Authentic??? Sony VTC5 eBay

[Browncoat]

Check out this guy on eBay.

• Almost 3800 feedback
• 99.7% positive
• From a vape store

$27.99 for a pair, free shipping

He has hi-res photos posted on these batteries that aren't stock photos, and from everything I know about how to identify fakes...these are either authentic or the best fakes I've ever seen.

• QR code (or whatever it is) does not have lines around the edge, all dots
• Faded and correct writing on the battery
• Negative end is flush (easiest way to identify a fake)
• Positive end is free of glue residue

I'm not endorsing these as authentic, but they sure look like it. I ordered a pair.

 

[Joshua Iles]

I had good luck with ebay for spinner batteries. Bought 2 vision clones (1&2) that worked great till they hit the floor too many times. My mom actually inherited the one that I only broke the spin dial, still works but doesn't lock anymore. Some ebay stuff will surprise you.

 

[CgS_Drone]

Let me change my first post.

As far as I know Sony originally made their batteries in Japan and now are manufacturing them in the Philippines. These batteries come with a made in China sticker on them. The base is flat like you say, the seam is straight and the top is free of glue, the top edge spacing is close but not like the VTC5's pictured in the fake vs real VTC5 page. The lettering if you look close (which are hidden under the made in China sticker when you receive them) is straight and not like the authentic Sony's as well.

The batteries are preforming just under my Imren batteries. It took me a while to finally figure out that they aren't real IMHO since they are really close and then finding a few things from Sony saying where they had made their batteries.

But who knows, there is so much stuff out there on the real vs fake maybe the info I am going off of is incorrect but that doesn't change that my Imren 30A batteries are out performing the so called VTC5's that I got from this seller. Now I haven't used test gear to say they are out performing them but when fully charged the Imren's I have seem to hit harder, the Imren holds it's charge longer. I'm not saying Imren is the battery to have its just what I have to compare the so called VTC5's to.

 

[Browncoat]

I have a friend who is a manager at a Batteries Plus store, so I will have these tested when I get them.

The biggest concern I have about these is the seller indicated 300+ sold. Sony discontinued production of these batteries in 2014, basically because we were buying them LOL. They were never meant to be sold individually like this, they were meant to be put into battery packs for rechargeable devices like power tools, electronics, etc. Most VTC4/VTC5 batteries on the market now are fake, simply because Sony hasn't made them for almost a year.

These aren't obvious fakes, but that could just mean they're very good clones. Honestly, as long as they perform well and are safe for the builds I want to use them for, I could care less.

 

[BugOut Machine]

I would love to hear the outcome regarding the authenticity. The only place I have found that was still carrying VTC5's before Christmas was www.illumn.com/

 

[Lefty]

I would love to hear the outcome regarding the authenticity. The only place I have found that was still carrying VTC5's before Christmas was www.illumn.com/

It's hard to keep track of it all but didn't Illumn put out a notice that they had gotten some fake VTC5's?

 

[BugOut Machine]

It's hard to keep track of it all but didn't Illumn put out a notice that they had gotten some fake VTC5's?

That's a good question. I don't know - the last time I bought from them was in December and I did not see any notice at that time. Although I would not be surprised if they did - I WOULD be surprised if they sold them though.

 

[Lefty]

That's a good question. I don't know - the last time I bought from them was in December and I did not see any notice at that time. Although I would not be surprised if they did - I WOULD be surprised if they sold them though.

They say err... something is the first to go. I googled it and it was Aug of last year. So anything after that I'm sure they were double careful.

 

[BugOut Machine]

They say err... something is the first to go. I googled it and it was Aug of last year. So anything after that I'm sure they were double careful.

I would hope they would exercise due diligence. They are quite reputable and I but from them often when they have promotions. I think they still have the VTC4 in stock. They have the Samsung 25R's on sale right now: Samsung INR18650-25R

 

[MrScaryZ]

Check out this guy on eBay.

• Almost 3800 feedback
• 99.7% positive
• From a vape store

$27.99 for a pair, free shipping

He has hi-res photos posted on these batteries that aren't stock photos, and from everything I know about how to identify fakes...these are either authentic or the best fakes I've ever seen.

• QR code (or whatever it is) does not have lines around the edge, all dots
• Faded and correct writing on the battery
• Negative end is flush (easiest way to identify a fake)
• Positive end is free of glue residue

I'm not endorsing these as authentic, but they sure look like it. I ordered a pair.

I just got a set in from him they are authentic ordered them last week

 

[Lefty]

I would hope they would exercise due diligence. They are quite reputable and I but from them often when they have promotions. I think they still have the VTC4 in stock. They have the Samsung 25R's on sale right now: Samsung INR18650-25R

The were quite honest and upfront about it. They bought from a supplier they trusted and got burned. As soon as they realized they put up the notice and gave refunds and apologies.

 

[Sully]

One thing that concerns me is that the two cells pictured have the same QR code. I have NEVER had two cells with the same exact QR. Each is unique. Bottom wrapper seems to cover more of the bottom of the cell than authentic VTC5's. And...text alignment is off...These are most certainly fakes. (Pictured)

 

[MKPM]

The first thing I do when looking at a suspect VTC5 is to peel it. What is underneath tells the story.

