There's more to consider than meets the eye when it comes to vaping. Sure, it's easy enough to pick up a basic vaping pen, fill the tank up with you favourite e-juice and get going, but most vapers like to delve a little deeper and customise their vape. From altering nicotine levels and trying different flavours, to modifying coils and tanks to get the perfect hit, vaping can be a hobbyist's dream if you care to get involved. One thing newcomers to vaping don't often think about are the kinds of batteries you use. If that sounds like you, keep reading on...
What Types of Vape Batteries There Are?
The very first thing to choose the right vape battery is to learn about the battery types.
Ego Batteries
These are often cylindrical and look similar to traditional cigarettes. Ego batteries are typically used in beginner kits and are known for their ease of use. They usually have a capacity ranging from 650mAh to 2200mAh. New vapers or those who prefer a straightforward vaping experience.
Internal Lithium-Ion Batteries
Many of today's modern vape devices come equipped with built-in lithium-ion batteries, which means you can say goodbye to the hassle of swapping out batteries. Their mAh capacity varies quite a bit, usually falling between 1500mAh and 5000mAh. If convenience is high on your priority list and you want to avoid the fuss of changing batteries, these are a great option!
Replaceable 18650 Batteries
If you've gotten into a chat with some vaping mates at the bar, they've probably mentioned this vape battery to you at some point. Almost all vapers start with a built-in battery as part of a vape pen or similar. This is totally fine, but they will degrade over time, and you'll eventually have to buy a new kit. The 18650 is gives you more control over your vape and is also detachable and replacable. The "18650" refers to their size (18mm diameter and 65mm length). The reason it's talked about so much is because it seems to have the right balance of mAh and amperage for most vapers at an attractive price point, and is often a good 'stepping stone' into the world of mod@ding.
21700 Batteries
Larger than the 18650s, these new players offer even higher capacities and discharge rates, often holding up to 4000mAh or more. If you're an enthusiast craving high performance and extended use without frequent recharges, this battery type is definitely worth considering.
20700 Batteries
Finally, we have the 20700 batteries, which sit comfortably between the 18650 and 21700 sizes. These batteries are gaining popularity among vapers for their solid performance, generally providing around 3000mAh of power.And its lifespan is longer. They strike a nice balance between size and capacity, making them a great choice for those who want a bit of both.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Vape Battery
Of all the things you can modify in your vape kit, not many people think about what vape battery they're going to use. You'd be forgiven for thinking that it wasn't too important - that all you had to worry about were wicks, coils lifespan, and tanks, but you'd also be quite wrong. The battery is one of the most pivotal parts of the vaping experience.
Battery Amperage Impacts Your Vaping Experience
To understand why, you need to get a little scientific. First, check the amperage of your vape battery. This effectively determines how much current the battery can output at any given time, commonly referred to as its 'load'. A big load (higher currents) will allow you to vape faster or take nice, long and slow draws to create maginificent clouds. If that's your goal, go for a high amperage.
mAh Matters for Your Battery Life
The other main number you need to understand is the mAh, or 'milli-amp hours'. This effectively determines the capacity of the battery and the amount of time it will last between charges. If you travel a lot and find yourself in need of powerpoints too often, a higher mAh battery will work wonders. They're usually slightly more expensive as vape batteries go, but the convenience is worth it if you're on the road a lot.
Compatibility with Your Device
Not all batteries are created equal, and ensuring you've got the right one for your device. A battery that does not match your device's specifications may lead to poor performance or even worse, some safety hazards. Always check your vape mod to see what it requires before choosing a battery.
Look for Safety Features
Safety should always be at the top of the list. Pay attention to safety features: look for batteries that have built-in protections against things, such as overcharging, overheating, and short circuits. Besides just being nice to have, these features help in keeping your device running and make vaping a lot safer.
How to Choose the Right Vape Battery
With the basic knowledge in mind, it's not that hard to choose the right vape battery. Follow the below tips:
·Check compatibility first. Always ensure the battery matches your device's specifications for optimal performance.
·Look for a battery with the right amperage to support your vaping style and desired cloud production.
·Choose a battery with a higher mAh rating for longer usage between charges.
·Understand battery chemistry and opt for lithium-ion batteries for better energy density and longevity.
·Prioritize batteries with safety features, like built-in protections against overcharging, overheating, and short circuits.
·Stick to well-known brands to ensure quality and reliability.
·Ensure the battery can handle the discharge rate required by your vaping device.
·Keep your batteries away from extreme heat or cold to preserve their lifespan and performance.
Decide to Make the Switch to Vape Modding?
Many vapers will be content to vape away their time with standard pre-built kits, and that's fine -there are many fantastic vape kits on the market to get you started. But after a while, the likelihood is that you'll want to tailor your experience somewhat to chase the hit. That's when you should start thinking about 'modding'. Whether you're looking for mouth-to-lung, direct-to-lung, sub-ohm or a style of their own (check here for our guide on vaping techniques), it all starts with modding.
Don't be intimidated though - modding is simply a case of combining various components to make a unique vape kit that isn't readily available off-the-shelf, and thousands of us do it. It's where the real fun starts.