When it comes to vaping, there are a huge number of different options and varieties to choose from – especially when it comes to things like coils. While this freedom of choice is ideal for perfecting your vaping experience, it can be confusing when you are first dipping your toe into tailoring your vape.
In this handy guide we break down the differences between mesh, regular, and ceramic coils so you can decide which one best suits your needs and is most likely to enhance your vaping experience.
Understanding the basics: what is a vape coil?
The first thing to understand is what exactly a vape coil is and what its function is. The coil is the heating element that vaporises e-liquid and allows it to then be inhaled. It is a crucial part of the vaping process, and the choice of coil can affect flavour, vapour production, and overall satisfaction.
Some vaping devices have changeable coils while others use replaceable pods, which have built-in coils. These are fixed within the pod rather than removable, but they work in the same way as the replaceable coils found in other devices.
Coils also have different resistances, communicated in ohms, which describes how much power the coil is able to conduct and how much it heats up. The lower the resistance, the hotter the coil can get and the more vapour the device will produce.
Each coil also has a recommended power range at which it will perform best. Simpler devices and starter kits that don’t offer adjustable wattage will use coils that are optimised for the device’s power output. Devices that do have adjustable wattage will often have a number of different coil options, so you can find the one best suited to your preferred output.
Regular coils: the traditional choice
The regular coil was the first type of vape coil available and is now sometimes referred to as a traditional or standard coil.
How they work
Regular coils are typically made of a wound wire that looks a bit like a miniature spring. When power is passed to the coil it heats up to vaporise the liquid that has been absorbed by the cotton wick that surrounds it.
The wire can be made of a number of different materials, including stainless steel, kanthal, and nichrome. The diameter and number of loops can also vary and these factors, along with the material, determine the resistance of the coil.
Many popular classic vape kits, like the Aspire PockeX, use a regular coil to provide a highly satisfying vaping experience.
Pros & cons of regular coils
Regular coils are widely used in a range of vapes, including many much-loved classics. Here are some of the pros and cons that come with choosing a regular coil.
- Pros: Regular coils are cost-effective, have a simple design and are ideal for mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping. They also use less e-liquid than some other types.
- Cons: Regular coils can have slower heat-up times and are prone to "hotspots" which can lead to burnt flavour. They also generally have a slightly shorter lifespan.
Mesh coils: the modern standard
The introduction of mesh coils brought about a new standard in the world of modern vaping. They offer a range of benefits that ensured they were quickly adopted by the industry.
How mesh coils work
Mesh coils are made from a thin sheet of metal that has been perforated with lots of tiny holes to create a mesh-like grid formation. This design allows for a significantly larger surface area than traditional coils, which means it can heat up e-liquid more quickly and evenly.
Mesh coils can be made from materials such as kanthal, stainless steel, or nickel and their flat design means that they cover a larger area of the wick than traditional coiled versions.
Many modern vape kits, including favourites like the Vaporesso XROS 5 and XROS 5 Mini, utilise mesh coils in their pods.
Pros & cons of mesh coils
- Pros: Mesh coils offer a fast heat-up time and superior flavour delivery due to even heating. They can also offer a larger vapour production (making them ideal for direct-to-lung, or DTL, vaping) and a longer lifespan than regular coils.
- Cons: Mesh coils tend to consume more e-liquid and battery power, and can be more expensive than regular coils. Also, because mesh coils are a newer innovation, not all vape kits/tanks will have a mesh coil option available.
Ceramic coils: the flavour-oriented option
In addition to regular and mesh coils, there are also ceramic coils. These unique coils have a strong focus on flavour and durability, that make them a specialist choice.
How they work
Ceramic coils use a porous ceramic material as a wick or to encase the wire. This material replaces the need for the cotton wicks used by regular and mesh coils and absorbs e-liquid efficiently. The wire heats the ceramic from within to produce a clean and consistent vapour, which results in a pure and reliable flavour and a smooth and subtle vaping experience.
Ceramic coils are often found in devices with a focus on flavour, such as the Vuse Ultra.
Pros & cons of ceramic coils
Ceramic coils are very long lasting and produce a crisp and consistent flavour. Discover the pros and cons of these sophisticated coils.
- Pros: Ceramic coils are known for producing an exceptionally clean and pure flavour. They also have a long lifespan (often lasting longer than both regular and mesh coils) and a reduced risk of dry hits and spit-back.
- Cons: Ceramic coils are slower to heat up and typically produce less vapour than mesh coils. They can be more physically fragile and break if dropped. Additionally, ceramic coils are not as common or widely available as other coil types.
Mesh vs regular vs ceramic: a quick comparison
Picking the right coil for you means comparing some of the key factors and considering your own preferences.
| Regular coil | Mesh coil | Ceramic coil | |
| Flavour quality | Good, although higher chance of burnt hits | High quality, intense and consistent | Pure and clear, great for subtle flavour |
| Vapour production | Smaller vapour clouds | Larger vapour clouds | Smaller vapour clouds but high consistency |
| Ramp up time | Moderate | Fast | Slow |
| Lifespan | Shorter than mesh coils | Decent lifespan | Very long lasting |
| E-liquid consumption | Uses less e-liquid than alternatives | Uses more e-liquid than regular coils | Use more e-liquid due to high heats |
| Best for | MTL | DTL | MTL |
Choosing the right coil for you
When it comes to choosing the right coil, the most important thing is looking to see which most closely matches your personal preferences. Simply put:
- Are you a cloud-chaser? Then a mesh coil is for you.
- Do you prioritise flavour purity and a smoother vape? A ceramic coil could be what you are looking for.
- Are you a beginner looking for a simple, cigarette-like experience? Regular coils may be your best starting point.
It is also worth bearing in mind that not all vape kits or tanks will be available in different coil types. For example, ceramic coils are not common and may be trickier to find. So if there is a particular coil type you would like to try, it is worth considering this when choosing a new kit.
Ready to start exploring the wonderful world of coils? Be sure to explore the regular coils, exciting mesh coils and other great options on our site. Finding the right coil can revolutionise your vaping experience, so now is the time to experiment and discover which coils suit you best.
