Can you believe that something as small as a vape coil can change your whole vaping experience? The intensity of throat hit depends on the coil type, and even the puff count is shaped by its resistance.
Once you understand how coils affect flavour, vapour, and puff efficiency, it becomes much easier to choose the right setup and enjoy your vape the way it’s meant to be. Here we’ll discuss everything about vape coils and their types. To begin with, let’s start with the basic definition.
If you would like a complete breakdown of what makes each coil perform differently, you can check out our In-Depth Guide to Vape in 2025.
Here we’ll discuss everything about vape coils and their types. To begin with, let’s start with the basic definition.
What Are Vape Coils?
Just like you can’t imagine a car running without the engine, a vape also won’t work without a coil. It’s the heart of the device, which heats the e-liquid that then transforms into vapours.
Grab any vape pod, like Xros Series Corex 2.0 Version. Remove the mouthpiece from the top and right at the centre, you’ll see a hole with a coil inside. Peek in and you’ll also spot cotton or wick. The coil is also visible through the see-through window of the pod. What’s that cotton doing inside? It absorbs e-liquid like a sponge and keeps it in constant contact with the heating element.
Understanding Coil Resistance?
Before moving on to the different types, you need to have a clear idea of resistance. It’s measured in ohms and shows how easily electricity moves through the coil.
A low resistance coil (sub-ohm, below 1.0Ω) heats up faster, makes bigger clouds, and works well with thicker e-liquids.
A high resistance coil (above 1.0Ω) uses less power, gives smaller clouds, and is better for stronger nicotine or nic salts. In simple words, resistance controls how your vape feels. Coils come in different resistances to suit unique vaping preferences. Let’s explore them in detail.
Coils come in different resistances to suit unique vaping preferences. Let’s explore them in detail.
How Many Types of Coils are There?
Coils can be replaceable or built-in. For example, the OXVA Xlim SE 2 kit supports pre-built coils that cannot be replaced or removed. You’ll have to get a new pod when the liquid runs out. On the other hand, the Smok Nord Pod kit lets you replace the coil instead of the entire pod (we’ll explain this type in more detail below).
Apart from these two main categories, the coils can be divided into the following types:
Standard Round Wire Coils
When vaping first took off, the standard round wire coil was the backbone of the industry. Even today, you’ll still find them in many starter kits and basic tanks. But what exactly are they, and why are they still around in an age dominated by mesh and advanced coil builds?
Definition and Structure
A standard round wire coil is a single strand of resistance wire (usually Kanthal, stainless steel, or nichrome) wrapped around a cotton wick. Picture a spring, small enough to fit inside the casing of a replacement coil. This is the simplest form of a heating element, and it has been used since the early days of vaping.
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Pros |
Cons |
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It’s simple and heats consistently. |
The surface area of a single strand of wire is much smaller. That means less liquid is vaporised per puff, so the flavour isn’t as strong. |
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Because they’re easier to manufacture, round wire coils are generally the cheapest option. |
They take a bit longer to heat up compared to mesh or advanced builds. |
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They work at lower wattages and are ideal for beginners. |
Best Suited For
Round wire coils are best for MTL vapers, beginners, and anyone who wants nicotine satisfaction. If you’re switching from smoking and want something that feels familiar, these are a great starting point.
Mesh Coils
Mesh coils are the modern types. They use a flat strip of metal sheet perforated with tiny holes, almost like a mini net.
What Makes Them Different?
Mesh creates a much larger surface area for the e-liquid to make contact with. Rather than one wire heating up in a spiral, the mesh heats evenly across its sheet, vaporising more liquid at once.
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Pros |
Cons |
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With more surface area, every drop of e-liquid gets vaporised more effectively. |
The enhanced vapour production means you’ll use up juice quicker. |
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Offers even heating for excellent flavour. |
If paired with sub-ohm kits, it can reduce battery life. |
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Mesh coils often feel gentler on the throat, even at higher wattages. |
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They last longer than traditional coils. |
Best Suited For
Mesh coils are good for both MTL and DTL vaping. They’re used in pod kits, sub-ohm devices and Big Puffs.
