Before reading this article to understand how vape coils and wires work and the different coil types, you might need to read: How To Adjust Mod Settings – What Will Hit Your Vape Sweet Spot? which is explaining what is meant by VW/VV – TC (Ni-Ti-SS) – Bypass Mode – M.
What Is A Coil?
The coil is the link between the battery and the atomizer. It’s basically a little piece of metal that heats up and vaporizes the e-liquid. Think of it like the filament in a lightbulb— power runs through which causes it to heat up and heat the liquid to the point that it turns to vapor.
Most devices come with a coil included, however; they need changing pretty regularly in order to continue getting the best possible flavor from your liquid. Below is a list of everything you need to know about getting a replacement coil. If you’re an expert vaper, it is possible to make your own coil from the materials listed below, but please don’t try it unless you know what you’re doing.
What Are The Different Coil Options?
1. Kanthal
Kanthal is one of the most popular materials to use when building your own coil. There’s a couple of reasons behind this: firstly, it’s usually the easiest and cheapest to get hold of. Aside from this, it’s very easy to work with and resists degradation from contact with oxygen. It also retains its shape better than most materials which means you can change the wick without too much damage. All of this together makes it a simple coil to make and one that can be used for a long time.
There are some downsides to Kanthal. It’s a simple material work with, but this also means it makes a simpler coil. It’s not possible to make a Kanthal coil that can be used with temperature control. It also takes a longer time to heat up more than other materials. Some users complain that, compared to other materials, Kanthal coils make for a duller flavor.
All in all, a great material for a beginner. If you’ve been in the game for a long time or want to push yourself, you may want to for something else.
2. NiChrome
NiChrome, as the name suggests, is an alloy made up of chromium and nickel. It’s not that dissimilar to Kanthal in the way it behaves. One thing that sets it apart is that it can be used in temperature control mode. It also heats up significantly faster than Kanthal.
On the other hand, it has a lower melting point that Kanthal which can be pretty dangerous. Too much dry burning on a NiChrome coil could lead to it melting or even catching fire. Another thing to bear in mind that nickel is allergen, so don’t mess around with it unless you know you’re not allergic.
3. Stainless Steel (SS)
Stainless Steel, unlike NiChrome, has a high melting point and can handle dry burning much better. It also heats up very quickly. It can be used in both temperature control and wattage modes. Users say that the flavor from SS coils is more crisp and fresh. Like Kanthal, it holds its shape and so an SS coil can last a long time and good few wick changes.
There are a few downsides to SS coils, but they mostly depend on the grade of the metal. Some grades have high nickel contents which is not good if you have a nickel allergy. Some grades are difficult to work with as they’re thicker and less springy. Another thing which makes SS coils impractical is the difficulty involved in finding decent grades. It’s nearly impossible to buy from vape shops and you’ll have to turn to the internet.
4. Nickel
Nickel wire gets a bad reputation and, to be honest, not without reason. For a start, it should only ever be used in temperature control mode, as burning at too high a heat can lead it to it melting. Aside from this, overheating nickel wire can cause it release graphite which can seriously damage your lungs. It’s also difficult to work with due to its softness and it doesn’t retain its shape well. People with pre-existing nickel allergies should stay well away and if you start to notice allergy-type symptoms when using, just stop.
It’s not all bad though. Nickel wire coils produce a really good, dense flavor. It heats up quickly and, probably most importantly, it’s really easy to find and cheap to buy.
Overall I don’t recommend nickel wire, but the dangers are overblown, so there’s no real harm in experimenting.
5. Titanium
Titanium coils are still fairly new. The material is considered much stronger than nickel and, therefore, easier to work with. It retains its shape well and has a very high resistance, which means you need less of it. Many people consider titanium to produce the best flavors of any coil material.
Now for the downsides. Titanium coils should be used in temperature control mode, otherwise you risk titanium dioxide poisoning which really is no joke. Titanium dioxide is only released at temperatures over 600C, which is very high but it is still worth bearing it in mind. Another bad thing about titanium when heated is that, if your coil should ever ignite, the fire is nearly impossible to put out.
Share with us your questions or experience and knowledge with the different coil types below on the comments.