Understanding the technical aspects of your pod vape device can greatly enhance your experience. A crucial component within a pod vape kit is the coil, specifically its resistance. The coil's resistance plays a significant role in determining the flavour, vapour production, and overall performance of your vape.

At the core of any vaping device lies the coil, a simple yet crucial component. The coil consists of a wire or series of wires wrapped around a wicking material. When activated, the coil heats up, vaporising the e-liquid absorbed by the wick and turning it into the vapour that we all enjoy.

The coil's material and design directly affect how it performs. Common materials include stainless steel, kanthal, nickel, mesh and ceramic. Each material offers different benefits, such as quicker ramp-up time or improved flavour production.

Resistance, measured in ohms (Ω), determines how much current the coil allows to pass through when voltage from the battery is applied. This affects the coil's heating speed and temperature, which in turn influences the vaping experience. Higher resistance coils (above 1.0 ohm) generally use less power and are associated with a Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) vaping style. Lower resistance coils (sub-ohm, below 1.0 ohm) allow more power, resulting in Direct-to-Lung (DTL) vaping with increased vapour production and a warmer vapour.

Understanding how coil resistance influences different aspects of vaping can help you tailor your experience to match your preferences.

1. Flavour Production

Coil resistance has a notable impact on flavour intensity. High resistance coils heat the e-liquid more gradually, often resulting in a more controlled and flavourful experience preferred by MTL vapers. These coils operate at lower wattages, preserving the delicate notes and providing a deeper flavour profile.

Low resistance coils heat the e-liquid more rapidly, sometimes leading to less pronounced flavours. However, they are excellent at bringing out certain flavours in e-liquids, especially those that benefit from a degree of warmth.

2. Vapour Production

The relationship between coil resistance and vapour production is direct and significant. Low resistance coils are often used in sub-ohm vaping and are favoured for producing thick, voluminous clouds. This is because the increased current allows for a larger e-liquid surface area to be vaporised quickly.

In contrast, high resistance coils produce less vapour, providing a discreet vaping experience. This suits those who view vaping as an alternative to smoking and prefer a similar inhalation style without large clouds.

3. Throat Hit and Nicotine Delivery

Throat hit is a key element for many former smokers transitioning to vaping and is also influenced by coil resistance. High resistance MTL coils provide a noticeable throat hit similar to that of traditional smoking, particularly when used with higher nicotine strengths.

Low resistance coils, often used with lower nicotine e-liquids or freebase nicotine, result in a smoother hit. This suits vapers who prefer a milder throat sensation and typically means less nicotine is needed to achieve a satisfactory experience.

Choosing the appropriate coil resistance for your pod vape kit is essential to enjoying a satisfying and customised vaping experience. Here’s how you can identify what might work best for you:

Matching Resistance with Vaping Style

MTL Vaping: Opt for coil resistances above 1.0 ohms. This aligns with the MTL style, providing a tighter draw and resembling the inhalation feeling of smoking traditional cigarettes. It's ideal for flavour focus and higher nicotine levels.

DTL Vaping: Choose coils with sub-ohm resistance (below 1.0 ohm) for a looser, airy draw, suitable for creating large clouds and utilising lower nicotine e-liquids.

Device Compatibility

Ensure the coil resistance you select matches your device's specifications. Some pod kits are designed specifically for either MTL or DTL vaping styles, influencing their compatibility with certain coil resistances. Always check the manufacturer's guidelines to avoid mismatches that could result in poor performance or damage.

E-Liquid Considerations

Consider the type of e-liquid you prefer. High-VG e-liquids benefit from sub-ohm coils to facilitate wicking due to their thicker consistency, whereas higher PG blends work well with higher resistance coils, delivering a punchier throat hit and more flavour.

Different coil materials react differently depending on resistance:

Kanthal: Offers stability and is simple to use, making it popular for variable wattage devices.

Stainless Steel: Versatile enough for both wattage and temperature control modes, providing flexibility for experienced users.

Nickel & Titanium: Common in temperature control vaping, helping to prevent dry hits and preserve coil longevity.

Mesh: Featuring a wide, flat mesh structure that provides even heat distribution and efficient vapour production. It offers improved flavour and faster delivery.

Knowing how to troubleshoot common issues related to coil resistance can enhance your vaping experience:

Dry Hits: May occur if the coil isn't saturated with e-liquid. Priming the coil and reducing wattage can help mitigate this.

Flooding and Spitting: Over-saturating with e-liquid leads to flooding. Ensure proper wattage settings and avoid overfilling.

Inconsistent Flavour/Vapour: Check for a secure connection to ensure resistance readings are accurate. Regular cleaning of your device helps maintain consistent performance.

Understanding and optimising coil resistance in pod vape kits is a pivotal step towards mastering your vaping experience. Whether you lean towards the subtleties of MTL vaping or the boldness of DTL clouds, the right coil can make a world of difference. We encourage you to experiment within the guidance of your device’s specifications and personal preferences. At Go Smoke Free, we're committed to aiding your journey with expert insights and quality products including a huge range of pod vape kits , spare vape coils and replacement vape pods.  For help and advice on anything coil related, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a member of the team today. Happy vaping!