You can have the tastiest vape juice and the most deluxe mod on the market, but without a coil you’re going nowhere fast. But with so many coils out there how are we to determine which are the best vape coils for flavour, which are the longest lasting vape coils and which are the most innovative coils?
Today we’d like to showcase some real gems in the atomiser realm, coils which stand above the rest and deliver intense flavour, ingenious design elements and long lasting life.
And along the way we’ll help explain some important facts about coils which should help the less experienced reader make an informed decision about what their vape requires.
Let’s take a closer look at the best vape coils around today!
Best Vape Coil for Clouds Overall: HorizonTech Falcon 2 Coils 3
Each of these coils stands above the crowd as a true champion of vaping. Without a coil, your mod, tank and juice won’t get you far, but with the help of these coils you can get the most satisfaction possible from each inhalation. But we have to pick a winner from this lineup of the most innovative coils, and today those winners are the HorizonTech Falcon 2 coils!
HorizonTech’s coil offerings are some of the best we’ve ever seen! Unmatched flavour, competition level cloud production and good longevity means that the sub-ohmers out there have plenty play with when using HorizonTech coils. The Falcon 2 coil series, with their wood pulp materials and fan mesh designs, provide the very most flavour and cloud possible, and easily stand above competitors as our winning coil!
The Best Vape Coils Are:
-
HorizonTech Falcon 2 Coils
-
Freemax Fireluke 3 Coils
-
HorizonTech SAKERZ Coils
-
Flatwire UK Flat Sixty 22g Flat Wire
-
Freemax Quad Mesh Coils
-
Aspire Nautilus BVC Coils
-
SMOK Nord Coils
-
Vaporesso EUC Ceramic Coils
-
Aspire AF Coils
Best Coils for Flavour
HorizonTech Falcon 2 Coils
Features We Love
Coil Materials
Wood pulp and organic cotton interiors.
Mesh Interiors
Mesh coil for improved absorption
Improved Flavour
Fan mesh design improves flavour.
HorizonTech’s Falcon 2 tank is a cloud chaser’s dream; beautifully constructed, sturdily built and capable of producing clouds which are as flavoursome as they are thick.
That noticeably awesome flavour is down to the fantastic coils the HorizonTech Falcon 2 fits. With internals including both wood pulp and organic cotton, the wicking materials don’t impart any flavour of their own and promote the conveyance of pure juice flavour.
The coils also feature a truly unique ‘fan mesh’ heating element, which not only reduces the likelihood of dry spots and burnouts but also funnels the vapour upward efficiently, ensuring deep flavour and a cutting down on condensation wasting vaped liquid. All these features result in possibly the most innovative coils we’ve ever seen!
The Falcon 2 tank is a flavour chaser’s favourite, and the Falcon 2 coils are easily the best coils for flavour today!
Specifications
- Genuine and fully compatible with HorizonTech Falcon 2 sub-ohm tank
- Three coils in one pack
- Coil resistance: 0.14ohm
- Conical, woven mesh coils for maximum flavour
Contents
- 1x HorizonTech Falcon 2 Replacement Coils (Pack of 3)
Pros
- Unique mesh design
- Blend of internal materials
- Fantastic depth of flavour
Best Coils for Clouds
Freemax Fireluke 3 Coils
Features We Love
Coil Materials: Unique tea fibre internal materials
Reduced Juice Waste: Improved absorption due to internal fibres
Mesh Interiors: Military grade steel used for mesh
The Freemax Fireluke 3 is a marvellously cloudy piece of gear, capable of kicking out vast amounts of tasty vapour and boasting dual adjustable airflows so that you can totally control the cloud output rate.
But it’s the coils that are the real masters behind the scenes here. The Fireluke 3 coils utilise some groundbreakingly unique construction materials, such as a 95% tea fibre cotton and 5% organic cotton hybrid to promote the utmost in flavour and longevity.
