An In-Depth Guide to Vape Coils 2025
The best flavour, vape production, and overall device function come from knowing about vape coils. The coils are the most important part of vaping, no matter how experienced you are or whether you buy pods that are already full. In 2025, coil technology has come a long way. Vapers now have a wider range of choices, including coils that last longer and options that cater to their preferred smoking style.
You can choose, keep, and repair vape coils with confidence after reading this in-depth guide, which includes both expert advice and the latest industry news. You will understand how coils work, the variations in coil types and resistances, and useful tips for making coils last longer. After reading this, you'll know which coil is best for you based on whether you like smooth mouth-to-lung draws, thick sub-ohm clouds, or a mix of the two.
Published: October 27, 2025
TABLE OF CONTENT
What is a Vape Coil?
The heating part inside your vape device that turns e-liquid into vapour is called a vape coil. It is generally made of resistive metal wire or mesh mixed with a material that wicks away moisture, like cotton. The coil gets hot when power runs through it from the battery, and the saturated wick lets out vapour that you can inhale.
The resistance of the coil (measured in ohms) determines how it performs. For example:
- Low-resistance coils (sub-ohm, under 1.0Ω) generate bigger clouds and warmer vapour.
- Higher-resistance coils (above 1.0Ω) are made for mouth-to-lung vaping and give smooth throat hits while saving e-liquid.
The coil is the most important part of vaping because it controls the flavour, the amount of vapour, and the general experience.
What Do Coils Look Like?
Based on the device, vape coils come in different sizes and shapes:
- Prebuilt coils are small and cylindrical, containing wire or mesh wrapped around cotton. They are designed to fit into tanks or pods without any problems.
- Mesh coils are cylinder-shaped pieces of fine metal screens that have been rolled up. They have more surface area for even burning.
- Rebuildable coils (for RDAs or RTAs) are hand-wrapped wires that users install and wick themselves.
Most coils are small, about the size of a fingertip. They might look different from one brand to the next, but they all heat e-liquid quickly.
What is an Atomiser in a Vape?
The coil and wick are inside the atomiser, which is the bigger part. It has the coil head, the breathing system, and sometimes the tank as well. While people often use “coil” and “atomiser” interchangeably, they are not the same:
- The coil is the heating element.
- The atomiser is the entire unit that contains the coil, wick, and connections to the device.
The coil is like the "engine," and the atomiser is like the "chassis" that holds the engine in place and lets you use it.
How Do Vape Coils Work?
Almost all vape pods or tanks have a coil inside that heats the juice. Every time you turn on the device, the battery sends energy through the resistive wire or mesh in the coil. Your e-liquid is held in place by a cotton wick, which soaks up the heat generated by this resistance. At its boiling point, the liquid turns into a vapour that can be inhaled.
Types of Coils
There are different styles of vape coils, and each one gives you a different vaping experience. Some are simple and affordable, while others are designed to give you an exact flavour or make it your own. Here are the types of coils that tend to be utilised in 2025.
Round-Wire Coils
Round-wire coils are the classic type. They are made by spiralling a single piece of resistance wire, like Kanthal or Nichrome. They are simple, reliable, and are often used in products that can be rebuilt.
Mesh Coils
Instead of wire, mesh coils use a thin strip of metal that has holes in it. Mesh has more surface area, so it spreads heat out more evenly. This makes a smooth vape and a strong flavour. A lot of current pod systems and sub-ohm tanks use them.
Ceramic Coils
Ceramic coils feature a porous ceramic material that acts as either the wick or the heating medium. People who vape and want coils that last longer love them because they have a clean flavour and heat up well every time.
Rebuildable Coils
In devices like RDAs, RTAs, and RDTAs, the user makes their own rebuildable coils. Vapers make their own coils out of wire and cotton instead of changing the whole coil head. More experienced users like this choice because they have full control over resistance, flavour, and cloud production.
