BATTERY MOOCH

A BATTERY MOOCH POST: Kdest Orange 25A 2400mAh 18650…average 20A performer, Kdest is changing the wrap

This is an extremely popular cell in Asia, especially the Philippines. It is an average performing 18650 cell that has a slightly exaggerated current rating. The Samsung 25R performs a bit better and the Sony/Murata VTC5A performs much better than this Kdest. Its very high internal resistance means it suffers from a lot of voltage sag, very badly affecting its performance.

The capacities for the four Kdest Orange cells I tested ranged from 2613mAh to 2676mAh at 480mA (0.2C) down to 2.5V. This isn’t great consistency but it is significantly above its 2400mAh rating and this inconsistency is typical of cells not from the major manufacturers. I am rating it the same as Kdest did, 2400mAh, to prevent confusion.

I also tested two of these cells that I purchased from a Philippines shop owner (visiting New York City) that were slightly different in appearance and that had a lower capacity but they were still a bit over the 2400mAh claimed rating. Kdest says that was an older batch and all the cells shipping now are the ones I tested at 2600mAh or higher. You won’t notice any difference between these cells unless you are going down below about 3.0V though so you are not using “bad” cells if you have the older 2400mAh ones. It’s not worth replacing your 2400mAh ones with the newer 2600mAh ones either. You won’t notice any performance change.

I hope that any future changes in Kdest cells also have a change in the wraps to let us know which cells are which. If a cell I have tested is ever changed without a wrap update then that cell will receive a Do Not Buy recommendation.

This Kdest cell reaches about 94°C when run at its claimed rating of 25A. This is much too hot to be rated that high. After only ten cycles at 25A there was a noticeable drop in performance. The amount of voltage sag at 25A is huge too. I am rating this cell at 20A continuous.

The 50A “max” rating is useless. When discharged at that level the voltage instantly dropped to about 2.9V. In addition, Kdest does not specify what was used to set the “max” rating so we can’t use it to compare this cell to any others. This cannot be called a 50A battery just because it doesn’t instantly explode at 50A.

I am VERY happy though that after discussing my test results with Kdest that they are going to be updating the wraps! They said they will be lowering the continuous current rating (CDR) to 20A and removing the 50A “max” rating from the wrap. This is great news. I don’t know when this will happen but will I post as soon as I get that information.

Kdest sent me the datasheet and MSDS (this cell is listed as being NMC chemistry) but I will not receive the UN38.3 safety test report for three weeks or so. If I do not receive it within one month, by January 10, 2020, then this cell will be given a Do Not Buy recommendation.

Why am I not slamming Kdest now with a Do Not Buy recommendation for the missing safety document? I’m not trying to hurt companies that don’t have the safety documents. I am trying to get them to change how they set ratings and to have them get the documents for every cell before anyone tests them. This might mean giving a company a little bit of slack if they have some documents but not others. If they don’t follow through on their promises though then I will definitely give the cell(s) a Do Not Buy recommendation!

Having no documents, ignoring my requests for documents, or having documents with obviously faked information leads to an instant Do Not Buy recommendation though.

Kdest (www.kdest.com) donated four cells for testing, thank you!

Ratings graphic: https://imgur.com/a/Dr3AtSL

Full Test report: https://bit.ly/2LI5bDu

I want to work for the vaping community full time! If you feel what I do is worth a couple dollars a month and you would like early access to battery availability, battery and charger testing and news, and a say in what I test, then please consider becoming a patron and supporting my testing efforts: https://www.patreon.com/batterymooch.

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, Murata, LG, Panasonic, Molicel, 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/

A BATTERY MOOCH POST: Hohm Tech Hohm Grown “V2” 30.3A 4244mAh 26650…accurately rated, decent performer

This is a decent performing 26650 cell that is accurately rated. Like most 26650’s it has some cell-to-cell performance inconsistency but that’s not a big issue. There is a “V2” on the wrap that indicates it is a different cell from the original Hohm Grown.

The capacities for the four Hohm Grown cells I tested ranged from 4367mAh to 4398mAh at 840mA (0.2C) down to 2.5V. This is good consistency and all of the cells easily exceed their capacity rating. I like to see cells test out at least 100mAh above their rating to ensure no cell, due to normal cell-to-cell inconsistencies, can be below the rating. I am rating this cell at the same capacity as Hohm Tech, 4244mAh.

The four cells had DC internal resistances (DC IR) ranging from 14.8mOhms to 17.1mOhms. This is a wider range than I like to see but typical for 26650’s. The cell with the 17.1 mOhm DC IR performed a bit worse than the others.

