The coil is the essential heating element of your equipment, whether it is a Pod, a PodMod, an AIO or a clearomizer. It is a consumable that must be replaced regularly and this, as soon as the pleasure of vaping begins to decline gradually.

What is a coil ? 

A coil is a small part that fits into the tank. It is composed of a steel body with a contact on its bottom, also containing a resistive wire coil (heating element) and a cotton (absorbing element). Side openings allow the e-liquid in the tank to soak the cotton. As a result of the electrical reaction, the liquid will be heated and then vaporised, producing the vapour to be inhaled.

The coil can be a simple spiral of resistive wire, accompanied by clapton (wire wound like a guitar string) or mesh (fine metal mesh). Thus, you can find in the same coil from one to four coils depending on the atomizer used.

Value in Ohms 

The heating capacity of a coil is directly related to its electrical coil expressed in ohms (Ω). Each value in ohms corresponds to a recommended power range. All these values are always indicated on the body of the coil.

Below 1Ω, the coil is referred to as a Sub Ohm. The coil will then produce more heat and vapour but will require more power and a low nicotine content e-liquid to avoid too much absorption. Coil of 1Ω or more need less power and will be much more suitable for high nicotine liquids. Consequently, these are the ones you will usually find on beginner kits (Pod, PodMod, AIO).

Which coil to choose?

For the same material, there is always a wide range of coil choices with different ohm values. However, the coil format is proprietary, only coils from the same manufacturer and designed for the model will fit. In addition, the power in watts available on your equipment will determine the choice of coil , as will the airflow, which can be modulated between restrictive (MTL = Mouth To Lung) and aerial (DTL = Direct To Lung).

The lower the coil in ohms, the more power and air it will need to work properly. And in this case, it will produce more steam. Conversely, a high coil will require less power, thus producing less vapour, but offering a finer and much better quality flavour reproduction. When the choice is available, a coil between 0.40Ω and 0.60Ω will be a good compromise, allowing a precise and rigorous balance between flavours and steam.

Installation and priming 

Depending on your equipment, the coil can be screwed into the slot provided or simply inserted, held in place by the seals. Check the presence and integrity of the gaskets before installation, as they prevent leaks by ensuring a good seal with the tank. During the first use, it is important that the cotton is perfectly soaked so that it does not burn on the first breath. This is called priming. With your vial of e-liquid, pour two to three drops into the top opening of the coil and one drop into each side window to prime the cotton.

Then put the coil in place and fill the tank, let it sit for 15 minutes before the first use. This allows the cotton to be well saturated with liquid.

What is the life expectancy of a heating element?

The life of your coil will depend on several factors: quality of the coil and cotton, frequency and power of vaping and type of e-liquid used. Liquids with a high VG content or high sugar content (gourmet liquids) tend to clog a coil more quickly. Therefore, your coil will have a lifespan of between two and three weeks. Some coils only live for a week. When you notice a change in flavour, a decrease in vapour, or a burnt taste, change your coil immediately. 

To keep it as long as possible, here are a few tips to apply with care:

- Do not neglect a good priming at the beginning.
- Avoid successive puffs close together to give the cotton time to soak in.
- Stay within the low limit of the recommended power.
- Never vape with an almost empty tank. As soon as the liquid level reaches the top of the side windows, refill it.