I have personally tested so many 510 thread batteries from the gas station specials to the large, variable voltage powerhouse batteries that I have lost count. So, I can say confidently that a "hard number" when referring to the lifespan of a quality 510 thread battery is virtually non-existent. However, I can say that a realistic range is very possible to determine.
Therefore, I would like to eliminate some of the marketing hype associated with the 510 thread product line and provide you with a realistic view of what a quality 510 thread battery should last based upon regular usage. A quality 510 thread battery should last you anywhere from 1 to 2 years of average, regular usage. However, the time frame in which you fall into either the higher end of the spectrum or the lower end depends on a combination of quality, usage habits, and a bit of luck.
The Three Types of Lifespans of a 510 Thread Battery
In order to accurately address your question, we need to discuss the three different types of "lifespan" that apply to a 510 thread battery.
There are three lifespans of a 510 thread battery:
- Per Charge (Daily Driver) - How long does it last per charge?
- Overall Lifespan (Long Haul) - How long until it doesn’t hold a charge anymore?
- Durability (Survivor) - How long until it fails due to physical reasons?
Now, let's break each of these down individually.
1. Per Charge: The mAh Number Isn’t Deceiving (But Is Not Entirely Accurate Either)
The battery's capacity is determined by the milliampere-hour (mAh) rating. This is likely the most objective data point we have available to us.
- ~300 mAh (Disposable Feeling) - Slim, pen style batteries commonly come with this capacity. In my experience, I have found that a ~300 mAh battery will provide approximately 150-200 solid puffs. As such, if you are an occasional user, this may last a couple of days; however, for a frequent user, this could potentially last less than a day.
- ~500-650 mAh (Sweet Spot) - Most reputable, standard sized batteries generally carry this capacity. From my experience, I find that this is the ideal compromise between size and performance, and I have found that these will last a moderate user for 2-4 days on a charge.
- 800+ mAh (Power Bank) - Larger, often block styled batteries carry this capacity. I have found that these will last. I had a larger, 800 mAh battery that lasted a heavy usage week while I was on a backpacking trip. The trade-off is that these are larger and less portable/discreet.
Do Not Blindly Chase the Highest mAh Rating. A 500mAh battery from a reputable company is almost always going to outperform an 800mAh battery from a cheap, poorly built company. Efficiency is just as important as capacity.
2. The Overall Lifespan: The 300-Charge Cycle Reality
Like other lithium-ion batteries, 510 thread batteries also have a limited number of charge cycles (one charge cycle equals a discharge from 100% to 0% and then a recharge to 100%). For most 510 thread batteries, this equates to between 300 to 500 full charge cycles before the battery's overall capacity starts to significantly decrease (for example, it will only hold 80% of the original capacity).
For example, if you charge your battery every 3 days (which equates to approximately 120 times a year), this puts you firmly within the 1.5 to 2-year window before you start to notice that it isn’t holding a charge as effectively as it once did.
This is where quality comes into play. A cheaper battery may only make it to 150 charge cycles and then die completely. On the other hand, a quality battery may gradually deteriorate over 500 charge cycles, but may continue to be useful as a "home battery" that you are okay with charging more frequently.
3. Durability: Where Cheap Batteries Go to Fail
This aspect of the 510 thread battery is far less related to the chemical makeup of the battery itself, and more to the craftsmanship of the battery itself. How long will it survive before the threads fail, the button becomes sticky/unresponsive or the battery simply breaks?
- The Threads: This is the #1 point of failure. I have had several cheap batteries where the threading of the battery became loose/wobbly after just a few months of constantly switching cartridges. I can attest to the fact that a battery that has reinforced threading or a magnetic threading system will last exponentially longer.
- The Button/Connection: I have had problems with the buttons becoming sticky, or even worse, the battery will auto fire, or simply become unresponsive. A battery that has a sealed, tactile button is indicative of a quality build.
I have a "graveyard" of dead 510 batteries on my desk. The majority of those batteries that died early in their life were cheap, thin, no-name pens with poorly soldered connections. All of the batteries that survived for years were from reputable companies that produced slightly more expensive batteries with metal bodies and durable components.
How to Be the 2-Year User (Not the 6-Month User)
Your habits greatly affect the lifespan of your battery. Here are a few ways you can help extend the life of your 510 thread battery:
- Do Not Buy a "Gas Station Special": Invest in a 510 thread battery from a reputable company like Yocan, Ooze, or Vessel. The extra $10-$20 that you spend is a guarantee that your battery will not prematurely fail.
- Do Not Drain It Completely: Unlike older batteries, lithium-ion batteries do not like to be drained completely. Make sure to charge it prior to completely draining the battery.
- Unplug When Fully Charged: Overcharging causes excessive heat and stress. While most modern batteries have protective circuitry, it is still a good idea to unplug your battery when it reaches maximum capacity.
- Keep the Threads Clean: Use a small amount of isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab to keep the threads clean. Dirt/gunk can impede efficient charging and power transfer.
- Use the Right Charger: Only use the charger provided with your battery, or a high-quality, low amperage USB port (such as a computer or television). Large phone block chargers should be avoided as they can increase degradation of your battery.
Final Toke
In summary, how long should a 510 thread battery last? You should reasonably expect a battery that is well constructed to last for a minimum of one year and up to 2 years of reliable operation.
If your battery is dying off after a few months, it is almost certainly an indication that the battery is of poor quality or a victim of bad luck-not the norm. Consider your battery as the engine for your experience. Spend money on a high quality battery and treat it well to achieve reliable performance for years to come.