The four cells reached 76°C-79°C when discharged at 30A. This is just below Hohm Tech’s 80°C max temperature rating so I am giving these cells a 30A rating. I prefer a cell to run at a few degrees below the max rated temperature at their rated current level though, to ensure that normal cell-to-cell differences never cause a cell to go over the rated temperature.

This cell has a 41.1A “max” rating in larger print on the wrap, which I am very much against. Hohm Tech is in the process of switching over to a wattage-based ratings system though and will not be making their “max” ratings the biggest numbers on the wrap. This should be happening over the next couple of months for all their cells and I welcome the removal of these large print “max” numbers.

The new wattage-based ratings system, when fully implemented, could make things easier for new vapers to choose the Hohm Tech cell that best fits the way they vape. But it means they might not learn about current ratings and other things they will need to know if they use any other company’s batteries. I’m torn as to whether it is a good idea or not. I look forward to seeing how the community reacts to it.

The “max” ratings are temperature limited to 80°C. This means you could potentially use this cell at up to its 120W/41.1A rating if you don’t let it get hot. While it is possible to go that high with this cell it does not lead to good performance and your vaping time will be short. I recommend limiting use of any cell to its continuous current/power rating or lower. This reduces risk, increases overall cell life, and improves performance.

For this cell I recommend staying under 20A-25A (60W-75W) as there is a huge drop in the watt-hours of energy delivered (which determines your vaping time) at 30A.

Some of the ratings on the wrap are printed quite small over a patterned background. This makes them hard to read, reducing their usefulness to vapers.

Hohm Tech (www.hohmtech.com) donated cells for testing, thank you!

Ratings graphic: https://imgur.com/a/m7SOnYj

Full Test report: https://bit.ly/2RrrsJq

I want to work for the vaping community full time! If you feel what I do is worth a couple dollars a month and you would like early access to battery availability, battery and charger testing and news, and a say in what I test, then please consider becoming a patron and supporting my testing efforts: https://www.patreon.com/batterymooch.

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, Murata, LG, Panasonic, Molicel, 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/

A BATTERY MOOCH POST: Hohm Tech Hohm Run XL 30.3A 4007mAh 21700…slightly overrated capacity, good performer

This is a good performing 21700 cell that has a slightly exaggerated capacity rating. It performs about the same as the Samsung 40T but not as good as the Molicel P42A.

The capacities for the three Hohm Run XL (not Hohm Run) cells I tested ranged from 3984mAh to 4035mAh at 800mA (0.2C) down to 2.5V. This is pretty good consistency but one cell failed to meet its 4007mAh rating and the others were very close to the rating. I like to see cells test out at least 100mAh above their rating to ensure no cell, due to normal cell-to-cell inconsistencies, can be below the rating. I am rating this cell at 3900mAh.

The three cells reached 79°C-81°C at 30A. In my opinion this is close enough to Hohm Tech’s 80°C max rating to give these cells a 30A rating. I prefer a cell to run at a few degrees below the max rated temperature at their rated current level though, to ensure that normal cell-to-cell differences never cause a cell to go over the rated temperature.

Hohm Tech gives these cells a “temperature limited” rating of 38.6A. This means you could run this cell at 38.6A as long as you do not let it get hotter than 80°C. But I recommend not going that high as it increases your risks, reduces performance, and speeds up the aging of the cell.

This cell has Hohm Tech’s new wattage-based ratings. It is rated at 87W continuous and has a 111W temperature-limited “max” rating. As long as you don’t let the cell reach 80°C Hohm Tech says you can run it at 111W. They do say this reduces the life of the cell though and I agree. To reduce risk, extend overall cell life, and increase performance I recommend not going over about 25A or 75W. All cells are stressed when you run them near or above their ratings so this is not a recommendation just for the Hohm Run XL cell.

The new wattage-based ratings system, when fully implemented, could make things easier for new vapers to choose the Hohm Tech cell that best fits the way they vape. But it means they might not learn about current ratings and other things they will need to know if they use any other company’s batteries. I’m torn as to whether it is a good idea or not. I look forward to seeing how the community reacts to it.

Some of the ratings on the wrap are still printed quite small over a patterned background. This makes them hard to read, reducing their usefulness to vapers.

Hohm Tech (www.hohmtech.com) donated cells for testing, thank you!

Ratings graphic: https://imgur.com/a/sDikSJk

Full Test report: https://bit.ly/33RjHPF

I want to work for the vaping community full time! If you feel what I do is worth a couple dollars a month and you would like early access to battery availability, battery and charger testing and news, and a say in what I test, then please consider becoming a patron and supporting my testing efforts: https://www.patreon.com/batterymooch.

