New and established vapers look for ways to make their experience the best it can be. Included in that search for the perfect vape session, is how to choose the right coils. You may have heard there are regular wire coils and mesh coils. It would be useful to know what each one does and what setups work best with them. Here we’ll break that information down for you, so you can have a helpful comparison, and use that, in addition to your own preferences and needs, to make a good selection.
Different parts of a vape device can be adjusted to help you achieve more clouds of vapor, or the type of throat hit you’re after. Mesh coils vs regular coils is part of that, and often leaves new and intermediate vapers wondering what they should do. Should you go for the modern mesh design or stick with the tried-and-true round-wire coil?
We’ll see the reasons why people try certain coil types, and look at mesh vs standard coils across flavor, vapor, throat hit, wattage, e-liquid pairing, lifespan, safety, and device compatibility to help you decide. Whether you’re a smoker exploring vaping or a direct-lung (DL) or mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaper, you’ll find some comparisons and details to help you make an informed choice.
Quick Answer (TL;DR)
Mesh coils are generally better for flavor and vapor production, ideal for DL vapers using high-wattage devices and high VG e-liquids. Regular coils shine for MTL vapers, offering a tighter draw, lower wattage, and compatibility with nic salts or 50/50 e-liquids. What you decide on is about your vaping style, device, and preferences. We’ll check out the best coils for flavor, clouds, or a cigarette-like experience.
How Each Coil Works
Coils heat your e-liquid to create vapor. Mesh vs round wire coil designs provide different structures and performance:
- Regular Coils: These are traditional coils made from a single round wire, coiled into a spring-like shape. They heat e-liquid by warming the wire. The wire contacts the wick (usually made out of cotton). These regular coils are pretty simple; they’re reliable, and common in older or MTL-focused devices.
- Mesh Coils: These use a flat, net-like strip of metal. The idea with these is that they provide more surface area. The mesh contacts the wick more evenly, heating the e-liquid faster and more consistently. This is a newer and popular coil design you’ll find in modern sub-ohm tanks.
So what’s the main difference? Mesh coils heat a larger area, producing more vapor and flavor. Regular coils are more compact, and these work well in lower-power setups.
If you’re just getting started with closed-system pods and want a walkthrough, this guide is handy: How to use a Vuse Vapor e-cig.
Flavor, Vapor & Throat Hit
- Flavor: Mesh coil pros and cons include superior flavor because of their larger surface area, which vaporizes e-liquid more efficiently. Vapers who want the best coils for flavor usually pick mesh for rich tastes. Regular coils deliver good flavor but can’t compete with mesh’s intensity, especially at higher wattages. For brand-specific flavor options, explore JUUL Vape Pods, Vuse vape products, and blu vape products.
- Vapor: Mesh coils excel at producing thick, dense clouds, making them a favorite for DL vapers. Regular coils produce less vapor. That’s okay for MTL users who prefer a subtle puff. Curious about menthol/tobacco flavor options while you compare coil styles? See Top menthol e-cigs brands to try, and Your guide to the most popular tobacco e-cigs.
- Throat Hit: Regular coils, especially MTL coils, provide a stronger throat hit, with a feel that’s like smoking. Mesh, designed for DL coils, offers a smoother inhale, focusing more on vapor clouds. For a deeper background on nicotine styles that influence throat hit, check What is nicotine salt and how is it different from freebase nicotine? and Everything you need to know about nicotine-free and nicotine salt vape options.
Ohms, Wattage & Airflow Guidelines
See our throat hit info above, and here we also connect that to a short coil ohms explained section, so you can find out why the different coils are designated for certain wattage ranges. Ohms measure a coil’s resistance. Lower ohms (sub-ohm, <1.0Ω) need higher wattage and produce more vapor, while higher ohms (>1.0Ω) use less power for a cooler vape.
- Mesh Coils: Typically sub-ohm (0.15–0.5Ω), they require a higher coil wattage range (30–100W). They pair with open airflow for DL vaping, delivering airy, cloud-focused hits.
- Regular Coils: Often 0.6–2.0Ω, they work at lower wattages (10–30W). They’re good for MTL vaping with restricted airflow, similar to a cigarette draw.
Tip: Check your device’s wattage limits. Mesh coils need powerful mods, while regular coils suit basic pens or pod systems. For pod families and tech differences, see The evolution of vape pods: a look at JUUL, Vuse, and blu technologies.
E-Liquid Pairing
Your coil choice affects which e-liquid works best. We’ll take a look at how this works with high VG vs 50/50 e-liquid or nic salts coils.
- Mesh Coils: Best with high VG e-liquids (70/30 or 80/20 VG/PG) for thick clouds and smooth flavor. They can handle nic salts but work really well with freebase nicotine at lower strengths (3–6mg). If you want nicotine-free options to pair with mesh for flavor testing, browse JINX Zero Vapes.
- Regular Coils: Perfect for 50/50 e-liquids or nic salts (10–20mg) for MTL vapers. These thinner liquids wick well in smaller coils to provide a strong throat hit.
