Vape coils play a crucial role in your vaping experience, yet they often remain a mystery to many new and even seasoned vapers. At Go Smoke Free, we believe understanding vape coils is key to enhancing your satisfaction, improving performance, and ensuring a safer vaping journey.

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Vape coils are the heart of your e-cigarette or vape kit. They are the wire-based heating elements that transform your e-liquid into the delicious vapour you inhale. Situated inside an atomiser or tank, the coil, when heated by the battery, vaporises the e-liquid soaked up by the wicking material. This process creates the flavour-rich clouds familiar to every vaper. Essentially, a coil consists of:

1. Wire Element: Typically made from metals such as Kanthal, stainless steel, or nickel, the wire forms the coil’s core.

2. Wicking Material: Usually organic cotton, which absorbs the e-liquid and delivers it to the coil.

The coil’s efficiency and lifespan largely rely on its build and the vaping habits of the user. Understanding the type of coil you use and its specifications can significantly affect your overall vaping experience.

In recent years, mesh vape coils have gained popularity among UK vapers. Unlike traditional vape coils that use a single wire coiled into a spiral, mesh coils are made from a strip of metal formed into a fine mesh pattern. This design covers a larger surface area than traditional wire coils, which impacts how the coil heats the e-liquid and produces vapour.

How Do Mesh Coils Work?

Mesh coils are straightforward in operation. Made from materials like stainless steel or kanthal, the mesh structure heats evenly. When you activate your vape device, electricity flows through the mesh, heating the strip uniformly. This even heating is what makes mesh coils effective, allowing them to heat the e-liquid quickly and consistently.

The large surface area of mesh coils also ensures consistent vapour production. More e-liquid contacts the heating element, producing a robust and flavourful vapour. Additionally, the mesh heats up and cools down quicker than traditional coils, providing a responsive vaping experience and potentially extending the coil's lifespan.

What are the Benefits of Mesh Coils?

1. Better Flavour: Mesh coils offer a more intense flavour experience. The large surface area allows more e-liquid to be vaporised with each puff, bringing out the full spectrum of flavours in your e-liquid.

2. Increased Vapour: Mesh coils are a great choice if you enjoy big clouds. Their quick, even heating produces impressive vapour output for those visually satisfying exhales.

3. Longer Lifespan: Mesh coils generally last longer than traditional coils. Even heat distribution reduces the risk of hot spots that can burn the cotton wick, extending the coil's use.

4. Fast Heating: The mesh design heats and cools quickly, reducing the delay between pressing the fire button and vapour production. This quick response enhances the overall vaping experience and boosts power efficiency.

5. Fewer Dry Hits: The consistent heating and efficient wicking of mesh coils lower the chance of dry hits, where an unsaturated wick creates a burnt taste.

Are there any Downsides of Mesh Coils?

While mesh coils offer numerous advantages, there are a few downsides to consider.

1. Higher E-Liquid Consumption: Due to their larger surface area, mesh coils vaporise more e-liquid per puff, which can lead to increased consumption. This means you might need to refill your tank more frequently.

2. Power Requirements: Mesh coils typically demand more power than traditional coils. To achieve optimal performance, you may need a more powerful device, which could affect battery life.

3. Compatibility Issues: Not all vape devices support mesh coils. You might need to purchase a compatible tank or device to use them effectively.

4. Initial Cost: Mesh coils can be slightly more expensive than traditional coils, and while they may last longer, the upfront cost can be a consideration for some vapers.

The terminology around vape coils often involves resistance, typically measured in ohms. A coil's resistance determines how much power is needed to heat it effectively and influences the vape's output in terms of flavour and vapour production.

Understanding Ohm’s Law

Ohm’s Law is a fundamental principle in electrical engineering, and it’s crucial for safe vaping:

V (Voltage) = I (Current) x R (Resistance)

In vaping, we usually deal with two types of coils based on resistance:

●    Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) Coils which have higher resistance (usually above 1 ohm).
●    Sub-ohm Coils, which have lower resistance (below 1 ohm).

Applying Ohm's Law helps determine the safe and optimal wattage range for your coils and battery. When you adjust your device’s settings, you're essentially manipulating the current being sent to the coil via resistance, which affects heat production and vapour output.

Mouth To Lung (MTL) Coils

MTL coils mimic the draw style of traditional cigarettes, making them ideal for former smokers transitioning to vaping. Features of MTL coils include:

●    Higher Resistance: Generally above 1 ohm, providing a tighter draw.
●    Lower Power Requirements: They use less wattage, extending battery life.
●    Discreet Vapour Production: Produces a more subtle vapour, often preferred for a low-key vaping style.
●    Intense Flavour Delivery: Prioritises delivering robust flavour over large clouds.

