If you're serious about batteries, take notes.

[Bubbalikesit]

I started vaping when the battery came with the Mod. Batteries are much better now and a lot easier to get. This is a touchy subject with many vaper's because they want to think they use the best equipment. I get it. Although, concerning batteries, there is a component of safety that needs to be applied. I stick with the main manufacturers of batteries. What is it? 3 or 4 companies make these batteries for just about everyone on the planet? Anyway, shortly after buying batteries, I started taking notes and marking my batteries. Which ones performed better, which ones had more cycles, stuff like that. I've used Sony, Samsung, LG, Efest and a couple others that were crap. Last year, a friend of mine told me about some batteries he bought. He's a big LG fan and honestly, I like the LG battery myself. He got some VRK batteries and said they were great. One of the battery companies makes these but I don't know which one. About a month later, I was in a vape shop looking for some liquid to get me through until my internet order arrived. I noticed that they had these same VRK batteries for sale.........$12.00 BUCKS!!!! Wow. I just stared at them for awhile then decided to buy a couple. I keep my batteries in pairs, I don't know if that makes a difference, but I do it anyway. I've cycled those two batteries so many times past any of the other batteries I've used, I've stopped keeping count. That's all I buy now. They last the whole day, never get hot and produce even power all the way down until you need to charge them. If I were to guess what company manufactures these batteries, I would say LG. I might retire my first two batteries and cut the wrapper off of them to see if I can tell. If anyone knows about these batteries, I would appreciate the information.

 

[IMFire3605]

Keeping battery logs is a good idea to keep records, especially when you store batteries for extended time. It's a little excess, but does add another layer of safety, used to keep logs on batteries I was stress testing when I was working in a vapor shop, 85% of the time the re-wraps always under performed the authentics from the Big 4. VRK, never heard of them myself, might be from China, Phillipines, or such. Still, all in all, don't trust what the re-wrap says on the label, most re-wraps I trust at 1/2 what they say they can do, though Mah may be on par, the CDR never matches up, but IMO, most of your LG, Samsung, and Sony lineups never let you down.

Be safe out there though when using re-wraps or off brand names, if it says it can do 40 amps, at best they can do only 20amps, etc.

 

[Bubbalikesit]

Keeping battery logs is a good idea to keep records, especially when you store batteries for extended time. It's a little excess, but does add another layer of safety, used to keep logs on batteries I was stress testing when I was working in a vapor shop, 85% of the time the re-wraps always under performed the authentics from the Big 4. VRK, never heard of them myself, might be from China, Phillipines, or such. Still, all in all, don't trust what the re-wrap says on the label, most re-wraps I trust at 1/2 what they say they can do, though Mah may be on par, the CDR never matches up, but IMO, most of your LG, Samsung, and Sony lineups never let you down.

Be safe out there though when using re-wraps or off brand names, if it says it can do 40 amps, at best they can do only 20amps, etc.

Specifically, these are the VRK IMR18650 3000MAH 3.7V Continuous discharge of 20A Max Pulse discharge of 30A. I use these in a HexOhm3.0 at about the lowest setting and a .2 ohm coil and it works great. I'm just in it for the nicotine. I've kept a really good log on my batteries and until I started using the VRK batteries, the LG battery had the Sony and Samsung beat. Not terribly but enough that you would definitely notice. The only batteries from the major manufacturers that I would say have failed me were the Samsung and only a couple of times. Sony batteries would always do well but didn't last very long. The LG batteries were good performers and well worth the money, but you could tell after you cycled them about half of their advertised cycle rate, they would draw down faster and faster. I've past the cycle rate of the LG batteries with these VRK batteries and they are going strong. I think it has a lot to do with the mod, the way you use it and how much you vape. Could be a good match for my usage. I don't know.

 

[JuicyLucy]

Specifically, these are the VRK IMR18650 3000MAH 3.7V Continuous discharge of 20A Max Pulse discharge of 30A. I use these in a HexOhm3.0 at about the lowest setting and a .2 ohm coil and it works great. I'm just in it for the nicotine. I've kept a really good log on my batteries and until I started using the VRK batteries, the LG battery had the Sony and Samsung beat. Not terribly but enough that you would definitely notice. The only batteries from the major manufacturers that I would say have failed me were the Samsung and only a couple of times. Sony batteries would always do well but didn't last very long. The LG batteries were good performers and well worth the money, but you could tell after you cycled them about half of their advertised cycle rate, they would draw down faster and faster. I've past the cycle rate of the LG batteries with these VRK batteries and they are going strong. I think it has a lot to do with the mod, the way you use it and how much you vape. Could be a good match for my usage. I don't know.

