If there’s one thing we’ve learned over and over throughout the history of technology, it’s that having standards to ensure compatibility between different products is a very good thing. It’s why the computer industry coalesced around the IBM-PC standard in the 1980s, and it’s also why electric vehicle manufacturers are beginning to agree on a single charging port standard today. Having interoperability between products allows for the creation of a vibrant ecosystem of third-party accessories. Universal standards also allow products to last longer by making it easier to replace broken parts.
The vaping industry has also formed its own universal standard, and that standard is the 510 thread. The threading allows a vape tank or cartridge to connect to a vaping device – and although there are probably thousands of different tanks and cartridges in the world today, a standard vape kit can work with almost any of them since the threads are compatible.
When people talk about 510-thread batteries, they’re usually referring to very simple vaping devices that are designed to work with small, inexpensive vape cartridges and tanks. Any vape with a 510 thread can work as a 510-thread battery, though, and there are plenty of good reasons for buying a higher-quality vape mod rather than a cheap vape battery – even if you only plan to use the battery for small vape carts.
Reading this guide, you’ll learn everything you’ve ever wanted to know about 510-thread batteries – including why a vape mod can be the best vape battery of all.
Looking for the best 510-thread battery and don’t have time for the details? Grab the SMOK Priv N19. Slim and pocketable, the SMOK Priv N19 has a built-in 1,200 mAh battery and operates at a maximum power of 30 watts. It’s a perfect vaping device for anything ranging from a small vape cart to a large sub-ohm tank.
What Is the 510 Thread, and What Are 510-Thread Batteries?
The threading is the part of a vaping device that allows a tank or cartridge to connect to it, and the number “510” refers to a thread with specific dimensions. The threads measure 5 mm each, and the entire apparatus has 10 threads in total. You might have assumed that “510” was just random industry jargon, but it’s not. In fact, other devices that have threaded connections – like radio antennas, for instance – can also use the 510 thread.
In the early years of the vaping industry, several different thread types were used for devices, tanks and cartridges. Some of the thread types were proprietary, and others were standard types like the 510 thread. The names of some of the other thread types that have been used for e-cigarettes and vapes over the years include KR-808, L88, 801, 901, eGo and P3.
In the early days, a brand might choose a specific thread type for an e-cigarette because it would help to ensure that people would need to buy their refill cartridges from that same company instead of using third-party cartridges that might cost less.
As time went by, though, it became obvious that it would be a good idea for the vape industry to adopt a single standard for vape tanks and cartridges. That coincided with the rise of open vaping systems and refillable tanks, which eventually replaced pre-filled cartridges for the most part. Most vapes and accessories began using the 510 thread, and just about every vaping product continues to use that standard today.
As we mentioned above, the phrase “510-thread battery” usually refers to a small, simple and cheap vaping device that just consists of a 510 thread and perhaps a single activation button.
Any threaded vaping device can do the same job, though, and there are several reasons why it’s a good idea to buy a vape that’s a bit more capable than your standard cheap vape pen.
Before we get into that, though, let’s talk a bit more about the specifics of the 510 thread.
What Are the Benefits of 510-Thread Vapes?
As with any other universal standard in consumer electronics, the main benefit of the 510 thread is that it allows interoperability and compatibility between products. You can generally be confident that a good 510-threaded vape will with work with whatever cartridge or tank you connect. The broad compatibility between devices and accessories enables you to:
- Upgrade the tank included with your vape kit.
- Replace your tank if it breaks.
- Try many different pre-filled and refillable vape cartridges from different brands.
- Switch between vape cartridges and tanks whenever you like.
Can a 510-Thread Vape Work with Any Tank or Cartridge?
In order to enjoy the wide compatibility of the 510 thread, it’s important to buy a vaping device that’s capable of using third-party accessories without experiencing problems. When it comes to using the same device with a wide variety of cartridges and tanks, there are two things that you need to know.
- A full-fledged vape mod can drive anything from a small vape cart to a full-fledged sub-ohm tank, but a small 510-thread battery will generally be much more limited in its compatibility. A tiny battery that’s shaped like a cigarette is designed to work with cartridges only and will not work with larger vape tanks.
- If you want to use a vape cartridge with a vape mod, you need to make sure that the mod has the ability to work at an appropriately low wattage. The ideal power level for a vape cart is usually no higher than around 10-12 watts. That’s one reason why the SMOK Priv N19 is the ideal device for multi-purpose vaping; it has the ability to drop all the way down to 5 watts, which is perfect for most small cartridges.
Why Is a Vape Mod Better than a Standard 510-Thread Battery?
One of the main points we’ve made in this guide is that a full-fledged vape mod like the SMOK Priv N19 is a much better choice than a traditional 510-thread battery – even if you’re only planning to use small vape carts and don’t intend to use sub-ohm tanks at all. Here’s why.
- A vape mod gives you the freedom to switch between vape carts and sub-ohm tanks on demand. You won’t have that same freedom with a small 510-thread battery because that type of device can’t handle the power requirements of a full vape tank.
- A vape mod can give you incredible battery life when it’s paired with a small vape cartridge.
- Compared to small 510-thread batteries, vape mods are manufactured to meet much higher quality standards. A vape mod will be more durable. It’ll look better and feel nicer in the hand. It’ll have more features, including a full array of built-in safety protections. A vape mod is designed to be a great vaping device, but a traditional 510-thread battery is just designed to meet an extremely low price point.
What Are the Best 510-Thread Vapes at VapeJuice.com?
Are you ready to shop for your next vape? We’ll make it easy for you. These are the best 510-thread vapes that we offer here at VapeJuice.com.
SMOK Priv N19
Price: $23.95 | Buy It Now
The SMOK Priv N19 is one of the most compact full-fledged vape mods on the market, which is doubly impressive considering that it’s outfitted with a 1,200 mAh battery. It’s also built for simplicity. Just press a button to toggle between four power levels ranging from 5-30 watts. The Priv N19 includes a full-fledged sub-ohm tank that operates at up to 25 watts for enormous vapor production, or you can connect a third-party tank or cartridge if you wish.
Geekvape Aegis Solo 3
Price: $64.49 | Buy It Now
Also available without a tank for $44.49 | Buy It Now
If you’re the type of person that’s hard on your vapes, you might want to buy a 510-threaded vape mod that offers a higher level of durability. That’s exactly what you’ll get with the Geekvape Aegis Solo 3, which features IP68-level dust and water resistance and also has added internal shock protection to shield the device from accidental drops and bumps. As an additional bonus, the Aegis Solo 3 has a maximum power of 100 watts and offers enormous cloud production with the included sub-ohm tank. To ensure that you won’t have to worry about burnt flavors with smaller vape carts, though, the Aegis Solo 3 can drop its power all the way to just 5 watts.
Lost Vape Thelema Mini
Price: $27.50 with a tank or $21.95 without | Buy It Now
If you want a 510-thread vape that offers the perfect balance of everything, the Lost Vape Thelema Mini is a great choice. Operating at up to 45 watts, this device is available either with or without a tank and has a built-in 1,500 mAh battery to provide an incredible amount of vaping time between charges. People have commented that the Thelema Mini looks and feels unbelievably small for the amount of battery capacity it provides, and the durable zinc alloy and stainless-steel construction feels absolutely great in the hand.