Vape coils are the beating, glowing heart of every vape device. Whether you're an experienced vaper or just starting your journey, understanding the function and significance of vape coils can help you achieve exactly the kind of vape experience you want and get the best performance out of your e-cigarette device and e-liquids.
In essence, the vape coil heats up the e-liquid in your pod or tank and turns it into the vapour that you inhale. Just like the engine in a car, choosing the right coil for your device and preferences can dramatically influence the quality and flavour of your vaping experience. As the vaping industry continues to evolve, so do vape coils, and with this guide, we aim to help you better understand, choose, and maintain your vape coils for the best vaping experience possible.
What are Vape Coils?
A vape coil is a wire coil typically wrapped around a wicking material, like cotton, that absorbs and retains e-liquid. When you press the fire button on your vape device, or take a puff with auto-inhale, the battery heats the coil, which then heats the e-liquid, turning it into vapour. The choice of coil material can dramatically influence the vaping experience, and there are several materials commonly used for coils. Kanthal is popular due to its affordability and durability. Stainless steel, nickel, and titanium are also common, and each material brings its own pros and cons.
Understanding the nuances of coil materials isn’t absolutely essential to get the most out of vaping, but it certainly equips vapers with the know-how to choose the right coil for their needs. We’ll discuss coil materials further below
How Do Vape Coils Work?
A vape coil works on the principle of Ohm's Law, where the voltage, current, and resistance all play a role in determining how hot the coil gets and how quickly it heats up. The resistance of a coil is measured in ohms and refers to how easily electricity can flow through the coil. Lower resistance (sub-ohm) coils tend to produce more vapour and flavour, ideal for DTL (direct-to-lung) vaping but require higher wattages and tend to drain batteries faster.
Higher resistance coils are more suitable for MTL (mouth-to-lung) vaping and are more energy-efficient. Wattage is the amount of power supplied to the coil and is crucial in determining the amount of vapour produced. Adjusting the wattage on your device allows you to find your sweet spot for the perfect vape. Many kits now feature Automatic Coil Detection which is a feature that detects the resistance of your coil (or integrated/fixed coil pod) and automatically sets the wattage for the most optimal flavour and vapour.
Understanding how vape coils work really helps you to get the best out of your vaping experience. Coils can vary widely in their resistance, material, and even shape, and understanding the differences can help you customize your vaping experience to your liking.
Choosing the Right Vape Coil
At Vapestore, we make it easy to choose the right coil for your device with little prior knowledge of all the variables that can make choosing coils a challenge for newer vapers. Use our handy COIL FINDER to match the perfect coil for your chosen vape kit, pod or tank.
Coil Resistance
Coil resistance is a key factor when selecting a vape coil, and it’s crucial to understand its implications on your vaping experience. As previously mentioned, the resistance of a coil is measured in ohms and determines how easily electricity flows through the coil.
Sub-ohm coils (with resistance less than 1ohm) are popular for DTL vaping and typically produce larger vapour clouds and more intense flavours. However, they require higher wattages and can quickly drain your battery. These coils are ideal for vapers who prioritize vapour production and flavour intensity.
Higher resistance coils (above 1ohm) are preferred for MTL vaping, which closely resembles the inhalation process of smoking a traditional cigarette. These coils use less power and provide a longer battery life, making them a great choice for vapers who value a more discreet and energy-efficient vaping experience.
Typical Vape Coil Resistances:
0.1 - 0.6ohms: Low resistance, suitable for Sub-Ohm, DTL (Direct-to-Lung) vaping with High-VG E-liquids and high-powered devices such as advanced vape kits and box mods.
0.6 - 1.0ohms: Medium resistance coils, suitable for RDTL (Restricted Direct-to-Lung) vaping and a slightly tighter DTL sensation, best with 50/50 and higher-VG e-liquids and more advanced pod kits.
1.0 – 1.4ohms: High-resistance coils, suitable for MTL vaping with high-PG, 50/50 and Nic Salts e-liquids and low-powered devices like starter vape kits and pod kits.
Compatibility
Not all vape coils are compatible with all vape devices. To ensure a safe and enjoyable vaping experience, it's important to choose a coil that matches your device's specifications. Pay attention to the recommended wattage range, coil resistance, and device compatibility stated by the manufacturer.
If your device features Automatic Coil Detection, it will automatically adjust the wattage based on the coil's resistance, ensuring optimal flavour and vapour production.
Vaping Style and Preferences
Your personal vaping preferences play a crucial role in selecting the right coil. If you prefer DTL vaping with large clouds and intense flavour, low-resistance sub-ohm coils are likely your best option. For a more discreet, cigarette-like experience, higher resistance coils are ideal for MTL vaping.
