A Complete Guide on Vape Coils

Coils have a vital role to play in defining your experience. They are the core component that makes vaping possible for you. Coils are responsible for heating the e-liquid and creating vapour. Yet, many vapers often overlook how important it is. In this complete guide, you will get to know everything about the vape coils in the UK. You will learn how they work with the different types available at the store and how to use the right coil. If you are a beginner or someone who only wishes to avoid a burnt taste, then this content is for you. Moreover, if you are an experienced vaper, then this is the best complete guide on vape coils that can also help you achieve the best flavour. Let’s dive right into it.

A vape coil is the part of your vape device. Its purpose is to heat your e-liquid and turn it into vapour, for you to inhale. It is also known as an atomiser head. In addition, it is made of a heating wire wrapped around cotton wicking. Now this cotton wick quickly absorbs the e-liquid. This happens when you press the fire button; afterwards, the coil heats up and vaporises the liquid. As a result, you get flavourful clouds. The atomiser head is simply the full unit that includes both the coil and the wick. It plays a vital role in how your vape performs. And it affects both flavour, vapour production, and smoothness. Read on to learn more.

You can find the coil inside the vape tank or pod. It is usually located in the centre and connects the e-liquid reservoir to the mouthpiece. The cotton around it soaks up the e-liquid, ready for heating when you take a puff. In pod systems, the coil may be built-in or replaceable, while in vape tanks, you can unscrew and change it effortlessly.

Understanding how they really work will help you get better flavour, smoother hits, and longer coil lifespan. Keep on reading to learn how they work:

Heating Element

Wicking Material

Vaporisation

There are several vape coil types, each offering unique vaping experiences. They are designed for specific vaping preferences and devices.

Regular Coils (Round Wire)

• Resistance: 1.0 Ω or higher.
• Style: Mouth-to-lung (MTL).
• Advantages: Smooth vapour, moderate heat, longer coil lifespan

Mesh Coils

• Resistance: Usually below 1.0 Ω.
• Style: Direct-to-lung (DTL).
• Advantages: Even heating, faster ramp-up, and intense flavour.

Ceramic Coils

• Feature: Porous ceramic casing for clean, smooth vapour.
• Benefit: Long-lasting and reduces burnt coil taste.

Temperature Control (TC) Coils

• Materials: Nickel, Titanium, or Stainless Steel.
• Use: Prevents overheating and dry hits through temperature regulation.

Sub-Ohm Coils

• Resistance: Below 1.0 Ω.
• Use: For cloud chasers and flavour enthusiasts.
• Benefit: Massive vapour and warm hits.

When it comes to vape coils, resistance is the key factor that decides how your device performs. It is measured in ohms (Ω), and this coil resistance determines how much power flows through the coil heating element and how your vape feels.

What is Resistance (Ohms)?

Low Vs High Resistance Vape Coils

• Low resistance (<1.0Ω): They are known as sub-ohm coils and deliver dense vapour and rich flavour. They are best for direct-to-lung vaping.
• High resistance (≥1.0Ω): These are known as Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) coils. They use less power and e-liquid, and are perfect for beginners or mouth-to-lung styles.

Quick Tip:

Higher wattage boosts vapour but drains the battery faster. On the contrary, power wattage conserves energy and extends vape coil lifespan. Always check the recommended wattage printed on your coil. Read on for more details:

• Wattage Effect on Flavour: Higher wattage makes the coil heating element hotter, which makes it produce a stronger flavour. However, too much heat can burn the wick and cotton in the coil. Afterwards, you will get a burnt coil taste. So make sure to stay within the recommended range for your coil to maintain taste and the coil’s lifespan.
• Effects on Vapour: When you increase the wattage, you get thicker clouds, especially with sub ohm coils or mesh designs. On the other hand, lower wattage delivers smoother hits. It is best for mouth-to-lung vapers.
• Battery Life: High wattage will always drain the power of the vape device faster and stress the coil. However, moderate settings will offer you a better balance between coil performance and vapour production.

Tip:

Vape Coil Resistance Chart

The different types of coil materials affect the eating, speed and flavour differently. They also decide the lifespan of your device and its compatibility with your device.

• Kanthal: It is durable, affordable, and best for standard wattage mode. Additionally, it is popular for beginners and standard vape kits.
• Stainless Steel: Versatile and can be used for both wattage and TC (temperature control) modes. It heats quickly and delivers a clean flavour.
• Nickel (Ni200): This one is only designed for temperature control modes. It offers consistent heating.
• Nichrome (Ni80): It heats up quicker than Kanthal and delivers a smooth flavour. However, it has a shorter lifespan.
• Titanium: It is exclusively used in the temperature control mode. It can offer you accurate temperature control to prevent dry hits.

Safety note:

Every vape replacement coil wears out with time when residue builds up. Recognising when to replace it will keep the quality of the flavour good. Read on to learn about the signs of burnt taste and steps you can take to change the coil:

Signs of a Burnt Coil

• Harsh or burnt coil taste.
• Weak vapour or poor flavour.
• Crackling or dark e-liquid.

Steps on How to Change a Coil

• Turn off your device.
• Remove the tank and unscrew the old coil.
• Clean the tank if necessary.
• Screw in the new coil firmly.

How to Prime a Coil

Good vape coil maintenance saves money and improves taste. Here’s how you can make any coil last longer:

• Stay within the recommended wattage range. Not too high.
• Refill your tank before it runs dry.
• Use cleaner e-liquids (avoid overly sweet or dark juices).
• Clean your tank regularly to remove residue.
• Allow your coil to rest between long vaping sessions.

It is essential to choose a compatible coil for your device if you wish to make it last longer and perform better.

Coil Compatibility with Vape Kits

Matching Coil Resistance to Your Vape Kit

• Pod kits → Higher resistance (MTL).
• Box mods → Lower resistance (DTL).

For Beginners and Experts

• Beginners: Regular or mesh coils above 1.0 Ω.
• Advanced users: Sub ohm or TC coils for custom setups.