Vape Coils Explained: Types, Performance, and Care

Ever wondered how your vape device actually turns liquid into that satisfying plume of vapour? Look no further than the coil.

This tiny component may not look like much, but it’s the backbone of every vaping setup. From flavour quality to cloud production, your choice of coil (and how you care for it) plays a huge role in shaping your overall vape experience.

What Are Vape Coils, and Why Do They Matter?

Vape coils typically consist of a small wire wrapped in wicking material—often cotton—that absorbs your e-liquid. When the wire heats up, it vaporises the liquid, creating both the taste and throat hit you associate with vaping.

While that might sound straightforward, coils come in a variety of designs that significantly impact factors like flavour clarity, vapour volume, and whether your draw feels more like a traditional cigarette (mouth-to-lung) or a direct lung inhale.

Early in the history of vaping, coils were simple, single-wire setups. Today, you’ll find mesh coils, Clapton coils, ceramic coils, rebuildable coils, and more. Each type aims to refine aspects like flavour intensity, vapour density, or user convenience, so finding the right match can really elevate your vape sessions.

Exploring Different Coil Types

Standard (Beginner-Friendly) Coils

Many starter kits come with these pre-installed “no fuss” coils, which generally have higher resistance. They’re perfect for mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping, giving you moderate vapour output without a steep learning curve. If you want to skip coil swaps entirely, consider disposable vapes—they come pre-filled and pre-charged, so you can vape without any upkeep.

Sub-Ohm Coils (Cloud Chasers)

When you see people blowing enormous clouds, chances are they’re using sub-ohm coils (for recommended setups, see the best sub-ohm tanks guide). These coils register below 1 ohm of resistance and are paired with higher wattage settings to produce thick, warm vapour. For best results, sub-ohm vapers often use high-VG (vegetable glycerin) e-liquids. If you love big, billowy clouds or enjoy a warmer, more intense inhale, sub-ohm is where it’s at.

Mesh Coils (Flavour-Focused)

Instead of relying on a single wire, mesh coils use a fine mesh sheet to heat your e-liquid. This design distributes heat more evenly and ramps up quickly. As a result, you’ll often notice more vibrant flavour and a smooth, satisfying draw. Mesh coils also tend to last longer than standard coils, making them an excellent pick if you’re chasing top-notch flavour but still appreciate a decent cloud.

Clapton Coils (Richer Taste)

Inspired by the concept of guitar strings, Clapton coils feature a thinner wire wrapped around a thicker core. This construction creates a larger surface area, leading to a fuller, more nuanced flavour and substantial vapour production. They do demand a bit more power than simpler coils, but many flavour enthusiasts swear by them for their depth and intensity.

Ceramic Coils (Clean and Durable)

Ceramic coils incorporate ceramic as part of the wicking material or as a layer around the wire. They’re prized for delivering a crisp, clean taste and for handling sweeter or thicker e-liquids without getting gunked up as quickly. If you want a coil that’s long-lasting and consistently delivers pure flavour, ceramic could be the way to go.

Rebuildable Coils (DIY Enthusiasts)

For those who like to fine-tune every aspect of their vaping experience, rebuildable coils are the ultimate playground. You’ll place custom-made coils into rebuildable dripping atomisers (RDAs) or rebuildable tank atomisers (RTAs).

If you love tinkering, consider setups like squonk mods that pair perfectly with rebuildable atomisers for ultimate customization. While this route offers unparalleled control over resistance, coil shape, and wicking material, it does require a more advanced grasp of coil building and battery safety.

Coil Materials: More Than Just Metal

Along with coil designs, the material used in the wire can shape flavour and performance:

• Kanthal: A go-to for wattage mode—affordable and durable.
• Stainless Steel (SS): Heats quickly and works with both wattage and temperature control modes, known for delivering a clean flavour.
• Nichrome (Ni80): Heats up fast, commonly used in sub-ohm setups, offering a smooth flavour profile.
• Nickel (Ni200): Designed specifically for temperature control mode; requires delicate handling because it’s soft.
• Titanium (Ti): Also for temp control, offering stable performance when used within the right settings.
• Mesh (Sheets): Often made of Kanthal or stainless steel, a mesh can eliminate “hot spots” and boost flavour.

What Drives Coil Performance?

Resistance Level:
Coils below 1 ohm (sub-ohm) produce a warmer vape with dense clouds and typically demand more power. Coils above 1 ohm deliver a cooler, tighter draw and require less power, which many MTL vapers find satisfying.

Wattage Settings:
Lower wattage can help your coil last longer and sometimes brings out more subtle flavour notes, while higher wattage usually ramps up vapour output—at the expense of coil life.

E-Liquid Composition:
High-VG juices excel with sub-ohm or mesh coils since they’re thicker and produce more vapour. High-PG e-liquids suit higher-resistance coils and can intensify the throat hit.