Devices Using Mesh Coils
From Voopoo PnP coils in Drag pod kits to Smok Nord mesh pods, Uwell Caliburn G2/G3, and bigger tanks like the Geekvape Zeus Mesh Tank, you’ll find them almost everywhere.
Ceramic Coils
Ceramic coils use porous ceramic as a wicking material. The coil is wrapped in ceramic, which absorbs and slowly releases e-liquid to the heating element.
How Ceramic Works?
The porous structure acts like a sponge that soaks up e-liquid and holds it evenly against the wire or mesh. When heated, the ceramic distributes liquid smoothly, reducing the chance of dry hits.
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Pros |
Cons |
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Ceramic is more heat-resistant than cotton, so these coils often outlast standard ones. |
Ceramic doesn’t heat as quickly, so you might notice a slight delay compared to mesh. |
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Ceramic keeps the taste purer. |
Some users feel ceramic tones down the flavour slightly versus cotton. |
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Because ceramic absorbs more evenly, you don’t get as much popping or hot droplets. |
Ceramic coils tend to be pricier than standard options. |
Best Suited For
Ceramic coils are excellent for vapers who want smooth, consistent flavour and don’t want to change coils often. They’re particularly popular for nic salt e-liquids and lower-wattage pod systems.
Devices Using Ceramic Coils
The most famous example is Vaporesso’s CCELL ceramic coils, used in tanks like the Target series.
Advanced Wire Builds
For hobbyists, advanced coil builds are ideal. They are used with rebuildable atomisers like RTAs, RDTAs, and RDAs. Advanced coils give richer flavour and denser clouds with their larger surface area, but they need higher wattages, skill to install, and careful maintenance.
What are Clapton Coils?
One of the common types of advanced wire, Clapton coil, is named after guitar strings. A Clapton coil is made by tightly wrapping a thinner wire around a thicker core wire. This creates a textured surface with more area than plain round wire.
Other Variations
- Fused Clapton: Multiple core wires wrapped with thinner wire.
- Alien Coils: Complex versions of Clapton with unique wrapping styles, often hand-built.
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Pros |
Cons |
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The extra surface area allows more e-liquid to vaporise. |
These coils need more power to run properly, draining batteries faster. |
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Perfect for cloud chasers. |
They’re not beginner-friendly and require more skill to install. |
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Advanced users can build coils to their exact specifications. |
Pre-made advanced coils cost more, and DIY building requires tools. |
Best Suited For
Claptons and advanced builds are designed for experienced vapers who enjoy custom setups and sub-ohm vaping. They pair best with rebuildable tanks (RTAs) and drippers (RDAs).
Devices Using Advanced Coils
Not usually found in pods or starter kits; these are more for enthusiasts using rebuildable atomisers like the Geekvape Zeus RTA or Wotofo Profile RDA.
Replaceable Coils
Many modern systems use replaceable coils, which sit inside a reusable tank or pod. When performance drops, you simply swap out the coil and keep using the rest of the device.
Prefilled Pods vs Replaceable Coil Pods
- Prefilled Pods: Once the liquid is finished, you’ll throw away the entire pod.
- Replaceable Coil Pods/Tanks: You refill the pod or tank and replace just the coil, which is more sustainable.
Best Suited For
Replaceable coils are ideal for vapers who want versatility without the complexity of rebuildables. Beginners can use higher-resistance MTL coils, while more experienced users can slot in sub-ohm mesh coils.
Devices Using Replaceable Coils
- Voopoo Drag series (PnP and TPP coils)
- Smok Nord & RPM kits
- Uwell Caliburn G2/G3 pods
- Geekvape Aegis Boost
Final Verdcit
Choosing the right coil means choosing an optimal vaping experience. By now, you may have a clear understanding of all their types and how they work. Now, it’s time to choose the one that best fits your vaping style and requires minimal replacements. The best options for beginners are mesh coils. Advanced vapers can choose advanced wire builds for a more personalised vaping experience. Ready to place your order? Shop now at Ma Vapour and enjoy awesome discounts and deals.