The Fireluke 3 coils also contain military-grade SS904L mesh interiors, made from an incredibly durable stainless steel designed to withstand industrial-level corrosions and chemical processes, ensuring that your coil will be able to withstand any level of stress you put it through.
These fascinating internal specs result in a magnificently memorable coil that will provide you with days of flavoursome cloud action without letting you down.
Specifications
- Designed for the Fireluke 3 tank
- Compatible with the original Fireluke, Fireluke 2, and Fireluke Mesh Subohm Tanks
- 95% Tea Fiber Cotton & 5% Organic Cotton combo
- Military-grade SS904L mesh
- Resistance of 0.15ohm
Contents
- 1x Freemax Fireluke 3 904L X1 Replacement Coils (Pack of 5)
Pros
- Unique internal materials
- Wide ohmage range
- Suited for RDL and DTL use
Best Long-Lasting Coil
HorizonTech SAKERZ Coils
Features We Love
Mesh Interiors: Mesh design for increased absorption
Quiet Vaping: Low noise coils
Juice Reservoir: Lack of juice buildup
The SAKERZ Tank from HorizonTech is a surprisingly stealthy sub-ohm beast. The top-based airflow and unique airflow passage design reduces the ‘whistle’ that often occurs from large sub-ohm intakes, so they won’t hear you coming.
But one of the best things about the SAKERZ Tank is the coils, which are remarkably long-lasting. Installed via a simple pull/push mechanism, the internal mesh design of the SAKERZ coils ensures a reduction in dry-spots and burnouts.
The unique airflow design also ensures total coverage and reduces the likelihood of juice buildups and other issues which can result in coil degradation.
The HorizonTech SAKERZ Tank is a great choice for the all-day sub-ohm vaper who wants their coils to give them the most bang for their buck.
Specifications
- Compatible with HorizonTech’s Sakerz Tank
- Three coils in one pack
- Mesh coil design
- Choose between 0.4ohm, 0.16ohm or 0.17ohm (2-in-1)
Contents
- 1x HorizonTech SAKERZ Tank Replacement Coils (Pack of 3)
Pros
- Long-lasting coils
- Wide ohmage range
- Good for DTL and RDL use
Best DIY Coils
Flatwire UK Flat Sixty 22g Flat Wire
Features We Love
Improved Flavour: Flat design increases surface area
User-Friendly: Kanthal material is easy to work with
Great Value: 10 feet of wire goes a long way
Flatwire UK are one of Europe’s most popular vape wire manufacturers, and a quick look at their cables is enough to tell you why!
Flatwire UK, as you might guess from the name, utilise a flattened wire with dramatically increased the surface area of your DIY coils.
This increased surface area results in a far more robust flavour. There is NOTHING in vaping as flavoursome as juice from a freshly wicked DIY coil, so those of you out there looking to cross new flavour thresholds better roll up your sleeves and start coiling!
Flat Sixty 22g is made from kanthal, a common coil material, which is not only very malleable and easy to wrap but also able to sustain a lot of heat and stress, so it’s the ideal metal for use in coils, DIY and otherwise.
DIY heads out there will already be intimately familiar with Flatwire UK, and we recommend anyone with an interest in the do-it-yourself aspect of vaping to take a look. With 10 feet of wire in the spool, there’s plenty of cable to work with!
Specifications
- Flattened wires for more surface area
- 22 gauge
- 10ft spool
- Designed for rebuildable RTA or RDA atomizers
Contents
- 1x Flatwire UK Flat Sixty 22g Flat Wire
Pros
- Easy to work with
- Great value
- Flat design for improved flavour
Cons
- Other necessary tools sold separately
Best Sub-Ohm Coils
Freemax Quad Mesh Coils
Features We Love
Multi-Core Coil: Genius quad core design
Cloud Production: Competition level cloud production
High-Power Vaping: Extremely low ohmage for maximum output
Freemax are well renowned for their tanks, and perhaps even more for their coils. They came to everyone’s attention years ago with the release of the Freemax Mesh Pro sub-ohm tank, and no one could stop talking about the quad core coils.