Pros and Cons of Vape Coils
These high PG liquids are thinner as compared to high PG and are best used to intensify the flavour. They give you a sharper throat hit that feels like smoking a cigar. This makes it a good choice for starter kits, pod systems, and smaller coils. These juices soak quickly into the cotton of the coil and reduce burnt hits in low-powered devices.
| Coil Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy smoker (20+ cigarettes a day) | Simple design, affordable, easy to build, reliable performance. | Less flavour intensity, slower ramp-up, smaller vapour production. |
| Mesh | Excellent flavour, faster heating, smoother vapour, even distribution. | Can burn quickly if not primed, may consume more e-liquid. |
| Ceramic | Clean flavour, longer-lasting, resists burning, steady heating. | Slower ramp-up, less widely available, sometimes higher cost. |
| Rebuildable | Fully customisable, cost-effective, long-term, best for advanced users. | Requires knowledge of coil building and safety and is time-consuming. |
Wire Materials and What They Mean for You
What kind of wire in a vape coil determines how fast it heats up, how it feels, how long it lasts, and which modes are safe to use? Here are the main materials in use in 2025.
Kanthal (FeCrAl)
What it is: An alloy of iron, chromium, and aluminium (FeCrAl). Very stable. Why people like it:
- Strong resistance that doesn't change much when the temperature changes.
- Best for wattage (power) mode, which makes vaping easier and more reliable.
- Good durability, low cost, and easy to find.
Things to watch out for:
- Most mods' temperature control (TC) mode does not work with this one.
- Slower ramp-up than with some metals that heat up faster.
The Eleaf EC Coils (Pack of 5) are standard Kanthal heads designed for wattage mode.
Nichrome (NiCr)
What it is: An alloy of nickel and chromium. A lot of the time, "Ni80," "Ni90," etc.
Why people like it:
- Faster ramp-up means it heats up faster than Kanthal.
- Gives a stronger flavour faster; good for vapers who want as little delay as possible between hitting the fire button and going vape.
Things to watch out for:
- If pushed past the recommended power, it may break down faster or burn out.
- If the wick or coil isn't taken care of properly, the taste may change over time.
Stainless Steel (SS)
What it is: Stainless Steel alloys (such as SS316, SS316L, etc.).
Why people like it:
- This mod can be used in both power mode and temperature control (TC) mode, if it has that feature.
- Clean taste with less of a harsh taste, and it doesn't rust easily.
Things to watch out for:
- To get the most out of it, you need a mod that can do TC.
- May need more careful tuning (wattage, airflow) to get the best flavour and coil life.
In the “ GeekVape Coils ” collection, you’ll see SS coils available (e.g. “Super Mesh KA1 / SS316”, etc), showing the variety of stainless steel-based coil heads.
Also, the “ Freemax Coils ” collection includes “Mesh Pro SS316” variants.
Nickel (Ni200) / Titanium
What they are:
- Ni200: Nickel wire that is almost pure.
- Titanium (Ti): Pure titanium wire or titanium alloy.
Why people like them:
Mostly used in TC mode (Temperature Control). They let you finetune the heat so that you don't get dry hits or burnt tastes.
Things to watch out for:
- Not safe or useful in wattage setting only, without TC.
- Need a mod that works with TC and can accurately track temperature.
- Might be more fragile or need more care (like having the right wires or worrying about safety).
- Due to cost and safety concerns, they are not as popular in mass-market pre-built coil heads.
Coil Resistance and Performance
The resistance of a vape coil, measured in ohms (Ω), plays a huge role in shaping your vaping experience. How much power is needed to heat the coil, how much vape is made, and how strong the head hit is are all controlled by this. Whether you like sub-ohm vaping or mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping will help you choose the right resistance.
Sub-ohm vs MTL Vaping
| Feature | Sub-ohm Vaping (below 1.0Ω) | MTL Vaping (1.0Ω and above) |
|---|---|---|
| Inhalation Style | Direct-to-Lung (DTL), like breathing in normally | Mouth-to-Lung (MTL), similar to smoking a cigarette |
| Vapour Production | Large, dense clouds | Small, discreet vapour clouds |
| Flavour Experience | Intense, bold flavour | Smooth, balanced flavour |
| Nicotine Suitability | Best with low nicotine (3mg–6mg) | Works well with higher nicotine or nic salts (10–20mg) |
| E-liquid Consumption | Consumes more e-liquid | More efficient, uses less e-liquid |
| Best For | Cloud chasers, flavour seekers, advanced vapers | Beginners, ex-smokers, and discreet vaping needs |
There are pros and cons to each style. Sub-ohm is all about flavour intensity and vapour volume, while MTL is all about nicotine pleasure and subtle use.
