmax, I don't know why IMR is needed.

 

[M&R B]

What about the aw blacks as opposed to reds? They seem to have a higher mAh.

 

[martinc]

I would go with Panasonics,they are way cheaper and as good.

Also,judging by your figures,get at least 6 and get a Xtar 6 bays charger (and dont forget a backup charger,just in case!)

 

[M&R B]

Why do you suggest 5-6 batteries? If I was to get the Panasonic 2250 batteries will they not last long? Say I'm running the voltage around 4-4 1/2 consistently, heavy vaping (6ml+), how long will a charge hold? Obviously it's hard to say but anyone have decent guess?

 

[martinc]

If you BOTH vape 5-10ml at the settings you suggested,you will probably BOTH need at least 2 batteries in the course of the day.(that`s 4).

Then backups,that`s 6

 

[ukeman]

I found that protected button tops don't fit. I have to use unprotected. This doesn't really make sense to me, because a protected AW 18650 can push enough current for the Zmax, I don't know why IMR is needed.

IMR is not a lesser option...it is different, and the only batts I use.
They have a safe chemistry and are no less safe than Protected.
IMR are called "high drain" because they can put out more power on demand and are normally known for use with Low Resistance coils (anything under 2.0 Ohms). They tend to drain faster but really not so much that its an inconvenience.
I think APV makers require them because they are sure to match any power demands.

From what i've heard, AW is a Panasonic battery which has been chosen from batches for best quality.

I use a lot of LR rated atomizers and RBA's so I don't bother having Protected batts anymore.
It's good to have as large a stock in rotation with a good charger or two as needed.

 

[martinc]

MY rule of thumb is protected in mechanicals,unprotected in electronics.

 

[XtianApi]

What about the aw blacks as opposed to reds? They seem to have a higher mAh.

The blacks are protected, and the battery that I would want to use. However, two things, one, the protection circuit seems to make the battery not fit, and two, it act a little weird when you don't have an IMR battery in it. I sent Smoktek and email, and it seems that the reason only IMRs work is because they don't really have any voltage drop under load. They provide so much current that the resting voltage and the loaded voltage is pretty similar. Why does this matter? Well, I think, since the Zmax needs to calculate the battery voltage, the resistance, and then adjust accordingly, when you hit the button and the voltage drops, the Zmax will need to recalculate which causes a delayed firing. I have rigged a regular protected battery in with wires and tape, and when I hit the button, sometimes, it will not fire, then fire, then stop, then start again, all while holding the button once. I think it is getting confused because the voltage drops. You can also use cheap unprotected generics and it will do the same thing. It is vapeable, if you don't mind a little delay, otherwise IMRs it is. Bummer, cause generic 18650s are about one dollar a piece and work okay, IMRs are like thirteen. Happy vaping.