Worried about safety with batteries in vape pens

[feignfeign]

A friend of mine told me that purchasing a vape pen with built in batteries are a bad idea as it often contains batteries that are subpar to cut down on production costs. What are your thoughts on this?

I have also heard that vape pen battery failures are less of a worry since the wattage is low. The vape pen I am looking at has a max of 53 wattage. Is that considered low wattage? Aura - VapeOnly.com

 

[Kickingthesticks]

Going up to 53 watts it's probably a single 18650 cell battery. Your friend is right that you can't really tell what kind of battery the manufacturer put in it. now there should be a ohm limit and mah spec for it. if you can tell us the name of this mod maybe someone can chime in on how good it performs. as far as 53 watts consider low or not depends on the person. some like to vape higher and some lower. now 53 watts coming from a single 18650 is pretty high up there considering most high amp rated 18650 will only push about 70 watts, depending on the coils ohm. hopefully that wasn't to confusing

 

[Two_Bears]

A friend of mine told me that purchasing a vape pen with built in batteries are a bad idea as it often contains batteries that are subpar to cut down on production costs. What are your thoughts on this?

I have also heard that vape pen battery failures are less of a worry since the wattage is low. The vape pen I am looking at has a max of 53 wattage. Is that considered low wattage? Aura - VapeOnly.com

I would recommend a solid mod like the Istick Pico. eVic VTC Mini and a solid battery such as LG HG2. those mods can fire 1-75 watts.

Most of tge battery explosions you hear about is idiots who do not learn ohms law or battery safety use a faux hybrid mech mod with stupid low builds. Repeatedly abuse the battery till it vents or goes BOOM!

 

[feignfeign]

Going up to 53 watts it's probably a single 18650 cell battery. Your friend is right that you can't really tell what kind of battery the manufacturer put in it. now there should be a ohm limit and mah spec for it. if you can tell us the name of this mod maybe someone can chime in on how good it performs. as far as 53 watts consider low or not depends on the person. some like to vape higher and some lower. now 53 watts coming from a single 18650 is pretty high up there considering most high amp rated 18650 will only push about 70 watts, depending on the coils ohm. hopefully that wasn't to confusing

Here are the details

mod: vapeonly Aura
ohm: 0.33 or 0.5 the kit comes with two resistances
mah: 2000

I hope that's informative

 

[retired1]

Personally I would look elsewhere. I took a look around their site and was not impressed with what I found. Only way to contact them is via email and there is no indication of where they're located. They don't even say what state or country they're in. Domain information is also masked (another big red flag for me). I'd give that a pass and look at some of the recommendations the members have provided you.

 

[zoiDman]

Here are the details

mod: vapeonly Aura
ohm: 0.33 or 0.5 the kit comes with two resistances
mah: 2000

I hope that's informative

I don't have Any Experience with a VapeOnly Aura...

Aura - VapeOnly.com

How hard is it to get the Coil Heads that go in it? And are they Expensive?

 

[Baditude]

A friend of mine told me that purchasing a vape pen with built in batteries are a bad idea as it often contains batteries that are subpar to cut down on production costs. What are your thoughts on this?

I have also heard that vape pen battery failures are less of a worry since the wattage is low. The vape pen I am looking at has a max of 53 wattage. Is that considered low wattage? Aura - VapeOnly.com

Internal or built-in batteries usually means the chemistry is LiPo (lipoly), which is not a safer chemistry like IMR (lithium manganese) or INR (lithium nickle). When LiPo batteries suffer a short, they flame spectacularly or explode. The only reason manufacturers get away with using this chemistry in regulated mods is because of protection circuitry. You never see LiPo batteries in mechanical mods because they don't have protection circuitry.

Regulated mods like an iStick or MVP use LiPo batteries. Ego stick batteries are also LiPo.

Deeper Understanding of Mod Batteries Part 1

• For those who want to learn the differences between IMR, IMR/hybrid, ICR, and LiPo batteries. What do those numbers and letters on batteries mean? What's an amp rating and why is it more important than the mAh rating when choosing a battery for vaping?

