How Do I Know Which Coil to Buy for My Tank?

If you're into vaping, you’ve probably heard about coils. Coils are one of the most important parts of your vape device, but they can also be confusing, especially if you're new to vaping. So, how do you know which coil to buy for your tank? Don’t worry! In this blog, we’re going to make it super easy for you to understand everything about vape coils and help you pick the right one.

What Is a Vape Coil?

Before we talk about choosing the right coil, it's important to know what a coil is and what it does. A vape coil is a small piece of metal wire that’s wrapped in a circle, like a spring. It's surrounded by cotton or another wicking material that absorbs e-liquid (the vape juice you put in your device). When you press the button on your vape, the battery heats up the coil, which then heats up the e-liquid soaked in the cotton, turning it into vapor that you inhale.

In short, the coil is the part of your vape that turns the e-liquid into the vapor you inhale.

Why Are Coils So Important?

You might be wondering, "Why should I care about the coil?" Well, the coil affects a lot of things about your vaping, like:

• Flavor: The type of coil you use will impact how your e-liquid tastes. Some coils bring out the flavors better than others.
• Vapor production: Some coils produce more vapor (the clouds you see when you exhale), while others make less.
• Battery life: The type of coil affects how fast your battery drains. Some coils need more power to heat up, which can make your battery run out faster.
• Throat hit: This is the sensation you feel in your throat when you inhale the vapor. Some coils give a stronger hit, while others provide a smoother feel.

As you can see, choosing the right coil is important because it can change how you vape.

How Do I Know Which Coil to Buy?

Now that you know why coils are important, let's talk about how to pick the right one. There are a few things you need to consider when choosing a coil for your tank:

1. Tank Compatibility
2. Coil Resistance
3. Wattage Range
4. Vaping Style
5. Material of the Coil
6. Type of E-liquid

Let’s break these down one by one.

1. Tank Compatibility

The very first thing you need to check when buying a coil is if it’s compatible with your tank. Not all coils fit into all tanks, and if you get the wrong one, it won’t work.

Each vape tank is made to fit specific coils. If you still have the box or instructions from your tank, it will usually say which coils are compatible with it. If not, you can check online or ask at the vape shop.

Tip: Always double-check that the coil you are buying is designed for your tank.

2. Coil Resistance (Ohms)

Coil resistance is one of the most important things to understand. When you buy a coil, you’ll notice that it has a number followed by the word “ohm” (like 0.3 ohms or 1.8 ohms). This number refers to the coil's resistance, which affects how it performs.

Low Resistance Coils (Sub-ohm Coils):

• These coils have a resistance lower than 1.0 ohms (for example, 0.3 ohms).
• They are used for “sub-ohm vaping,” which produces big clouds of vapor.
• They require more power, so you’ll need to use a higher wattage setting on your vape.
• Sub-ohm coils are great for people who like lots of vapor and a stronger hit.

High Resistance Coils:

• These coils have a resistance of 1.0 ohms or higher (for example, 1.8 ohms).
• They produce less vapor but tend to give you better flavor.
• They work with lower wattage, so your battery lasts longer.
• High resistance coils are great for beginners or people who prefer a smoother, more flavorful vape.

Tip: If you’re a beginner, starting with a higher resistance coil (like 1.2 to 1.8 ohms) might be easier. If you want bigger clouds, go for a sub-ohm coil.

3. Wattage Range

Each coil has a recommended wattage range, which tells you how much power it needs to work properly. For example, a coil might say it works best between 40-60 watts.

Using the correct wattage is important because:

• If you use too little wattage, the coil won’t heat up enough, and you won’t get good vapor or flavor.
• If you use too much wattage, the coil can burn out quickly, and you’ll get a burnt taste in your vape.

Make sure to match the wattage range of your coil with your device’s settings. If you’re not sure, check the manual or ask for help.

4. Vaping Style: MTL vs. DTL

Another factor in choosing the right coil is your vaping style. There are two main styles of vaping: Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) and Direct-to-Lung (DTL).

Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) Vaping:

• This is when you draw the vapor into your mouth first and then inhale it into your lungs.
• It’s similar to how you would smoke a cigarette.
• MTL vaping works best with high-resistance coils (above 1.0 ohms) and low wattage.

Direct-to-Lung (DTL) Vaping:

• This is when you inhale the vapor directly into your lungs, like breathing in air.
• DTL vaping produces more vapor and a stronger throat hit.
• It works best with low-resistance coils (below 1.0 ohms) and higher wattage.

Tip: If you’re a former smoker or like a smooth, flavorful vape, MTL might be for you. If you like big clouds, try DTL.

5. Material of the Coil

Coils are made from different materials, and each one affects the way your vape performs. The most common materials used for vape coils are:

• Kanthal: This is the most common material. It’s durable and works well for most vapers. If you’re not sure which coil to buy, Kanthal is a safe bet.
• Stainless Steel (SS): Stainless steel coils can be used in both wattage mode and temperature control mode. They’re flexible and provide great flavor.
• Nickel (Ni200): Nickel coils are designed for temperature control vaping. They heat up quickly but are only used in temperature control mode, not wattage mode.
• Titanium: Like nickel, titanium coils are used in temperature control mode. They heat up quickly but aren’t as popular as other materials.
• NiChrome: NiChrome coils heat up faster than Kanthal and provide good flavor. However, they are not as durable and can burn out faster.

Tip: If you're new to vaping, Kanthal or Stainless Steel coils are great choices because they work well in wattage mode and are easy to use.

6. Type of E-liquid

The kind of e-liquid you use also matters when picking a coil. E-liquids come in different ratios of VG (vegetable glycerin) and PG (propylene glycol), which affect how they work with different coils.

• High VG E-liquids (70% VG or more): These liquids are thicker and produce bigger clouds of vapor. They work best with sub-ohm coils and DTL vaping.
• High PG E-liquids (50% PG or more): These liquids are thinner and provide more throat hit with less vapor. They work best with high-resistance coils and MTL vaping.

Tip: Make sure to match your e-liquid with the right coil. For big clouds, use a high VG e-liquid with a sub-ohm coil. For a smoother feel, use a high PG e-liquid with a high-resistance coil.

How Often Should I Change My Coil?

Coils don’t last forever. Over time, they can burn out or get gunky from e-liquid, which will affect the flavor and vapor production. Here are some signs it’s time to change your coil:

• You start getting a burnt taste when you vape.
• The flavor of your e-liquid isn’t as strong as it used to be.
• You notice a drop in vapor production.
• You’ve been using the same coil for 1-2 weeks (this is the average lifespan for most coils).

Tip: It’s always a good idea to keep a few spare coils on hand so you can change them whenever needed.

Conclusion

Choosing the right coil for your vape tank doesn’t have to be complicated. Once you understand the basics—like resistance, wattage, and your vaping style—you’ll have a much better idea of what to look for. Remember to check your tank’s compatibility, match your coil to your e-liquid, and replace your coil regularly to keep your vape running smoothly.

Whether you prefer big clouds or just want great flavor, there’s a coil out there that’s perfect for you!