In-Depth Guide to Vape Coils (2025)

Think of a vape coil as the heart of your vape. It’s a small heating element, usually made of resistance wire or mesh, wrapped around cotton. When you press the fire button, your battery sends power to the coil, it heats up, and the e-liquid in the cotton turns into vapour.

Inside every coil you’ll find:

• Wire: It’s usually made of Kanthal, stainless steel, or Nichrome.
• Cotton wick: This absorbs the e-liquid.
• Casing: It’s the metal shell that keeps it all together and slides into your tank or pod.

So why does such a tiny part matter so much? Because it decides almost everything about your vape: flavour intensity, cloud size, throat hit, warmth, and how often you’ll be buying replacements.

Vape coils heat up when electricity from the battery passes through the wire. The coil warms the wick soaked in e-liquid, turning it into vapour. Coil resistance, wattage, and wire type determine how hot it gets, how fast it heats, and how much vapour is produced.

Resistance (measured in ohms) is how much the coil resists the electrical current coming from your device’s battery. A lower resistance coil allows more current to pass through, which makes it heat up faster and hotter. A higher resistance coil restricts the current, heating more slowly and producing less vapour. That’s why coil resistance directly affects flavour, cloud production, and even how strong the throat hit feels.

The idea of coil resistance comes from basic physics. “Ohm’s Law.” The “ohm” (Ω), named after German physicist Georg Ohm, measures how easily electricity flows through a wire. What’s fascinating is that this simple bit of school science has shaped how millions of people vape today, making Ohm’s Law one of the most vaped-about equations in history.

High-Resistance Coils

Best for: MTL & RDTL

Ideal devices: Starter and pod kits

These coils (1.0Ω or greater than 0.6Ω) are usually used for MTL (mouth-to-lung) vaping. They produce less vapour and give a tighter, cigarette-like draw. They work best with 50/50 e-liquids or nic salts, because those liquids are thinner and wick quickly.

Low-Resistance Coils

Best for: DTL

Ideal devices: Advanced Kits

Low-resistance coils or sub-ohm coils, typically with a resistance below 1.0 ohm, are designed for DL (direct-lung) vaping. They produce an immense amount of vapour. That’s why they’re loved by cloud chasers and anyone who enjoys a warm, airy draw. These coils work best with 70VG/30PG e-liquids or other high-VG blends, which are thicker and create denser vapour.

Note: Vapers who are quitting smoking and want something familiar, a higher resistance MTL coil will suit you. If you enjoy bigger clouds and a looser draw, sub-ohm coils are a good choice.

Coils can come in either pre-built or replaceable forms. This depends on which type of pod/tank you’re using. Both have their advantages, and knowing which one suits your needs ensures a better flavour, longer coil life, and overall satisfaction.

Pre-built Coils

Pre-built coils come attached to the tank or pod. You can’t remove them, and once they wear out, the vaper would need to replace the entire pod. Most starter kits, big puffs, pod systems, and prefilled kits use pre-built coils.

For example, the Vaporesso Luxe X Pro comes with a pre-installed coil, so when the coil reaches the end of its life, the whole pod needs replacing.

Replaceable Coils

Replaceable Coils come separately, and you’ll need to manually attach them to your tank or pod. For example, the Vaporesso Armour Max Kit uses replaceable coils, allowing vapers to swap between 0.4Ω mesh coils for RDTL or 0.2Ω coils for DTL.

Similarly, the VooPoo Vinci X lets users change PnP Coils without replacing the entire pod. This gives more control over flavour, vapour production, and coil longevity. This flexibility is ideal for vapers who like to experiment or want a more cost-effective option over time.

There are many vape coil types, and each offers different advantages. It’s important to note that every coil is manufactured for a unique vaping style. Below are discussed the different types of vape coils:

1. Wire Coils

   Wire coils are the oldest coil types. They consist of a simple spiral of resistance wire combined with a cotton wick. Wire coils come in many starter kits and remain a reliable option for everyday use.

   Pros:

   • Affordable to produce.
   • Reliable and easy to understand.
   • Often used in beginner kits.

