All About Vape Coils A Complete Vapour Deal Guide

If you've ever thought about why your vape is amazing one day, and terrible one day, the answer most of the time is one thing that is the coil. It doesn't matter if using a basic device or more powerful sub-ohm system. It's the coil element which does work. It is the part that heats your vape juice, makes vapour, and then shapes the overall experience.

After having helped thousands of clients I can tell you that one thing with certainty Once you are familiar with coils, vaping is easier to use, less expensive, and more enjoyable. A lot of beginners struggle because nobody ever explained how coils operate or how to pick the most suitable one. This is your simple guide.

What is a Vape Coil

The coil is the core of your kit. It's the element that heats the E-liquid and transforms it into the nicotine that you inhale. In essence, it's an aluminum wire, often mesh, wrapped in cotton or another wicking materials, and then placed within a small metal casing.

What A Vape Coil Actually Does

A coil might appear to be small, but it's actually the core to your gadget. It's composed of a piece of metal, often wire, wrapped in cotton. The cotton holds the vapour and the metal is heated when you hit the button. The heat transforms the liquid eliquid into vapour.

In pod kits the coil is usually integrated into the pod and you can change the entire pod once it is burned out. For tanks, it is possible to can remove only the coil.

If you'd like to know the basics more thoroughly then the Vapour Deal E Liquid Guide describes how juice formulas impact the performance of coils.

How Long A Coil Should Last

The majority of coils are able to last for between one to two weeks. It's the norm. But the way you use your e-cigarettes plays a significant impact.

• The use of coils makes them run hotter
• Sweeter juices caramelize on metal
• Higher wattages wear them down earlier
• High VG liquids force the coil more
• Cheap coils are not able to last for long

If you are able to stretch the coil for two complete weeks, you're doing great. If your coil is getting hot, consult the Vapour Deal Troubleshooting Guide to determine typical causes.

Coil Resistance Made Simple

The number printed on your coil, such as 0.6 or 1.2 ohm, tells you how much power it can handle.

High-resistance coils (0.8 ohm and above)

• Cooler vapour
• Tighter draw
• Great for MTL
• Use 50/50 liquids or nic salts

Low-resistance coils (below 0.8 ohm)

• Warmer vapour
• Big clouds
• Designed for DTL
• Use high VG liquids

Your device is made for specific coils. If you use the wrong type, it simply won’t perform well. If you’re still unsure about resistances, our Vapour Deal MTL vs DTL Guide breaks it down clearly.

MTL RDL and DTL Vaping Styles

Your vaping style determines what kind of coil suits you best.

Mouth to Lung (MTL)

Feels similar to smoking. You draw into your mouth first, then inhale.
Best with 1.0 ohm and higher coils.

Restricted Direct Lung (RDL)

More open than MTL but still controlled.
Best with 0.5 to 0.8 ohm coils.

Direct to Lung (DTL)

One deep inhale straight into the lungs.
Best with coils under 0.4 ohm.

If you want a simple comparison, check our Vapour Deal MTL RDL DTL Guide.

Matching Coils With The Right Vape Juice

Choosing the wrong liquid is one of the biggest reasons coils burn quickly.

• MTL coils: use 50/50 juice or nic salts
• RDL coils: work with both 50/50 and higher VG
• DTL coils: need 70/30 shortfills

If your coil tastes burnt but you’re using a sweet dessert liquid, the sugar content is likely the culprit.

You can explore liquids suited for your coil type in the Vapour Deal E Liquid Collection.

Mesh vs Wire Coils

Most modern coils use mesh because it heats evenly, gives better flavour, and usually lasts longer. Older spiral wire coils still exist, but they are better suited to lower power vaping.

Materials vary too:

• Kanthal: most common, stable
• Stainless steel: quick heating, used in many modern pods
• Ceramic: very clean taste, slower heating

Mesh remains the favourite for anyone who values flavour.

The Signs Your Coil Needs Replacing

You don’t need to guess. Coils tell you when they’re done.

• Flavour drops sharply
• Burnt taste
• Less vapour
• Leaking suddenly
• Persistent crackling or gurgling

If you’re experiencing any of these, switch the coil immediately.

How To Prime A Coil Properly

Priming a coil helps it last longer and prevents instant burning.

• Add a few drops of juice to the exposed cotton
• Install the coil
• Fill your pod or tank
• Wait at least 10 to 15 minutes
• Start at low power and increase slowly

If priming feels confusing, we also have a full Vapour Deal Coil Priming Guide with illustrations.

Making Your Coils Last Longer

• Avoid chain vaping
• Keep the tank topped up
• Use liquids that suit your coil
• Clean your device contacts
• Store your vape upright

These little habits can double coil life.

Choosing The Right Coils For Your Device

Pod kits use specific coils designed by the manufacturer. Tanks often give you more options. The main things to consider are:

• Your preferred vaping style
• Liquid thickness
• Device wattage range
• How warm you like your vapour

We list recommended coil types on every product page at Vapour Deal so you don’t buy the wrong one.

FAQs

What happens if I don’t prime a new coil?

It burns instantly. You’ll taste a scorched flavour, and the coil can’t be rescued.

Why do sweet liquids burn coils quicker?

They contain sweeteners that caramelise on the metal, creating buildup that reduces lifespan.

Can I clean and reuse a coil?

No. Once the cotton inside is burnt, the coil is finished.

How do I know which coil fits my device?

Your device manual or the Vapour Deal product page will list compatible coils.

Are low resistance coils always better?

Not at all. They simply suit a different vaping style. Higher resistance coils are better for nicotine satisfaction and a discreet draw.

Why does my coil taste burnt even though it's new?

Possibly unprimed, unsuitable liquid, wattage set too high, or a faulty coil.

Do mesh coils really give better flavour?

Yes. Mesh heats evenly, which improves consistency and reduces burning.