The Ultimate Guide to Vape Coils

Coils are an essential component of any device, and they play a vital role in your vaping experience. Their job is to heat up the e-liquid to create the vapour. A poor-quality vape coil can ruin your vaping experience and make it unsatisfying. In this guide, we will be covering everything that you need to know about coils, including what they are, how to maintain them, and much more. 

What Is a Vape Coil? 

Before we dive into the details, let us understand the basics. A vape coil is a small heating element that is used to vaporise the e-liquid in a vaping device. It is made up of a metal or an alloy wire, which is then wrapped around a wicking material, generally cotton. When you fire the device, the battery sends an electrical current through the coil, which heats up and vaporises the e-liquid. 

Different Types of Vape Coils 

There are several types of coils available in the market, each with its own unique characteristics. Some are designed to offer maximum flavour, while others are focused on producing large clouds. Below are some of the most commonly used vape coils: 

Kanthal Coils

Kanthal is an alloy made from iron-chromium-aluminium alloy that has a higher resistance to heat, which makes it ideal for vaping at lower wattages. Besides, it is affordable and easy to work with, which makes it a popular choice for vape coils. 

Nichrome Coils 

Nichrome, as its name suggests, is an alloy made of nickel (20%) and chromium (80%), which heats up much quicker than Kanthal and delivers a pleasant and warm vape. Being an alloy, it prevents the oxidation of coils that prevents the change of taste after prolonged vaping. 

Titanium Coils 

Titanium coils are similar to Nichrome coils as they too have fast heating times and the ability to create a large amount of vapour. However, they are also slightly more expensive and need higher maintenance than other types of vape coils. 

Ceramic Coils 

Ceramic coils are made from a porous ceramic material that lets the air pass through and provides a smooth draw. They can easily tolerate higher wattages and work amazingly with high-powered vaping devices to bring out the best flavour from the e-liquid. 

Stainless Steel Coils 

Stainless steel coils are becoming increasingly popular due to their ability to produce great flavour and large amounts of vapour. They are also highly durable and can easily last for a few months if used with proper care and timely cleaning of the device. 

Sub-ohm Coils Vs Plus-ohm Coils 

Sub-ohm coils have a resistance of less than 1Ω, typically around 0.5Ω or lower. They require more power to heat up, and as a result, produce larger clouds of vapour and a more intense flavour. These coils are often used by experienced vapers who like direct lung hits and want to experience the full flavour of their e-liquid.  

Plus-ohm coils, on the other hand, have a higher resistance of 1Ω or higher. They require lesser power to heat up, and as a result, produce less vapour and a more muted flavour. They are often used by beginners who prefer a Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) vaping style, which is similar to smoking a cigarette. 

How Long Does a Vape Coil Last? 

The lifespan of a vape coil can vary depending on several factors, including the type of coil, the amount of use, and the type of e-liquid being used. On average, a vape coil usually lasts anywhere from one week to three weeks, with some of them lasting up to a month or longer. However, if you experience a burnt taste when using the device, you need to replace the coil immediately. 

When Should You Change Your Vape Coil? 

There are a few obvious signs that will tell you it is time to change your coil. If you experience a burnt taste or your device isn't producing vapour, it is likely time to replace the coil. Additionally, if you are using a highly sweet e-liquid, you will have to change the coil more frequently as the sugar can clog the coil and reduce the device’s performance. To know more, you can read our detailed blog here. 

Vape Doesn’t Work After the Coil Change 

If your device is not working as expected after a coil change, it may be due to an improper installation or a faulty coil. Ensure that the coil is installed correctly in the tank or pod and that other contacts are clean and free of any liquid or debris. If the problem persists, try replacing the coil with a another new one. 

Why Does My Vape Taste Burnt With a New Coil? 