   Cons:

   • Heat isn’t evenly spread, so you sometimes get “hot spots.”
   • Flavour can feel muted compared to newer coil designs.
2. Mesh Coils

   Instead of a single wire, mesh coils use a sheet of thin metal with tiny holes (like a mesh screen). This design means the surface area is much larger, so it heats more evenly and vaporises more e-liquid at once.

   Pros:

   • Excellent flavour.
   • Denser vapour production.
   • Longer coil lifespan compared to standard wire.

   Cons:

   • Usually burns through liquid quickly.
   • Slightly pricier than standard coils.
3. Ceramic Coils

   Ceramic coils replace (or combine) the cotton wick with a porous ceramic material. Ceramic holds liquid more evenly and withstands heat better, which can result in a smoother taste and longer coil life.

   Pros:

   • Cleaner flavour, especially with subtle juices.
   • Less risk of dry hits.
   • Durable at higher temperatures.

   Cons:

   • Some vapers find the flavour feels muted compared to mesh.
   • More expensive.
4. Rebuildable Coils

   These are for advanced vapers. You can build your own coils using spools of wire and cotton. Rebuildable atomisers let you customise resistance, airflow, and coil design.

   Pros:

   • Much cheaper long-term.
   • Full control over coil builds.
   • Often, the best flavour is when done correctly.

   Cons:

   • Steeper learning curve.
   • Time-consuming to build and maintain.
   • Not beginner-friendly.
5. Specialised Variations

   You’ll also see designs like dual coils (two coils for more vapour), triple coils, or even exotic builds in rebuildable kits. For most everyday vapers, though, mesh and ceramic are the go-to choices.

Matching the right e-liquid to the right coil affects vapour production, throat hit, and how long your coil lasts. If you ignore this step, you’ll end up with a poor vaping experience. Here are some e-juice options with an explanation of their compatible coils:

Higher PG or Nic Salt E-Liquids

Nic salts and 50/50 e-liquids are thinner and absorb more easily. They’re perfect for MTL coils (usually 1.0Ω and above), which are smaller and use less cotton.

High VG E-Liquids

High VG (vegetable glycerine) liquids are thick, syrupy, and designed for sub-ohm coils (those under 1.0Ω). These coils have larger wicking ports and are built to handle the viscosity. They offer big clouds and smooth flavour delivery.

Shortfills vs Nic Salts

Nic salts work best with low-power MTL coils, delivering a smooth throat hit even at higher nicotine strengths. Shortfills, on the other hand, pair better with sub-ohm coils at lower strengths (usually 3mg).

The Golden Rule

In short:

• Sub-ohm coils: High VG, low nicotine, smooth flavour, big clouds.
• MTL coils: 50/50 blends or nic salts, higher nicotine, cigarette-like draw.
• Sweet juices: Great taste, shorter coil lifespan.

Get the pairing right, and your vape will taste clean, consistent, and satisfying.

Wattage in vaping is essentially the amount of power your device sends to the coil. More wattage means the coil heats up faster and hotter, vaporising more liquid at once. Less wattage gives a cooler, gentler vape and uses up less e-liquid per puff.

Every coil is designed to perform best within a specific wattage range, which is usually labelled on it.

For example, if a coil says 30–40W, it means you’ll get the best results somewhere in that bracket. Running it at 20W may feel weak and underwhelming, and firing it at 50W risks burning the cotton and ruining the coil in no time.

Pro Tip

If you’re using a new coil, always start at the lower end of the recommended wattage. Take a few draws and gradually increase until you find your preferred balance. And remember, wattage isn’t the only factor; airflow and e-liquid VG/PG ratio also interact with coil performance, so it’s worth experimenting with small adjustments instead of maxing things out straight away.

A brand-new coil is made of resistance wire and cotton. That cotton is completely dry when it comes out of the box. If you fire the device without preparing it properly, the cotton may burn instantly. Priming is simply the process of soaking the cotton with e-liquid before using the coil. The process ensures it performs smoothly from the very first puff.