Caring for Your Vape Coils

Because coils work hard under high heat, they’ll inevitably degrade over time. Understanding how to care for them can help you avoid burnt tastes and keep your vape sessions smooth.

Coil Lifespan:
A typical coil lasts around one to two weeks with moderate use. Sweet or overly thick e-liquids can build up residue more quickly, shortening that timeframe. High-wattage vaping also accelerates wear and tear.

Maintenance Tips:

• Prime New Coils: Always saturate the wick with e-liquid before using a fresh coil. Then let it sit for several minutes to prevent burning the cotton.
• Clean Rebuildables: If you’re using rebuildable coils, you can rinse them gently under warm water and use a soft brush to remove residue. Make sure everything is dry before reassembling.
• Choose Quality E-Liquids: Extremely sweet or thick juices tend to gunk up coils faster, so if you’re constantly burning out coils, you might consider switching brands or reducing sweetener content.

Warning Signs of a Spent Coil:

• Burnt Taste: A harsh, scorched flavour is the biggest giveaway.
• Reduced Vapour: If your clouds suddenly drop off, it may mean the coil’s losing efficiency.
• Gurgling or Leaks: When your wick can’t absorb liquid properly, you might notice excess e-liquid around the coil or in the airflow.

Troubleshooting Common Coil Issues

Burnt Tastes or Dry Hits

If you notice a sharp, unpleasant flavour, your coil might not be primed, or you’re vaping at a wattage that’s too high. Also, make sure your tank never runs dry—keeping an eye on e-liquid levels can help you avoid those nasty burnt hits.

Reduced Vapour Production

This often signals that your coil is on its last legs or that you need to clear out any blockages. Ensure the airflow isn’t obstructed, and double-check you’re vaping within the recommended wattage range.

Gurgling and Leaking

Overfilling your tank, loose seals, or misaligned components can introduce excess liquid into the coil area. Make sure to fill only to the recommended line, check that your O-rings are in good condition, and ensure the coil is firmly in place. If you still get flooding, lightly blow out any extra liquid.

Tailoring Coils to Your Vaping Style

Rather than settling for a single type of coil, it helps to pick one that aligns with your personal preferences:

1. Flavour Connoisseurs: Mesh coils and Clapton coils often deliver exceptional flavour clarity and depth. Pair them with moderate wattage and well-crafted e-liquids for a truly rich experience.
2. Cloud Enthusiasts: Sub-ohm and multi-coil builds (like dual- or triple-coil RDAs) are designed for massive vapour production. High-VG juices and increased airflow settings are your best friends here.
3. Balanced Performance: If you want a nice mix of flavour and vapour without too much hassle, stick with standard pre-built coils or single-mesh coils at moderate wattages.
4. Tinkering Hobbyists: Rebuildable coils in RDAs or RTAs let you micromanage everything from wire material to coil geometry. This path requires more knowledge and effort but offers the ultimate in customization.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Coil

There isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” solution when it comes to vape coils. The perfect choice depends on how you like to vape—whether that’s savouring intricate flavour layers or chasing room-filling clouds. Keep these factors in mind:

• Flavour vs. Vapour: If flavour is your top priority, look for mesh, Clapton, or ceramic coils. If you love giant clouds, sub-ohm and multi-coil setups rule.
• Maintenance and Skill Level: Ceramic and standard coils require the least upkeep, while rebuildables and Claptons suit more advanced users.
• Budget Considerations: Frequent coil replacements can add up, especially if you love sweet or thick juices. Rebuildable coils have a higher learning curve but can be more economical over time.

As you gain experience, don’t be afraid to experiment. The vaping world is diverse, and part of the fun lies in discovering new setups that perfectly suit your evolving tastes and techniques.

FAQs

Which Coil Is Best for Flavour?
Mesh or Clapton coils often reign supreme. Mesh coils heat evenly for consistent flavour, while Clapton coils provide a larger surface area for a more intense taste.

When Should I Replace My Coil?
Look out for burnt or unpleasant tastes, dwindling vapour output, and any persistent gurgling or leaking. These signs usually mean it’s time to swap in a new coil.

Can I Clean and Reuse Coils?
Most disposable pre-built coils aren’t meant for repeated cleaning. Rebuildable coils, however, can be rinsed off (when cool!) and gently brushed. Just make sure everything is completely dry before you re-wick and vape again.

Which Coils Work Best with High-VG E-Liquids?
Sub-ohm or mesh coils generally handle thicker, high-VG liquids without clogging or dry hits.

Are All Coils Compatible with Temperature Control?
Not exactly. Nickel (Ni200), titanium (Ti), and stainless steel (SS) coils are suitable for TC mode. Always double-check your device’s compatibility first.