Pro Tip: Always match your e-liquid to your coil’s design to avoid leaks or dry hits. For a quick reference on strengths, see E-liquid nicotine strengths explained and A better understanding of our nicotine levels.
Lifespan, Cost & Maintenance
You’ll find that coil lifespan varies based on usage, e-liquid, and coil type:
- Mesh Coils: Last 1–3 weeks, depending on wattage and e-liquid sweetness. Their larger surface area resists gunk buildup but can be pricier ($2–$5 per coil).
- Regular Coils: Last 1–2 weeks, especially with sweet or high-nicotine liquids. They’re often cheaper ($1–$3 per coil) but may clog faster.
Maintenance: How to prime a coil is key for both types. Apply e-liquid to the wick’s exposed cotton, let it sit for 5–10 minutes, and start at low wattage to avoid burning. Regular cleaning of your tank extends the life of the coil. Also see: Why transitioning ex-smokers should try disposable e-cigs first for a low-maintenance path.
Safety & Compatibility
Both coil types are safe when used correctly. Compatibility should be checked so the coils operate the way they should, and you avoid damaging them or your device.
- Mesh Coils: Require high-wattage devices (sub-ohm tanks or mods). Using them in low-power devices can cause poor performance or damage.
- Regular Coils: Work with a wider range of devices, including low-wattage pens and pods, making them beginner-friendly.
Safety Tip: Always use coils within your device’s recommended wattage and prime them properly to prevent dry hits or coil burnout.
Which Should You Choose?
- New Vapers/Smokers: Choose regular coils (1.0–2.0Ω) for MTL vaping. They mimic smoking, work with nic salts, and pair with simple devices. Check starter options like the Power Series Platinum Label Menthol Starter Kit or Logic Pro Black Label Tobacco Capsules with the Logic ecosystem.
- Flavor Chasers: Mesh coils (0.2–0.4Ω) are your go-to for vibrant flavors, especially with fruity or dessert e-liquids.
- Cloud Enthusiasts: Mesh coils at sub-ohm levels with high VG e-liquids deliver massive clouds for DL vaping.
- Budget Vapers: Regular coils are cheaper and suit low-wattage setups, saving on both coils and battery life.
- Pod System Users: Regular coils or high-ohm mesh coils (0.6–1.0Ω) work best for compact devices.
Explore device/pod ecosystems like myblu (device: myblu vape device) and brand-specific pods:
- JUUL: 4-pack JUUL Virginia Tobacco 5%, JUUL Menthol Pods 5% – 2 Pack, JUUL Menthol Pods 5% – 4 Pack
- blu: blu Menthol Pods 2.4%, blu Gold Leaf Tobacco Pods 2.4%, blu Tobacco Chill Intense Pods 2.5%, disposables like blu Classic Tobacco Disposable Vape and blu Polar Mint Disposable
- Logic: Logic Platinum Label Tobacco Disposable E-Cigs, Power Series Platinum Label Menthol Cartomizers
Still wondering, are mesh coils better? It depends on your priorities. Flavor and clouds favor mesh, while simplicity and throat hit favor regular coils.
Comparison Table
Shop Vape E-Cigs for Quality Vapes & Accessories
Choosing between mesh coils vs regular coils comes down to your vaping style. If you’re more into massive clouds and bold flavors, mesh coils are your best bet for DL vaping with high VG e-liquids. If you’re a smoker transitioning to vaping or prefer a tight, cigarette-like draw, regular coils are perfect for MTL with nic salts or 50/50 liquids. Both are great, but your device, budget, and preferences will be what help you decide.
If you want an easy vapes shopping experience, we invite you to buy quality vapes from Vape Ecigs. We’re your trusted retailer of top vape brands. Shop Vape-Ecigs.com now for a big selection of Logic Vapes, JUUL Pods, Vuse Vapor, and Blu Disposable E-Cigs.
FAQs
Q) What’s the difference between mesh and regular coils?
A) Mesh coils use a flat, net-like design for better flavor and vapor; regular coils use round wire good for MTL vaping, similar to a cigarette draw.
Q) Can I use mesh coils in any vape device?
A) No, mesh coils need high-wattage devices like sub-ohm tanks or mods for proper performance. For simple setups, consider closed-system options like Logic Power Series Menthol Starter Kit.
Q) Which coils last longer?
A) Mesh coils often last longer (1–3 weeks) due to their larger surface area, but it varies by usage. For low-maintenance alternatives, browse disposables like the FLIQ XL Tobacco Disposable Device or blu Classic Tobacco Disposable Vape.
Q) Are mesh coils safe for beginners?
A) They’re safe but less beginner-friendly, as they require higher wattage and specific devices.
Q) Which coil is best for nicotine salts?
A) Regular coils or high-ohm mesh coils (0.6 -- 1.0Ω) are ideal for nic salts in MTL setups. For higher nicotine strengths (20mg+), go with coils with a resistance of 1.0Ω or higher. For more on salts, see Are nicotine salts the next big thing?
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