Work in Progress - diy 26650 "REO"

[jcatcg]

I haven't posted anything because I've been out of town on business this week. After using this mod for a bit, I've formed some impressions. These are qualitative observations; I didn't log anything or do any formal tests.

First, the difference in battery life is significant. The "sweet spot" from a freshly charged battery seems to last significantly longer with the 26650's. For context, I run my REO's at .25-.3 ohms, so I blow through 18650's pretty quickly. With the 26650's I was able to go all day with a single battery swap. I'll typically go through 5 or so 18650's in a day.

Now for the ugly. Even with the extended battery life, I really don't feel like 26650's work very well in the REO form factor. You just give up too much in terms of ergonomics. The big battery creates too much dead room in the case design that you really can't take advantage of for more juice. If you enlarged the case to hold a bigger juice bottle it would be too big to hold in one hand. As is, even with a 6ml bottle, this thing really isn't what I want to carry around all day. It's ok, for a desk mod, or kicking back watching TV, but otherwise it's just too big and feels awkward in the hand.

tldr; Longer battery life is nice but doesn't make up for what you lose in ergonomics. I don't think 26650 is the future of REO's.

 

[Ian444]

Thanks for the update and the link to the mini mill. I'm surprised you were able to machine that 26650 Reo with a mill that small. You must have good operator skills. Thats an awesome mod you built.

I'm making this more as a learning project on the mini mill I picked up, rather than any thought that a 26650 REO is a particularly good idea.

Hmmm, what do you have in mind for the next "learning project?"

 

[jcatcg]

Thanks for the update and the link to the mini mill. I'm surprised you were able to machine that 26650 Reo with a mill that small. You must have good operator skills. Thats an awesome mod you built.



Hmmm, what do you have in mind for the next "learning project?"

Well ... I have a foot of 1 inch stainless rod sitting next to my mini lathe so you never know

 

[Raynman]

Wrong place to say this but I hope to have my PowerPro kit on Monday. Can't wait to play with that. I really want it to show my cousin at the reunion he really likes the mod it's made from. I'll have several Reos with me too.