When do you change the battery? Simplicity...

[guruguhan]

Hi all,

First time mechanical mod owner here with a Simplicity 18350 and 14500. When would I know to change the battery? Will it just not vape, or will I notice a gradual decline in vapor quality? Is there a danger in vaping too long on a battery?

In case it matters, at the moment I'm not running a Kick on the 18350, though will be at times.

Thanks!

 

[9ball_AJ]

You will notice a gradual decline in vapor production and satisfaction. It will take some time to learn when to change the battery, and in the mean time I recommend checking the charge level on them frequently. I use AW IMR batteries, so the numbers might differ slightly if you are using different batteries, but:

(These are all my personal recommendations, please research proper battery care!)

- It is recommended you re-charge at 3.5 volts for maximum battery life span
- It is recommended you do not dis-charge the battery below 3.2 volts
- If the battery ever becomes discharged below 2.5 volts, discard the battery (in a lawful and eco-friendly manner of course )

 

[9ball_AJ]

I should also add that a quality battery charger will extend the overall life-span of your batteries. I recommend the Nitecore Intellichargers. IMO you can't beat them for the price.

 

[guruguhan]

Thanks 9ball - I've already ordered an XTAR VP1, I'm not sure if its considered a quality charger, but it seemed to get decent reviews when I looked.

I'm also using AW IMR batteries - how do I know I'm at 3.5 volts? Are you periodically taking your batteries out and testing them on a meter? So I could still vape at 2.5 volts (that's the only reason I can think of why I'd discharge below 2.5 volts).

 

[Killjoy1]

Depending on what you're vaping with, resistance-wise, you'll notice a significant performance drop long before you get down to the low 3.X volt range. It will vary from person to person and with different gear, but I'd highly recommend checking your battery fairly regularly until you get a good feel for the connection between battery voltage and vape quality. Once you get the hang of it (which doesn't take very long for most people) you'll be able to guess the voltage pretty accurately (when I pull my batts to change they are almost always the same +/-0.05 volts, and well above 3.0 still)

 

[9ball_AJ]

Thanks 9ball - I've already ordered an XTAR VP1, I'm not sure if its considered a quality charger, but it seemed to get decent reviews when I looked.

I'm also using AW IMR batteries - how do I know I'm at 3.5 volts? Are you periodically taking your batteries out and testing them on a meter? So I could still vape at 2.5 volts (that's the only reason I can think of why I'd discharge below 2.5 volts).

When I first started using mechanical mods, I would take the batteries out periodically and test them on a meter, yes. I found a 510 inline voltage meter a while ago, and that helps the process. Nowadays, I pretty much can tell just by the vape, but I err on the side of caution and change the battery out when I think it is around 3.5v. Usually ends up being 3.6ish, but I rarely actually meter my batteries anymore unless I am completely unsure of the charge level, or if I have some sort of malfunction in which the mod has fired constantly for any amount of time.

Technically yes, you could vape at 2.5 volts, but I highly recommend you don't. The stress on your batteries will shorten their lifespan, and you could possible damage them, not to mention the performance will be very weak. You have chosen the safest battery to use IMO, but all batteries can be dangerous if improperly used and/or cared for...

 

[anavidfan]

Good question, I have a meter to test batteries somewhere, I will have to dig it out. I was just wondering how long, the 18350s are lasting for some, seems like about 2 hours of decent production and even kicked about 2 give or take. Does that sound normal?

What about the 18490/ 50's , seems about 4-6 hours of good vape. Does that sound about right?

 

[Killjoy1]

Those times sound about right for me, but it will vary a bit depending on the person (how heavy they vape, what resistance, etc). Still a good ballpark for an average vaper. I've been known to chew through a 14500 or 18350 in not much more than an hour if I'm chain-vaping heavy

 

[anavidfan]

Thanks Kill, I do the same sometimes. I get to chain vaping and go thru the 18490/ 50s in couple hours and I wondered if they were going bad. Even kicked , they will sometimes get low in production and ELA will misfire in a few hours.

On my Saber, now I dont chain vape or use it as much daily as my ELA with ODy, the kicked 18650 with the Fatty dripper will last 2 days.

 

[raqball]

Good question, I have a meter to test batteries somewhere, I will have to dig it out. I was just wondering how long, the 18350s are lasting for some, seems like about 2 hours of decent production and even kicked about 2 give or take. Does that sound normal?

What about the 18490/ 50's , seems about 4-6 hours of good vape. Does that sound about right?

I get about 3 1/2 to 4 hours from a AW IMR 18350..

I vape about 5ml a day and run my coils about 1.8ohm'ish..

 

[anavidfan]

Similar set up here. I make my resistance at about 1.7 ish, and I go thru about 5-10 ml a day, but I use 4-6 mg juice. All depends on how my day goes, or how relaxed or stressed I am.

I still have not been able to make up my mind if I like Kicked or unkicked. I like them both.

 

[raqball]

Similar set up here. I make my resistance at about 1.7 ish, and I go thru about 5-10 ml a day, but I use 4-6 mg juice. All depends on how my day goes, or how relaxed or stressed I am.

I still have not been able to make up my mind if I like Kicked or unkicked. I like them both.

I ordered a kick 2 for my Ti 18350 but highly doubt I will use it more than once before it gets sold..

My whole point in wanting the Ti was small, compact and light! Adding the kicklet to it ads size so I am pretty sure the kick 2 will go bye bye quickly..

 

[rojo]

I usually just trade my battery out for a fresh one when my vape starts to lose its flavor intensity. If you've ever used a variable wattage device you can probably tell. If it tastes like you're vaping at 7 watts it's time to change.

I own a cheap-o harbor freight Chinese multimeter. I never use it. I gauge by taste alone.

It's apparently safe enough. As far as I can tell my batteries hold just as much charge now as they did when they were new. That probably wouldn't be the case if I were over-discharging. *shrug*

But when I change batteries, it's not for any conscious effort to pamper them or anything. I just get to a point when I think my vape would taste better with a fresh battery, so I indulge my craving for richer flavor with a fresh battery.

Sent from my SCH-I405 using Tapatalk 2

 

[guruguhan]

Thanks rojo,

It's been a few days now and I've noticed what you and the others are talking about now (how the flavor and hit changes over the batteries charge), so yeah, I've just been switching out when I feel like I'm not getting the whole shabang. The flavour has spoiled me though...not enjoying my Kanger PT2 and twist setup nearly as much.

Looking forward to a 26650 Simplicity...