Do I really need a charger for my 18650 batteries?

[BrotherBob]

I just bought the smok T-Priv. I absolutely love it. This is only my 2nd vape that has removable batteries, and the 1st that didn't come with batteries. When the gal was ringing up my batteries, she asked if I wanted a charger because the Li-Ion batteries "really should be quick charged instead of trickle charged." Is this an attempt at an upsell, or am I going to ruin my batteries or start a fire if I use the charging cable that came with the T-Priv instead of buying a charger next go'round at the store? Thanks!

Glad you asked. I don't know for sure. I suspect each manufacturer knows exactly the type of charge and which equipment will work safely with the battery. I would try to contact a vendor (need to ask if their recommendation is per manufacturer) and or, preferably, the manufacture for a definitive answer.

 

[Baditude]

The primary reason for the USB port is to install firmware updates. The USB charging option should be limited to occassional emergency charging.

I agree with Mooch's video, that it is better to charge with a dedicated box Li-ion battery charger than to charge with the internal USB charger.

I recommend a brand name charger like Xtar, Efest LUC, Pila, or lastly Nitecore. For more bang for the buck, either the Efest LUC V2 or Efest LUC V4 is a winner.

Guide to Choosing a Li-ion Battery Charger

• Guide to help a novice in choosing a charger. Covers recommended brands, suggestions for the number of charging bays you'll need, independent bays, LED or LCD models, and "smart chargers".

 

[Katdarling]

I agree with Mooch's video, that it is better to charge with a dedicated box Li-ion battery charger than to charge with the internal USB charger.

 

[Frenchfry1942]

I have multiple sized rechargeable batteries now. Flashlights, remotes, etc. I use an external charger because it charges near any-size.

Just a better way in my book.

 

[NealBJr]

Others have already replied on several reasons as to why. I will put it this way, the electronics in a mod are made to be small and portable. If you think about it, on the tiny circuit board no larger than a standard cigarette lighter, and no wider than a pencil, it has the functions of an ohm meter, LCD display and control output, charging circuit, and voltage/wattage regulator... all those functions on a circuit board that small and require so little power..... something has to be compromised. For that reason, I only trust the electronics on an Ecig for one thing, to vary the wattage and allow me to vape... I do not trust it for any sort of charging, even if they say they can.... especially for more than one battery.

I use an external charger. The added benefit is, I can charge one set of batteries while I vape with the other. I just make sure I don't keep the batteries in the charger once they're done charging. Another thing people don't mention, is that you may not know how warm the batteries are when you plug your mod in to charge. Taking the batteries out to charge allows you to feel how warm the batteries are, and it also serves as a reminder to occasionally clean the contacts and vent holes from time to time. Baditude has listed some very well known battery chargers, and I'd have to second his recommendations. I have an older styled Nitecore I4, and it's served me well. It is basic compared to a similarly priced Efest LUC charger, so like he said, you get more bang for your buck.