Panasonic NCR18650PF: keep or return?

[Stormweaver1983]

So I just started getting into the mech mod area. I wanted a couple backup batteries for my setup, so I started looking around on Amazon. Without having much knowledge, I ordered a 2 pack of Panasonic NCR18650PF batteries. Now, after doing some more reading and research, they really don't seem like a very good battery at all. Max of 10 amps, can only go down to .9 ohm. I doubt that I'll be doing any serious sub-ohm builds, but if I'm buying batteries, I may as well buy some that can support lower ohm builds, right?

Maybe something like these Samsung 25R from Amazon?

 

[Lefty]

Good for a relatively low watt regulated mod but not what you want for a mech.
For the Samsung's you can get them at LightningVapes for $15 a pair shipped. Code LV15 will get you 15% off that.
http://www.lightningvapes.com/products/samsung-inr-18650-25r-battery

 

[Stormweaver1983]

Thanks, Lefty!

 

[Giraut]

I have nothing but good things to say about this battery. I use it with great success in my 30W E-Mech (2 x 18650 in series) and in my 40W Vaporflask (2 x 18650 in parallel).

Even with completely flat batteries and the mod is used at full power, the E-Mech won't ever pull more than 5A out of each battery, and the Vaporflask 6.7A, so the 10A limit is perfectly fine. With a single battery mech mod though, you'd be limited to 30W (or 42W at full charge), which may or may not be enough for you. But it's perfectly usable in a mech mod, if you bear the power limitation in mind.

FWIW, the NCR18650PF has one interesting feature: its outer diameter is slightly under 18.30mm (as opposed to 18.40 or 18.50mm for most other batteries), just like the now-discontinued Sony VTC4 and VTC5. Interesting, if you have a mod that won't accept larger batteries, like the Vaporflask.

 

[Stormweaver1983]

Great info, Giraut! But seeing very minor price differences, I see no reason not to return the panasonics and go with either the Samsungs or even Efest.

 

[Giraut]

Just use them and enjoy them. Worst that can happen is, you'll overload them and they'll vent (or you'll shorten their lifespan), and then you can buy another set. Returning the batteries will cost more in shipping than whatever usable life you'll have shaved off the batteries' lifespan if you abuse them.

And if you don't abuse them, they have no reason not to last a long time

 

[PaulieD]

You can use this Ohm's Law calculator to see the limits that you can go with a variety of ohms, amps and voltage settings.
http://thelocust.net/ohm/

Or you can use any other Ohm's Law Calculator that you find.

 

[MKPM]

I have nothing but good things to say about this battery. I use it with great success in my 30W E-Mech (2 x 18650 in series) and in my 40W Vaporflask (2 x 18650 in parallel).

Even with completely flat batteries and the mod is used at full power, the E-Mech won't ever pull more than 5A out of each battery, and the Vaporflask 6.7A, so the 10A limit is perfectly fine. With a single battery mech mod though, you'd be limited to 30W (or 42W at full charge), which may or may not be enough for you. But it's perfectly usable in a mech mod, if you bear the power limitation in mind.

FWIW, the NCR18650PF has one interesting feature: its outer diameter is slightly under 18.30mm (as opposed to 18.40 or 18.50mm for most other batteries), just like the now-discontinued Sony VTC4 and VTC5. Interesting, if you have a mod that won't accept larger batteries, like the Vaporflask.

Rubbish for driving a .2 or < ohm build

 

[Giraut]

Rubbish for driving a .2 or < ohm build

... with a mech mod. Yes That's why I said "you'd be limited to 30W (or 42W at full charge)". It'll be fine with coils 0.5 ohm or above. Maybe that's low enough for the OP?

Also, with a regulated mod, you can drive 0.2 ohm just fine with them batteries. My DNA40 is doing exactly that with these exact same batteries at this very moment.

 

[Zamazam]

Here's some links to batteries suitable for Subohming. They are authentic cells, I have ordered from this guy 6 times. He has really good prices. He also has a huge stock of all sizes...Plus he ships really quickly.

http://www.imrbatteries.com/awt-imr-18650-2500mah-35a-3-7v-rechargeable-flat-top-battery/
http://www.imrbatteries.com/efest-purple-imr-18650-2500mah-35a-3-7v-rechargeable-button-top-battery/
http://www.imrbatteries.com/efest-purple-imr-18650-2500mah-35a-3-7v-rechargeable-flat-top-battery/
http://www.imrbatteries.com/imren-imr-18650-1600mah-40a-3-7v-rechargeable-flat-top-battery/
http://www.imrbatteries.com/imren-imr-18650-2100mah-33a-3-7v-rechargeable-flat-top-battery/
http://www.imrbatteries.com/imren-imr-18650-2500mah-40a-3-7v-rechargeable-flat-top-battery/
http://www.imrbatteries.com/lg-he2-18650-2500mah-35a-3-7v-rechargeable-flat-top-battery/
http://www.imrbatteries.com/mnke-imr-18650-30a-1500mah-3-7v-rechargeable-flat-top-battery/
http://www.imrbatteries.com/samsung-inr18650-25r-18650-2500mah-3-7v-rechargeable-flat-top-battery/
http://www.imrbatteries.com/vamped-imr-18650-2300mah-40a-3-7v-rechargeable-flat-top-battery-black/

 

[MKPM]

... with a mech mod. Yes That's why I said "you'd be limited to 30W (or 42W at full charge)". It'll be fine with coils 0.5 ohm or above. Maybe that's low enough for the OP?

Also, with a regulated mod, you can drive 0.2 ohm just fine with them batteries. My DNA40 is doing exactly that with these exact same batteries at this very moment.

Point well made. I think it is just easier to have batteries that work well in all situations....but again, point well made sir.

 

[Stormweaver1983]

Point well made. I think it is just easier to have batteries that work well in all situations....but again, point well made sir.

That is exactly what I was thinking. If the prices are so close, I may as well get the batteries that I won't have to keep worrying about.

 

[Stormweaver1983]

On a side note, any particular reason to use flat top batteries over button top? I ask because I think the button top batteries would eliminate some of the extra space that I currently have to adjust pins for.

 

[Zamazam]

That is exactly what I was thinking. If the prices are so close, I may as well get the batteries that I won't have to keep worrying about.

I think these will do the trick.

http://www.imrbatteries.com/lg-he2-18650-2500mah-35a-3-7v-rechargeable-flat-top-battery/
http://www.imrbatteries.com/imren-imr-18650-2500mah-40a-3-7v-rechargeable-flat-top-battery/
http://www.imrbatteries.com/vamped-imr-18650-2300mah-40a-3-7v-rechargeable-flat-top-battery-black/

 

[Zamazam]

On a side note, any particular reason to use flat top batteries over button top? I ask because I think the button top batteries would eliminate some of the extra space that I currently have to adjust pins for.

Some mods have tighter clearances than others. Flattop or button, its the same battery.

 

[Stormweaver1983]

Some mods have tighter clearances than others. Flattop or button, its the same battery.

I figured, but not something I wanted to be wrong about. I think I'm favoring the Imren, based on the 2500 mAh along with 40A.

 

[Zamazam]

I figured, but not something I wanted to be wrong about. I think I'm favoring the Imren, based on the 2500 mAh along with 40A.

The IMREN and Vamped batteries are good choices, I think they are the same cell, just with a different wrapper. I use an IMREN 40 amp on my Copper Penny Mod with a Steamboat V2 Atty at .17 Ohm Dual Coils with no issues whatsoever.