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, Murata, LG, Panasonic, Molicel, 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/

A BATTERY MOOCH POST: Hohm Tech Hohm Run 39.1A 3023mAh 21700…slightly overrated but decent performer

This is a decent performing 21700 cell that has a slightly exaggerated current rating. It performs a bit better than the Sanyo NCR20700A but not as good as the Molicel P42A, Samsung 40T, or Samsung 30T 21700’s.

The capacities for the four Hohm Run (not Hohm Run XL) cells I tested ranged from 3054mAh to 3133mAh at 600mA (0.2C) down to 2.5V. This isn’t great consistency but is typical of cells not from the major manufacturers. I am rating it the same as Hohm Tech did, 3023mAh.

It runs a bit too hot in my testing at its claimed rating of 39.1A, about 85°C-86°C, to be rated that high as that goes over Hohm Tech’s 80°C limit. I have always measured cell temperatures a bit higher than what Hohm Tech measures and we have discussed this at length. I stand by my measurements though and every test is done the same way so direct comparisons can still made between the different cells I test.

I am rating these cells at 35A continuous with a temperature limited rating of 45A (Hohm Tech’s temp-limited rating is 49.5A). This means you could run this cell at 45A as long as you do not let it get hotter than 80°C. But I recommend not going that high as it increases your risks, reduces performance, and speeds up the aging of the cell.

This cell has Hohm Tech’s new wattage-based ratings. It is rated at 112W continuous and has a 142W temperature-limited “max” rating. As long as you don’t let the cell reach 80°C Hohm Tech says you can run it at 142W. They do say this reduces the life of the cell though and I agree. To reduce risk, extend overall cell life, and increase performance I recommend not going over about 35A or 100W. All cells are stressed when you run them near or above their ratings so this is not a recommendation just for the Hohm Run cell.

Some of the ratings on the wrap are still printed quite small over a patterned background. This makes them hard to read, reducing their usefulness to vapers.

Hohm Tech (www.hohmtech.com) donated cells for testing, thank you!

Ratings graphic: https://imgur.com/a/B9gmQ7l

Test report: https://bit.ly/2RlqG0j

I want to work for the vaping community full time! If you feel what I do is worth a couple dollars a month and you would like early access to battery availability, battery and charger testing and news, and a say in what I test, then please consider becoming a patron and supporting my testing efforts: https://www.patreon.com/batterymooch.

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, Murata, LG, Panasonic, Molicel, 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/

A BATTERY MOOCH POST: Do regulated mods protect our batteries and keep us safe?

Short answer = not really.

While a regulated mod will keep a battery from being overdischarged down to a low voltage, if the protection electronics are working properly, the mod has no idea what the current rating of the battery is or its condition.

Some mods measure temperature and shut down when hot but that’s just the temperature of one part of the regulator circuit board. It has nothing to do with the battery. A battery with too low a current rating for the way you vape could be run at way beyond its rating and the mod would have no idea that it’s happening. The mod can only act if the battery’s voltage drops too low.

A lot of regulated mods don’t even have fuses that can blow in order to disconnect the battery in case the mod’s electronics fail and the battery is being short-circuited.

Lastly, if there is damage to the wrap at the top of the battery you can short-circuit the battery when it’s inserted or removed from the mod. Even wrap damage on the side of the batteries can cause problems. If the metal cans of two batteries in a series-connected mod touch then one of the batteries will be short-circuited and could vent or burst. No circuitry in the mod will protect you from this.

So while a regulated mod can help protect us from short-circuits in the atomizer, and batteries that are nearing empty, mods will only protect themselves for any other problems. We still need to choose batteries with a high enough current rating for the way we vape and be vigilant about the condition of the wraps and top ring insulators of our batteries.

A BATTERY MOOCH POST: Hohm Tech Sherlock Hohm 2 30.7A 3116mAh 20700…accurately rated but LiPo chemistry

This is an accurately rated cell that performs essentially the same as the Sanyo NCR20700A and a touch better than the Molicel INR-20700A. I don’t know if you’d see the difference when using any of them though.

This cell uses the same “chemistry” as LiPo cells. While this chemistry is not “dangerous” it does react more violently and at a higher temperature if the cell goes into thermal runaway from being badly abused or short-circuited. This Hohm Tech cell has passed the basic safety tests though.

