The coil is one of the most critical components of any vaping device. It determines everything from vapor production to flavour delivery. With the wide variety of vape coils available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. This guide explores the different types of vape coils, their materials, and how they impact your vaping experience.

1. Mesh Coils

Mesh coils have revolutionized vaping by offering enhanced surface area for heating e-liquid. Unlike traditional wire coils, which use a single strand of wire, mesh coils are made of fine, perforated strips of metal. This design allows for even heat distribution, reducing the risk of dry hits and improving flavour consistency.

Benefits:

• Better flavour production due to even heating.
• Increased vapor production, ideal for cloud chasers.
• Longer coil lifespan because of efficient heat dissipation.

Mesh coils are particularly popular in sub-ohm tanks and Direct-to-Lung (DTL) setups.

2. Wire Types and Coil Materials

The type of wire used in a vape coil plays a significant role in its performance. Here’s a breakdown of common materials:

• Kanthal: A popular and durable alloy made of iron, chromium, and aluminium. It’s known for its consistent performance and affordability, making it ideal for variable wattage (VW) vaping.
• Stainless Steel (SS): A versatile material suitable for both wattage and temperature control (TC) modes. It heats quickly and provides excellent flavour.
• Nichrome (Ni80): A blend of nickel and chromium, Nichrome heats faster than Kanthal and offers a smoother vaping experience. However, it’s less durable.
• Nickel (Ni200): Used exclusively for temperature control, this material is highly conductive but not suitable for wattage modes.
• Titanium (Ti): Another option for temperature control, titanium provides precise performance but requires careful handling due to potential oxidation at high temperatures.

3. Coil Resistance

Resistance is a key factor in how a coil performs, measured in ohms (Ω). Coils are generally categorized as sub-ohm (below 1.0Ω) or above-ohm (1.0Ω or higher):

• Sub-Ohm Coils: Designed for DTL vaping, these coils produce massive clouds and intense flavour. They require more power and use e-liquids with lower nicotine levels.
• Above-Ohm Coils: Ideal for Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) vaping, these coils mimic the feel of traditional smoking and work best with higher nicotine e-liquids or nicotine salts.

4. Specialty Coils

Beyond standard coils, there are specialty options designed for advanced users:

• Clapton Coils: Made by wrapping a thinner wire around a thicker core wire, Clapton coils provide enhanced flavour and vapor production.
• Parallel Coils: These coils feature multiple strands of wire running parallel to each other, increasing surface area and improving vapor output.
• Rebuildable Coils: Found in rebuildable atomizers (RDAs or RTAs), these allow users to build their coils for maximum customization.

Choosing the Right Coil

The best coil for you depends on your vaping style and preferences. Mesh coils are excellent for flavour and cloud production, while Kanthal and Stainless Steel offer reliable performance for variable wattage and temperature control. If you’re looking for an intense and customized experience, specialty and rebuildable coils are worth exploring.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between coil types can elevate your vaping experience. Whether you’re a flavour enthusiast, a cloud chaser, or a beginner, there’s a coil designed to meet your needs. Experiment with different types to find the perfect fit for your device and preferences.