A vape can be charged, filled with your usual e-liquid and ready to be used, and suddenly it feels like something is off. The flavour is weaker. The vapour production is lower. There's a constant burnt taste that comes back no matter how many times you try to clear it. Maybe it's the battery or maybe it's the e-liquid, but there's one other component that you may want to consider before replacing any other parts - the coil. In many refills, it is one of the most important parts of your device, having a large impact on vapour production, flavour and overall satisfaction but with different resistances, mesh construction and power requirements, choosing the best coil for your device can be more challenging than expected. So, what exactly is a coil, what does it do and how do you know when you need a new one? Let us guide you through everything you need to know about vape coils.

What Is a Vape Coil?

The coil is a heating element that is used in refillable tank or pod systems. Upon activation, the battery powers the coil, which in turn heats the e-liquid that has been absorbed into the wicking material of the coil. As a result, the e-liquid turns into vapour, which can then be inhaled by the user. As a general rule, coils contain a heating element as well as a wicking material, which keeps the coil saturated with e-liquid. The materials used may vary from brand to brand, and so can the performance of the coil, which is why coils can vary considerably despite being marketed as a 'replacement'. Coils are also consumables, meaning that, unlike the battery or the tank, they are designed to be replaced when their performance begins to drop.

Why Does the Coil Make Such a Difference?

While it may be a small part, the coil can have a considerable impact on how an open or pod system performs. The construction of a coil can impact flavour, vapour production, vapour temperature, e-liquid consumption and power requirements. This is why swapping one coil for another can completely change the feel of a device. However, there isn't a 'best' coil that will suit everyone. A coil that is designed to be run at high power may not be compatible with a low powered pod, and a high resistance coil that is designed to be restricted may not be suited to a high powered tank. Compatibility is key.

What Does Coil Resistance Mean?

One of the first things you may notice about a coil is a number, followed by a symbol.

Coils can vary considerably in their resistance values, usually spanning from 0.2Ω to 1.2Ω, again varying from brand to brand. As a general rule of thumb, you want lower resistance coils for higher power and higher resistance coils for lower power. However, there isn't a set value that tells you how to use a coil. Always use the suggested wattage range from the manufacturer, as this will give you the best idea of how to use the coil.

Lower-Resistance Coils

Lower resistance coils are usually rated for higher power than higher resistance coils and have lower wattage requirements. Lower resistance coils are usually found in higher powered devices, offering more vapour production and a more direct-to-lung feel, although they also tend to consume more e-liquid and battery power.

Higher-Resistance Coils

Higher resistance coils generally perform best at lower power settings. They can be found in more restricted devices, and are best suited to mouth-to-lung vaping, although there are some exceptions. Always remember that while power and resistance can impact the performance of a coil, not all coils are made equal and should be used according to the manufacturer's guidelines.

What Is a Mesh Coil?

If you've browsed replacement coils, it's highly likely that you've come across the term 'mesh coil'. While traditional coils usually feature a wire heating element, mesh coils usually take the form of a thin metal mesh. Essentially, the design increases the surface area of the heating element, allowing more of the wicking material to be heated, resulting in more vapour production. Mesh coils are now common across most coil ranges. Most major coil brands such as Geekvape and Innokin now offer mesh options in a variety of resistance options, power ranges and constructions.
While mesh coils offer some benefits, you should still consider the compatibility of the coil with your device.

Why Does Wattage Matter?

In addition to the coil resistance value, you'll also see a wattage value. Wattage essentially measures how much power is delivered to the coil when the device is in use.
Wattage will vary depending on the coil, with some coils being rated from 20W-30W and others capable of much higher power levels. If you have a wattage adjustable device, it's usually recommended to err on the lower side of the recommended range. High wattage can reduce flavour quality, vapour production and coil life.

How Do You Know When a Coil Needs Replacing?

Unfortunately, there isn't a magic number of days that every coil will last. There are a number of factors that impact how long a coil will last, such as the frequency of use, the e-liquid being used, the wattage it is being run at and the construction of the coil itself. Rather than counting days, it's better to pay attention to performance changes.

A Persistent Burnt Taste

A persistent, unpleasant burnt taste is one of the most common signs that a coil needs replacing. Provided you're using the correct wattage and the coil is sufficiently saturated, a constant unpleasant burnt taste is a sign that the coil needs replacing.

Flavour Becomes Weak

Suddenly, your favourite flavour isn't as good as it used to be. A noticeable drop in flavour performance can also indicate that a coil needs to be replaced.

