Coils Pt. 2: Pre-made wrapped coils vs. building coils

What is the difference between pre-made vape coils and handmade coils, and how does this affect you and your RBA experience?

 

Consistently replacing coils can get expensive. If you are a full-time vaper, you know. Pre-made coils usually run for around 3-5$ each, depending on the type of coil and device you are using and should be replaced every 1-2 weeks. On the other hand, 30 feet of wire and a handful of cotton could cost you around 15$ and could last a lot longer, depending on how often you vape. A great way to save and put your vape knowledge to use is to build your own coils.

An upside, besides saving money, is the fact that you have complete control over your coil experience. You can adjust the resistance yourself and cater to your specific needs. It also makes the experience more personal and intricate. Some really appreciate this and the artistic sense behind it. 

Pre-made coils:

When you pay for pre-made coils, you are paying for convenience. The manufacturer has done the building for you. You simply open a package, replace the coils and you're ready to go. As easy as this is, you still may be the type of person to take the extra initiative to learn. A little extra patience could enhance your experience by putting you in control over your own coils.

Downside to coil building:

Now, a downside to building your coils is the efficiency factor. It can be a slightly more of a pain to carry tools with you or to have to sit down and work on building especially if you’re out and about. But, like any other downside, you can find a way to manage this and keep the experience less inefficient and more enjoyable. Once you become exceptional at the building process, it won’t take as much time and will become almost second nature. Eventually, you'll learn the tricks of the trade and come up with techniques to make this process second nature.

Other factors that matter in coil building are: knowledge of ohm’s law, your vape device, and vape battery safety. If you are a veteran vaper or even someone who is newer, but open to learning these things, coil building is right up your alley. 

 Alloy recap:

Let’s discuss alloy types for RDA coils. The 5 metals used for RDA coils are:

1. Kanthal 
2. Nichrome
3. Nickel
4. Titanium
5. Stainless steel

These each have their own individual qualities that they bring to the table. Kanthal is the most popular wire, mainly because of how cost efficient it is. It is also a bang for its buck and gets the job done. The downside to Kanthal is that it is not the best wire for flavor. Nichrome heats faster than Kanthal, making it highly efficient. It is supposed to be a little easier to wrap because it is less elastic. Nichrome is a great starter wire BUT is also a known allergen. Nickel heats the fastest because it has zero resistance. The worrisome part of nickel wires is that if not supervised correctly, they can melt because of how fast it heats. Titanium heats and cools quickly. It has been said that titanium provides the best flavor. It tends to be better for advanced users but can be hard to come across. Lastly, comes stainless steel. Stainless steel is not as popular but is long-lasting and provides nice flavor. Keep in mind that it has many grades of purity. 

What's the deal with mesh?

Mesh coils are made from a strip of mesh alloy. These coils cover a much larger surface area which greatly increases their functionality. You will probably find that mesh coils increase vapor production and a more intense e juice flavor because of this. Increased surface area coverage also adds mass to the coil, making it more power hungry but giving it an almost instant ramp up time. 

Keep in mind, mesh coils cannot be used in every atomizer. Because they require a specific mesh clamp style build deck, they much be compatible with your RBA in order to properly fit.

 

Conclusion:

Everyone’s needs in their vaping experience varies. The decision between pre-made coils and building coils is completely up to you. Consider what type of alloy you want to use in your device. You’ve got 5 great options with Kanthal, Nichrome, Nickel, Titanium, and Stainless steel. Also look into mesh coils, as they provide rich e liquid flavor and a large cloud density. Any way you go, there will be both positives and negatives. Find what suits you best, and your experience will go well!

For more basic coil information, head over to our blog: 

CHOOSING THE RIGHT VAPE COIL: A SIMPLE GUIDE

Shop with VaporDNA online, or visit one of our two retail locations in Southern California! If you need assistance making a choice, please feel free to contact us using the contact form and we'd be happy to help! We are excited to have the opportunity to be your one stop shop for all your vaping and electronic cigarette needs.

 

By: Brittany Hale

Brittany Hale was born and raised in Torrance, CA and has a bachelor’s in Journalism from Hawai’i Pacific University. She has been vaping since 2016 and has loved the vape culture since it has benefitted her in many ways. Her enjoyment inspired her to continue to learn about the ins and outs of the industry. She then pursued her passion for writing by combining it with her enthusiasm for vaping by joining VaporDNA’s content team.