In addition to resistance and material, consider the coil's design and wicking material, as these factors can influence flavour and vapour production.
By understanding your vaping style and preferences, you can tailor your vaping experience to your liking and get the most out of your e-cigarette device and favourite e-liquids.
Coil Material
The material used for your vape coil can significantly impact your vaping experience. Kanthal is a widely-used material due to its affordability and durability. It's known for its ability to maintain shape even at high temperatures, making it a reliable choice for vapers of all experience levels.
Stainless steel is known for its fast ramp-up time, temperature control compatibility, and clean flavour profile. Nickel and titanium coils are primarily used in temperature control mode, if your device offers that feature, delivering a consistent vaping experience by regulating the coil's temperature.
When selecting a coil material, consider your vaping preferences, device compatibility, and any potential allergies you might have to specific metals.
Popular MTL Vape Coils at Vapestore
These MTL coils and pods are ideally matched with high PG e-liquid, 50/50, or Nic Salt e-liquids. Simply locate the coil or pod that's compatible with your vape kit, and experience that fresh coil flavour and crispy, satisfying MTL sensation with a brand-new coil. With high-resistance coils from leading brands such as Aspire, Innokin, Geekvape, Voopoo, Smok and more, you can be confident that you're choosing top-quality brands with reliable coils.
Voopoo PNP Coils
Voopoo’s PnP (Plug ‘n’ Play) coils are renowned among the vaping community and celebrated for their unparalleled adaptability and compatibility with almost the entire Voopoo’s line of innovative vape devices.
The PnP design makes changing a coil a breeze – you simply 'un-plug' the old one from your pod or tank and 'plug in' a new one. The clever design, including the coil's rubber seal, provides leak prevention, ensuring a clean refill experience every time. Though many manufacturers have attempted to replicate this intuitive system, Voopoo’s broad family of vape kits stands out for its versatility and customizable options.
With an array of resistances and constructions available, the PnP coils cater to a wide range of vaping preferences. Whether you're after a robust and flavourful DTL experience at high wattages or crave a refined MTL sensation from your pod or starter kit, Voopoo’s PnP coils provide an adaptable solution for you and your Voopoo device, allowing for a world of exploration and enjoyment.
Available resistances: 0.15; 0.2; 0.3; 0.45; 0.6; 0.8; 1.0; 1.2ohms
SMOK RPM Replacement Coils
Smoktech’s family of RPM coils represent the vape giant’s latest innovation in vaping. Ranging from 0.3 to 1.2ohm resistance, the coils offer varied builds across mesh, dual coil, triple coil and quartz configurations for a variety of MTL and DL experiences.
Compatible with many of Smok’s best vape kits, including the RPM Lite, RPM 40, and RPM 80, the choice of coils and compatible kits on offer give vapers a universe of flavour and styles to experiment with.
Available resistances: 0.3; 0.4; 0.6; 0.8; 1.0; 1.2ohms
Aspire Nautilus BVC Coils
Keep your setup running smoothly with Aspire Nautilus BVC replacement coil heads. The new and innovative coil's unique design helps the atomizer head last longer than traditional coils and offer better, purer flavour along the way.
Compatible with the Aspire K3, Nautilus and Nautilus 2 vape kits.
Available resistances: 1.6; 1.8ohms
Innokin Endura T18E Pro Coils
With Japanese organic cotton and a resistance 1.7ohm, these coils deliver satisfyingly rich flavour whilst improving vapour production from your e-liquid - all while utilising a 'no spill coil swap system' for easy, mess-free refilling.
Compatible tanks – Innokin T18E Pro Tank
Available resistances: 1.7ohm
Popular DTL/Sub-Ohm Vape Coils at Vapestore
Our range of sub-ohm coils are an excellent match for high VG sub ohm e-liquids, delivering exceptional flavour and impressive cloud production due to their superior construction with high-grade materials. Our extensive inventory includes sub ohm coils from esteemed industry leaders such as Aspire, SMOK, UWELL, Vaporesso, VOOPOO, and others. With our dependable and reasonably priced selection, you can find the ideal coil to elevate your tank's performance and give it the quality companion it genuinely merits.
Freemax Mesh Pro Triple Mesh Sub Ohm Coils
These superior quality coils feature a triple mesh composition for rich vapour production and pure, vibrant flavour. By utilising the wider surface area of mesh rather than wire or ceramic, these coils are able to offer faster and more evenly-distributed heating than standard coils. The perfect companion to keep your Freemax Mesh Pro tank performing at its very best.
