Choosing the right coil is important for a vape to work as intended. The coil affects, among other things, flavour, vapour production, battery consumption and which type of e-liquid is best suited.
It is common for users to wonder whether any coil can be used, what different ohm ratings mean and why some coils are better suited for MTL while others are designed for DTL. In this guide, we explain what you need to know to understand which coil is suitable for your device and your vaping style.
What does a coil do in a vape?
The coil is the part of a vape that heats the e-liquid. It usually consists of a metal wire or mesh surface, as well as cotton that absorbs the e-liquid from the tank or pod.
When the device is activated, the coil heats up, causing the e-liquid to vaporise. Therefore, the coil has a major impact on how a vape tastes, how much vapour is produced and how warm the vapour feels.
Different coils are designed for different power settings, airflow levels and e-liquids. A coil that works well in one particular tank or pod will therefore not automatically fit another. If you need to compare different models or find a compatible replacement part, our range of coils for vapes and e-cigarettes is collected in its own category.
Can you use any coil?
No, you should not use just any coil. The coil must be compatible with the tank, pod or vape device being used.
Different manufacturers use different coil series, dimensions and connections. Even if two coils look alike, they may have different fits, resistances or recommended wattage ranges.
The safest way to choose the right coil is to check:
- Which model of vape, tank or pod you use
- Which coil series the manufacturer recommends
- What resistance the coil has
- What wattage range the coil is designed for
- Whether the coil is made for MTL, RDL or DTL
If the wrong coil is used, the device may work poorly, provide weak flavour, leak, become too hot or, in some cases, not work at all.
What does ohm mean on a coil?
Ohm indicates the coil's resistance. The resistance affects how much current the coil draws from the battery and how much power is needed to heat it.
Generally speaking, coils with lower resistance are often used at higher power and with more open airflow. Coils with higher resistance are often used at lower power and with more restricted airflow.
Examples of common resistance levels:
- 0.15–0.3 ohms: often used for more vapour, higher wattage and more open airflow.
- 0.4–0.7 ohms: may be suitable for RDL or more balanced use.
- 0.8–1.2 ohms: often used for MTL, lower power and more restricted airflow.
These are general guidelines. The most important thing is always to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the specific coil.
If you want to understand resistance and power in more technical terms, you can read our article What does Ohm's law mean and why is it important for vaping?.
Which coil is suitable for MTL?
MTL stands for Mouth To Lung and means that the vapour is first drawn into the mouth and then down into the lungs. This is similar to the way many people use a traditional cigarette.
MTL coils often have higher resistance, usually around 0.8 ohms or higher. They are often used at lower wattage and with more restricted airflow.
An MTL coil is often suitable for users who want:
- More restricted airflow
- Lower vapour production
- Lower battery consumption
- A more pronounced throat hit
- Compatibility with thinner e-liquids
MTL devices are often used together with e-liquids containing a higher proportion of PG or 50/50 blends, depending on the device's recommendations.
You can read more about the differences between inhalation styles in our guide What is the difference between MTL and DTL?.
Which coil is suitable for DTL?
DTL stands for Direct To Lung and means that the vapour is drawn directly into the lungs. This type of use often requires more airflow, higher power and coils with lower resistance.
DTL coils are often below 0.5 ohms and are usually used in more powerful vape devices. They are designed to produce more vapour and are often used with e-liquids containing a higher proportion of VG.
A DTL coil is often suitable for users who want:
- Open airflow
- Greater vapour production
- Higher power
- Warmer vapour
- More powerful performance
Since DTL coils often require more power, they usually consume more battery and use more e-liquid than MTL coils.
What is RDL and which coil is suitable for it?
RDL stands for Restricted Direct Lung and falls between MTL and DTL. This means more open airflow than MTL, but not as open as traditional DTL.
RDL coils often have a resistance somewhere between approximately 0.4 and 0.8 ohms, but this varies between different models and manufacturers.
RDL may suit users who want more vapour than MTL but not as much vapour production as DTL. It can also be an option for those who want a balance between flavour, airflow and battery consumption.
How does the coil affect flavour?
The coil has a major impact on the flavour experience. Resistance, material, airflow, wattage and how efficiently the cotton transports e-liquid all affect how clear the flavour becomes.
A coil that suits the device and e-liquid can provide consistent flavour and stable vapour. An incorrect or worn coil, on the other hand, can cause the flavour to become weaker, burnt, dry or inconsistent.