What’s the Difference Between 0.6 and 0.8 Coils?
| Feature | 0.6Ω Coil | 0.8Ω Coil |
|---|---|---|
| Vapour Production | Denser vapour, slightly cloudier | Smoother, lighter vapour |
| Flavour Intensity | Strong flavour, warmer vape | Balanced flavour, cooler vape |
| Draw Style | Restricted Direct-to-Lung (RDTL) or loose MTL | True Mouth-to-Lung (MTL), cigarette-like |
| Nicotine Suitability | Works with freebase (6–12mg) and nic salts (up to 20mg) | Best with nicotine salts (10–20mg) |
| Throat Hit | Moderate to strong | Smooth but noticeable |
| E-liquid Usage | Consumes more e-liquid | More efficient, uses less e-liquid |
| Best For | Vapers wanting flavour + moderate clouds | Vapers seeking a discreet, cigarette-style experience |
In simple terms:
- 0.6Ω = warmer, denser vapour, balanced for flavour + clouds.
- 0.8Ω = cooler, smoother vape, focused on nicotine delivery and throat hit.
Fun Fact
Switching from high-resistance coils to sub-ohm coils can completely change your experience, almost like switching from sipping tea to gulping a smoothie. Try it out with sub-ohm vape kits for a flavour-packed session.
Coil Lifespan
Every vape coil has a lifespan. How long it lasts varies depending on how often you vape, what kind of e-liquid you use, and how well you take care of it. Seeing the signs of a worn-out coil will help you escape bad taste and burned hits.
How Long Do Vape Coils Last?
Most vape coils last between one and two weeks. But remember that this is just a suggestion. Some coils can last up to three weeks if they are used fairly with clear, balanced e-liquids. Other coils may burn out in just a few days if they are used a lot with sweet or dark liquids.
This question regarding how long a vape coil lasts often comes up because coil longevity varies widely:
- E-liquid type: Sugary or dessert-style e-liquids caramelise faster, shortening coil life. Clearer, less sweet juices extend coil lifespan.
- Power settings: Higher wattages burn coils quicker; lower settings keep them going longer.
- Usage frequency: Chain vapers will naturally wear out coils faster than occasional users.
- Coil type: Mesh coils generally last longer than traditional wire coils due to even heating.
In short, expect anywhere between 5 days and 2 weeks, depending on your style.
| Factor | Effect on Coil Lifespan | Average Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Usage Frequency | Heavy daily vaping burns coils quickly. | 5–7 days |
| E-liquid Type | Sweet/dessert flavours caramelise coils faster. | 5–10 days |
| Clear/Low-Sweet Liquids | Cleaner juices extend coil life. | 10–20 days |
| Wattage Level | High wattage reduces longevity. | 5–7 days |
| Mesh Coils | Even heating makes them last longer. | 10–20 days |
| Traditional Wire Coils | Less durable compared to mesh. | 7–14 days |
How Often to Change a Vape Coil
Here are the main signs it’s time to replace your coil:
- Burnt or harsh taste, even with fresh e-liquid.
- Flavour loss or muted performance.
- Reduced vapour production.
- Gurgling, leaking, or spitting.
- E-liquid is turning darker inside the tank or pod.
For most users, replacing the coil every 1–2 weeks is the sweet spot. Heavy vapers may need to do so more often.
How to Prime a Vape Coil
Priming simply means ensuring the coil’s cotton wick is saturated before use. The benefits of priming include:
- Preventing dry hits and burnt taste.
- Extending coil life by avoiding instant damage.
- Delivering smoother flavour from the very first puff.
Step-by-Step Method of Doing Priming
- Apply a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the coil’s exposed cotton ports.
- Install the coil into your pod or tank.
- Fill the tank or pod with e-liquid.
- Let it sit for at least 5–10 minutes to soak fully.
- Start at a lower wattage than the coil’s maximum rating.