1. Before installing the coil, drip e-liquid onto the exposed cotton holes around the coil’s sides and, if visible, onto the top of the cotton inside.
2. Once the coil has some liquid, fit it securely into your tank or pod system according to the device’s design.
3. Add your chosen e-liquid to the tank. Filling now allows liquid to fully surround the coil cotton.
4. Let the coil sit to soak completely. Some thicker juices may even need 15 minutes.
5. Take a couple of gentle draws on the mouthpiece. This helps pull liquid through the cotton naturally.
6. If your device allows, set the wattage below the coil’s maximum rating and take the first few puffs gently. After that, you can gradually raise the power to your preferred level.

By priming a new coil, you guarantee better flavour, smoother draws, and longer coil life. Hence, never skip this step.

Even with proper care, coils don’t last forever and can run into issues. However, most problems are easy to spot and even easier to fix. Here are the most common coil issues and how to deal with them:

Leaking: Usually happens when using the wrong e-liquid for the coil, overfilling the tank, or when seals are damaged. Switching to the correct VG/PG ratio, filling carefully, or replacing worn O-rings can help.

Gurgling: A flooded coil can cause bubbling and spit-back. The fix is simple: clear out the excess liquid by blowing gently through the mouthpiece or taking longer, slower draws.

Burnt Taste: Usually caused by running the coil too hot or vaping without enough e-liquid in the wick. Fix it by lowering the wattage, ensuring the coil is primed properly, or replacing it if it’s already burnt out.

Short Lifespan: Coils don’t last forever, but habits like chain vaping, using very sweet juices, or allowing dry hits can shorten their life. Choosing cleaner e-liquids, giving the wick time to re-saturate, and avoiding constant hits will make them last longer.

Keeping an eye on these signs and acting early will save you money and keep your vape tasting fresh.

Yes. Custom coils let you control resistance, cloud output, and flavour. If you’re new to vaping, it’s best to stick with pre-made coils. But for hobbyists, coil building can be cost-effective and more amazing.

What You’ll Need

• Resistance wire (Kanthal, stainless steel, and nichrome are common)
• A coiling jig or screwdriver for wrapping wire
• Wicking material
• Wire cutters and ceramic tweezers
• An ohm reader or a regulated mod to test resistance
• Small scissors for trimming wick

How to Build a Vape Coil

1. Start with around 4–6 inches of resistance wire. This gives you enough length for wrapping and trimming.
2. Using a jig or screwdriver, wrap the wire 5–8 times, depending on the resistance you want. More wraps mean higher resistance. Keep each wrap tight and evenly spaced.
3. Place the coil legs into the deck posts of your RDA, RTA, or RDTA, then tighten the screws to secure them.
4. Before heating, attach the atomiser to an ohm reader or regulated mod. This ensures the resistance is safe for your battery.
5. Pulse the coil gently at low wattage until it glows evenly from the centre outwards. Use ceramic tweezers to pinch and adjust hot spots.
6. Thread a strip of cotton through the coil. It should fit securely but not so tightly that it distorts the wraps. Trim excess cotton and tuck it into the juice wells.
7. Saturate the cotton with a few drops of e-liquid.
8. Rebuild your tank or RDA, check airflow, then start at a low wattage before gradually increasing to your preferred level.

Things to Consider

Building coils requires an understanding of Ohm’s law and battery safety. Using the wrong resistance or pushing a battery beyond its safe limits can be dangerous. Always test coils before firing, avoid damaged batteries, and use regulated mods where possible.

When buying vape coils in the UK, you’ll see the term TPD compliant everywhere. This comes from the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD), the rules that make sure all vaping products sold are safe and properly regulated.

Here’s what it means for you as a coil buyer:

• Safe Materials: Coils are made from wire and cotton that meet strict safety standards, so you’re not exposed to harmful or banned substances.
• Proper Packaging: High-quality coils come in tamper-evident boxes with clear safety info, so you know they’re sealed and trustworthy.
• Device Tested: Coils are tested to ensure they work safely with their matching tanks and vape kits.
• UK Registered: Every coil sold legally in the UK is listed with the MHRA, the official health regulator.

Turn off your device, remove the tank or pod, and unscrew or pull out the old coil. Slide the replacement coil into position. Prime the wick with e-liquid, reassemble the tank, and start at low wattage to avoid burning.

No matter if you choose a pre-built coil or a replaceable one, always make sure to prime your coil, use the right wattage, and pay attention to your vaping style. Further, it’s also important to clean and replace them regularly.

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