Personally, I'm not a fan of internal batteries because of the chemistry used. I also like being able to choose which batteries I vape with; I only use IMR or INR chemistry, external batteries. I also prefer to charge my batteries in an external box charger of my choosing, and not use the onboard USB charger in a regulated mod.

 

[bigdancehawk]

A friend of mine told me that purchasing a vape pen with built in batteries are a bad idea as it often contains batteries that are subpar to cut down on production costs. What are your thoughts on this?

I have also heard that vape pen battery failures are less of a worry since the wattage is low. The vape pen I am looking at has a max of 53 wattage. Is that considered low wattage? Aura - VapeOnly.com

Although I've had no problem with iStick products and I've not heard of any iStick or MVP batteries venting, I echo everything Baditude has said.

And there's something else to consider: I'm only buying mods with replaceable batteries. Unless the FDA's deeming regulation is held to be invalid by the courts or unless congress changes the grandfather date, it is highly unlikely that any refillable products like the Aura will be approved. Anything not approved by Aug. 2018 will have to come off the market. As I'm sure you know, once a built in battery fails the device is useless. And they all have a limited life span. Once your Aura fails, what will you do to replace it?

 

[Baditude]

I've not heard of any iStick or MVP batteries venting...?

istick 50 watt exploded | E-Cigarette Forum

GrimmGreen.com — SMOKTECH GROOVE WARNING! Derek from ...

Both devices above used an internal Li-Po battery.

 

[bigdancehawk]

istick 50 watt exploded | E-Cigarette Forum

GrimmGreen.com — SMOKTECH GROOVE WARNING! Derek from ...

Both devices above used an internal Li-Po battery.

Ha, proving once again that it's impossible to keep up with all the info on this forum.

 

[beckdg]

Although I've had no problem with iStick products and I've not heard of any iStick or MVP batteries venting, I echo everything Baditude has said.

Why?

Let us recount all the batteries that have made the news repeatedly.

Egos when charged incorrectly.

Batteries abused in mech mods due to arrogance, miseducation or complete lack of education.

Have there been any cases of built in lipos in regulated mods endangering anyone?

I haven't seen many.

Therefore as far as I'm concerned, the warnings and further miseducation warrant absolute zero merit.

Critical thinking can't be that hard, can it?

Tapatyped

 

[feignfeign]

.


Okay. I think I am going to go for a different mod at this point. Do you guys have any suggestions on a brand name or model of mod as well as battery? My number one concern is safety. My second is a slim size. I've been looking around different websites and also this forum and I am having a hard time making sense of it. Seems like the wild west out there. my friend suggested the rx2/3 by wismec but hasnt got back to me on a battery yet.

Why?

Let us recount all the batteries that have made the news repeatedly.

Egos when charged incorrectly.

Batteries abused in mech mods due to arrogance, miseducation or complete lack of education.

Have there been any cases of built in lipos in regulated mods endangering anyone?

I haven't seen many.

Therefore as far as I'm concerned, the warnings and further miseducation warrant absolute zero merit.

Critical thinking can't be that hard, can it?

Tapatyped

You're probably right. I am sure if you sit down and look at the actual numbers, the chance of this Aura vape pen failing is probably pretty damn low to non-existent. But there is something to said about affording yourself a little piece of mind, regardless of how irrational that might be and go with what is believed (rightfully or not) to be the safer option. I am going to move onto a different mod at this point.

 

[beckdg]

You're probably right. I am sure if you sit down and look at the actual numbers, the chance of this Aura vape pen failing is probably pretty damn low to non-existent. But there is something to said about affording yourself a little piece of mind, regardless of how irrational that might be and go with what is believed (rightfully or not) to be the safer option. I am going to move onto a different mod at this point.

Well.

You're skirting right along the lines.

But I wasn't very clear.

The 2 examples posted above are from companies that aren't exactly known for their quality control.

But they are known for being very inexpensive.