The Freemax Quad Mesh Coils feature a genius and intricately designed interior which boasts not one, two or three but FOUR internal coils, each constructed from high quality mesh and packed in organic cotton.
The decision to use four cores massively increases the internal surface area of the coil, resulting in an unprecedented depth of flavour and truly awe-inspiring cloud production.
Freemax manufacture some of the best vape coils out there for sub-ohm vapers, and we’re sure they’ll impress you.
Specifications
- Quad coil 0.15ohm: 80W – 120W
- Unique multi-mesh design
Contents
- Freemax Quad Mesh Coils x3
Pros
- Four internal coils
- Ludicrous flavour
- Insanely cloudy
Cons
- Absolutely not appropriate for MTL use
Best Coils for Versatility
Aspire Nautilus BVC Coils
Features We Love
Compatibility: Wide number of compatible tanks
Versatile: Good range of ohmages
Full-Spectrum Vaping: MTL and DTL friendly
The Nautilus coil series is one of the longest-running lines of coils in vaping, with millions of vapers finding their satisfaction from these simple and well-built coils.
The Nautilus has a simple internal construction of kanthal and cotton, and attach to a wide range of Nautilus tanks by way of a threaded screw-in mechanism which holds the coil securely in place.
While the Nautilus coil may be simple in design, this isn’t a mark against it; Nautilus coils are most often used in simple MTL/RDL tanks that are very popular with beginners who aren’t particularly interested in complex, multi-core coils which use alternative materials.
That isn’t to say that Nautilus coils are just for MTL use however; you can get them in ohmages as low as 0.4ohms, which will provide large and powerful cloud hits at the correct wattage.
Specifications
- Available in 1.6ohm,1.8ohm and 1.0ohm
Contents
- Aspire Nautilus BVC Coils x5
Pros
- Wide range of ohmages
- Many compatible tanks
- Extremely popular
Best Coils for Compatibility
SMOK Nord Coils
Features We Love
Compatibility: Wide number of compatible vapes
Versatile: Great wattage range
Full-Spectrum Vaping: Wide ohmage spectrum
SMOK’s Nord line of portable pod vapes has changed the way people look at pod devices. With adjustable wattage and variable ohmages, it’s opened the door to the entire spectrum of vaping, from MTL to sub-ohm.
Part of the Nord’s winning formula has been it’s fantastic coil range, which offers resistances to suit any style of vaping.
The Nord coils range in ohmage from 0.16ohms to 1.4ohms, covering the full range out output modes.
The SMOK Stick N18 proves the versatility of these coils, able to fit any of them in a single device which can provide any kind of vape from subtle discreet MTL use to big cloud action.
Similarly to the Nautilus coils, the Nord coils aren’t dramatically unique in their construction, but they are reliable, long lasting and cover such a wide range of power outputs that we would be remiss not to mention them.
Specifications
- Mouth-to-lung: 1.4ohm, 1.4ohm (ceramic), 0.8ohm mesh
- Direct-to-lung: 0.6ohm mesh
Pros
- Wide ohmage range
- DTL and MTL options
- Compatible with many Nord pods
Best Ceramic Coils
Vaporesso EUC Ceramic Coils
Features We Love
Coil Materials: Less materials used means less expensive
Long-Lasting: Ceramics increase absorbency and longevity
Internal Protections: Protected kanthal less likely to oxidise
Vaporesso’s EUC coil system revolutionised the way we look at sub-ohm coils. Short for “Eco Universal Coils,” Vaporesso managed to use a remarkably low amount of materials in the construction of each coil.
This resulted in a lower cost to consumers, however the coils still last as long as costlier alternatives.
The EUC Ceramic Coils took the genius step of adding a layer of ceramic material to the inside of the coil, which not only prevents issues like metal oxidation but also further increases the absorbance of the wicking materials.
The EUC Ceramic Coils often last a few days longer than coils using only traditional materials, as the ceramic offers a layer of protection to the coil and prevents it wearing out faster than it should, making these some of the longest lasting vape coils.
