Ultimate Guide to Vape Coils

December 4, 2024

Vape coils are a crucial part of the vaping device and also contribute to giving the vape user a smooth experience. They are closely linked to giving an intense flavour to the user to the vapour production. As vaping is becoming popular in Auckland and across New Zealand, having a better understanding of the vape coil has become essential for beginners and experienced vapers. We will explore the various aspects of vape coils like their various types, resistance, materials and maintenance so that you can make an informed decision and have a better vaping experience each time.

What Are Vape Coils?

A vape coil is the heating element in an e-cigarette or vaping device that helps in vaporising the e-liquids to turn them into an inhalable vapour. A typical vape coil includes a piece of resistance wire wound into a coil shape that is surrounded by wicking material soaked in the e-liquid. When the device is switched on, the coil heats up to vaporise the e-liquid absorbed by the wick.

The quality and performance of a vape could significantly affect the vaping experience. Coils come in different resistance levels and materials that give out a different flavour, vapour production and throat hit, hence making it an important component.

Types of Vape Coils

Standard Coils

Description: A standard coil is made with Kanthal or stainless steel and is popular due to its simplicity and ease of use.

Use Cases: Suitable for most vape devices and preferred by beginners.

Pros: Affordable, widely available, and easy to replace.
Cons: May not provide the best vape flavour or vapour production compared to more advanced coil types.

Sub-Ohm Coils

Description: Sub-ohm is known for its resistance of less than 1 ohm, and is designed for high-wattage vaping.
Use Cases: Ideal for cloud chasers or people who enjoy high vapour production and those who prefer direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping.

Pros: Excellent vapour production and intense flavour.
Cons: Consumes more e-liquid and battery power.

Ceramic Coils

Description: Ceramic coils use a ceramic element as the wicking material, providing a smooth and clean vaping experience.

A ceramic coil has a ceramic element for the wicking material, that provides a smooth and clean vaping experience.

Use Cases: Favoured by flavour enthusiasts.

Pros: Long-lasting, enhances flavour purity, and reduces dry hits.
Cons: More expensive and can be fragile.

Mesh Coils

Description: As the name suggests they are like a mesh instead of a traditional coil wire and offer a larger surface area of heating.

Use Cases: Suitable for both flavour and vapour production.

Pros: Even heat distribution, longer lifespan, and better flavour.
Cons: Can be more expensive and require specific devices.

Coil Resistance and Its Importance

Coil resistance is measured in Ohms and is a key factor in determining the performance of a vape coil.

Impact of Coil Resistance on Vaping Experience

Flavour: Lower resistance coils (sub-ohm) tend to produce more intense flavours.
Vapour Production: Lower resistance coils generate larger clouds.
Throat Hit: Higher resistance coils often provide a stronger throat hit.

The right coil resistance will depend on your vaping style. If you are a mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaper you may prefer a high-resistance coil that provides a tighter draw. A direct-to-lung (DTL) vaper might opt for lower resistance coils for massive vapour production.

Materials Used in Vape Coils

Kanthal

Made of: Kanthal is a trademarked name for a family of iron-chromium-aluminium (FeCrAl) alloys

Characteristics: Durable, easy to work with, and widely used.

Benefits: Affordable, consistent performance.

Nickel (Ni200)

Made of: Pure nickel.

Characteristics: High-temperature coefficient, used in temperature control (TC) vaping.

Benefits: Precise temperature control.

Stainless Steel

Made of: an alloy primarily composed of iron, with at least 10.5% chromium

Characteristics: Versatile, can be used in wattage or TC mode.

Benefits: Durable, clean flavour, versatile.

Titanium

Made of: is often alloyed with small amounts of other elements such as aluminium and vanadium

Characteristics: Used exclusively in TC mode.
Benefits: Pure flavour, and excellent temperature control.

How to Choose the Right Vape Coils

Factors to Consider When Buying Vape Coils

Device Compatibility: Ensure the coil is compatible with your vape device.
Vaping Style: Consider whether you prefer MTL or DTL vaping.
Desired Flavor and Vapour Production: Choose coils that match your flavour and vapour preferences.

How to Install and Prime Vape Coils

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing a Vape Coil

Remove the old coil from your device.
Screw the new coil into place.
Ensure all connections are secure.

Importance of Priming the Coil

Priming the coil before use is essential to prevent dry hits and prolong the coil’s lifespan.

Instructions on How to Prime a Vape Coil Properly

Apply a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the coil.
Fill the tank and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
Take a few dry pulls (inhale without firing the device) to ensure the wick is fully saturated.

Maintenance and Care for Vape Coils

Tips for Extending the Life of Your Vape Coils

Avoid chain vaping to prevent overheating.
Use the recommended wattage range for your coil.
Regularly clean your tank to prevent residue buildup.

Signs to Replace Your Coil

Burnt taste
Reduced vapour production
Gurgling or leaking sounds

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Firing the device without priming the coil.
Using high wattage settings beyond the coil’s capacity.
Ignoring regular maintenance.

Troubleshooting Common Vape Coil Issues

Burnt Taste

Causes: Dry hits, old coil, high wattage.

Solutions: Prime the coil, lower the wattage and replace the coil.

Leaking

Causes: Improper installation, damaged coil, overfilling the tank.

Solutions: Reinstall the coil, check for damage, and fill the tank correctly.

Poor Flavour Production

Causes: Old coil, low wattage, clogged wick.

Solutions: Replace the coil, increase the wattage, and clean the tank.

Low Vapour Production

Causes: High resistance coil, low wattage, airflow issues.

Solutions: Use a lower resistance coil, increase the wattage, and adjust airflow settings.

Conclusion

Choosing the right vape coils is essential for a satisfying vaping experience. By understanding the different types of coils, their resistance, and materials, you can tailor your vaping setup to meet your preferences. Experimenting with various coils will help you find the best fit for your style, ensuring consistent and enjoyable vaping. For those in Auckland and NZ, numerous options are available to enhance your vaping journey. Always remember to maintain and care for your coils to prolong their lifespan and improve your overall experience.