When the original iStick hit the market, it revolutionized cheap vape gear. Cheapest thing that had ever come out and boasted output specs with some of the big boys.

People flocked to them like crazy.

It was the most recommended mod on the site before 95% of buyers even received theirs in the mail.

Around the time the issues with the mod started becoming known, they were already putting out new mods.

And people didn't learn their lessons.

More power.
Less money.
Buy Buy Buy.

There was no reasoning against the mob mentality.

Sure, the company released some rolling upgrades here and there, but that doesn't forgive them for the products they left people stuck with.

It was well known that the 50W had problems with heating up during use and charging.

But that stopped nearly Noone that the product was obviously defective and dangerous.

And when everyone ignored all common sense and continued on, when there was a problem, it was the batteries fault?

Just inform yourself before most purchases and don't ignore the very blatant warning signs and you should be good.

I wouldn't buy what you're looking at.

But that doesn't mean you can't.

I'd just advise you purchase something else also so you're not dependent on an unknown commodity

Tapatyped

 

[Eskie]

.


Okay. I think I am going to go for a different mod at this point. Do you guys have any suggestions on a brand name or model of mod as well as battery? My number one concern is safety. My second is a slim size. I've been looking around different websites and also this forum and I am having a hard time making sense of it. Seems like the wild west out there. my friend suggested the rx2/3 by wismec but hasnt got back to me on a battery yet.

You're probably right. I am sure if you sit down and look at the actual numbers, the chance of this Aura vape pen failing is probably pretty damn low to non-existent. But there is something to said about affording yourself a little piece of mind, regardless of how irrational that might be and go with what is believed (rightfully or not) to be the safer option. I am going to move onto a different mod at this point.

Well, lots of mods out there. Deciding which is best comes down to how you like to vape, and what type of tank you plan to use. As to batteries that's a little easier. Virtually all mods that use replaceable batteries use 18650s (there are a few that use 26650s). Here's a list of recommended batteries from the person on this site and others who actually tests them, Mooch. Also buy them from a reputable dealer. There are fake rewrap counterfeits that look like a good buy, but are of unknown quality.

 

[beckdg]

Internal or built-in batteries usually means the chemistry is LiPo (lipoly), which is not a safer chemistry like IMR (lithium manganese) or INR (lithium nickle). When LiPo batteries suffer a short, they flame spectacularly or explode. The only reason manufacturers get away with using this chemistry in regulated mods is because of protection circuitry. You never see LiPo batteries in mechanical mods because they don't have protection circuitry.

Regulated mods like an iStick or MVP use LiPo batteries. Ego stick batteries are also LiPo.

Deeper Understanding of Mod Batteries Part 1

• For those who want to learn the differences between IMR, IMR/hybrid, ICR, and LiPo batteries. What do those numbers and letters on batteries mean? What's an amp rating and why is it more important than the mAh rating when choosing a battery for vaping?

Personally, I'm not a fan of internal batteries because of the chemistry used. I also like being able to choose which batteries I vape with; I only use IMR or INR chemistry, external batteries. I also prefer to charge my batteries in an external box charger of my choosing, and not use the onboard USB charger in a regulated mod.

For the record, I'd wager (aside from egos) those protection circuits probably have a better record with lipos than the other chemistries altogether.

And lipos don't explode.
At worst they burst like a potato chip bag that's been stomped on.

And no, they don't flame and explode when shorted. Sometimes they'll burst and/or flame, but it's not a given.

Exhibit A;

^That thing was a 3s, 5000mah, 40C nominal, 80C peak LiPo. (IE; flippin' huge)

Until I vented a cell. Without explosion. Without flames. Without heat.

Then I reconfigured it as a 2s and ran it for some time before draining and dissecting.



And any of those other chemistries are capable of doing the same thing as a lipo.

Tapatyped

 

[bigdancehawk]

Why?

Let us recount all the batteries that have made the news repeatedly.

Egos when charged incorrectly.

Batteries abused in mech mods due to arrogance, miseducation or complete lack of education.