Where did you buy your Sonys, Samsungs and LGs?

Many vape shops sell knock offs of Samsung, Sony, LG etc as authentic

Never heard of VRK

 

[Bubbalikesit]

Where did you buy your Sonys, Samsungs and LGs?

Many vape shops sell knock offs of Samsung, Sony, LG etc as authentic

Never heard of VRK

I've always purchased from reliable vendors and rarely at vape shops. Go to the manufacturer's website to obtain the specific identifier of the battery, contact configuration and size. It's the only safe way. These VRK batteries look high quality and a price to match. They work great for my usage.

 

[Bubbalikesit]

Where did you buy your Sonys, Samsungs and LGs?

Many vape shops sell knock offs of Samsung, Sony, LG etc as authentic

Never heard of VRK

http://www.vrkpower.com/products/18650_Battery/2016/0519/5.html

 

[JuicyLucy]

Just be careful - and read the second page

IMR VRK 3000MAH battery ! | Vaping Underground Forums - An Ecig ...

 

[Bubbalikesit]

Just be careful - and read the second page

IMR VRK 3000MAH battery ! | Vaping Underground Forums - An Ecig ...

Have you been to their website? I've been using these batteries since November 2016. I just retired my first two batteries. They cycled more than LG batteries and clobbered Sony and Samsung. I was very skeptical at first but they proved to be a good product. I just want to know who makes them for VRK. The contacts look like a Hybrid between Sony and LG.

 

[JuicyLucy]

Remembered being at their site before and there was some controversy - which is why I dug up the old thread

 

[Bubbalikesit]

Remembered being at their site before and there was some controversy - which is why I dug up the old thread

I used LG batteries for the most part. I've had Sony and Samsung, but the LG always out performed those two. This VRK battery has lasted longer than the LG battery with about the same initial power and charge. Going on a year now, rotating the battery pairs with no problems. The old thread doesn't say more than opinion from people that haven't used the batteries. I know this is a touchy subject with brand loyal folk. All I'm saying is the proof is in the pudding. I just don't like the extra cost for the VRK batteries.

 

[Bubbalikesit]

Remembered being at their site before and there was some controversy - which is why I dug up the old thread

After reading the old post again, I agree these batteries are a lot like LG batteries. I bet that's who makes them for VRK.

 

[Carambrda]

Have you been to their website? I've been using these batteries since November 2016. I just retired my first two batteries. They cycled more than LG batteries and clobbered Sony and Samsung. I was very skeptical at first but they proved to be a good product. I just want to know who makes them for VRK. The contacts look like a Hybrid between Sony and LG.

Do you mean to tell me they clobbered the Sony VTC6 and the Samsung 30Q? Because if you do, then I think you really should get in touch with Mooch about them.
https://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/f...-vs-samsung-30q-vs-sony-vtc6-shootout.757553/
As you can see for yourself, his tests showed the LG HG2 performance is just barely 'OK'. Furthermore, while it is true that, if you frequently stress your batteries, the Samsung 30Q might last noticeably longer than the Sony VTC6 before you need to buy new batteries (see: https://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/f...ts-which-lasts-longer-vtc6-30q-or-hg2.807131/ ), personally, I, would just avoid stressing them to such an extent that this might become a factor. By simply choosing the Sony VTC5A instead. Due to the smaller voltage sag of the VTC5A, the runtime of the VTC5A can, depending on how you use it, be equivalent to that of the 30Q. As a direct result from this, the 30Q only really shines if you vape at wattages low enough to not stress it, in which case the VTC6 still wins anyway after all because, then, the explanation given in the second link I posted becomes irrelevant like I said. Finally, in Mooch's tests anyway, the VTC6 ran for about 100 mAh longer than the 30Q. Finally, the price difference is worth it because we're talking only a few cents per day when you already KNOW which one performs better. So until you talk to Mooch, this is where the story ends.

 

[JuicyLucy]

Do you mean to tell me they clobbered the Sony VTC6 and the Samsung 30Q? Because if you do, then I think you really should get in touch with Mooch about them.