The capacities for the four Sherlock Hohm 2 cells I tested ranged from 3154mAh to 3195mAh at 620mA (0.2C) down to 2.5V. This is decent consistency. I am rating it the same as Hohm Tech did, 3116mAh.

This cell has a 41.3A “max” rating in larger print on the wrap, which I am very much against. Hohm Tech is in the process of switching over to a wattage-based ratings system though and will not be making their “max” ratings the biggest numbers on the wrap. This should be happening over the next couple of months for all their cells and I welcome the removal of these large print “max” numbers.

The new wattage-based ratings system, when fully implemented, could make things easier for new vapers to choose the Hohm Tech cell that best fits the way they vape. But it means they might not learn about current ratings and other things they will need to know if they use any other company’s batteries. I’m torn as to whether it is a good idea or not. I look forward to seeing how the community reacts to it.

The “max” ratings are temperature limited to 80°C. This means you could potentially use this cell at up to its 118W/41.3A rating if you don’t let it get hot. While it is possible to go that high with this cell it does not lead to good performance and your vaping time will be short. I recommend limiting use of any cell to its continuous current/power rating or lower. This reduces risk, increases overall cell life, and improves performance.

Some of the ratings on the wrap are still printed quite small, in orange on a darker orange background over another patterned background. This makes them hard to read, reducing their usefulness to vapers.

Hohm Tech (www.hohmtech.com) donated cells for testing, thank you!

Ratings graphic: https://imgur.com/a/SpWdhgm

Test report: https://bit.ly/34cX4pz

I want to work for the vaping community full time! If you feel what I do is worth a couple dollars a month and you would like early access to battery availability, battery and charger testing and news, and a say in what I test, then please consider becoming a patron and supporting my testing efforts: https://www.patreon.com/batterymooch.

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, Murata, LG, Panasonic, Molicel, 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/

A BATTERY MOOCH POST: Vapcell Red LiFePO4 55A 2600mAh 26650…great performer but DO NOT BUY

This is a great performing (though overrated) LiFePO4 cell that I would love to tell you more about. But I am forced to give it a Do Not Buy recommendation since no safety documents are available from Vapcell. Without these documents I can not verify that they are LiFePO4 chemistry and that they have passed basic safety testing.

Vapcell has told me that they will be creating the safety documents soon. If that is true then I will remove the Do Not Buy recommendation and post the full test report.

I will not make a habit of doing this though! Each company needs to get all of their cells tested in advance. They cannot try to save money by only doing safety testing for the ones I test and call them out on. If the cells I test do not have the safety documents then I will request the documents for all of their cells, whether I will be testing them or not.

Those without safety documents will be given permanent Do Not Buy recommendations. Those companies found to have created false safety documents will get permanent Do Not Buy recommendations for all their products and a Hall of Shame video for the entire company.

Two cells were donated for the purposes of testing by 18650BatteryStore (www.18650batterystore.com). Thank you!

Ratings graphic: https://imgur.com/a/3I3dXbd

Test report: https://bit.ly/2Od8Bjo

I want to work for the vaping community full time! If you feel what I do is worth a couple dollars a month and you would like early access to battery availability, battery and charger testing and news, and a say in what I test, then please consider becoming a patron and supporting my testing efforts: https://www.patreon.com/batterymooch.

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, Murata, LG, Panasonic, Molicel, 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/

A BATTERY MOOCH POST: Hohm Tech Hohm Stretch 22.1A 2944mAh 18650…accurately rated, performs like Hohm Life, HG2 and 30Q. VTC6 is slightly better

This is an accurately rated cell that performs essentially the same as the Hohm Tech Hohm Life, LG HG2, and the Samsung 30Q. The Sony/Murata VTC6 performed a touch better in my testing than all these cells but I don’t know if you’d see the difference when vaping.

The capacities for the three Hohm Stretch cells I tested ranged from 3024mAh to 3039mAh at 589mA (0.2C) down to 2.5V. This is great consistency and is essentially the same capacity range as the Hohm Life, VTC6, HG2, and 30Q. I am rating it the same as Hohm Tech is though to prevent confusion, 2944mAh.

Hohm Tech is switching over to a wattage-based ratings system and the Hohm Stretch cell is now using a wrap with these ratings. There is a 64W rating in a larger font (thankfully) and an “91W MAX” rating with an asterisk that is explained in fine print elsewhere on the wrap.

This “max” rating is temperature limited to 80°C. This means you could potentially use this cell at up to its 91W rating if you don’t let it get hot. That is about 30A though and while it is possible to go that high with this cell it does not lead to good performance and your vaping time will be short. I recommend limiting use of any cell to its continuous current rating or lower. This reduces risk, increases overall cell life, and improves performance.