Flavour can be affected by:
- The coil's resistance
- Whether the coil is mesh or traditional wire
- The wattage being used
- The airflow of the device
- The e-liquid being used
- How old the coil is
If your vape starts tasting weaker than before, the coil may be one of the causes. In that case, our article Why does my vape taste weaker than before? may be relevant to read.
What is a mesh coil?
A mesh coil uses a thin metal mesh structure instead of a traditional spiral-shaped wire. Mesh often provides a larger contact area with the cotton, which can contribute to more even heating.
Mesh coils are often used to provide consistent flavour and even vapour production. They are available for both smaller pod systems and more powerful vape devices.
This does not mean that mesh is always the right choice for every user. It depends on the device, the e-liquid and the type of use the coil is designed for.
If you want to read more about the technology, you can see our article What are mesh coils?.
Which coil is suitable for which e-liquid?
The composition of the e-liquid affects which coil works best. In particular, the VG/PG ratio is important.
PG is thinner and is often used in e-liquids suitable for smaller pod systems and MTL devices. VG is thicker and is often used in e-liquids for more powerful devices with larger coils and higher wattage.
Generally, you can think of it like this:
- MTL coils: often suit thinner e-liquids, such as 50/50 or those with a higher PG content.
- RDL coils: may suit medium-thickness e-liquids, depending on the device.
- DTL coils: often suit e-liquids with a higher VG content.
If the e-liquid is too thick for the coil, the cotton may have difficulty absorbing the liquid quickly enough. This can lead to a dry taste or burnt puffs. If the liquid is too thin for a particular pod or tank, the risk of leaking may increase.
You can read more about this in our guide VG/PG ratios – Cigge explains.
How do you know which wattage range to use?
Many coils have a recommended wattage range indicated on the coil itself, in the product information or on the packaging. For example, it may say 15–25 W or 40–60 W.
This range shows the power range the coil is designed for. If the power is too low, the flavour may be weak and the vapour thin. If the power is too high, the coil may become too hot, which can produce a burnt taste or shorten the coil's lifespan.
A good starting point is to begin at the lower end of the recommended wattage range and then adjust carefully upwards if the device allows it.
More information can be found in our article What wattage should I vape at?.
How do you know when it is time to change the coil?
Even the right coil needs to be replaced after a while. Its lifespan is affected by the e-liquid, wattage, frequency of use and how well the coil is prepared before use.
Signs that the coil may need replacing include:
- The flavour becomes weaker
- It tastes burnt or dry
- Vapour production decreases
- The device starts gurgling
- The e-liquid tastes different than usual
- The coil has been used for longer than normal
If these signs occur, it may be time to change the coil or check whether the device needs cleaning.
You can read more in our article 5 tips for avoiding burnt coils.
Common mistakes when choosing a coil
There are some common mistakes that can cause a coil not to work as expected.
Choosing a coil that is not compatible
Not all coils fit all devices. Always check the model, series and recommendations before changing the coil.
Using too high a wattage
Too much power can cause the coil to become too hot and negatively affect the cotton. This can produce a burnt taste and shorten its lifespan.
Using the wrong e-liquid
An e-liquid that is too thick in a small pod can result in poor liquid flow. An e-liquid that is too thin in certain tanks can increase the risk of leaking.
Not allowing the coil to absorb the liquid
When using a new coil, the cotton needs time to become saturated with e-liquid before the device is used. Otherwise, the cotton may become dry and produce a burnt taste.
Only looking at the resistance
Resistance is important, but it is not the whole picture. Airflow, wattage range, e-liquid and the construction of the device also play a major role.
How do you choose the right coil step by step?
If you are unsure which coil to use, you can follow these steps:
- Check exactly which device, tank or pod you are using.
- Find out which coils the manufacturer lists as compatible.
- Choose a coil based on whether you use MTL, RDL or DTL.
- Check the coil's resistance and wattage range.
- Make sure the e-liquid is suitable for the coil type and the construction of the device.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions when replacing the coil and using it for the first time.
By prioritising compatibility, you reduce the risk of buying the wrong product and encountering problems with flavour, leaking or a burnt coil.
Things to consider
Which coil you should use primarily depends on which vape device, tank or pod you have. The coil must be compatible with the device and suit the type of use it is designed for.
Resistance, wattage range, airflow and e-liquid affect how the coil works. Higher resistance is often used for MTL and lower power, while lower resistance is often used for DTL and higher vapour production.
To choose the right coil, you should always check the manufacturer's recommendations, select the correct coil series and make sure the e-liquid is suitable for the device. This will give you better conditions for consistent flavour, stable vapour and a longer coil lifespan.
