Vape coils are made exclusively for use in your vape tank or rebuild able atomizer. A wrapped length of metal wire and a cotton wick make up the majority of coils. The wick absorbs e-liquid, which the coil heats to the point of vaporization. Because coil wire comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, it's crucial to know which ones are suitable for the vaping style you want. Because different metals have varied properties, only specific coil types are compatible with certain output modes. We'll explain the conclusive guide to vape coil wire guide.
The first topic we'll go over is vape wire. Because of three factors – flavor, vapor output, and ramp-up time – the wire type and size are quite important. Each wire variety (there are five) has a somewhat different flavor, as well as distinctive construction obstacles and opportunities. Knowing the many types of vape wires can assist you in selecting the best one for your vaping style and preferences.
Vapers refer to the actual diameter of the wire when they speak of the wire size. Coils most popularly used as 32, 30, 28, 26, 24, and 22 – with these, most of the vapor coils can be made, including the most eccentric and used for excellent vapors.
Here I would remind you that the larger the numerical number of the gauge, the thinner the wire. 28g is more than 30g in diameter, but less than 26g. In addition, an increase in diameter will lead to a lower resistance, meaning that the wire is to be heated longer.
You're probably aware that there are two types of vaping modes: wattage mode and temperature control mode. Of course, it would be ideal if we could simply utilize any old vape wire type for both modes. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Here's why: certain wire types act differently at ambient temperature than they do when heated. For example, nickel wire can be 0.15-ohm at room temperature, but when you fire it in your mod, the resistance skyrockets, which can cause issues.
Temperature control vaping differs from pure wattage vaping in that the current provided to a coil is regulated by the Temperature Coefficient of Resistance (TCR) of a specific wire. To use the same example, nickel behaves consistently with regards to rise in temperature – the wire will always be a specific resistance at given temperatures. A TC mod will utilize that stable increase to calculate resistance as the coil heats up, decreasing the current temperature to keep the coil at a safe temperature.
Kanthal, nichrome, Stainless Steel, Nickel, and Titanium are the most common types of vape wires.
Kanthal coil wire is the most popular type of coil wire used in e-cigarette. The reason for this is that it is economical to obtain and simple to use, while also offering good flavor and cloud production. Tank coils and custom build coils for rebuild able atomizers both use Kanthal Coil Wire.
Kanthal wire comes in a variety of resistances and can be used for sub ohm vaping as well as mouth to lung vaping. Kanthal can only be used in Variable Wattage mode, but due to its adaptability, it is compatible with most vape equipment.
Nichrome coil wire, often known as Ni80, is similar to Kanthal in that it's inexpensive and can only be utilized in Variable Wattage Mode. This makes it suitable for a variety of vape kits and devices, and it's available in tank coils as well as prebuilt coils for rebuild able atomizers. Nichrome warms up more quickly than Kanthal, allowing for a quicker ramp-up and larger cloud generation.
Titanium coil wire, often known as Ti wire, is becoming more popular in the ever-growing vape market, despite its rarity. This wire can only be used in Temperature Control Mode, which is found on a variety of complex sub ohm vape mods. Titanium coil wire retains its shape at extreme temps, meaning its Ohm resistance remains stable, and it's simple to work with, making it perfect for cloud chasing.
Mesh coils have become one of the most popular vaping options for both newcomers and seasoned veterans. These coils are often made of Stainless Steel or Kanthal materials and are now commonly available for most devices and rdas. Mesh coils replace the conventional wire heating element used in ordinary coils with metallic mesh, providing a rich source of flavor due to the larger surface area heated. When compared to traditional round wire coils, this results in faster firing, a longer lifespan, and improved overall power efficiency.
The flavor is something that is highly subjective. To one vaper, what tastes amazing to them may seem stale or overbearing to another. With that in mind, we went about selecting different coils for various flavours based on feedback from a variety of users on the forum.
Because choosing and utilizing the perfect coil may make or break your vaping experience, it's critical to understand the advantages and properties of each type. We propose that you take this information as a starting point for your search and that you thoroughly investigate your coil before utilizing it. Before using your vape device, make sure it's compatible.
Make sure to contact us if you have any inquiries about the conclusive guide to vape coils or vaping in general.
