This is not the “VTC7” as there is no such battery. This is a great performing high capacity battery for vaping at 5A/15W (per battery) or less. It is up there with the other two best performing high capacity 18650’s, the Sanyo/Panasonic NCR18650GA and the LG MJ1.
This cell, and any of the other over-3000mAh 18650’s, can be used at up to their ratings but their high internal resistance means there is a lot of voltage sag. They run a lot more efficiently down near 5A or less. Above 5A-7A the 3000mAh 15A-20A cell’s like the 30Q, VTC6, and HG2 become the better choice since they are a lot more efficient.
At 5A down to 3.2V the VC7 delivered 7.6Wh of energy. The MJ1 delivered 7.7Wh, essentially the same, and the NCR18650GA delivered 8.0Wh. The capacities of the two cells I tested were 3427mAh and 3473mAh, meeting Sony’s minimum capacity rating.
The NCR18650GA is still my number one choice for low power vaping or flashlight/powerbank use, but this cell is in the top three.
Sony rates this cell at 8A continuous and 3400mAh minimum, 3500mAh typical.
Two cells were purchased for the purpose of testing by me.
Ratings graphic: https://imgur.com/a/OJv7Nxc
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These tests only note the estimated ratings for these batteries at the time I tested them. Any battery that is not a genuine Samsung, Sony, LG, Panasonic, or Sanyo can change at any time! This is one of the hazards of using “rewrapped” batteries or batteries from other manufacturers so carefully research any battery you are considering using before purchasing.
Misusing or mishandling lithium-ion batteries can pose a SERIOUS RISK of personal injury or property damage. They are not meant to be used outside of a protected battery pack. Never exceed the battery’s continuous current rating and keep the plastic wrap and top insulating ring in perfect condition.
Any rating in my ratings tables can change at any time as different grade cells appear on the market, we get swamped with fakes, or new information becomes available to me. Please, never assume that the ratings in the tables are permanent and will never change! Always download the latest version before considering any cell purchase.
To see how other cells have tested check out this link: https://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/blog-entry/list-of-battery-tests.7436/
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