A Beginners Guide to Coils

 

Embarking on your vaping journey comes with its own set of jargon, which might seem overwhelming initially, especially considering the multiple terms used to describe the same item. This complexity is further amplified by the diverse range of products available, including e-liquids, tanks, and batteries. In this section, we'll delve into an essential component of your vaping device - the coil - and demystify its role and variations.

 

The coil, a crucial component of an e-cigarette, plays a vital role in transforming the e-liquid in your tank into the vapour you inhale. But how does this process occur?

 

Firstly, the wicking material, which is the cotton visible inside the coil's metal casing, soaks up the e-liquid when you fill your clearomizer. This prepares the liquid for vaporization.

 

Next, the coil's wire – a small metal spiral or mesh cylinder encased within the wicking material – is activated by the power from the battery. This heating action begins to vaporize the liquid that's absorbed in the wick.

 

Finally, as you inhale through the drip tip, the vapour produced in the coil moves up through the chimney of your vape, delivering it to your mouth or lungs, depending on your vaping style.

 

There are also various types of coils available for vaping devices. The complexity in understanding this comes from the fact that coils can differ not only between brands and models, but also in the number of coils within a single vape kit.

 

 Typically, standard vapes feature a single coil, but there are options like dual-coil, quad-coil, and so on. It's important to note that the more coils, or the larger the coil is, the more battery power it requires to function effectively. This aspect is particularly relevant for Sub-Ohm vapers as lower resistance coils also require more power. However, for most vapers, the process of changing a coil is quite straightforward, a single coil is usually sufficient and the most common type of coil available.

 

Furthermore, coils are made from different materials. While not all brands offer both types, the most common materials are regular wire coils and mesh coils. Ceramic coils are also available but are very rarely used.

 

The primary distinction between standard coils and Sub Ohm coils in e-cigarettes lies in their resistance levels and the corresponding vaping methods they support. Standard coils are characterized by higher resistance, which means less electrical current and e-liquid are utilized in their operation. On the other hand, Sub Ohm coils have a lower resistance, typically less than 1.0 ohm, allowing more current to flow through them. This difference in resistance affects not only the amount of vapour produced but also the intensity of the vaping experience. Sub Ohm vaping, facilitated by lower resistance coils, and is often preferred by those who enjoy producing larger clouds of vapour and experiencing a more intense flavour.

 

Understanding ohms, a key concept in vaping, requires a bit of basic physics. Ohms measure electrical resistance, and the higher the resistance indicated by the ohm value on your coil, the less electrical charge is able to pass through it. This relationship can be explained using the equation:

 

I = V / R.

 

In this equation, 'I' stands for current, 'V' is for voltage, and 'R' represents resistance. When you have a higher voltage and a lower resistance (ohms), the current will be stronger. Conversely, if the voltage is divided by a higher resistance value, like that of a standard coil rather than a sub-ohm coil, the resulting current will be weaker.

 

To put this into a more tangible context, consider it in terms of traffic flow. Imagine fifty cars travelling down a single-lane road. They would need to move in a line, one after the other, similar to the way electricity flows through a coil with a resistance of 1 ohm or greater. Now, picture those same fifty cars on a four-lane highway. They can move much more freely and quickly, akin to the electrical flow in a Sub Ohm coil, which has a resistance of less than one ohm. This analogy helps in visualizing how resistance affects the flow of current in vaping coils.

 

Sub Ohm vaping is particularly suitable for DTL (direct to lung) vaping, a method where you inhale vapour directly to your lungs without holding it in your mouth first.

 

This style of vaping has several advantages, despite requiring more battery power:

• Significant vapour Production: Sub Ohm vaping produces large clouds of vapour, enough to visibly fill a room.
• Adjustable Airflow: Devices with Sub Ohm coils often feature adjustable vents. Having wider openings increases vapour production but may slightly reduce flavour intensity, while narrowing them has the opposite effect.
• Stronger Nicotine Impact: The nicotine hit is more pronounced with Sub Ohm vaping. As a result, vapers often opt for e-liquids with lower nicotine strength. (This can be mitigated with the use of Nicotine Salts in a MTL kit)
• Larger Devices: While Sub Ohm pen vape kits exist, the most effective models are often the bulkier box mods, offering more features and options.
• Wattage and Temperature Control: Sub Ohm devices usually include controls for wattage and temperatures, helping you tailor your vaping experience. These optimal settings are often indicated in the device's guide or directly on the coil.

In contrast, standard coils are more aligned with MTL (mouth to lung) vaping, which involves drawing vapour into the mouth and then inhaling it into the lungs. This method mimics traditional smoking and is characterized by:

 

• Cooler vapour: Less power means less heat, resulting in cooler vapour.
• Enhanced Flavour: Standard coils, especially when used with higher PG liquids, offer a richer taste.
• Discreetness: These devices are more compact and produce less vapour, making them less noticeable when used in public.
• Efficiency: Higher resistance coils consume less e-liquid and battery power, extending the life of your tank and battery.

Each vaping style offers unique benefits, catering to different preferences in terms of vapour production, flavour intensity, device size, and power efficiency.