Vape coil wire is the conductive metal wire used to build heating coils in rebuildable atomizers (RDA, RTA, RDTA). When current flows through wire, it heats up, vaporizing e-liquid absorbed in cotton wicking. Different wire types (kanthal, stainless steel, nickel, titanium) offer unique properties affecting resistance, ramp-up time, flavour, and temperature control compatibility.
Main wire types: Kanthal (most common, wattage mode only), Stainless Steel 316L (wattage or TC mode, good flavour), Nickel Ni200 (TC mode only, fast heat), Titanium Ti (TC mode only, clean taste), Nichrome (faster heat than kanthal, wattage only), and exotic wires (Clapton, fused Clapton, alien) for advanced builders seeking enhanced performance.
Best wire depends on use: Kanthal A1 for beginners (easy, forgiving, affordable), Stainless Steel 316L for versatility (wattage and TC modes, excellent flavour), Nichrome for fast ramp-up, and exotic Clapton wires for experienced builders wanting maximum flavour and vapour. Start with simple round kanthal or SS316L before advancing to complex builds.
Common gauges: 24-26 AWG for single coils (lower resistance, faster heat), 28 AWG for dual coils or MTL builds, 30-32 AWG for higher resistance MTL vaping. Lower gauge number = thicker wire = lower resistance = more power needed. Beginners start with 24-26 AWG for easy building and good performance.
Kanthal (iron-chromium-aluminum alloy) is most popular vape wire because: widely available, affordable, easy to work with, stable resistance, long-lasting, forgiving for beginners, no toxicity concerns, works in wattage mode, and reliable consistent performance. Kanthal A1 is standard—doesn't work with temperature control but excellent for power mode vaping.
Stainless Steel 316L offers: dual mode capability (wattage and temperature control), excellent flavour production, fast ramp-up time, lower resistance than kanthal at same gauge, corrosion resistance, and clean taste without metallic notes. SS316L is most versatile wire—perfect for vapers wanting TC option while maintaining wattage flexibility.
No, only specific wires work with TC: Stainless Steel (SS316L, SS317), Nickel (Ni200), and Titanium (Ti). These have predictable resistance changes with temperature allowing TC mode to regulate heat. Kanthal and Nichrome don't work with TC—resistance too stable. Always verify wire compatibility with your TC device.
Clapton coils feature core wire wrapped with thinner gauge wire (like guitar string), creating larger surface area for: enhanced flavour intensity, increased vapour production, longer heat retention, better e-liquid wicking, and richer experience. Variations include fused Clapton (multiple core wires), alien, and Stapled—more complex = better performance but harder to build.
Resistance depends on: wire type (material resistivity), wire gauge (thickness), number of wraps, and coil inner diameter. Use online coil calculators or apps entering these variables to predict resistance. For safety: always check final resistance with ohm meter before installing, ensure resistance is safe for your battery, and stay within device limits.
Wire gauge (AWG) indicates thickness: lower number = thicker wire = lower resistance = more power needed = faster heat but shorter ramp time. Higher number = thinner wire = higher resistance = less power = slower heat but more control. 24-28 AWG is standard range offering balance of resistance, ease of building, and performance.
Nickel Ni200 wire is safe when used correctly: only in temperature control mode (prevents overheating), proper wattage for TC setup, clean oxidation-free wire, and with devices supporting nickel TC profiles. Never use in wattage mode (releases harmful compounds at high temps). Some people have nickel allergies—avoid if sensitive.
Wrap count depends on target resistance and wire specs: 5-7 wraps typical for sub-ohm builds (0.2-0.5Ω), 8-12 wraps for MTL builds (1.0-1.8Ω). More wraps = higher resistance = cooler vape. Use coil calculator to determine exact wraps needed for desired resistance based on wire gauge, diameter, and material.
Essential tools: coil jig or drill bits (2-3mm diameter), wire cutters, ceramic tweezers (for squeezing/positioning hot coils), ohm meter, cotton for wicking, screwdriver for post screws, and good lighting. Advanced: coil wrapping tools, coil master kits, and magnification. Quality tools make building easier, safer, and produce better results.
Not recommended: different wire types have different resistance properties, heat at different rates, and require different settings causing uneven heating, hot legs, or one coil firing before the other. Use identical wire type, gauge, and wrap count for dual coil setups ensuring balanced, safe, consistent performance across both coils.
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