Have there been any cases of built in lipos in regulated mods endangering anyone?

I haven't seen many.

Therefore as far as I'm concerned, the warnings and further miseducation warrant absolute zero merit.

Critical thinking can't be that hard, can it?

Tapatyped

Please clarify. Are you asking why I believe refillables probably won't be approved?.

 

[feignfeign]

Well, lots of mods out there. Deciding which is best comes down to how you like to vape, and what type of tank you plan to use. As to batteries that's a little easier. Virtually all mods that use replaceable batteries use 18650s (there are a few that use 26650s). Here's a list of recommended batteries from the person on this site and others who actually tests them, Mooch. Also buy them from a reputable dealer. There are fake rewrap counterfeits that look like a good buy, but are of unknown quality.
View attachment 612527

Hey thanks! That is super helpful.

I am just looking for something easy to use, slim and most of all, safe. If its still difficult to make a recommendation given the number of options out there, perhaps you guys can recommend me some trusted brands

 

[Eskie]

Hey thanks! That is super helpful.

I am just looking for something easy to use, slim and most of all, safe. If its still difficult to make a recommendation given the number of options out there, perhaps you guys can recommend me some trusted brands

Again, how you vape will determine what would be a good match. Do you want to simulate smoking with a mouth to lung type draw or are you looking to blow big clouds of vapor? That determines whether you're going to be using a low wattage or high wattage setup. You also need to think about what type of tank you'll be using which holds and actually vaporizes the juice.

Honest, this isn't to make it all complicated. It's just to try and guide you in purchasing something more likely to work out well for you than not. And when you're starting out, you're usually far less forgiving if things don't work right.

 

[Baditude]

And lipos don't explode.
At worst they burst like a potato chip bag that's been stomped on.

And no, they don't flame and explode when shorted. Sometimes they'll burst and/or flame, but it's not a given.

And any of those other chemistries are capable of doing the same thing as a lipo.

I've yet to see evidence of an IMR or INR chemistry battery explode or flame inside a mod. They may get hot and vent hot gas and toxic chemicals, but that's about the extent of it. This is why they are called "safer chemistry".

Now, the very act of a battery vent may be responsible for a mod to explode if there is inadequate venting. The explosion itself can not be blamed on the battery, but should be directed to the mod itself for not being able to release the excess gas.



On the other hand, you can go on YouTube and find several videos of LiPo batteries which exploded or flamed spectacularly when intentionally or inadvertantly shorted out. Li-Po is not considered a "safer chemistry".






I know you don't consider me to be a battery expert, and that's all good and fine with me. Mooch is pretty much universally recognized as a battery expert; why not ask him if LiPo's are a safer chemistry battery?

 

[beckdg]

I've yet to see evidence of an IMR or INR chemistry battery explode or flame inside a mod. They may get hot and vent hot gas and toxic chemicals, but that's about the extent of it. This is why they are called "safer chemistry".

Now, the very act of a battery vent may be responsible for a mod to explode if there is inadequate venting. The explosion itself can not be blamed on the battery, but should be directed to the mod itself for not being able to release the excess gas.



On the other hand, you can go on YouTube and find several videos of LiPo batteries which exploded or flamed spectacularly when intentionally or inadvertantly shorted out. Li-Po is not considered a "safer chemistry".

Again.

Explode is false. Fear mongering.

Fire is misleading by a long shot. An instantaneous 3rd degree burn is very serious whether it looks scary or not.

With all that you've compiled at this point, I'd expect a better understanding.

But the real crux here is simple.

Why does Mooch have a job?

I'll tell you how that relates.

When you buy an internal battery mod, the battery is matched to the output of the mod.

More often than not with leeway.

Something you cannot guarantee when suggesting an external battery mod to someone.

Number 1 rule in battery safety is don't abuse your batteries.

The ONLY way you can guarantee a user won't abuse their batteries by stressing them beyond their capabilities be it when charging or discharging is to offer them a built in battery with adequate protection on a quality unit.

Tapatyped