​Everything You Need to Know About Vape Coils

A vape coil plays an important role in helping smokers quit. Without it, a vape device would not work properly, and it would not be possible to turn vape e-liquid into vapour to inhale. In this guide, we explain all the necessary details of this key accessory which acts as the heating element in all vape kits.

Below we discuss the best materials for coils, how they work, why they are important in the function of a vape device, how long a vape coil lasts and lots more!

What Is A Vape Coil?

A vape coil is a key component in any vape kit. This essential accessory heats the vape juice in a device by turning that e-liquid into vapour for inhalation, travelling up the coil chimney into the mouth and lungs.

Shaped in a spiral using metal materials such as Kanthal, Stainless Steel or Titanium, each coil material can alter heat-up time and consistency.

When you activate a vape device, electricity from the battery heats the coil. This in turn heats the wick material (often cotton) wrapped around the coil. Already saturated by the e-liquid, the heated wick turns vape juice into vapour.

Different styles of vape coil design including standard, mesh and ceramic offer varied performance levels to offer more cloud production and flavour.

Coils require frequent changing. Whether you can manually change them depends on the type purchased. A vape tank often features removable coils while a vape pod can be fixed or removable. With built-in coils, you replace the whole pod with another.

How Long Should a Vape Coil Last?

The lifespan of a coil in a vape depends on usage and maintenance. On average, a coil lasts between one to two weeks, but several factors can influence its longevity. Key examples include the frequency that you vape.

A heavy vaper (previously a heavy smoker) who puffs on their vape kit more times during the day will reduce the life of their coil significantly. For infrequent vaping, a vape coil could easily last a week minimum.

Other factors to consider are:

1. Type of e-liquid – A high VG e-liquid is thicker in consistency and will clog your coil at a faster rate compared to a high PG e-liquid which is thinner and therefore better for your vape coil. Read about the key differences of vegetable glycerine and propylene glycol here.
2. Coil material – Ensure a coil is purchased that is high in quality from a respected brand manufacturer, produced with one of the frequently used metals such as titanium or stainless steel explained above.
3. Smaller puffs – The life of your coil can depend on how much e-liquid is inhaled per puff. A smaller draw will increase the longevity, so the vaper gets better value.

The Role of Resistance

Resistance is a key factor in how a vape coil operates. Labelled as Ohms on the coil or in product descriptions, Ohms measure electrical resistance. It determines how much heat the coil will produce at a given power level. A greater resistance means less charge passing through. In simple terms, the calculation is (Volts ÷ resistance = number of Amps).

Lower resistance coils (Sub-Ohm below 1 Ohm) heat up faster and produce more vapour, making them ideal for cloud chasers. They consume more battery life but boost flavour levels.

In contrast, higher resistance coils produce less vapour and require less power through a lower wattage. Therefore, the battery lasts longer and is suited for those who prefer a tighter, more controlled vape.

Which Coil Resistance is Better?

A vape coil resistance can go as low as 0.10 Ohms up to very high resistances such as 3.0 Ohms. As we mentioned earlier, anything below 1.0 Ohms is considered Sub-Ohm, meaning the lower you go, the greater the cloud potential and warmth. Often vapers have a dilemma deciding which resistance to pick between the popular ranges of 0.6, 0.8, 1.0 and 1.2 Ohms.

The type of resistance you use depends on the style you will vape with. A mouth-to-lung vape is considered the closest style to smoking, drawing into the mouth, holding for a few moments and exhaling back out. The resistances to match this style are 1.0 Ohm or 1.2 Ohm for a better ‘MTL’ draw.

In comparison, you have the direct lung or more restricted direct lung vape inhalation. This is where you bypass holding vapour in the mouth. Instead, you take a draw of e-liquid, inhale directly into the lungs and then exhale back out to create larger clouds of vapour.

So, for a direct lung vape, we advise 0.6 Ohm or lower. A restricted direct lung vape can be achieved between 0.6 Ohms and 1.0 Ohms. It is more a case of trial and error to see which coil resistance works best for you, as these are general guidelines.

How to Prime a Coil Correctly

1. Prepare your vape device, vape coil and chosen pod or tank to install the coil.
2. Add a couple of drops of e-liquid to the coil wick.
3. Pop the coil into the magnetic connection of the vape tank or pod.
4. Sit for 5-10 minutes, allowing the e-liquid to saturate the wick.
5. Now you are ready to vape, with the perfectly primed setup!

The taste of your vape will be determined by how well the vape coils have been primed. How you prime your vape coil is essential for avoiding a dry-tasting vape, which is the result of an unusually dry wick.

Another side effect of not priming your coils properly is the potential for your wick to burn, leaving it in a bad state and producing some pretty awful-tasting vapes. Therefore, allow a suitable amount of time for your e-liquid to fully absorb into your wicking material. The result - you'll enjoy a far more flavoursome vape with the vapour production to match.

