The Arizer Air

[chevyfried]

@Bravesst I've actually been in the market for a desktop for a couple of months now but I'm having trouble justifying the purchase because of how happy I am with the AA. I may just get a second head (or a Solo maybe) instead. What external charger do you use? The official Arizer model?

I use an Xtar MC1 and it works well. It holds only one cell, Xtar makes others that hold 2 and 4. It has worked perfectly with no problems, runs off a Micro USB cable and any 5v source, although depending on the source is how long it will take to charge. The OEM battery didnt take too long, but my NCR18650B does take a while. Also having a USB cable to directly charge the Air is awesome!

 

[Bravesst]

By now, many of you fellow AA owners can tell I'm a bit OCD when it comes to my weed, and now vaping is my newest "hobby", I can't help but play and tweak, as so many of you far more knowledgeable than I do. I know weed, that is, smoking weed. Now I'm learning vaping, especially the AA, and it's ins and outs (like stirring, grind, cure.

Anyway, on to the next project - getting most out of batteries. What's the deal with the NCR18650B? @chevyfried Compatible to AA without harm? Longer life?

 

[chevyfried]

Anyway, on to the next project - getting most out of batteries. What's the deal with the NCR18650B? @chevyfried Compatible to AA without harm? Longer life?

It's a 3400mah cell made by Panasonic. The OEM battery is excellent and performs a smidge better than the Panasonic battery, but it is only around 2250mah. Theoretically speaking, and my use backs up this claim, it lasts longer i.e. more sessions out of a charge. I can get about 2-3 more sessions with the NCR18650b and I do not notice any major difference other than a few more seconds to heat up.

 

[olivianewtonjohn]

It's a 3400mah cell made by Panasonic. The OEM battery is excellent and performs a smidge better than the Panasonic battery, but it is only around 2250mah. Theoretically speaking, and my use backs up this claim, it lasts longer i.e. more sessions out of a charge. I can get about 2-3 more sessions with the NCR18650b and I do not notice any major difference other than a few more seconds to heat up.

I think the reason why the panasonic has 3400mah is because it has a lower safe voltage cutoff than the OEM cell. The reason why this doesn't make a difference is because our vape cuts off before that point.

 

[Bravesst]

It's a 3400mah cell made by Panasonic. The OEM battery is excellent and performs a smidge better than the Panasonic battery, but it is only around 2250mah. Theoretically speaking, and my use backs up this claim, it lasts longer i.e. more sessions out of a charge. I can get about 2-3 more sessions with the NCR18650b and I do not notice any major difference other than a few more seconds to heat up.

That's like 40% more sessions, and just a slight trade off in heat up time. Sound like a great idea... totally compatible with the AA I'm assuming.

 

[Pipes]

I think the reason why the panasonic has 3400mah is because it has a lower safe voltage cutoff than the OEM cell. The reason why this doesn't make a difference is because our vape cuts off before that point.

You make an excellent point here. The other manufacturer's trick I have noticed, is that the batteries which have high mAh ratings sometimes rate the high end charge at 4.3 volts as well. Shoving more power into them....which of course shortens their lifespan but increases capacity for the ones which pay so much attention to this rating. As @chevyfried has discovered, it is the charging devices and application which determine the actual charge/discharge process.

Actually with the Air been a relatively medium device for current consumption, there are many "compatible" batteries which will do the job. Problem being that Arizer will void the warranty if a non-OEM battery has caused damage. A hard point to prove unless the operator spills the beans. Arizer has good cause to cover themselves in this regard because of inappropriate batteries out there, not to mention the fakes which can be dangerous. The main spec to watch for, besides physical size, is max continuous current drain. 10 amp and higher is what I look for. The higher the current rating the lower the internal resistance which boils down to less internal heat gets generated. Example, my 30 amp batteries get less warm than the 10 amp or OEM batteries. You will notice the price also generally rises with the max continuous rating. Reason to go for closer but NOT under the actual needed current. Best bang for the buck.

 

[WoodVillain]

I got a nitecore 3400mAh NL189 bat that i use for my flashlight.... That thing holds a charge FOREVER... Also cost me $20 for 1 battery But i guess its worth it since i dont have to charge as often.....

But it looks a little longer than the bats for the Arizer Air. And it has a "tab" sticking up a little bit on the positive side similar to a regular AA Battery.

I dont try and use it in my vape... Not sure if it would even work... But i wish my Air batts would hold a charge as long as the NL189. I tried one of the Arizer Air batteries in my flashlight and it worked fine... Just didnt hold a charge as long as the NL189.

