Vape Coils

What is a Vape Coil, and How Does it Work?

A vape coil is a metal wire wrapped in a spiral shape and surrounded by a wicking material, typically cotton. When the coil is heated by the battery, it vaporises the e-liquid soaked into the wick, producing inhalable vapour. Coils come in various resistances, materials, and designs, each suited to different vaping styles.

How Often Should I Change My Vape Coil?

Coil lifespan depends on factors like e-liquid type, wattage, and usage frequency but generally lasts 1-2 weeks. Sweet or high-VG e-liquids may cause coils to degrade faster. Signs that a coil needs replacing include a burnt taste, muted flavour, or reduced vapour production.

What’s the Difference Between MTL and DTL Coils?

MTL (mouth-to-lung) coils have higher resistance (usually above 1 ohm) and work at lower wattages, providing a tighter draw and better throat hit. DTL (direct-to-lung) coils are sub-ohm (below 1 ohm), designed for high wattage and large cloud production, delivering a more open, airy draw.

What is the Best Wattage to Use for My Coil?

The ideal wattage varies by coil type and resistance, but each coil typically has a recommended wattage range indicated on the coil itself or in the user manual. Staying within this range ensures optimal flavour, vapour production, and coil lifespan while avoiding dry hits or coil burning.

What are the Different Types of Coil Materials, and How Do They Affect Vaping?

Common materials include Kanthal, stainless steel, Nichrome, and nickel. Kanthal and Nichrome are widely used for wattage mode, while stainless steel can be used for both wattage and temperature control. Nickel is typically used for temperature control only, as it’s highly reactive in wattage mode.

How Do I Know When My Vape Coil is Burnt?

A burnt coil gives a distinct burnt or harsh taste, often accompanied by reduced vapour and flavour. If the wick inside the coil is dry or if the coil has been used at too high a wattage, it can burn quickly. Changing a burnt coil immediately is recommended to avoid inhaling burnt residue.

Why Does My Vape Coil Keep Burning Out Quickly?

Coils can burn out quickly if used with the wrong wattage, if the tank is low on e-liquid, or if you’re chain vaping (taking several puffs in quick succession). Sweet, high-VG, or dark-coloured e-liquids can also cause faster coil degradation. Proper priming and using the correct wattage can help prolong coil life.

How Do I Prime a New Vape Coil?

Priming involves saturating the wick in a new coil with e-liquid before installing it in the tank. Apply a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the exposed cotton, then fill the tank and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This helps prevent dry hits and extends coil life by ensuring the wick is fully soaked.

Can I Clean and Reuse a Vape Coil?

While pre-made coils generally aren’t designed to be reused, some vapers clean coils by rinsing with warm water or soaking them in vodka to remove residue. After drying, these coils may provide a few additional days of use, though flavour and performance may be reduced. Rebuildable coils (in RDAs or RTAs) are easier to clean and reuse by replacing the cotton.

What is Mesh Coil Technology, and How Does it Differ from Regular Coils?

Mesh coils use a thin sheet of metal with multiple holes rather than a traditional wire. This design creates a larger surface area for heating, resulting in faster ramp-up times, more consistent heating, and better flavour. Mesh coils are generally more durable than standard coils and are popular in sub-ohm tanks for cloud and flavour performance.