THE BEST 18650 CELLS FOR
VAPING
Why use an 18650 battery for your vape device?
There is no memory effect with 18650 lithium-ion batteries, so vapers can recharge their device even if it is not completely dead. This is a great feature for e-cigarette users who want to make sure they have enough juice in their device before leaving the house. For these reasons, lithium-ion batteries account for 40% of all batteries sold worldwide, with 18650s accounting for most of those sales.
Not for VAPE! - warnings on cells
Many cell manufacturers have started including a warning on the cell wrapper that the cell is not for vape. some of the ones below, including a warning ‘not for VAPE’ or something similar.
This is clearly in response to a number of users misusing the cells, shorting them when carrying them loose or using them in poor-quality devices that are shorting the cell out. Either way, it’s always the cell that gets too hot and ultimately fails. It’s important to remember these are unprotected cells, they are designed to be part of a battery pack that protects them from short circuits and mishandling. As a result, several manufacturers have decided their cells require a disclaimer, which can be pretty alarming.
Below is an image of the Samsung 30Q with the new NOT FOR VAPE warning, the internals of the batteries haven’t changed its just the wrapper on the outside. We cannot recommend you use them in vapes, if you chose to, it’s at your own risk.
Our favourite cells for 2024
There aren’t many people who haven’t heard of Samsung. Using 18650 batteries, they compare favourably to what the average user would expect. These batteries do the job, but they aren’t particularly noteworthy. They are, in fact, standard in every way. As far as battery capacity goes, they have 3000 mAh, which is adequate. In terms of continuous discharge, it offers an underwhelming 15 amps, but most people will be perfectly happy with that. The Samsung INR 18650 has a voltage of 3.6 V, following the current trend towards standardisation. With its standard features, this is a mid-range battery. As a result, it’s a fantastic buy. In addition to being great for those on a tight budget, these batteries are also great for those who prefer to vape at lower wattages.
Has NOT FOR VAPE warning printed on the side of the new cells; use at your own risk.
Samsung is a well-known name in the electronics industry. Because of this, their batteries are among the best-rated in the e-cigarette industry. The battery capacity of the 25R Samsung cell is 2500mAh, which is lower than the 30Q’s 3000mAh capacity. The Samsung 25R has a continuous output voltage of 3.6V and a total charge voltage of 4.2V. The 25R has a minimum power cycle life of 250 before it starts to lose efficiency. In order to accommodate high-wattage devices, the cells are flat on the top.
Has NOT FOR VAPE warning printed on the side of the new cells; use at your own risk.
An upgrade on the hugely popular P26A 18650 Battery. The P28A cell makes a typical capacity of 2,800 mAh in energy with up to a whopping 35 amps in Maximum Continuous Discharge/Drain Rating. Although you may get a somewhat shorter cycle life at this given amperage, but the cell is made to handle that kind of load without any issue. This is the hardest and longest hitting cell in the 18650 form factor size that has more than 2,000 mAh in capacity. It hits the hardest through the entire duration of the discharge when seen on the discharge with capacity graph versus any of its competitors. The Molicel P28A is the Best All-Around cell in the 18650 form factor size for Ultra-High Discharge/Drain while having moderate-high capacity as well.
Sony sold its battery business and these impressive cells are now manufactured by a company called Mutura. When it comes to Ultra-High Discharge/Drain cells in the 18650 form factor, the Sony VTC5A is like a “Superman” cell. As a result of the NMC chemistry type, this cell is exceptionally safe and dependable. As a result, it can operate at such high discharge/drain temperatures while maintaining extremely stable temperatures. While this cell may benefit some Ultimate Devices, it won’t reveal its full potential until the demand is pushed as high as 20 amps of continuous discharge and drain and as high as 30 amps. When the cell is kept at or below 80 degrees Celsius, it can deliver up to 35 Amps of Constant Discharge/Drain, making it the highest quality cell for your ultimate high discharge/drain device.
SAFETY WARNING:
- It’s important to note that no 18650 power cells are designed for use outside of a protected battery pack.
- You should always check compatibility with the device manufacturer first if the following recommendations are applicable for your device in the given category.