I dont know enough about batteries to risk ruining my vaporizer... So i stick with the OEMs.... But you guys talking 2-3 more session per battery make me want to double think things LOL

 

[$unnyblaq]

Hey fellow members I just had a quick question that I was hoping to get answered fast since my eliquid store closes early can I use ejuice on my air and how pls only used for herb and wanna try something new if so how? Cotton and the eliquid?

 

[chevyfried]

But it looks a little longer than the bats for the Arizer Air. And it has a "tab" sticking up a little bit on the positive side similar to a regular AA Battery.

I would not try and use that battery. It is slightly longer because it has a built in circuit for protection, basically for devices like flashlights that do not have low voltage protection. It probably wont fit anyways, but just don't use it.

Hey fellow members I just had a quick question that I was hoping to get answered fast since my eliquid store closes early can I use ejuice on my air and how pls only used for herb and wanna try something new if so how? Cotton and the eliquid?

Short answer, no dont use anything but herb in the air.

 

[Bravesst]

You make an excellent point here. The other manufacturer's trick I have noticed, is that the batteries which have high mAh ratings sometimes rate the high end charge at 4.3 volts as well. Shoving more power into them....which of course shortens their lifespan but increases capacity for the ones which pay so much attention to this rating. As @chevyfried has discovered, it is the charging devices and application which determine the actual charge/discharge process.

Actually with the Air been a relatively medium device for current consumption, there are many "compatible" batteries which will do the job. Problem being that Arizer will void the warranty if a non-OEM battery has caused damage. A hard point to prove unless the operator spills the beans. Arizer has good cause to cover themselves in this regard because of inappropriate batteries out there, not to mention the fakes which can be dangerous. The main spec to watch for, besides physical size, is max continuous current drain. 10 amp and higher is what I look for. The higher the current rating the lower the internal resistance which boils down to less internal heat gets generated. Example, my 30 amp batteries get less warm than the 10 amp or OEM batteries. You will notice the price also generally rises with the max continuous rating. Reason to go for closer but NOT under the actual needed current. Best bang for the buck.

So the NCR18650B is cool? Im about to order 2.

Remember guys, im only a fireman / pot head... trying to keep up

 

[WoodVillain]

I would not try and use that battery. It is slightly longer because it has a built in circuit for protection, basically for devices like flashlights that do not have low voltage protection. It probably wont fit anyways, but just don't use it.

Oh i had no intentions on using THAT battery. I was just commenting that i wish the OEM batts lasted as long, and now that people are finding usable bats in the 3400mah range i may need to double think things..

But no worries, i wont be using the NL189.

Hey fellow members I just had a quick question that I was hoping to get answered fast since my eliquid store closes early can I use ejuice on my air and how pls only used for herb and wanna try something new if so how? Cotton and the eliquid?

I dont know anything about e liquids... But several members have had success with concentrates and cotton with the Air. Even sandwiched in the middle of herb.

Again i dont know about eliquids though. How runny is it? Would the cotton fully absorb it so you have no chance of it dripping onto the heater?

 

[chevyfried]

So the NCR18650B is cool? Im about to order 2.

Remember guys, im only a fireman / pot head... trying to keep up

Yes it works fine, just if it breaks, dont tell anyone you used a non-oem battery

 

[Bravesst]

Yes it works fine, just if it breaks, dont tell anyone you used a non-oem battery

Off to amazon

 

[Pipes]

So the NCR18650B is cool? Im about to order 2.

Remember guys, im only a fireman / pot head... trying to keep up

Sorry but I really cannot recommend anything but OEM. Will they work? Probably.....
If using, take it out after a session and feel it's temperature. A good indicator if asking too much from it. Warm is OK, hot, not so much.

 

[chevyfried]

Sorry but I really cannot recommend anything but OEM. Will they work? Probably.....
If using, take it out after a session and feel it's temperature. A good indicator if asking too much from it. Warm is OK, hot, not so much.

Mine has never come out anything more than a tad bit warm. I made sure to try this before consistent use.

 

[OF]

Sorry but I really cannot recommend anything but OEM. Will they work? Probably.....

I'm with Pipes here. I cannot recommend ignoring the maker's instructions. There are potential problems that I don't think most folks understand. The factory battery was researched pretty completely by our very own Centizen, his take is/was it's very well chosen, perhaps the very best available. And it's not really very expensive. Given you only need one or two spares why chance it?

I've got piles of 18650s, including the one under discussion. I bought two factory spares to go with my Airs......and recommend the same.

It comes down to the individual guy's choice of course, but I think it's important to point out that there are potentially problems with some replacements (even not considering counterfeits) and it does void the warranty.

OF

 

[Justpassedu]

Hey fellow members I just had a quick question that I was hoping to get answered fast since my eliquid store closes early can I use ejuice on my air and how pls only used for herb and wanna try something new if so how? Cotton and the eliquid?