Would tend to suspect the other batteries allegedly not holding up as possible rewraps sold as authentic

 

[Mattp169]

Do you mean to tell me they clobbered the Sony VTC6 and the Samsung 30Q? Because if you do, then I think you really should get in touch with Mooch about them.
https://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/f...-vs-samsung-30q-vs-sony-vtc6-shootout.757553/
As you can see for yourself, his tests showed the LG HG2 performance is just barely 'OK'. Furthermore, while it is true that, if you frequently stress your batteries, the Samsung 30Q might last noticeably longer than the Sony VTC6 before you need to buy new batteries (see: https://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/f...ts-which-lasts-longer-vtc6-30q-or-hg2.807131/ ), personally, I, would just avoid stressing them to such an extent that this might become a factor. By simply choosing the Sony VTC5A instead. Due to the smaller voltage sag of the VTC5A, the runtime of the VTC5A can, depending on how you use it, be equivalent to that of the 30Q. As a direct result from this, the 30Q only really shines if you vape at wattages low enough to not stress it, in which case the VTC6 still wins anyway after all because, then, the explanation given in the second link I posted becomes irrelevant like I said. Finally, in Mooch's tests anyway, the VTC6 ran for about 100 mAh longer than the 30Q. Finally, the price difference is worth it because we're talking only a few cents per day when you already KNOW which one performs better. So until you talk to Mooch, this is where the story ends.

mooch is an authority, but people will experience things differently then his testing shows. every single battery manufactured is different from the next one. mooch's testing tells us what one should expect, not necessarily the only thing you will experience.

 

[Carambrda]

Would tend to suspect the other batteries allegedly not holding up as possible rewraps sold as authentic

A rewrap sold as authentic is called a fake, whether the seller is aware that it's fake or not aware. Vendors lack the resources to properly detect fakes, but there are vendors out there who aren't trustworthy because, once they find out they've been selling fakes, they just act like nothing happened... some might actually even knowingly be selling fakes. As for rewraps sold as rewraps. They aren't inherently bad... just that, usually, they perform slightly worse than the original manufacturer's AND they're more expensive so buy them if you are in a position where you simply have no better alternative choice. The difference in performance is almost never bigger than one or two percent, BUT... if you DO have a better choice, then why pay more money for less?

That said, Mooch concluded VTC6 > 30Q > HB2. Based on his tests... so, to me, personally, it is still a more acceptable conclusion than useless internet bruhaha that keeps popping up every other week just because people want fantasy.

 

[Carambrda]

mooch is an authority, but people will experience things differently then his testing shows. every single battery manufactured is different from the next one. mooch's testing tells us what one should expect, not necessarily the only thing you will experience.

People experience different things with batteries because people's moods affect how they vape, the wicking of their atomizer changes and so does the weather so... essentially people believe whatever it is they want to believe. Me, I choose to believe Mooch instead as I have a background related in science.

 

[Bubbalikesit]

People experience different things with batteries because people's moods affect how they vape, the wicking of their atomizer changes and so does the weather so... essentially people believe whatever it is they want to believe. Me, I choose to believe Mooch instead as I have a background related in science.

People are very sensitive about brand loyalty aren't they? No matter. My over encompassing point is I have bought all off the aforementioned batteries in quantity and used them on a daily basis. For me, I know what they will and will not do. I can add and subtract and it's just not that hard to keep a small log on batteries for one user. I have found a battery that I have no complaints about......except the price. I've been using them for about a year now without a fault. They are sold by reputable vendors and can be verified as non counterfeit batteries. What does an end user of batteries have to do to say he likes a brand of battery? I've read test data on these batteries and honestly, they look like an LG battery. But, I can say this, they have out cycled the brown LG batteries I've had before. Could be the way I use them and the way I vape. Could be the Mod I have or a number of things. Might be the temperature that I keep my house. I don't know, but trial over time is about the only way I know how to really find out.

 

[The Cromwell]

With rewraps you never know what they are putting inside the wraps.
One batch may be ok and the next one you get 10 amp batteries wrapped as 20-30.

Illumn.com has LG HG2's for around $6 each and other good batteries equally cheap.

 

[Letitia9]

 

[Bubbalikesit]

Yeah, I get it. Battery fascism out in force.

 

[The Cromwell]

Per mooch the VRK 20 amp 3000 mah he tested was ok was accurately rated and appeared to be an HG2.
However one cannot be sure that they are still using the same thing under the wrapper.
AWT's Have tested horribly lately. Rewrapped HG2's marked as 50 amp batteries.

