So to speak, the main part of the electronic cigarette is the coilhead. It is important to choose the right one for your electronic cigarette and your vaping method. Each coilhead has specific characteristics, resistance, power range, liquid absorption rate, air flow… All these features are good to know so that the coilhead and electronic cigarette will not disappoint you.
What is a coilhead?
The coilhead is a consumable part of the electronic cigarette. It is replaced after repeated use. The coilhead consists of cotton fibers, coil or metal tape (mesh) and housing. The cotton is soaked with liquid, and when the liquid is heated in the coilhead, steam is produced. Over time, the coilhead changes its properties and thereby changes the taste, at which time it is desirable to replace it.
High resistance or low resistance? What Ohm to choose?
Low resistance in most cases means greater air flow, which means DL (direct lung) use. With low resistance, a more intense vapor is produced, which can be unpleasant with a higher concentration of nicotine. Therefore, lower resistances of coilheads are mostly associated with lower levels of nicotine (up to, for example, 6mg/ml). The lower the resistance, the more power the coilhead will require and the less time the battery will last. Such coilheads are usually used in slightly larger devices with replaceable batteries.
The complete opposite are coilheads with high resistance (usually from 0.8Ohm upwards), which have a smaller air flow, suitable for MTL (Mouth to Lung) use. These tend to absorb less liquid, require lower power to operate, and allow the use of higher nicotine levels (from, for example, 6mg/ml upwards). Such coilheads enable the production of small electronic cigarettes, as they do not require a large battery.
At how many watts (W) should I use the electronic cigarette?
If your electronic cigarette has the ability to regulate the power (watts), you can adjust the power to your wishes and needs. Each coilhead has a recommended power range, which is noted on the coilhead by the manufacturer. It is important not to exceed the upper power limit, because in this case you destroy the coilhead faster. It is always better to use a lower wattage than the manufacturer’s recommended upper limit. Of course, a lot depends on your desire for density, quantity and taste of steam.
If the power range is not written on the coilhead, we will be happy to advise you. Newer devices can also take care of the automatic selection of the most suitable power for the coilhead you are using.
Which e-liquid to use with the desired coilhead?
For proper operation of the coilhead, choose an e-liquid with a suitable ratio of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG). It is good to know that propylene glycol is almost as liquid as water, while vegetable glycerin is quite thick. Typically, lower resistance coilheads prefer thicker e-liquids (eg 20/80 or 30/70), on the other hand, higher resistance coilheads do a better job with thinner liquids (eg 40/60 or 50/50).
For a coilhead with a lower resistance, you should therefore opt for e-liquids with a higher VG level, while for a coilhead with a higher resistance, go for liquids with a lower VG level.
Short summary
- Low coilhead resistance (≤0.8Ω) – more vapor, thicker e-liquid, higher potency, lower nicotine level recommended
- High coilhead resistance (≥0.8Ω) – less vapor, thinner e-liquid, lower potency, possibly higher nicotine level
Pre-preparation or “prime” of the coilhead
When using the coilhead for the first time, it is important that the cotton is completely soaked with liquid! You can install the coilhead in the tank, fill it with liquid, and then wait from 5 to 15 minutes before starting to use your electronic cigarette. How long you have to wait depends on the coilhead. The ones with less cotton take less time, the bigger ones with more cotton take longer.
If you are in a hurry, you can drop a drop of liquid into the inner opening of the coilhead so that the cotton is also soaked with liquid from the inside faster.
What is the expected life of the coilhead?
This question is difficult to answer, since the life of the coilhead depends on many factors. When determining the lifetime of the coilhead, we must take into account:
- The quality of cotton and wire in the coilhead,
- How much the electronic cigarette is used,
- Type of e-liquid,
- Power setting,
- Time of year or room temperature.
A high VG level will supply less fluid to the coilhead and destroy it faster. Also, certain flavors of e-liquids destroy the coilhead faster (sweet, sour, cold, coffee…).
With simple e-liquids, such as Liqua e-liquids, you can expect a lifespan of at least two to three weeks, and many users claim even longer than a month. With sweet e-liquids, such as Charlie’s Chalk Dust e-liquids, the life of the coilhead will be much shorter, sometimes only a few days. On the other hand, such a liquid will give more and a fuller taste.
There are quite a few signs that let you know when the coilhead needs to be replaced. The most obvious are the change in taste and the reduction in the amount of vapor produced.
How to extend the life of the coilhead?
To begin with – a good pre-preparation of the coilhead is worth the most! Allow the coilhead to soak up the e-liquid completely before you start using it.
Avoid “chain” vaping. The coilhead needs some time between puffs to re-soak the cotton with e-liquid. If your electronic cigarette allows it, reduce the power. Use at high wattage accelerates the wear of cotton and heating wire. Use the e-liquid suitable for your tank, the way you use the electronic cigarette and the coilhead. Do not use the electronic cigarette at extremely low temperatures. In winter, wait for the e-liquid in the tank to warm up to room temperature before use.
And most importantly – always monitor the e-liquid level in the tank! Do not allow the tank to remain completely empty of e-liquid.
What to do with used coilheads?
Most coilheads consist of steel and cotton. Since most of them are not easily disassembled, they belong to general waste. When you need a new coilhead, take a look at the range of coilheads at Q Vapehouse Online.