Your e-liquid ingredients will also have some bearing on how long you should prime your coils. E-liquids with a high PG content will usually be thinner and will, therefore, absorb the wicking material reasonably quickly. E-liquid with a high VG content will typically be thicker and will consequently require slightly longer for your wicking material to absorb the e-liquid.

When is the Right Time to Swap Your Coil?

Vape coil technology may seem daunting to the untrained eyes but rest assured the design and longevity of a vape coil is easy to manage. A coil will eventually need to be replaced but spotting the early signs listed below will help to keep your vape kit in tip-top shape for consistency, a good throat hit, and the necessary amount of cloud and flavour that hits the sweet spot.

Clear Signs of a Declining Coil

Identifying signs that your coil needs a replacement can prevent a drop in performance and ensure a satisfying vape at all times. Here are a few key indicators that it is time for a fresh coil for your vape:

1. Burnt taste - A persistent burnt flavour indicates the coil is past its prime. Once the wick is burnt, it cannot absorb vape juice properly and efficiently, leading to questionable flavour.
2. Less vapour production - If your device isn't producing as much vapour as usual, it might be time for a new coil. Once you swap for a new one, you should see your vape kit return to normal performance.
3. Gurgling Sounds - Excessive gurgling when inhaling can show a worn-out coil. That sound happens when the e-liquid level is flooded or the coil is clogged. Replacing the coil can resolve this issue and restore smooth, consistent performance.

Materials Used in Vape Coils

Various materials are used in the construction of vape coils, each offering different benefits. Kanthal is a popular choice due to its durability and ease of use. Stainless steel can be used in both wattage and temperature control modes, offering versatility. Other materials like nichrome heat up quickly, while titanium and nickel are primarily used for temperature control vaping.

How these are shaped and wrapped impacts the overall performance of the e-liquid, signalling the level of consistency in flavour and cloud oomph from each drop of vape juice turned into vapour.

The most popular styles of vape coils include:

Mesh Coils

Now considered the best style for vaping and clearly the most popular, mesh coils are created from a strip of metal with holes, offering a larger surface area.

The increased surface area allows for more e-liquid to be vaporised in one go. With the heat generation spread evenly, it creates a more consistent puff from the very first inhalation to the last before swapping your coil.

Popular with nic salts and 50-50 e-liquids containing equal amounts of PG and VG, mesh coils are best vaped MTL style at 1.2 for a tight draw or 0.8 as a loose MTL or restricted direct lung hit.

Ceramic Coils

This style is known for its longevity and ability to provide clean flavour. The ceramic material allows for even heat distribution, reducing the chances of a burnt taste. They are less prone to gunk buildup, which means fewer replacements and a consistent flavour profile over time.

How to Choose the Right Coil

Now you know the basics of vape coils; how long they should last, the materials they are produced with and how to prime them, now the fun part – selecting your favourite type to move on to the next stage.

Choosing the right coil all boils down to your personal vaping preferences. Remember to consider first what type of vape style you will go with, as that will determine the coil you pick.

Resistance Level

The resistance level of a coil plays a crucial role in your vaping experience to match the style. To reiterate, lower resistance coils (Sub-Ohm) produce more vapour and are best for direct lung (DTL) inhalation, providing a more intense flavour and cloud experience. Higher resistance coils are better for mouth-to-lung vaping, offering a more subtle and cigarette-like draw. Your final choice should match your inhalation style and desired vapour output.

Material Considerations

The material of the coil affects the vaping experience in terms of flavour, heat-up time, and suitability for different modes. Stainless steel is versatile, and suitable for both wattage and temperature control modes. Kanthal is durable and commonly used for its reliability and availability. Choosing the right material depends on whether you prioritise taste, cloud production, or flexibility in vaping modes.

Flavour vs. Vapour

Which do you value more – intense flavour or big clouds? The type of coil you select makes all the difference. Some coils, like mesh coils, are wrapped in a specific way to maximise vapour output and longevity and are ideal for those who enjoy cloud-chasing. Others, such as ceramic coils, are tailored to enhance flavour, perfect for vapers who want a more powerful but not overbearing taste. Consider what aspect of vaping brings you the most satisfaction.

Conclusion

We hope you like and value our comprehensive guide to all things vape coils. They play a crucial part in how your vape hit feels and tastes, making or breaking the performance of your e-liquid and vape kit.

Once you understand the style of vaping you prefer, find your favourite vape device and pair it with the best coil to suit, all together it creates a satisfactory way to put down cigarettes for good and switch to vaping nicotine instead.

If you have any questions or concerns about which is the best coil for your vape, at Pure E-Liquids we are delighted to guide you in your journey to find the right setup. Feel free to reach out right away!