Some of the ratings on the wrap are still printed quite small and the Wh rating is hard to read on the patterned background they use.

This new wattage-based ratings system, when fully implemented, could make things easier for new vapers to choose the Hohm Tech cell that best fits the way they vape. But it means they might not learn about current ratings and other things they will need to know if they use any other company’s batteries. I’m torn as to whether it is a good idea or not. I look forward to seeing how the community reacts to it.

Hohm Tech (www.hohmtech.com) donated cells for testing, thank you!

Ratings graphic: https://imgur.com/a/TZXdTJj

Test report: https://bit.ly/2qgRy6T

I want to work for the vaping community full time! If you feel what I do is worth a couple dollars a month and you would like early access to battery availability, battery and charger testing and news, and a say in what I test, then please consider becoming a patron and supporting my testing efforts: https://www.patreon.com/batterymooch.

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, Murata, LG, Panasonic, Molicel, 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/

A BATTERY MOOCH POST: Murata VTC6A 4000mAh 21700…good performer, but not as good as previous test

This is a retest to make sure that we’re not having crappy cells dumped on us. These cells are good performers but they perform worse than they did when I last tested them in January, 2019. It could be that these are a lower grade. I don’t know if that is true or not though.

The Murata VTC4’s, VTC5’s, and VTC5A’s I have tested all essentially equaled their Sony counterparts in performance. I would have expect the Murata 21700 VTC6A to continue to do the same so more testing is needed.

The capacities for the two cells I tested were 4006mAh and 4024mAh at 800mA (0.2C) down to 2.5V. This is great consistency and typical of the cells from the major manufacturers.

Murata does not give this cell a true continuous current rating in the datasheet, only a “temperature-limited” rating of 40A if you do not heat the cell over 80°C (frakkin’ hot).

While this Murata is a good performing cell the Molicel P42A or Samsung 40T are a better choice for about 25A/75W and lower. The Samsung 30T is the better choice at above about 25A/75W.

These cells have a tiny QR code square laser etched in the bottom of the metal can, near the outer edge. This cell also has a bottom vent ring. This could be a concern if you have a mod that presses very hard against the bottom of the cell. This could split open the vent or prevent its proper operation in case the cell was accidentally short-circuited or was run much too hard.

I am giving the Murata 21700 VTC6A a continuous current rating of 30A and a “temperature limited” rating of 40A. At 30A continuous the cell temperature reaches about 80°C, its maximum rating. According to the datasheet you can run it at 40A if you do not allow it to reach 80°C. I am giving it a capacity rating of 4000mAh.

Two cells were purchased for the purposes of testing by me.

Ratings graphic: https://imgur.com/a/iJRvpxF

Test report: https://bit.ly/34QmLfP

I want to work for the vaping community full time! If you feel what I do is worth a couple dollars a month and you would like early access to battery availability, battery and charger testing and news, and a say in what I test, then please consider becoming a patron and supporting my testing efforts: https://www.patreon.com/batterymooch.

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, Murata, LG, Panasonic, Molicel, 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/

A BATTERY MOOCH POST: Cold Weather Battery Tips

It’s getting chilly here in New York City so I thought I’d post a few tips for the coming Winter…

– Never leave your batteries, or a device with batteries in them, outside overnight. The batteries are typically rated down to -20°C/-4°F but they can damaged if they are suddenly used hard.

– If you need to use batteries that have dropped below 0°C/32°F then run at low power levels for a few draws. This will help to warm them up without stressing them too much.

– If you are coming indoors with a cold mod or batteries then put the mod/batteries in a zip lock bag while still outside and press out all the air before coming indoors. This will help prevent condensation on the mod and batteries until they can warm up to room temperature.

– If your mod or batteries do get covered with condensation then I recommend not using them until the condensation evaporates.

– Never charge a battery that is at 0°C/32°F or colder. This can damage the battery and lead to thermal runaway which can cause it to catch fire and burst. Let the battery site for an hour to warm up.

– Batteries perform much worse when cold. This can lead to early low/weak battery alerts with a regulated mod and weak hits with a mech. Keep an extra set of batteries in your pocket (in a battery case) to swap into your mod if you find that your batteries are getting cold in between uses.

– Vaping in very cold weather is okay as long as you keep your mod somewhere that doesn’t allow it to cool to the outside temperature in between uses….an inside pocket, insulated container in your vehicle, etc.

Use your best judgement though. Batteries hate heat and cold. They’re really just happiest when at room temperature.