- Take a few short puffs without inhaling deeply to pull liquid into the wick.
- Gradually increase wattage until you reach your preferred level.
How to Change Coil in Vape
Changing a coil might sound hard, but it's really not that hard once you've done it a few times:
- Turn off your device so it doesn't fire by mistake.
- Take the pod or tank off the device.
- Take out the old coil. You may have to unscrew it from a tank or pull it out of a pod to do this.
- Put a few drops of e-liquid right on the cotton wicking holes of your new coil to prime it.
- Place the new coil firmly in its place.
- Put the device back together and add e-liquid if needed.
- Before you vape, wait 5–10 minutes for the coil to fully soak up the liquid.
This step is important: firing a coil too soon can burn the cotton instantly, ruining the coil.
How to Replace Vape Coil in Pod Kits and Tanks
| Step / Feature | Pod Kits | Tanks |
|---|---|---|
| Coil Access Method | Pull-out or push-in coil in pod; sometimes built-in (replace whole pod). | Unscrew the coil from the base of the tank; it often has a screw-in coil head. |
| Mess / Liquid Handling | Usually, it's less messy because pods are smaller and easier to handle; sometimes, you just swap pods. | More care is needed; you may need to empty the tank or remove it from the device to avoid leaks. |
| Time & Ease | Faster replacement; minimal steps. | Slightly more steps, unscrew, fill, re-prime, reassemble. |
| Coil Options | Fewer options, often specific to the pod manufacturer. | Many coil types are available, including mesh, ceramic, and rebuildable heads. |
| When to Replace | Signs include reduced vapour, burnt taste, or weak throat hit. | Same signs; also visible coil degradation or excessive gurgling/leaking. |
How to Clean a Vape Coil
Cleaning a vape coil can sometimes make it last longer and taste better. First, take out the coil and rinse it under warm water to get rid of any extra e-liquid. Soak it in vodka or rubbing alcohol to clean it better, then rinse it well and let it dry completely. Even though cleaning can help, keep in mind that coils wear out over time and need to be changed for the best vaping experience.
Troubleshooting Coil Problems
Things like burnt taste, sore throat, or weak flavour can happen even with the best coils. Taking care of the coil, the power settings, or not using the right e-liquid are the main causes of these issues. Knowing what's causing the problems lets you fix them quickly and keep your vape running well.
What Causes Burnt Taste
A burnt taste generally happens when the cotton wick in the coil isn't fully saturated with e-liquid. Some common reasons are:
- Vaping too fast and not giving the wick time to soak again.
- Using old or worn-out coils that can no longer absorb e-liquid properly.
- Setting the power too high, burning the wick before the juice vapourises.
- Using thick e-liquids (like high-VG) in coils not designed for them.
Why Does My Vape Taste Burnt With New Coils?
If you don't set up your coils right, even brand-new ones can taste burned. Most of the time, bad preparation is to blame:
The dry cotton on the coil will catch fire right away if you don't add a few drops of e-liquid straight to it before the first use. As soon as you fill up your tank or pod, you need to wait 5 to 10 minutes so the cotton can fully soak.
Fixes: Always prime your coil, let it fill, and start with a lower wattage level and slowly raise it.
Why is My Vape Burning My Throat With a New Coil?
A new coil might not only taste bad, but it might also sting your throat. Most of the time, this is because the options or liquid strength aren't right:
- Going over the coil's suggested wattage makes the vape hotter, which can irritate the throat.
- Using high-nicotine e-liquids in low-resistance coils (sub-ohm) makes the vapour harsh and uncomfortable.
- Vapour can get too hot on a coil meant for open tanks if the airflow is limited.
Pro Tip: Make sure the power is in the right range for the coil, that the nicotine strength is right (low for sub-ohm, higher for MTL), and that the airflow is even.
Final Thoughts
Vape coils are the backbone of every device, shaping how your e-liquid tastes and how much vapour you enjoy. Whether you start with simple prebuilt coils or explore rebuildable options, understanding coil resistance, materials, and care can make a big difference in performance. With the right knowledge, your vaping journey becomes smoother and more enjoyable. Explore Immyz to find high-quality vaping coils, kits, and accessories that perfectly match your style.