Vape coils are the heart of any vaping kit. In this article, we've summarized and answered some of the most frequently asked questions about vape coils so you can better understand these devices - whether you're an avid vaper or just starting your vaping journey. Read below For more information, you can also search for coil on our website to enter the product page to compare product information.
WHAT IS A VAPE COIL?
The vape coil is a lot like the heart of your mod or e-cigarette kit, it's the unit responsible for heating up the e-liquid and vapourising it. The coil resistance can be adjusted according to how many wraps of a wire there are, the gauge and type of wire. You'd then measure this resistance with the help of an Ohmmeter. Low resistance coils produce warmer vapour and larger clouds, whereas high resistance coils produce a cooler vape with less current. The resistance of the coil element will determine which type of e-liquid to vape.Despite being so integral, the coil is a fairly simple mechanism. It's constructed from a coiled wire or a piece of mesh and some wicking material (usually cotton). There are plenty of different wires and wicking materials to choose from and the best one for you really depends what you want to get out of your vaping experience.
DIFFERENT VAPE COIL TYPES
Whether you're using a pre-made coil or are building your own, there are a few things to consider. Some brands will have both a ceramic and cotton option and occasionally use other materials including flax and wood pulp as a wicking material. Each of these have different effects on flavour and cloud production. The same rule applies when you build your own coils as different metals have different properties in terms of ramp up time, flavour and which mode they can be used in.
CERAMIC COIL
A ceramic coil material is porous, so air passes through it particularly well and offers a super smooth draw. Many reviewers find that the ceramic material brings out the flavour more than other materials. They tolerate high wattages well too so they're a great addition to the more high-powered mods on the market. Ceramic coils have also been touted to last longer than cotton coils and help prevent dry hits.
STAINLESS STEEL COIL
There has been a lot of debate around what kind of stainless steel is actually stainless steel, mostly because there are multiple different "grades" you can buy. 430-grade stainless steel wire is known for its magnetic properties and for being durable and long-lasting, but most grades of stainless steel will be similarly tough. When it comes to building, stainless steel is one of the most versatile metals as you can use it temperature control mode or wattage mode. Apparently if you look after it very carefully, a stainless steel coil can last for 25 years.
TITANIUM COIL
Titanium wires are particularly soft and malleable making them easy to handle, twist and cut. This does make it slightly more expensive than its stainless steel equivalent, but that hasn't stopped it from becoming an increasingly popular material. Titanium provides an especially clean and crisp tasting vape but there has been a lot of discussion around how safe it is. Titanium is used in fireworks to create white sparks and is more flammable than other coil materials, so vapers need to handle it with care. It's only compatible with temperature control mode so you need to consider the temperature carefully, but many mods offer a "TC Ti" mode especially for these coils.
KANTHAL COIL
Kanthal is a combination of iron, chromium and aluminium and is a popular wire used in both pre-made and home made coils. It has a super quick ramp up time and as such, creates impressive amounts of vapour. Kanthal coils are only suitable to be used in wattage mode. However, it's a soft and easy to work with wire whilst also holding its shape nicely, making it a popular option to work with for many vapers.
NICKEL COIL
The number of nickel wires on offer can be dizzyingly confusing, so look out for Ni200 wire, which is a 99.6% nickel alloy.Many temperature control mods prioritise nickel coils over other materials because it's great for low resistance. There are some things to be aware of though - nickel coils should never be dry fired for too long, and they're not suitable for variable voltage or variable wattage kits either. Some people can have also an allergy to Nickel (the same way they can be allergic to Nickel jewellery).
NICHROME COIL
Nichrome is exactly what it says on the tin - 80% Chromium and 20% Nickel. This alloy heats up much quicker than Kanthal, offering a reliable amount of cloud production and a pleasant, warm vape. It also protects the heating element from oxidation, which can change the colour and even taste of your e-liquid. Nichome can only be used in wattage mode. This combined with its quick ramp up time makes it another popular choice with Sub Ohm vapers.
VAPE COILS - OHMS
As we all know, the Ohm level measures electrical resistance, which influences affects taste and cloud production. When you're building your coils it's crucial that you measure the resistance with an Ohmmeter for your own peace of mind, safety and to make sure you create the desired vaping experience.
A SUB OHM COIL
A lower resistance will provide warmer vapour, a slightly drier hit, and bigger clouds. The downside is that you're going to use your e-liquid more quickly and typically you need to vape at a higher wattage meaning your 18650 li-ion battery will drain faster.
A PLUS OHM COIL
The benefits of a higher resistance coil are much more steady battery use, a cooler vape and less vapour. This of course is all a matter of preference. If you're keen on big clouds then you can forgive draining battery life (or just keep a few spares on you). If you prefer a vape that lasts all day, you'll probably be better off with a higher resistance coil.
How often Should you Replace Vape Coils?
Vape coils don’t last forever, it’s as simple as that. It all depends on the heat levels and the frequency of use. For instance, if you are a regular vaper and you’re using your equipment on a daily basis, then you’re most likely going to need to change your vape coils more often. Overall, several factors affect how often you should replace your coils - such as the PG/VG of your e-liquid, and the wattage and voltage that you use. Normally a coil can last between 1-2 weeks and the easiest way to know when to change the coil is, when you taste the flavour fading away or get a burnt taste when you vape.
How Can you Make a Coil Last Longer?
You might be asking yourself if there is anything you can do to lengthen your coils’ lifespan. Yes, there is - you can prime your coil to extend its life. This is very simple, all you need to do is add a few drops of juice to the wicking material, so that it can sink in first. Next, once the coil is placed securely in your tank, you need to fill the tank with your e-liquid and let it settle for a couple of minutes. It is recommended to start off on a lower power setting, and gradually raise the power later on.
WHEN TO CHANGE A VAPE COIL
Depending on the heat levels and the frequency of use, your coils won't last forever. The PG/VG of your e-liquid can burn it out faster, as can the wattage and voltage that you use. If you're a very frequent vaper, and you're putting your equipment through the ringer, you're obviously going to need to change the coil more often. High wattage, sweet flavours and a high VG e-juice (usually factors in cloud chasing) will burn through coils and wicking material faster. The best way to educate yourself on changing your vape coils is to use the various YouTube tutorials on the topic, because they offer a visual guide too.
Does one coil work on all tanks?
Each tank or vape kit has its own coil and while some coils are cross compatible with different tanks more then likely the tank you’ve will only take its own coils. So its always best to buy the coils that are designed for your tank.
You will also notice when purchasing a coil that you will have options for different resistance. Different resistance runs on different settings (wattage) and you can buy the one that best suits your needs. If you are looking for dense big clouds and more vape its best to buy a coil that runs on higher wattage whereas if you're looking for less vape and more of MTL vaping experience its best to buy a coil that runs on lower wattage coil.