Vapour Production Drops

If you notice a significant drop in vapour production, the coil may need to be replaced. That said, it's also wise to double check your e-liquid levels, airflow and battery charge before replacing the coil.

The Coil Shows Visible Build-Up

Depending on the design of the coil or tank, it may be possible to see the coil or wicking material. Visible darkening or a visible film can be a sign that the coil needs to be replaced.

How Long Does a Vape Coil Last?

This is one of the most common questions that we get, but there isn't a simple answer. Two people using the same coil can have vastly different results due to a number of factors.
Coil construction, frequency of use, e-liquid type, wattage and how well the coil is saturated can all impact how long a coil lasts. With that being said, it's usually better to look at performance rather than time.

Does E-Liquid Affect Coil Life?

Yes, it can. Some e-liquids will leave behind more residue than others, especially those that are sweeter, and so will impact flavour and coil performance more than others.
Power levels can also impact coil lifespan. Higher power levels within a coil's recommended wattage range will consume e-liquid faster and may impact coil performance and lifespan. Coil lifespan is impacted by a number of factors, not just the coil itself.

How to Choose the Right Replacement Coil?

When purchasing a new coil, it's important to keep a few things in mind. First and foremost, always check the compatibility of the coil with your device. Most brands will have multiple coil ranges, and just because a coil looks similar to the one you're replacing doesn't mean that it will work. Next, make sure that the coil is suitable for your device. Most coils will have a resistance value (marked in Ω) and a wattage range to let you know what kind of device it is best suited for.

Beyond that, consider the intended vaping style. Does the coil recommend mouth-to-lung, restricted direct-to-lung or direct-to-lung vapour production? If you're unsure, always check the device manual or the manufacturers website before buying.

Replacing a Vape Coil

While the process will vary slightly from device to device, most replaceable coil systems involve the same basic steps.

1. Turn the device off.

2. Detach the pod or tank from the device, if applicable.

3. Remove the old coil.

4. Insert the new coil into the appropriate spot.

5. Refill the pod or tank if necessary.

6. Make sure that the wicking material is sufficiently saturated.

7. If applicable, set the wattage to the lowest end of the suggested wattage range.
   

   

   Step six, ensuring that the wick is sufficiently saturated, is one of the most important steps. This allows the coil to be properly heated and can prevent a burnt taste from occurring.

Always follow the instructions provided with your coil and device.

Common Vape Coil Mistakes

There are a few common issues that can arise when using a new coil, impacting flavour, vapour production or coil life. Below are some of the most common coil-related mistakes that you should avoid.

Choosing Without Checking Compatibility

Always make sure that a coil is compatible with your device.

Ignoring the Recommended Wattage

Ignoring the recommended wattage range can damage the coil and ruin the flavour.

Using a Dry or Poorly Saturated Coil

Make sure the wick is properly saturated and the coil is compatible with the device.

Continuing with a Clearly Worn Coil

If flavour has dropped significantly or if there is a persistent unpleasant burnt taste, it's time to replace the coil.

Vape Coils at a Glance

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I replace my vape coil?

There's no set schedule for coil replacement, as a number of factors can impact coil lifespan. As a general rule of thumb, coils should be replaced when there is a noticeable drop in flavour or vapour production, or when a persistent unpleasant burnt taste occurs.

Can I use any replacement coil in my vape?

No, coils are generally designed for specific devices and coil ranges. Always make sure that a coil is compatible with your device before using it.

Are mesh coils better?

It depends on the device. Mesh coils and traditional coils use different heating methods, and so it's best to follow the manufacturers guidelines when choosing a coil.

What does 0.4Ω mean?

0.4Ω refers to the resistance of the coil, which is a measurement of how much the coil will resist the current from the battery. Lower resistance coils will generally perform better at higher wattages, but always follow the manufacturers guidelines when determining coil wattage.

Why does my new coil taste burnt?

A new coil may taste burnt for a number of reasons, such as not being sufficiently saturated, being used outside of its recommended wattage range or a manufacturing defect. Always follow the instructions provided with the coil and device.

Can e-liquid affect coil lifespan?

Yes, e-liquid can affect coil lifespan. Sweetness, frequency of use and wattage can all impact coil life.

Final Thoughts

The coil may be a small part, but it can have a considerable impact on the overall performance of a device. With an understanding of coil resistance, wattage range, mesh construction, compatibility and signs of wear, selecting and replacing a coil becomes much easier.

The goal is to avoid the most common coil mistakes and to ensure that you are using a coil correctly and replacing it at the right time. Now that you know more about vape coils, you can make an informed choice the next time you're selecting a coil.