So frustrating that such a great cell was wrapped and rated this way.
While this cell has an exaggerated current rating, a useless pulse/max rating, and is not from Japan as stated on the wrap, Ampking has rewrapped a fantastic performing cell. It easily beats the VTC5A and essentially performs the same as the 18650 VTC6A. The Samsung 20S still hits harder for most of a discharge at high current levels but the 20S’ lower capacity rating means that eventually this cell (and the VTC6A) will run for longer as the voltage drops.
In my opinion this is the same Taiwan cell used by the accurately rated Vapcell green 25A 2600mAh and will probably be rewrapped by other companies too. I’ll be posting more information about that Taiwan cell soon.
Unfortunately, this Ampking has a thin paper top insulating ring that Ampking should replace with a good plastic one. I strongly recommend not using this cell in any device or charger that can tear or stretch the battery’s plastic wrap at the top. Do not let eliquid, or any liquid, get on the top of this cell unless you rewrap the cell and replace the ring with a plastic one.
The four Ampking cells I tested delivered 2626mAh – 2634mAh at 500mA (0.2C) down to 2.5V. This is fantastic consistency.
This cell’s “35A-45A” rating is exaggerated and confusing. Do they mean it has a rating somewhere 35A and 45A? Or are they claiming a continuous rating of 35A and a (useless) pulse/max rating of 45A? I don’t know.
At 35A continuous though this cell reaches about the boiling point of water. This is MUCH too hot to use 35A for a rating as the cycle life of this battery would be significantly reduced. The cell that Ampking rewraps even says this in the datasheet.
At 25A continuous this cell reaches about 80°C, a common limit for many cells being run at their true rating. I am ESTIMATING this Ampking’s ratings to be 25A continuous (about 75W) and 2500mAh.
Four cells were donated for the purposes of testing by Ampking (http://www.ampking.com). Thank you!
Ratings graphic: https://imgur.com/a/PpPKydm
Test report: https://bit.ly/2OX4B4f
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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.
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