In recent years, we’ve seen vape manufacturers race to increase the surface area of their coils. Initially with dual coils (containing two wires), this process continues today with coils containing multiple strands of wire in multiple coil holes. One of the biggest advancements in coil technology to date is the mesh coil.
Why is the surface area of a coil important?
E-liquid produces vapor when it is heated. E-liquid is heated when it comes in contact with the coil. The larger the surface area of the coil, the more e-liquid can be heated at once. The more e-liquid is heated, the more vapor is produced. Arguably, the e-liquid will also have a stronger flavor, although there is some debate as to whether lower wattage e-cigarettes (which produce less vapor) are more conducive to flavor.
What is a mesh coil?
Despite the name, most mesh coils are actually a piece of metal with holes punched into them. This both maximizes the surface area of the coil and, combined with a flat, thin design, minimizes the volume of the coil. The result? A much larger interface between the coil and the e-liquid.
Are mesh coils new?
Mesh coils are not completely new to the world of vape. Before cotton became the preferred wicking material, it was originally used as a wicking material for rebuildable tanks. Initially, mesh coils were used almost exclusively for cloud vaping. However, in recent years, manufacturers have begun using them for low-wattage vaping and mouth-suction vaping devices.
What are the advantages of mesh coils?
As you might have guessed, the biggest advantage of mesh coils is their large surface area. Proponents believe this leads to:
1 .Faster heat-up time (the time it takes for the coil to heat up).
2 .More vapor and a richer flavor.
3 .More stable vapor effects due to more even heat distribution.
4 .Longer coil life. Since heat accumulation in one area can cause burning, more even heat distribution reduces the likelihood of coil burnout.
5 .Taste: Some vapers report that mesh coils produce a better taste than regular coils.
6 .Power requirements: The mesh requires less power to achieve optimal performance.
7 .Mesh coils are often cross-compatible with existing tanks, which means you don’t have to buy a brand new tank to try mesh coils.
What are the disadvantages of mesh coils?
As with all coils, as you increase the surface area of the coil, you consume more oil. This sounds obvious, you can’t produce a lot of vapor and save oil at the same time. This is particularly frustrating in the EU, where regulations limit the size of the oil tank to 2ml, leading to frequent refills.
It’s also worth mentioning that if there is any harm from vape, it will be due to the vapour you inhale, not the nicotine. Public Health England estimates that vape are 95% safer than smoking, but the 5% risk may be exacerbated by inhaling large amounts of vapour. This risk does not come from the nicotine, but from the vapour. So from a health perspective, it may be better to use a low-wattage, single-coil e-cigarette, at least until we know more.
Which e-liquid should you use with a mesh coil?
When mesh coils first came onto the scene, they were almost exclusively used with high-VG e-liquids. However, the advent of MTL mesh coils means that some coils can be used with a 50:50 VG:PG ratio of e-liquid and nicotine salts.
You’ll often see recommendations for the best e-liquids to use with different coils on retailers’ product pages. If you don’t see it, here are some tips to help you:
Coil Description: If it’s called a mouth-in or MTL coil, it works best with e-liquids and nicotine salts that have a VG:PG ratio of about 50:50. If it’s called a Direct Draw (DL) coil, it works best with e-liquids that have a higher VG ratio.
Recommended Wattage: High wattages are generally designed for DL coils that work with high-VG e-liquids. Low wattages are designed for MTL coils that work with high-PG e-liquids.
Resistance: Generally speaking, coils with very low resistance are designed for high-VG e-liquids. For example, 0.16Ω coils are generally used with e-liquids that have a VG:PG ratio of 70:30 or more. While there are exceptions, these coils are usually clearly labeled as DL coils.
Conclusion
Mesh coils do help improve the quality of your vaping experience. With the advent of mesh MTL coils, more vapers can now enjoy the benefits of longer coil life and more consistent flavors.