Leave it to Vaporesso to impress us all with novel materials!
Specifications
- For the EUC Ceramic 0.5ohm varient we recommend a wattage range of 25W – 35W
- For the EUC Ceramic 0.3ohm varient we recommend a wattage range of 35W – 40W
Contents
- 5 x Ceramic Vaporesso Coils
Pros
- Ceramics increase longevity
- Great clear flavour
- Low cost
Cons
- Not suited for MTL vaping
Best MTL Coils
Aspire AF Coils
Features We Love
Great Flavour: Intricately designed for improved flavour
Simple Installation: Easy push/pull coil change system
Versatile: MTL and RDL use compatible
The Aspire Flexus Q is one of the most popular AIO pod kits available today, delivering satisfying puffs and simple use within an incredible lightweight and slimline build.
The Aspire AF Coils are an absolute dream; installed easily via push/pull mechanism, they utilise an intricate internal design that promotes the clearest airflow possible. This results in a truly unmatched flavour profile among MTL coils.
The Aspire AF Coils are, within the realm of MTL kits, the best vape coils for flavour, and due to Aspire’s build standards they’re remarkably long lasting as well!
Specifications
- Compatible with Aspire Flexus Q Pod Kit
- Choose between 1.0 and 0.6 coil resistance
- Mesh replacement coils
- Push to fit installation
- 0.6ohm coil for 15W-18W
- 1.1.0ohm coil for 12W-15W
- Best for mouth-to-lung vaping
Contents
- 1x Aspire Flexus Q Replacement Coils (Pack of 5)
Pros
- Great flavour
- Simple installation
Cons
- Not suitable for high VG vaping
Vape Coil FAQ
What is a ‘Vape Coil’?
There are no silly questions in vaping! A coil, also known as an ‘atomiser’ sometimes, is a small metal element which fits into your tank. The coil will usually consist of three parts; the housing, the heating element in the middle and the soaking materials between the two.
Without a coil, you aren’t vaping! The soaking materials absorb your vape juice and the heating element vaporises the soaked liquid, creating your vapour, while the housing holds it all together.
RDA/RTA builds usually don’t have a housing for the coil, because the vaper will be adding liquid directly to the coil and needs to change the soaking materials fairly regularly.
For further in-depth information on the ins and outs of vape coils, check out our detailed guide on vape coils.
How Long Does a Coil Last?
It depends on usage, honestly. Coils that require a lower wattage setting and are designed for thinner, MTL style juices tend to last a little longer as you aren’t putting the coil through quite as much stress. You can often expect up to 2-4 weeks of use from these coils.
Coils intended for higher wattages and thicker liquids will generally last a little less longer because of both the increased stress of the higher power setting and the higher sugar content of the thicker liquids tends to degrade the soaking materials faster. You can often expect up to 1-3 weeks of use from these coils.
When Do I Change My Coils?
This is down to you. There aren’t any hard rules about this – after a week or two you may notice a slight dip in flavour quality, but most vapers continue to use it past this point. Eventually your coil will produce a somewhat burnt taste, at which point you can be assured that the coil is on the way out and needs to be replaced.
Eventually your vape simply won’t fire with that coil, as it will have degraded to the point where your mod cannot accurately ‘read’ it and won’t fire due to on-board power protections.
What is Ohmage? What is Resistance? What Do The Numbers On The Coil Mean?
‘Ohmage’ is a way of stating the electrical resistance of the coil. Resistance, to put it simply, is how much of a fight the coil is going to put up against the electrical current you’re sending through it. Coils with a high ohmage/resistance will only require a low wattage setting, whereas coils with low ohmage/resistance can withstand larger power outputs to produce much larger clouds of vapour.
Your coil will always have the ohmage printed on the side, usually next to a Ω symbol. Ohmage in pre-made coils can be as low as 0.15ohms, or as high as 1.8ohms. It’s rare to find pre-made coils above or below these ratings, though they are out there.
