What is a vape coil?
Most vape coils consist of a wire wrapped around a wick or cotton material. The wick absorbs the e-liquid and delivers it to the coil, which heats it to produce the flavourful vapour you inhale.
The coil is one of the three essential components of vaping: the tank, which holds the e-liquid; the battery, which provides power; and the coil, which heats the liquid to create vapour.
Coils come in different resistances (ohms), allowing you to customise your vaping experience. We’ll explain more about ohms and resistance below.
When to replace your coils?
How often you need to replace your coil depends on how much you vape. There’s no fixed timeline, as coil lifespan is influenced by factors like e-liquid type, wattage, and temperature settings.
You’ll know it’s time to change your coil when the flavour of your e-liquid diminishes or you start tasting a burnt flavour.
- Heavy Vaper: Someone who vapes continuously throughout the day may need to replace coils every 4–6 days.
- Medium Vaper: Someone who vapes regularly may find coils last up to 14 days.
- Light Vaper: Someone who vapes occasionally or socially may see coils last up to 3 weeks.
What coil is right for my tank?
Choosing the right coil depends on the brand of your kit or tank. There’s no universal coil that fits all tanks, so picking the correct one is essential. For instance, a SMOK Vape Pen 22 won’t work with Aspire coils. However, most brands produce coils that are compatible with several tanks or kits within their own range.
What are ohms and which resistance should I choose?
Ohms indicate the resistance of your coil, and the resistance you choose will shape your vaping experience. Coils typically range from 0.15 Ω to 2.8 Ω.
Sub-ohm coils (1.0 Ω or below) produce larger clouds and provide a warmer vape with more intense flavour. They’re designed for use with high VG e-liquids and consume liquid faster due to their lower resistance and higher operating temperatures.
Higher-ohm coils (1 Ω and above) generate less vapour and are more efficient with e-liquid. They deliver a mouth-to-lung experience that closely mimics a traditional cigarette inhale. Operating at lower temperatures, they provide a stronger throat hit and are popular with new vapers or smokers transitioning to vaping.