Sub Ohm Coils

Sub-ohm coils are designed for vapers who enjoy larger clouds and a looser draw. Key characteristics include:

●    Lower Resistance: Below 1 ohm, facilitating a direct-to-lung (DTL) draw.
●    Higher Power Output: Requires more power to heat the coil, leading to more e-liquid consumption.
●    Dense Vapour Production: Known for creating large, thick clouds, perfect for cloud chasers.
●    Smooth Inhalation: Due to increased vapour, the throat hit is usually less intense.

Rebuildable Coils

Rebuildable coils are for vapers who wish to tailor their experience further. Using rebuildable atomisers (RBAs), users create custom coils:

●    Customisable: Ability to select wire material, coil shape, and wicking to suit personal preferences.
●    Cost-effective: Long-term savings compared to purchasing disposable coils.
●    Endless Options: Allows experimenting with unique coil builds, providing vast customisation in vapour production and flavour.
 
Rebuilding requires a firm grasp of Ohm’s Law and vaping safety as you’re creating your heating element from scratch.

Finding the right power level for your coil depends on its resistance and the type of vaping experience you seek. Here’s a general guide:

1. MTL Coils:

Wattage Range: Typically, 8-15 watts.
Vape Objective: Enhance flavour and provide a satisfying throat hit without consuming much battery.

2. Sub Ohm Coils:

Wattage Range: Generally 20-100 watts and beyond, depending on the specific coil.
Vape Objective: Produce large vapour clouds with a smooth draw and complex flavour profile.

3. Rebuildable Coils:

Wattage Range: Varies widely, relying on the custom build; always refer to Ohm’s Law calculations.
Vape Objective: Tailor the vaping experience. Precise wattage is often a result of trial and error to find personal comfort.

Tips for finding the right power level:

Start at the lower end of your coil's recommended wattage range.
Gradually increase until you reach your ‘sweet spot’, ensuring you achieve the desired flavour and vapour without burning the coil.

Installing vape coils is an essential skill for ensuring your device performs optimally. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Power Off Your Device: Always ensure your device is off to avoid accidental activation.
   
2. Disassemble the Tank: Unscrew the tank from the mod and dismantle it to reveal the coil.

3. Remove the Old Coil: Unscrew the existing coil from its base and discard it appropriately.

4. Prime the New Coil: Before installation, apply a few drops of e-liquid on the exposed cotton of the new coil. This process is known as priming and is essential in preventing dry hits.

5. Install the New Coil: Screw the primed coil into the tank’s base snugly but do not overtighten.

6. Reassemble the Tank: Put the tank back together, ensuring all parts fit securely to prevent leaks.

7. Fill the Tank with E-liquid: Top up your tank with the desired e-liquid.

8. Allow the Coil to Soak: Wait a few minutes, allowing the coil to soak adequately in the e-liquid for optimal wicking.

Knowing when to replace your coil is vital to maintaining a pleasant vaping experience:

1. Burnt Taste: Often a sign that the coil can no longer function properly and requires replacement.

2. Gurgling Sounds: Indicates that the coil is flooded and may be worn out or improperly seated.

3. Reduced Vapour Production: A noticeable drop in vapour output often signifies coil degradation.

4. Leaking E-Liquid: An old or burnt-out coil can lead to leaks, requiring a change to restore the tank’s integrity.

5. Frequent Use: Depending on use intensity, coils should typically be changed every 1 to 2 weeks.

To prevent unnecessary wear, ensure proper coil priming, maintain consistent operating wattage, and regularly clean your device.

Proper coil maintenance prolongs their lifespan and enhances your vaping experience. Here are some tips to keep your coils in top shape:

1. Prime Properly: Always prime new coils to avoid dry hits and ensure even e-liquid absorption. Learn more about this in our extensive guide - How to Properly Prime Your Coil.

2. Avoid Chain Vaping: Give your coil time between puffs to prevent overheating and prolong its life.

3. Use the Right Wattage: To prevent burning, operate your device within the coil’s recommended power range.

4. Keep Tanks Topped Up: Avoid consistently vaping on an empty tank to minimise dry hits and wick damage.

5. Clean Regularly: If you use rebuildable coils, clean them regularly with warm water to remove residue, and ensure optimal performance.

6. Store Properly: When not in use, keep your device in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture build-up and coil deterioration.

Vape coils are integral to your vaping experience, influencing the flavour, vapour, and overall satisfaction of each puff. By understanding the different types of coils, their resistance, and how to care for and maintain them, you ensure a better, safer vaping journey.

Whether you're new to vaping or a seasoned enthusiast, Go Smoke Free provides quality products and expert guidance to enhance your vaping experience. With the right knowledge and approach, you can tailor your vaping to suit your tastes and preferences, leading to a more satisfying vape with every draw. Our extensive coil range includes all of your favourite vaping brands including Vaporesso coils, Voopoo coils, SMOK coils, Innokin coils, Aspire coils, Uwell coils and Joyetech coils in a variety of resistances. Shop the full collection or get in touch with a member of the team for help and guidance.