Coil Heads
Understanding Coil Heads: A Comprehensive Guide to Types and Their Uses
Coil heads are a vital part of any vaping device, influencing flavor, vapor production, and overall vaping experience. The coil is the heating element that vaporizes e-liquid when current is passed through it. Over time, various coil heads have been developed, offering different materials, resistance levels, and designs to cater to the needs of different vapers. This guide will explore the various types of coil heads, their materials, resistance ranges, and their uses, helping you make the best choice for your vaping style.
1. Sub-Ohm Coils
Sub-ohm coils are designed with a resistance of less than 1.0 ohm, allowing for higher power consumption and bigger vapor clouds. These coils are best suited for direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping, where users inhale vapor directly into the lungs, much like using a hookah or pipe.
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Materials: Typically made from Kanthal, Stainless Steel (SS), Nickel (Ni200), or Mesh.
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Resistance: Sub-ohm coils usually range from 0.2 ohms to 0.5 ohms.
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Benefits:
- Larger vapor clouds
- Enhanced flavor due to higher wattage
- Faster ramp-up time for quick vapor production
- Best for cloud chasers and DTL users
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Common Tanks Using Sub-Ohm Coils:
- Smok TFV8/TFV12
- Uwell Crown 4
- Freemax Fireluke 2
2. MTL Coils (Mouth-to-Lung)
Mouth-to-lung coils are designed for users who prefer a vaping style that mimics the act of smoking a cigarette. With MTL, vapor is inhaled into the mouth first, then drawn into the lungs, providing a tighter draw and less vapor than DTL.
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Materials: Kanthal, Nickel (Ni200), Ceramic, and sometimes Stainless Steel.
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Resistance: Typically 1.0 ohms and above. MTL coils often have higher resistance, ranging from 1.0 ohms to 2.5 ohms.
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Benefits:
- Mimics the smoking experience
- Less vapor, more throat hit
- More efficient use of e-liquid, with longer coil life
- Suitable for lower wattages
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Common Tanks Using MTL Coils:
- Aspire Nautilus 2
- Innokin Zenith
- Vaporesso BCC (Bottom Coil Clearomizer)
3. Mesh Coils
Mesh coils are a popular innovation in the vaping industry. Unlike traditional coils, mesh coils feature a mesh sheet as the heating element, offering a greater surface area for more even heating and faster vaporization of e-liquid.
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Materials: Stainless Steel (SS), Kanthal, and Nickel.
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Resistance: Typically 0.1 ohms to 0.3 ohms.
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Benefits:
- Even heat distribution, preventing dry hits
- Enhanced flavor due to more e-liquid vaporized at once
- Larger vapor clouds due to increased surface area
- Faster ramp-up time
- Longer-lasting coil life
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Common Tanks Using Mesh Coils:
- Freemax Mesh Pro Tank
- Smok TFV16
- Vaporesso Luxe Tank
4. Ceramic Coils
Ceramic coils are made from a ceramic material that serves as a heating element. They are popular for their smooth and consistent vaping experience. Ceramic coils are favored for their clean taste and longer lifespan.
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Materials: Ceramic (often combined with cotton wicking).
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Resistance: Varies from 0.5 ohms to 1.0 ohms.
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Benefits:
- Consistent heat for smoother vapor
- Fewer burnt hits, providing cleaner flavor
- Excellent longevity due to slower heating
- Suitable for users looking for a mellow, consistent draw
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Common Tanks Using Ceramic Coils:
- Uwell Crown 3 (Ceramic Coils)
- Vaporesso Ceramic Coils
- Vaporesso Nexus Pod
5. Clapton Coils
Clapton coils are made by wrapping a thinner wire around a thicker wire, resembling a guitar string. This structure increases the surface area, allowing for better flavor and more vapor production. Clapton coils can be used for both MTL and DTL vaping, but they are often favored by those who enjoy sub-ohm vaping.
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Materials: Usually made from Kanthal, Nickel, or Stainless Steel.
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Resistance: Typically 0.2 ohms to 1.0 ohms, depending on the wire gauge and the type of coil.
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Benefits:
- Rich flavor production
- Increased surface area for more vapor
- Better ramp-up time than traditional wire
- Offers a balance between flavor and vapor production
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Common Tanks Using Clapton Coils:
- Smok TFV8
- Vaporesso Cascade Tank
- GeekVape Zeus Sub-Ohm Tank
6. Nickel Coils (Ni200)
Nickel coils are made from pure nickel wire and are primarily designed for temperature-controlled (TC) vaping. They offer precise control over the temperature of the coil, reducing the risk of dry hits and ensuring a consistent experience.
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Materials: Pure Nickel (Ni200).
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Resistance: Typically 0.1 ohms to 0.2 ohms.
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Benefits:
- Great for temperature control vaping
- Prevents dry hits by regulating the temperature of the coil
- High-performance with a smooth, consistent vape
- Ideal for vapers who want to fine-tune their vaping experience
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Common Tanks Using Nickel Coils:
- Kanger Subtank Plus
- Smok TFV4
- Eleaf Melo
7. Titanium Coils
Titanium coils are another type of coil used in temperature-controlled (TC) vaping. Titanium coils are known for their durability, efficient heat distribution, and smoother vaping experience.
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Materials: Pure Titanium (Ti).
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Resistance: Typically 0.3 ohms to 0.5 ohms.
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Benefits:
- Excellent for temperature control vaping
- Smooth vapor and enhanced flavor
- More durable than other coil materials
- Prevents dry hits by maintaining a set temperature
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Common Tanks Using Titanium Coils:
- KangerTech Subtank
- Smok TFV12 Prince
- Joyetech Cubis Pro
8. Pod Coils
Pod coils are specifically designed for pod-based devices and are often used for mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping. These coils are typically higher resistance, which helps with low-wattage use, providing a smooth, satisfying draw for new or casual vapers.
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Materials: Kanthal, Mesh, Ceramic.
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Resistance: Typically 1.0 ohms and higher.
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Benefits:
- Perfect for low wattages and nicotine salts
- Longer-lasting battery life
- Compact and portable
- Easy to use for beginners
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Common Tanks Using Pod Coils:
- SMOK Nord
- Uwell Caliburn
- GeekVape Aegis Pod
Conclusion
Coil heads come in many shapes, sizes, and materials, offering vapers a wide variety of choices to match their preferences. Understanding the different types of coils—such as sub-ohm, MTL, mesh, ceramic, and specialty options like nickel and titanium—can significantly impact your vaping experience. Whether you’re a cloud chaser, flavor enthusiast, or someone just trying to quit smoking, selecting the right coil head for your device and vaping style is crucial for getting the most out of your vape.