 

[Sully]

http://www.sun-vapers.com/how-to-spot-a-fake-sony-vtc5-battery/

Look at this. These batteries SCREAM fake. There is no chance in the world the pictured batteries are authentic. Text alignment alone calls them out.

 

[Sully]

I've contacted this seller and urged him to stop selling these as authentic, providing all of the appropriate documentation for him to identify fakes. Not only is he ripping people off, this is extremely dangerous. Who knows what cell is actually under that wrapper? A 3A flashlight battery?

 

[Browncoat]

My batteries arrived a couple of days ago, and I dropped them off with my friend who has proper testing equipment. He just called to confirm that the test results were comparable to known real Sony VTC5's, and these batteries are indeed authentic.

@Sully I'm not sure what about these batteries "screamed fake" to you, but next time, maybe wait for official test results before passing judgment based on pics you saw on the internet.

 

[Sully]

I own many authentic VTC5's I ordered a lot early last year way before the shortage. Samsungs test comparable to Sony VTC5's too. Did he do tests over 30A? All high amp cells perform 'comparably' at less than 20A. What I listed above are my reasons. 2 cells with the same QR code (these are always unique with Sonys), bottom battery wrapper covers noticeably more of the cell than authentic VTC5's. Text alignment, Sony is 100% consistent with this so there is no way in the world that the pictured cells are legit. This is the #1 sign of a fake!! Seller also has a handful of complaints just in the last few weeks about how they received fake china knockoff VTC5 batteries from this guy.

See alignment of one of my VTC5's. I have sorted through and charged hundreds of these over the last year at my buddies brick and mortar and have a very keen eye for fakes.

Do you own any real ones you can compare to?

See alignment here on one of mine:


And here on the photo's from his listing:



I'm not saying they aren't a high amp cell that performs fine at 20A or less. I'm just saying they aren't Sony's with a 30A continuous discharge rating.



His cell pictured look identical to the fake picture here.

 

[Sully]

I'm not sure what about these batteries "screamed fake" to you, but next time, maybe wait for official test results before passing judgment based on pics you saw on the internet.

Wasn't the purpose of your thread to solicit feedback on whether or not we think these are authentic Sony VTC5's? That is my feedback. I'm sorry if you don't agree with my opinion, maybe next time you shouldn't ask for peoples options if your not interested in them. I take battery safety very seriously and my only purpose in responding was to help you make an informed decision based on all of the evidence.

 

[Lil T Flex]

Sully is right. These are most definitely fake. Just because they perform similar to authentics does not mean they're safe and also doesn't mean they will continue to perform that way. Sorry but you got ripped off

 

[Browncoat]

Wasn't the purpose of your thread to solicit feedback on whether or not we think these are authentic Sony VTC5's?

No, not really. The purpose was to inform people of the sale of possible authentics. But I do appreciate your feedback, as I'm sure others do.

1) The images and info on the Sun Vapors site that everyone usually references is outdated. There are a couple known variations of authentic VTC5's, so I don't lend much credibility there.

2) As I mentioned, I have a friend who is a manger at a Batteries+ store. He has access to testing equipment, and since I've known him personally since elementary school, I'm inclined to trust his findings over anything I read on the internet. Despite even his seal of approval, these batteries will probably just be backups, because I don't trust these batteries 100%.

I was an avid R/Cer for many, many years and understand the importance of quality batteries and their safety. This isn't something I take lightly, either...especially when I'm basically sucking on the end of a potential pipe bomb. Safety is my main concern.

I've been using an off brand that I discovered on Reddit, and have been very happy with them. Testing data is public, so even though they're not Sony or Samsung or LG, I know they're safe to use. I could honestly care less about these being authentic Sony's or not, as long as they perform well. Thanks for your input, really.

 

[BoomStick]

What is the testing method used by your friend?

 

[NYKing]

Honestly the only way to really know these days IS to actually test the battery I am not currently buying ANY Sony bats no 4s or 5s and 3s which are available everywhere. Its not worth the risk at this point when you KNOW for a fact Sony is not making them any longer I hope they have plans for a better newer bat and they are not getting out of the business. I also heard they do not want their name tied to products for vaping especially what vapors like us who drip and vape aggressive but that they were going to put out a different named battery for vaping. We shall see but honestly after all that said I bet they are real just a different version or rev of the 5s. Its easier then you can imagine and cheaper then you can imagine to get these overseas it doesn't matter for the big boys they are not facing a big pricing difference in what batterys are available to carry. The only thing that looks shady to me and being its a picture I can't make out what it is but the logo or pattern on the top part of these that is the only odd thing to me honestly that other writing is the Sony VTC5 exact writing.

 

[Gordon C Burns]

Silly question. Is the QR code meant to be different for EACH battery? Or are they meant for batches. I got 2 batteries off eBay recently and they look pretty genuine. The bottom and top look good and the lettering is neat under the wrap. The wrap itself is tidy and there's no sticky residue. However the QR codes are identical. Being new to mechanical mods I don't have a certified original to compare these against.

Many thanks in advance.

 

[BoomStick]

I can't answer your question, but eBay isn't the place to buy batteries. There are too many known, trusted vendors to be gambling on some dude with a garage full of black market bullshit. Especially when it comes to the most counterfeited vape battery there is.

 

[spongeylilvaper]

https://www.imrbatteries.com/samsung-25r-18650-rechargeable-battery/

My first proper alien and he's an idiot.