DIY coils for an RDA/RTA setup vary a little more, and you can build coils with more ohmage variation, however what you gain in customisation you lose in quick and easy convenience.
What Materials Are Used In Coils?
Cotton and kanthal metal are the two most common construction materials for coils, however there are many variations.
The absorbing, or “wicking” materials are usually made from organic cotton, which has little to no taste of its own, though some manufacturers use things like tea-tree fibres as they believe they promote a greater depth of flavour.
The heating element can be made from a number of different materials, which we will list below with benefits and detriments for each.
Kanthal Coils
Kanthal is a trademarked alloy of iron-chromium-aluminium which is very malleable and can withstand frequent electrical charges, however it isn’t uncommon to find heating elements made from stainless steel, titanium and nichrome, each of which have different aspects to them which promote different vaping features, such as clearer flavour or long-lasting durability.
Pros:
- Extremely durable
- Malleable and flexible
- Affordable
Cons:
- Standard and everyday
- Temperature Control modes not designed for kanthal
Nichrome Coils
Nichrome is another alloy – this time of nickel and chromium – commonly used for vaping coils, though rarely pre-made ones.
Nichrome is quite popular with DIY vapers using RDA/RTAs because it’s as easy to work with as kanthal while also having a far lower resistance which results in a faster heating time.
This can be a double-edged sword however; hotter metals are at a higher risk of melting, which while not a common issue should be taken into consideration.
One must also consider the nickel content, as some people have nickel allergies and as such should stay well away from nichrome coils.
Pros:
- Lower resistance
- Much faster heating time
Cons:
- Higher melt risk
- Some people have nickel allergies
Titanium Coils
An extremely durable metal widely used in the piercing/body modding subculture due to its purity and very low likelihood of infection, titanium is often used as a vape coil material due to its robustness and longevity.
Some take issue with titanium coils due to the low but present possibility of releasing titanium dioxide at frequent high temperatures. Titanium can also be ignited if fired dry, and is quite difficult to extinguish should this occur.
Pros:
- Very good for temperature control modes
- Long lasting
Cons:
- Chance of toxicity
- Slight fire hazard
- Absolutely not for beginners
Nickel Coils
Nickel was one of the first metals used for temperature control functions, and is often incompatible with devices that only offer variable wattage settings.
Nickel is extremely malleable and flexible, making it easy to work with. However this has a downside; nickel is EXTREMELY malleable, and can be fiddly to shape and has been known to change shape after installation, so you may find yourself having to make more DIY coils than usual.
There is also, of course, the issue of nickel allergies to consider. Unlike nichrome, nickel coils are pure nickel, and so anyone with nickel allergy should steer well clear of these coils.
Pros:
- Specifically for use with temperature control modes
- Very flexible
Cons:
- Somewhat too flexible
- Made entirely of nickel, will trigger allergic reactions
Cermaic Coils
Ceramic coils were first popularised by Vaporesso with their EUC Ceramic range of coils for the VECO Tank, and come with a few differences from purely kanthal coils.
Ceramic is very porous, and as such it massively increases the absorbance rate of the coil.
The ceramic layer also provides the added feature of preventing the internal steel from oxidising, and many claim that ceramic coils last for a few days longer than traditional kanthal ones.
The flipside of this is that ceramic coils have a slightly reduced flavour profile, a sacrifice some are willing to make for a few days more vaping.
Pros:
- Long lasting
- Rapid juice absorbance
Cons:
- Slightly less flavour than traditional coils
Need More Help?
Thank you for reading this MIST roundup of the best vape coils available today! We hope you’ve enjoyed this piece, and if so please check out some of the links below for further informative and entertaining articles and reviews on vaping tech and culture.
And be sure to check out the MIST Youtube channel for frequent videos on vaping gear and industry news!
Aiden started vaping in 2012 and hasn’t looked back since. He has been working in the vape industry for 5 of those years, and now creates content on various channels covering a vast array of vaping topics.