A Guide to Understanding the Vape Coil
When you begin vaping, there is a lot of vocabulary to learn, which can be difficult because there are sometimes multiple words for the same thing. Additionally, each product has numerous variations, including e-liquids, tanks, and batteries. This article will examine the coil, the vital component of your vape.
GET TO KNOW MORE ABOUT VAPE COIL
The vape coil, which is responsible for heating and vapourizing the e-liquid, resembles the core of your mod or e-cigarette kit. The kind of e-juice to vape depends on the coil element's resistance. The gauge, type, and several wire wraps can all be considered when adjusting the coil resistance. You would then use an Ohmmeter to measure this resistance. High-resistance coils create a cooler vape with less current, but low-resistance coils generate warmer vapour and bigger clouds.
The coil is a rather straightforward device despite being so essential. It is made of some wicking substance, coiled wire, or a piece of mesh (usually cotton). There are many wires and wicking options available, and which is best for you truly depends on the vaping experience you're looking to have.
DIFFERENT VAPE COIL TYPES
Consider some things, whether you use a pre-made coil or make your own. Some manufacturers provide both a ceramic and cotton choice and flax and wood pulp wicking substance. The impact of each of these on flavour and cloud formation varies. The same principle holds when you create your coils because various metals have varying ramp-up times, flavours, and operating modes.
Ceramic
Since ceramic coil structure is porous and allows for excellent airflow, it provides an incredibly smooth draw. According to many reviewers, ceramic materials enhance flavour greater than other materials. They also withstand high wattages, making them a wonderful complement to the more potent mods currently available. Also claimed to last longer than cotton coils and aid in avoiding dry impacts are ceramic coils.
Stainless Steel
Because there are so many "grades" of stainless steel available for purchase, there has been much discussion about whether the type of stainless steel is genuinely stainless steel. Although other grades of stainless steel will be equally robust, 430-grade stainless steel wire is famous for its magnetic qualities and for being strong and long-lasting. One of the most adaptable metals for construction is stainless steel, which may be used in wattage or temperature control modes. According to reports, it can survive 25 years with very careful maintenance.
Titanium
Due to their exceptional malleability and softness, titanium wires are simple to handle, twist, and cut. It does cost a little bit more because of this than stainless steel's counterpart, but that hasn't stopped it from gaining popularity. Although titanium offers a particularly pure and crisp vape, there has been much debate regarding its safety. Because titanium is more combustible than other coil materials and is used in pyrotechnics to produce white sparkles, vapers must handle it carefully. You must carefully consider the temperature because it is only suitable with temperature control modes, but many mods have a "TC Ti" option specifically for these coils.
Kanthal
Kanthal, a common wire used in pre-made and homemade coils, is a mix of iron, chromium, and aluminum. It is a favourite choice for many vapers because it is a supple, easy-to-operate-with wire that also holds its shape well. It ramps up quite quickly and produces tremendous amounts of smoke. Only wattage mode is appropriate for using Kanthal coils.
Nickel
Look for Ni200 wire, a 99.6% nickel alloy, as the variety of nickel wires available might be bewildering. Nickel coils are preferred over other materials in temperature control modifications because of their excellent low resistance properties. There are several things to keep in mind, however. Nickel coils shouldn't be dry-fired for an extended period and aren't appropriate for kits with variable voltage or wattage. Additionally, some people may be allergic to nickel.
Nichrome
As stated on the label, nichrome contains exactly 20% nickel and 80% chromium. This alloy becomes hot significantly more quickly than Kanthal, providing consistent cloud formation and a warm, comforting vape. Additionally, it shields the heat source from oxidation, which can alter your e-color liquid's flavour. Only wattage mode can be utilised with nichrome. It is another well-liked option for Sub Ohm vapers, along with its short ramp-up time.
WHEN DO YOU NEED TO CHANGE A COIL VAPE?
Your coils won't last forever, depending on the heat settings and usage patterns. It can burn out more quickly depending on the PG/VG ratio of your e-liquid as well as the voltage and wattage you utilise. You will need to change the coil more frequently if you vape often and put your equipment through a lot of stress. Coils and wicking material will wear out quicker with high wattage, sweet flavours, and a high VG e-juice (typical factors in cloud chasing).
The different YouTube tutorials on the subject are the finest resource for learning how to change your vape coils because they provide visual instruction.
HOW LONG DOES A VAPE COIL TYPICALLY LAST?
Heavy Vapers
If you vape frequently, you should switch out your coils every week. Even though it seems like a lot, it's worthwhile. If you ignore it, your e-flavor, liquid cloud production, and vape functionality will suffer. Sub Ohm vapers are particularly affected by this rule since they frequently use higher VG juices, which are thicker and clog coils faster.
Moderate Vapers
A coil can last longer for vapers who regularly vape during the day but take a few pulls simultaneously because the coil doesn't heat up as frequently. The sort of juice you use and the wattage of your gadget will again be a determining factor in this, but as a general rule, this should happen once every two weeks.
Light Vapers
Your coils should only need to be replaced every 3–4 weeks if you only sometimes use your device or take a few hits here and there. Using mouth-to-lung devices with a greater PG value contributes to a coil's lifespan extension.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS THAT MY VAPE COIL NEEDS CHANGING?
A burnt or decreased flavour in your vapours will be one of the first signs. You'll notice that the cotton in your coil and wicking material is frequently burned and discoloured if you look at it more closely. The coil cannot handle the tank's current operating temperature, which is the cause of this. Chain vaping occasionally has the potential to shorten the coil's lifespan because it can burn the coil when it gets too hot.