If your vape tastes burnt with a new coil, it is likely due to improper priming. Priming involves saturating the cotton wick with e-liquid before use to ensure that is soaked through so when the coil heats up it does not burn the dry cotton. To prime a new coil, add a few drops of e-liquid onto the cotton wick before inserting it into the tank and allow it to sit for a few minutes before using the device. To know more, you can read our detailed blog here. 

Can I Clean My Vape Coil With Water? 

We strongly recommend not doing this, water and other fluids can easily damage the cotton wick and cause it to break down, which will lead to a burnt taste and reduced performance. Instead, we suggest replacing the coil if you think there is a fault, or if your coil is reaching the end of its life. 

Can I Change Vape Juice Without Changing the Coil? 

Yes, you can change the liquid without changing the coil, but you need to keep a few things in mind. First, if you are switching to a new flavour, you may experience a residual taste from the previous flavour for a few puffs. Additionally, if you are switching to a completely different type of e-liquid (for example, from a high VG to a high low VG liquid), you need to adjust the coils and wattage to ensure optimal performance.  

Does Mixing Vape Juice Burn Your Coil? 

Mixing vape juice does not necessarily burn your coil but it can affect the flavour and performance of your device. When mixing e-liquids, it is important to choose flavours that complement each other and are of similar VG/PG ratios. It is also important to note that mixing certain flavours such as menthol or cinnamon can damage your coils and such combinations should be avoided. 

How Do I Build My Own Vape Coils? 

Building a vape coil is a complex process and requires a lot of trial and error. However, if you are keen on making a vape coil on your own, you can follow the below steps: 

1. Gather all the necessary materials including a wire (Kanthal, Nichrome, or Stainless Steel), coil jig or screwdriver to wrap the wire around, scissors or wire cutters, ceramic tweezers, and cotton for wicking purposes. 
2. Determine the resistance and the type of coil that you want to build (mesh, Clapton, twisted, etc.) and cut the wire to the desired length using a wire cutter. 
3. Wrap the wire around a coil jig or screwdriver using your fingers and create wraps. The wraps will decide the resistance of the coil; more wraps will lead to higher resistance. 
4. Remove the coil from the coil jig or screwdriver by gently sliding it. Use a wire cutter or scissor to trim the excess wire that may have been left after wrapping. 
5. pinch and strum the coil then pulse wattage through the coil before adding cotton in order to make sure the wire is heating evenly from the centre outwards. 
6. Install the coil in the atomiser and ensure that it is not touching the sides or base to avoid a short circuit. Then, insert a cotton strip through the centre of the coil. 
7.  Drip some e-liquid onto the cotton wick to saturate through the coil. Finally, check the resistance of the coil using an ohmmeter. It is very important and you cannot miss this last check. 

How To Choose Vape Coils? 

Choosing the right coils is essential to achieve the best vaping experience. Here is how you can select the vape coils that suit your vaping style and preferences: 

1. Understanding the different types of coils that are available on the market that are designed for your device. Based on your style, you can select from pre-made coils that are hassle-free or rebuildable coils that offer much more customisation. IF you are unsure pop in to any Tidal Vape store and we can help you with our expert knowledge.  
2. The resistance of the coils is another key factor that needs to be considered. It will decide the power needed to heat the coil, which in turn will impact the taste of e-liquid and vapour produced. 
3.  Lastly, you should look out for your vaping style. If you prefer DTL-style vaping, you should choose a low-resistance coil, whereas, if you prefer MTL, you should go ahead with a high-resistance coil. 

Can I Bring Vape Coils on a Plane? 

It depends on the airline and the country you are travelling to. Usually, many western countries and their airlines allow passengers to bring vape coils on a plane, but eastern countries may have strict regulations. It is always a good idea to check with your airline and the destination country’s guidelines. 

Where to Buy Vape Coils and How Much Do They Cost? 

Prices can vary depending on the type of coil and the brand, but on average, a pack of vape coils will cost you anywhere from £5 to £15. At Tidal Vape, we have a vast collection of vape coils from leading brands that are compatible with a wide range of devices with different resistances.