Compatible with Freemax Mesh Pro Sub Ohm Tank
Available resistances: 0.15; 0.2ohms
Smok V12 Prince Dual Mesh Coils 0.2ohm
The V12 Prince mesh coils from Smok are designed for use with the hugely popular Smok TFV12 tank series and feature an increased surface area for faster heating time and stunningly-clear flavour. These coils are rated for use between 70-120 watts but perform best at 85-105 watts.
Available resistance: 0.2ohm
Uwell Crown 4 Sub Ohm Coils
These coils are designed to instantly enhance the performance and longevity of your e-cigarette setup when used with Uwell’s innovative Crown 4 tank. Constructed from high-quality SS904L wire, the Crown 4 coils are capable of delivering thick, evenly-distributed vapour, which is packed with pure, intense flavour. This robust SS904L wire is also extremely resistant to corrosion, allowing you to keep on vaping between coil changes for longer than ever before.
Available resistances: 0.2; 0.4ohms
How to Properly Prime Your Vape Coil before Vaping
Priming your vape coil means soaking the wick in e-liquid before using it for the first time. This helps prevent dry or burnt hits and prolongs the lifespan of your coil.
How to Prime a Coil
- Add E-Liquid to the Wick: Before inserting the coil into your tank, apply a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the exposed cotton wicking material.
- Install the Coil and Fill the Tank or Pod: Insert the coil into the tank/pod and fill it with your desired e-liquid.
- Wait: Allow the e-liquid to soak into the wick for about 5-10 minutes.
- Start Slowly: Begin vaping at a lower wattage and gradually increase until you reach your preferred setting.
By priming your coil before vaping, you’ll ensure a smooth and flavourful start to your vaping experience.
Maintaining and Cleaning Your Vape Coils
When should You Replace a Coil?
A vape coil typically lasts one to three weeks, depending on usage and e-liquid type. Signs you may need to replace your coil include:
- Decreased vapour production.
- Altered or burnt taste.
- Visible grime or wear on the coil.
Cleaning Your Coils
While some vapers prefer to replace coils, some coils can be cleaned to extend their life. Here’s how:
- Remove the coil and rinse it under hot water.
- Allow it to dry thoroughly (at least 24 hours).
- Re-prime the coil before using it again.
Safety Considerations
Safety is paramount when vaping, and that includes choosing and using coils. Be mindful of:
- Compatibility: Only use coils compatible with your device.
- Battery Safety: Sub-ohm coils may require higher power, so make sure your battery can handle the load. See here for more Battery Safety advice.
- Temperature Control: If using temperature-sensitive materials like nickel or titanium, ensure your device has an appropriate temperature control mode.
-
Vapouriz Premium FUSE Replacement Dual CoilFUSE Replacement Clearomizer Heads: 1.6 Ohms
5 x Coils£9.99 -
-
-
Vape Coils and E-Liquids
Different coils can significantly alter the way e-liquids taste. The relationship between coils and e-liquids includes:
- Flavour Profiles: Some coils enhance specific flavour notes, while others may mute them.
- VG/PG Ratio: The viscosity of the e-liquid (VG/PG ratio) may require different coil resistances for optimal performance.
Understanding how your coils interact with your e-liquids allows you to tailor your vaping experience to your taste preferences.
Building your own Vape Coils
For the adventurous vaper who seek a more personalised experience, building your own coils is an exciting option. By crafting your own coils, you can experiment with different materials, shapes, and resistances to find the perfect match for your vaping preferences.
While building coils requires some skill and understanding of vaping mechanics, it offers a unique way to customise your vaping journey. Many enthusiast vapers find joy in the creativity and control that comes with constructing their coils, making it a worthwhile endeavour for those inclined.
For brevity, we’ll approach the topic of building coils in another blog, but there are wealth of tutorials and tools available online for those interested in embarking on this rewarding venture. You can find all the Accessories you’ll need to easily make your own coils right here at Vapestore.
Conclusion
Understanding and choosing the right vape coils is essential for an enjoyable vaping experience. From resistance and material to priming and maintenance, vape coils offer various ways to customize your vaping. Whether you prefer big clouds, bold flavour, or an intensely satisfying cigarette-like experience, there's a coil that fits your needs right here at Vapestore.
As the vaping world continues to evolve, stay informed with our series of helpful blogs and enjoy the journey of finding your perfect vape. Remember to always prioritize safety and consult your device’s manual or our experienced and friendly Customer Services Team if you have any questions.
Free UK Delivery Over £20 
We Ship 7 Days a Week
Trustpilot Rated - 'Excellent'
Rewards Scheme - Spend & Save