 

[The Cromwell]

Yeah, I get it. Battery fascism out in force.

At least it is scientific and logical unlike Atty elitism.

 

[Bubbalikesit]

Per mooch the VRK 20 amp 3000 mah he tested was ok was accurately rated and appeared to be an HG2.
However one cannot be sure that they are still using the same thing under the wrapper.
AWT's Have tested horribly lately. Rewrapped HG2's marked as 50 amp batteries.

Yes. I read what he said and I agree with his general findings. The only real difference I have had between the LG and the VRK batteries is the VRK has had more cycle life. He said the batteries did get hotter than he liked, but I have never experienced any temperature issues at all.

 

[The Cromwell]

Yes. I read what he said and I agree with his general findings. The only real difference I have had between the LG and the VRK batteries is the VRK has had more cycle life. He said the batteries did get hotter than he liked, but I have never experienced any temperature issues at all.

The heat he is referring to is at their max continuous current of 20 amps.

I have reviewed his testing methods and equipment and they are sound.

 

[Bubbalikesit]

The heat he is referring to is at their max continuous current of 20 amps.

I have reviewed his testing methods and equipment and they are sound.

I never questioned his testing methods and or his equipment. I wouldn't even be able to say that I could. Where did that narrative come from? I conveyed my opinion that I have found a battery I like. So what? I've owned other batteries (VTC4, 25R and the HG2) and they have all worked with minimal problems. I have found a battery that out cycles those batteries and works perfectly for my needs. Outside of that, what else is there to say? VRKpower.com

 

[The Cromwell]

I never questioned his testing methods and or his equipment. I wouldn't even be able to say that I could. Where did that narrative come from? I conveyed my opinion that I have found a battery I like. So what? I've owned other batteries (VTC4, 25R and the HG2) and they have all worked with minimal problems. I have found a battery that out cycles those batteries and works perfectly for my needs. Outside of that, what else is there to say? VRKpower.com

Ohh nothing personal.
Mooch is just the battery man to many of us.
Especially us techies that really understand what he is doing and why.

 

[David Wolf]

I never questioned his testing methods and or his equipment. I wouldn't even be able to say that I could. Where did that narrative come from? I conveyed my opinion that I have found a battery I like. So what? I've owned other batteries (VTC4, 25R and the HG2) and they have all worked with minimal problems. I have found a battery that out cycles those batteries and works perfectly for my needs. Outside of that, what else is there to say? VRKpower.com

I would trust my own experiences as you are doing. People vape differently than Mooch tests (and I like his testing methods).

 

[The Cromwell]

The trick is matching the batteries capabilities to the useage.
One can vape at 15 watts on a 5 amp battery very safely.
But stick it in a mech mod with a .2 coil and you have problems.

The vast majority of vapers do not understand all of this and that is why I recommend only 20 amp or higher batteries for vaping.

 

[Carambrda]

People are very sensitive about brand loyalty aren't they? No matter. My over encompassing point is I have bought all off the aforementioned batteries in quantity and used them on a daily basis. For me, I know what they will and will not do. I can add and subtract and it's just not that hard to keep a small log on batteries for one user. I have found a battery that I have no complaints about......except the price. I've been using them for about a year now without a fault. They are sold by reputable vendors and can be verified as non counterfeit batteries. What does an end user of batteries have to do to say he likes a brand of battery? I've read test data on these batteries and honestly, they look like an LG battery. But, I can say this, they have out cycled the brown LG batteries I've had before. Could be the way I use them and the way I vape. Could be the Mod I have or a number of things. Might be the temperature that I keep my house. I don't know, but trial over time is about the only way I know how to really find out.

This isn't about brand loyalty. Rather, it is about real performance instead of imagined performance. I don't even use 20 amp batteries. I own eighteen 18650 batteries, all of them are VTC5A so if anyone has any complaints against the fact that they're made by Sony Konion, then it's not my problem because I happen to KNOW how these batteries perform. Find me a better performing 18650 battery for my vaping needs and I'll buy it. Same thing with the iJoy 20700 and the iJoy 26650. I own four of each. Just find me better ones or go home. As for what your batteries can't do, I will tell you. They can't perform anywhere close to the VTC6. That's what they can't do. If people want to skimp a few cents per day on batteries, then that's what they should. Personally, I, don't want to do that. I own six regulated mods and eleven mech mods. A single puff of the juice I'm vaping costs more than a few cents.