The air is not designed for e-liquids , i have actually experimented and put the tiniest drop between my material to add some flavor and see what would happen . It was quite nice actually and gave me some nice clouds but the air really is not designed for it. I believe the haze vaporizer does both e-liquid and herbs .

 

[Bravesst]

Thanks @OF @Pipes / you guys haven't steered me wrong - non OEM battery order cancelled. Off to order 2 more OEM batts...

too late, wouldn't let me cancel. Is it worth trying out and see if it they get warm? And the Nite Core charger is okay with the OEM batts?

segue - not sure why, but I'm detecting that different vapes attract different personalities, as reflected in each thread. Something about Solo and AA that's different. Can't seem to pin it down, but I feel at home here.

 

[Pappy]

My new Air from PV came with one red and one purple battery. Helpful for differentiation!

 

[sickmanfraud]

I just added a Nitecore D4 (2015 Model ) and two of the NCR18650b batteries to my Amazon cart. The cost was about $3-$4 more than the Arizer charger (only 2 batteries at a time).

By getting the Nitecore that can also work in the car, I see no need for a car charger.

Has anyone purchased the compatible USB charger cord on Amazon?

 

[Bravesst]

Last night, I got greedy on the "last bowl of then night" and over-packed a bit. I mean I didn't even tamp really, just a bit more (maybe .07). My session wasn't as satisfying, less vapor, taste, and result. OCD flaring up now, I repack, bring the AA to bed with me, but fall asleep before using it (awesome to have it there).

Long story longer - I packed looser last night (on bowl I didn't vape), and vaped that this AM, with a much better result. Got me thinkin... I was using a little scoop to load, probably getting .05 or .06 in every stem. This time I just picked up about the smallest pinch I could (did not weight it, but guessing .04) and back to cloudage and forgetting to turn it off - maybe a few less hits, but all better.

 

[spiggot]

I just added a Nitecore D4 (2015 Model ) and two of the NCR18650b batteries to my Amazon cart. The cost was about $3-$4 more than the Arizer charger (only 2 batteries at a time).

By getting the Nitecore that can also work in the car, I see no need for a car charger.

Has anyone purchased the compatible USB charger cord on Amazon?

I brought the USB cable for £1.96 on Amazon UK, this works perfectly with the AA. I selected it based on information read elsewhere in this thread regarding the connector.

I mostly use a Foxnovo external battery charger though, as for me charging batteries is more convenient than charging devices. I can then see Voltage and mAh when charging cells, and have more control over Amps used depending on how much of a hurry I'm in.

 

[Chainfish]

Vapefiend Black glass short stem
Modnote: edited to fix image link

 

[chevyfried]

Thanks @OF @Pipes / you guys haven't steered me wrong - non OEM battery order cancelled. Off to order 2 more OEM batts...

too late, wouldn't let me cancel. Is it worth trying out and see if it they get warm? And the Nite Core charger is okay with the OEM batts?

I wrote a few threads earlier that my NCR18650B if anything get a tad bit warm, hardly noticeable. There is absolutely no reason why using a genuine NCR18650B is going to hurt anything. It's drain rate is completely adequate to power the AA without issues. Had mine a few months now with zero problems, and in fact I prefer it over the OEM just because I need to charge it less and other than heat up time, it performs exactly the same.

I just added a Nitecore D4 (2015 Model ) and two of the NCR18650b batteries to my Amazon cart. The cost was about $3-$4 more than the Arizer charger (only 2 batteries at a time).

By getting the Nitecore that can also work in the car, I see no need for a car charger.

Has anyone purchased the compatible USB charger cord on Amazon?

I have purchased a few cables at various places, non-oem versions for cheap. I found the quality of the copper to be so poor that the resistance would not let the Air draw enough power and after about an hour it would start flashing red. Testing the battery showed no increase in volts.

I ended up making my own cable using the barrel head of the bad cable and using a high speed USB cable as the sacrificial lamb. Here is a picture of the end result. The one pictured I sold on eBay but I have another one I keep in my car just in case. It works flawlessly with any 5v port I have thrown at it.

 

[Superhans]

I would guess the nitecore is charging correctly, you could check with a DMM something like this
http://www.screwfix.com/p/lap-mas830b-digital-multimeter-600v/75337
Cheap and accurate (I have one and when checked against a friends metracal it was spot on)

Just an update on this. I've now picked up a DMM and measured a battery after coming out of the Nitecore claiming full charge and it read 4.19v, so I guess this is okay? I was still able to put it in my Air unit itself and charge for a few more minutes though, after which it read 4.2