Let's talk about the bit of your vape kit that actually does the work - the coil. Without it, your fancy device is just an expensive paperweight. I've been in this industry for over ten years, and I still see people getting confused about coils. What they are, how they work, when to change them, and why they matter so much.
Here's the thing - understanding coils isn't rocket science, but getting it wrong costs you money and ruins your vaping experience. Whether you're using a Pod Vape Kit, Sub-Ohm Vape Kit, or AIO vape device, the coil is what turns your E-liquid into vapour. Get this bit right, and everything else falls into place.
What Actually Is a Vape Coil?
Strip away all the marketing nonsense and a vape coil is pretty simple. It's a piece of metal (usually mesh these days) wrapped in cotton, housed in a small metal casing. When you fire your device, electricity heats the metal, which vaporizes the E-liquid soaked into the cotton. That's your vapour.
The coil sits in your tank or pod, depending on what you're using. In Sub-Ohm Vape Kits, you can usually see the coil and change it yourself. In Pod Vape Kits, it's often built into the pod - when the coil's done, you chuck the whole pod and get a new one.
How Long Should Coils Actually Last?
This is the question I get asked most, and the answer is "it depends" - which I know isn't helpful. Generally speaking, a decent coil should last you 1-2 weeks with normal use. But "normal use" varies massively between people.
Chain vape all day and you'll be changing coils weekly. Casual vaper who has a few puffs in the evening? You might get three weeks out of a coil. The E-liquid you use makes a huge difference too. Sweet, dessert flavours gunk up coils faster than simple fruit or menthol vape juice.
Quality matters as well. Cheap coils from questionable sources might last a few days. Good coils from reputable brands will give you value for money. This is why we only stock coils from manufacturers we trust.
Understanding Resistance (The Important Bit)
Right, this is where most people's eyes glaze over, but stick with me because it's actually really simple. Every coil has a number on it - something like 0.5Ω or 1.2Ω. That's the resistance, and it changes everything about how your vape works.
Think of it like a tap. High resistance is like having the tap barely open - less stuff gets through. Low resistance is like opening the tap fully - loads more gets through. In vaping terms, "stuff" is electricity, and more electricity means more heat, which means more vapour.
So high resistance coils (anything from 0.8Ω upwards) don't let much power through. You get a cooler vape with less clouds, but it feels more like smoking a cigarette. These work brilliantly in Pod Vape Kits and smaller devices.
Low resistance coils (under 0.8Ω, especially the really low ones like 0.2Ω) let loads of power through. They get hot and chuck out massive clouds. These need powerful Sub-Ohm Vape Kits to work right.
Here's the crucial bit - you can't just stick any coil in any device. Put a 0.2Ω coil in a little pod kit and nothing will happen because there's not enough power. Stick a 1.5Ω coil in a 100W mod and you'll get pathetic little wisps of vapour.
Vaping Styles and Coil Choices
Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) Vaping
This is how most people start because it's exactly like smoking. You suck the vapour into your mouth first, pause, then breathe it into your lungs. Feels natural if you're coming from cigarettes.
MTL coils are usually between 0.8Ω and 1.8Ω. They work best with nic salts or 50/50 E-liquids. You won't get massive clouds, but you will get that throat hit that satisfies ex-smokers. Perfect for Pod Vape Kits.
Restricted Direct-to-Lung (RDL) Vaping
This is the middle ground that's become really popular lately. You're breathing straight into your lungs, but the airflow is restricted so it's not completely open. Coils are typically 0.5Ω to 0.8Ω.
RDL gives you better flavour than MTL and more vapour, but it's not as intense as full DTL. Many people find this the sweet spot - enough satisfaction without looking like a steam train.
Direct-to-Lung (DTL) Vaping
DTL is like taking a deep breath - vapour goes straight into your lungs in one smooth draw. Coils are usually 0.4Ω and below, and they need serious power to work correctly.
This produces the biggest clouds and most intense flavours, but you'll go through E-liquid much faster. It's more of a hobby style of vaping rather than just a smoking replacement.
Matching E-liquids to Your Coils
Getting the E-liquid and coil combination right is crucial for good performance and coil longevity.
For MTL coils, stick with 50/50 VG/PG ratios. Nic salts work brilliantly here because they provide satisfaction at higher nicotine strengths without being too harsh. Freebase nicotine is fine too, but expect more throat hit.
RDL coils can handle both 50/50 and higher VG ratios. You've got more flexibility here - nic salts, freebase, even some shortfills work well. This versatility is why RDL has become so popular.
DTL coils need high VG E-liquids (70/30 or higher). These thick liquids require the heat and airflow that sub-ohm coils provide. Shortfills are perfect for DTL vaping, usually with added nic shots to reach your preferred strength.
Coil Materials and Construction
Most modern coils use mesh construction rather than traditional wire wraps. Mesh coils have a larger surface area, which means more even heating and better flavour. They also tend to last longer because the heat distribution is more consistent.
The metal used makes a difference too. Kanthal is the most common - it's reliable, heats evenly, and works in power mode. Stainless steel can be used in both power and temperature control modes. Nickel and titanium are mainly for temperature control, but they're less common these days.
Ceramic coils offer exceptionally clean flavour and longer life, but they're not as common as mesh. Some vapers swear by them, others find them too muted. It's worth trying if you prioritize flavour purity over vapour production.
When to Replace Your Coils
Knowing when to change coils saves money and prevents horrible vaping experiences. Here are the clear signs:
Flavour starts fading or tastes muted compared to when the coil was fresh. Burnt taste that doesn't go away after refilling your tank or pod. Significantly reduced vapour production despite full battery and adequate E-liquid. Gurgling or crackling sounds that persist. Leaking that starts suddenly when everything was fine before.
If you're getting any of these, it's time for a new coil. Don't try to push it further - burnt coils taste horrible and can't be saved.
