Vape batteries, also known as dab pen batteries, come in all shapes and sizes, but the most recognizable is the 510-thread. The name refers to the 510 threading size of the screw-like connection point between the battery and the vape cartridge (also referred to as vape cart).
Learn more about vape batteries and how to pick the best 510-thread battery for your needs.
How do 510 thread vape batteries work?
A 510-thread battery works by powering on the heating element in a vape cartridge — or atomizer — which will heat the concentrate within and create a vapor to inhale.
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There are a few components that allow this to happen:
- Battery: The power source.
- 510-threading attachment design
- Activation method: Some 510-thread batteries include a button to activate the heating element in the cartridge. Others are draw-activated, meaning they automatically turn on when you inhale from the mouthpiece.
When activated, the battery sends an electrical current to the heating element in the vape cartridge. Typically, 510-thread batteries are rechargeable lithium-ion batteries with a capacity of around 300 - 900mAh — “mAh” is used to measure power over time. It describes the total charge a battery can hold and how long it can last before it's depleted.
Many 510-thread batteries have an LED light that indicates the battery's power level or temperature gauge. Most are made with USB or USB-C charging ports.
Pros and cons of 510 thread vape batteries
There are always pros and cons to any product you may consider purchasing.
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The choice of vape battery is no different and depends on your unique preferences and needs.
Pros
- Availability: 510 threading has become a standard in the vaping industry, which means that many of the pre-filled cartridges you find in dispensaries are designed to work with 510-thread batteries. This allows you to try many weed brands and strains without investing in a new battery every time you get a new cartridge.
- Portability: 510-thread batteries are small and lightweight, making them easy to travel with discreetly.
- Adjustable features: Many 510-thread batteries have variable voltage or wattage settings, allowing you to customize your vaping experience, from tasting terpenes to getting a potent draw.
- Long-lasting: 510 batteries are often rechargeable, so you can reuse them with multiple vape cartridges.
- Less waste: Re-using the same 510-thread battery with multiple cartridges is less wasteful than using an all-in-one, disposable vape pen.
Cons
- Limited power output: While their small size is a pro for portability, they also have less power than larger batteries or box mods. This can limit how much vapor you get from a single draw.
- No displays: Many 510-thread batteries may not have a display screen, making it difficult to see important information such as battery life or voltage output.
5 best 510 thread vape batteries
Below, check out the best 510-thread batteries. We landed on these particular batteries due to their high customer reviews, brand reputation, price, and product capabilities.
S1 350mAh 510-Thread Rechargeable Vape Battery by iKrusher
Founded in 2017, iKrusher is a vape hardware and accessories company. Despite being relatively new in the market, it's quickly gained popularity thanks to innovative product offerings and commitment to quality.
Its S1 510-thread battery is an affordable, stainless steel, button-activated device with multiple voltage settings and 350mAh. The battery comes with a USB-to-micro-USB charging cable and a user manual.
For a slightly thicker vape battery with almost twice the mAh, check out the S3 - 650mAh 510-thread rechargeable vape battery.
Battery capacity: 350mAh
Charger included: Yes
Price: $14.99
CCELL® M3B by Hamilton Devices
Hamilton Devices has supplied vape cartridges, batteries, and disposable vape pens to individuals and businesses since 2016.
The M3B 510 vape battery uses the brand's patented CCELL® technology, a porous ceramic heating element that vaporizes extremely thick oils without clogging and heats the cannabis oil more evenly.
You can also change the voltage in three temperature settings:
- Blue: 392 - 410°F
- Yellow: 410 - 428°F
- Green: 428 - 446°F
While the battery is designed specifically for Hamilton Devices' CCELL® cartridges, the manufacturer supports most of the 510-thread cartridges you can find in licensed dispensaries.
Battery capacity: 350mAh
Charger included: Yes
Price: $14.25
LUX 510 Threaded Vape Pen Battery by Yocan
The LUX vape pen battery is notable for its various voltage settings, which you can toggle easily by twisting the device's tip. Other features include a preheating function and a 15-second cut-off element designed to help preserve the battery and prevent overheating. It comes in 18 colors, charger not included.
Battery capacity: 400mAh
Charger included: No
Price: $18.99
510-Thread Vape Pen Battery Slim 1100mAh by Backwoods
Backwoods is a legacy brand that's been around for over 40 years. It's best known for its cigars, which were introduced in the United States in 1973, and it's since expanded its product line to include vape batteries and other smoking accessories.
Backwoods' Battery Slim 1100mAh vape pen's voltage capacity is unparalleled for such a small device. Other features include a ceramic atomizer that produces consistent vapor and overcharge protection to extend the battery life. With a few clicks of the button, you can pre-heat the vape, change the temperature setting, and turn it off.
Battery capacity: 1100mAh
Charger included: Yes
Price: $22.99
Tronian Pitron by Tronian
The Tronian Pitron by Tronian is an auto draw device — no buttons required — and designed to accommodate a wide range of oil viscosities.
It doesn't get much simpler; just ensure that the cartridge you buy is capable of draw activation.
Battery capacity: 350mAh
Charger included: Yes
Price: $16.99
Tips for maintaining your vape battery
There are a few ways to extend the life of your vape battery so that it continues to function properly over time.
- Charge correctly: Always use the correct charger and follow the manufacturer's instructions when charging a battery. Overcharging or undercharging the battery can damage it and reduce its lifespan.
- Keep clean: Use a soft, dry cloth to regularly clean the battery and remove debris or residue that may accumulate over time. Avoid using water or other liquids for cleaning.
- Store properly: Store your battery in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures when not in use — the same goes for the cartridges, too. Avoid storing the battery in a pocket or purse, as this can cause damage.
- Take breaks: Overusing your battery in one sitting can overheat it. This can damage the battery and reduce its lifespan. If the battery feels hot, take a break and allow it to cool down.
Bottom line
You'll likely find a 510-thread vape battery at your local dispensary, or it may be the battery you use for your first experience with a vaporizer. These common cannabis accessories offer ease and portability, and the oil cartridges designed for them are abundant on the market.
You can experiment with different vape pen batteries that offer various features, especially as technology advances how we interact with and consume cannabis. And a 510-thread battery is usually your best bet.
Featured image by Gina Coleman/Weedmaps