Burnt wicking material won't effectively absorb the e-liquid, badly impacting the flavour and volume of vapour produced. Your e-liquid is another factor in this. High VG liquids are rich and naturally fairly sweet, and they sort of "caramelise" on the wicking material even if you don't chain vaping. As a result, they can no longer function efficiently, and a change is required.
Another thing to be aware of is a leaky device. There are numerous causes for this, and each one demands consideration. The ramp-up on them won't operate properly, and there might be a bubbling sound when you inhale if it's the outcome of a damaged coil. It can also happen when the cotton loses its ability to absorb e-liquid effectively, which might cause leaks when you use the device or leave it lying about.
If you disregard the warning indications or are unaware, your mod or kit may stop producing vapour. While inhaling, you might spit out some e-liquid, which doesn't taste nearly as good as the flavor-infused vapour. Check the coil and replace it as quickly as you see any indicators of an outdated coil.
CHANGING A VAPE COIL
Each piece of machinery is unique. Some coils can be pulled out, while others need unscrewing. Regardless of your type, you can follow a few fundamental procedures when replacing an outdated coil.
- Please remove the battery from the vape tank by unscrewing it.
- Invert the tank, then remove the metal bottom cover by turning it upside down.
- Screwing in the replacement coil requires unscrewing the coil head's bottom cap.
- Every wicking port on the new coil should have a drop of e-liquid (the visible, exposed cotton parts). It takes less time after doing this for you to start vaping without receiving a dry hit. It assists in priming the coil.
- Put your tank back together and add e-liquid. (Avoid getting e-liquid into the metal tube that serves as the centre airflow; doing so will reduce the functionality and waste e-liquid.)
- Please ensure no leaks or spills, and replace the tank on your battery after confirming it is clean and airtight.
- Before vaping, wait a few minutes for the e-liquid to completely soak the wicking material inside the coil.
CAN I MAKE MY COIL?
Creating your coil can be difficult, and it might take trial and error. Before using a coil you made yourself, there are a few things you need to be sure of. An Ohmmeter is one of the most important tools you'll need; without one, it's neither advisable nor practical to construct your coils securely.
CLEANING YOUR VAPE COIL
You may reduce the cost of purchasing a new atomiser head and increase performance quality by priming and cleaning. By priming your new coil, you can improve both its longevity and the quality of its vaping. Instead of immediately vaping when you need to change the coil, you should prime the device instead.
It's crucial to remember that you can't clean some vape coils. Because you can't get to the coils in pod systems, you can't clean them. A defective or used pod coil can only be fixed by purchasing a replacement.
The second kind of coils is replaceable and comes in two different varieties: coil heads for tanks, which are enclosed in a little metal chamber and include an absorbent wick, and coils for rebuildable, which you install and wick. Even though replaceable coils can be washed to some extent, doing so isn't usually the best choice since the fixed absorption wicks still hold onto some dirt and take significantly longer to dry.
BENEFITS OF CLEANING YOUR VAPE COIL
- Cleaning increases the lifespan of your tank and coil - Failure to regularly clean the vape tank and coil will have the reverse effect.
- Better performance - Continual cleaning removes accumulated residue that could enter the atomiser and taint your e-liquid. Additionally, the deposition may jam the air vents, causing overheating and dry strikes.
- More flavour - The flavour quality is what makes vaping so enjoyable. A clean device will produce fresher, tastier flavours with no residue. Thus cleaning the vape tanks and coils is crucial to enjoying your e-liquid.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT VAPE COILS
Which coil should I choose?
The resistance coils used in clearomizers vary depending on the brand. Even though certain models let you operate the same resistance coils, you should still read the technical information sheet for your device and only purchase resistance coils that work with it. To appropriately set up your mod or battery, you must also pay close attention to the resistance value, expressed in ohms, and the kind of resistance wire they employ. Don't increase your mod's power too much if the resistance is low (below 1 ohm).
How do you clean a coil?
Avoid dry burning it! It entails turning your electronic cigarette to glow red without any e-juice or airflow. But the resistance coil can be impacted by this. Without using any solvent, you might soak it in hot water for a few hours, then let it air dry. Simply changing the resistance coil is the best course of action.
How do you prime a coil?
An absorbent substance is always in a resistance coil to hold the e-liquid. Ensure the resistance coil has enough time to soak properly before changing it. After installing the new coil, fill your clearomizer with the e-liquid and wait five minutes. While the e-cigarette is turned off, users can also suck up the e-liquid by breathing through the mouthpiece (drip tip). Finally, before you properly vape, check the resistance coil on a low power level if your mod or battery permits it.
How do I know if my coil is working properly?
Check for the resistance value in ohms if your gadget has a screen for the setting options. This figure must line up with the information on the resistance coil box. Additionally, the resistance coil's body typically has it inscribed on it. A correctly functioning resistance coil naturally emits a crackling sound, which indicates that the e-juice is vaporising.
How much does a coil cost?
Depending on the type, a resistance coil might cost anywhere between $2 and $10 on average. It can considerably raise your vaping expense, which is why some vapers create their coils using rebuildable atomizers.
VAPE COIL
The coil is essential for a flavorful vaping experience. Because they've unintentionally used a coil for too long and are unaware that you can avoid the awful taste they're experiencing, many novice vapers are discouraged from vaping altogether.