What Type Of Batteries Should I Use In My Box Mod?

All vape mods utilize high-discharge lithium ion batteries, and box mods have specific needs. Knowing which type of battery fits your device’s needs and which brand is the best type of battery is crucial to your vaping experience.

In this article you will find everything you need to select the best battery for your box mods as well as tips for charging, and, most importantly, the batteries that are a scam.

Integrated Batteries

These are the simplest power source for a vape. Integrated batteries refer to a device that combines the battery, circuitry, controls, and atomizer connection into a single unit. As long as you charge them properly (usually via the same type of micro-USB port that other non-Apple electronics use), there’s basically no way these can go wrong. Most commonly, vape pens use integrated, but some box mods also use them. For example, the Ijoy RDTA Mini Box Kit features a lithium-polymer battery pack that is built right into the core of the box mod.

This simplifies batteries down to maintenance and upkeep. The thing that separates this type of system from open systems with removable battery usage is the fact that integrated batteries cannot be removed while open systems can have their batteries change as the life cycle of the battery nears its end or as when the cells become so worn down that a change is required.

The upside is that you don't need to buy multiple sets of batteries and a dedicated charger for your spares. The downsides are that if your mod dies you're tethered to a cord until it's recharged, and once the cells wear down (typically a few hundred charge cycles) you've got to junk the whole mod rather than just buying new batteries.

A note of caution when charging - always keep an eye on your vape while it’s charging. If your battery or mod gets warm to the touch, stop charging immediately and let it cool down before attempting to charge again, keeping an even closer eye on it this time. If anything ever gets hot (too warm to be comfortable touching with the back of your palm), unplug your device immediately and get it outside or cover it with a heavy pot or pan until it cools, then dispose of it.

Removable Batteries

Mods with replaceable batteries may be a better choice if you’re worried about running low on power, or you plan to make your mod investment a long-term one. This has the advantage of being able to carry a spare set so that you can swap them out whenever you’re running. It’s important, though, to use good batteries and use them properly.

The vast majority of mods on the market today were designed for flat-topped 18650 lithium ion batteries (18 mm wide and 650 mm long). Some older mods were compatible with 18350 or 18500 cells, but these are getting rarer. There are only three manufacturers that make batteries suitable for vaping - LG, Samsung, and Sony. A couple other major electronics companies like Sanyo and Panasonic also make batteries, but they don't offer high-discharge cells capable of delivering the minimum 20 continuous amps required to run a modern box mod with a sub-ohm coil.

There are plenty of other batteries that claim to be vape-specific, or otherwise trustworthy high-discharge cells. You've probably heard of Efest, Imren, Vappower, or any of a handful of others. Remember - there are only three companies making legit vape-capable cells. What these other companies are doing is buying 'seconds,' or cells that didn't meet quality control at one of the big-name companies, and then throwing their own labels on to sell you at a price generally higher than you'd get with a legitimate manufacturer. Worse, many have been caught wrapping inferior cells and inflating the specs on the label, which could lead to a dangerous situation - when you hear about a vape mod catching fire or exploding, chances are these impostor cells are involved.

Having a good, proper battery is important for your vaping experience, and you should never try to save money by getting lower quality battery. Stick to brands you know, sold by a company you trust.