Understanding Vape Coil Resistance and Vaping Styles

When I first started vaping, all the technical terms confused me, especially coil resistance. But once I understood what it meant, my whole vaping experience got way better.
So, what is coil resistance?
It’s a simple thing. It’s measured in ohms (Ω), and it affects three major parts of your vape:

• Flavour
• Vapour (clouds)
• How satisfying the vape feels

What does ohm mean? It’s a unit of electrical resistance, and in vaping, it indicates how quickly and intensely your coil will heat up.

Now, before we get into how resistance works, let’s talk about the three main vaping styles:

MTL (Mouth-to-Lung) – This is just like smoking a regular cigarette. You take the vapour into your mouth first, then inhale it into your lungs.

DTL (Direct-to-Lung) – You breathe the vapour straight into your lungs, like taking a deep breath. This style creates big clouds.
RDL (Restricted Direct Lung) – This is a mix of both. It’s more open than MTL but not as airy as DTL.
Each style works better with a specific vape coil resistance, and that’s what we’re going to explain next in a super-easy way.

Coil resistance refers to how much the coil resists the electrical current from your device's battery. This resistance affects how quickly the coil heats up and, consequently, how it vaporises the e-liquid. Here's a quick breakdown:

• High Resistance (Above 1.0Ω): Produces less vapour, cooler hits, and is ideal for MTL vaping.
• Medium Resistance (0.6Ω – 0.9Ω): Offers a balance between flavour and vapour, suitable for RDL vaping.
• Low Resistance (Below 0.5Ω): Generates large clouds and warmer vapour, perfect for DTL vaping.

MTL (Mouth-to-Lung)

• Experience: Tight draw, similar to smoking.
• Coil Resistance: Above 1.0Ω.
• Best For: Beginners and those using high-nicotine or nic-salt e-liquids.

DTL (Direct-to-Lung)

• Experience: Airy draw with substantial vapour.
• Coil Resistance: Below 0.5Ω.
• Best For: Experienced vapers seeking large clouds and using low-nicotine e-liquids.

RDL (Restricted Direct Lung)

• Experience: Balanced draw with moderate vapour.
• Coil Resistance: 0.6Ω – 0.9Ω.
• Best For: Vapers transitioning from MTL to DTL.

Sub-Ohm Coils (<1.0Ω):

• Pros:
• Increased vapour production.
• Enhanced flavour profiles.
• Cons:
• Higher e-liquid consumption.
• Requires more battery power.

Above-Ohm Coils (>1.0Ω):

• Pros:
• Conserves e-liquid and battery life.
• Provides a throat hit similar to smoking.
• Cons:
• Less vapour production.

• Identify Your Vaping Style: Are you looking for a cigarette-like experience (MTL) or large clouds (DTL)?
• Select Appropriate E-Liquid: High nicotine for MTL; low nicotine for DTL.
• Check Device Compatibility: Ensure your device supports the chosen coil resistance.
• Consider Battery Life: Lower resistance coils consume more power.
• Experiment: Try different resistances to find the one that suits you best.

Not sure what ohm coil I should use? It all comes down to your vaping style. MTL vapers typically use resistances above 1.0Ω, while DTL users prefer sub-ohm coils with resistances below 0.5ω.

What is the best coil resistance for vaping?

The best coil resistance depends on your vaping style.

• For a cigarette-like experience (MTL): use coils above 1.0Ω
• For balanced flavour and vapour (RDL): go for 0.6Ω – 0.9Ω
• For big clouds (DTL): use coils below 0.5Ω

What's the difference between a 0.6 and 1.2-ohm coil vape?

A 0.6-ohm coil produces warmer vapour and more clouds, ideal for Direct or Restricted Direct Lung vaping with low-nicotine e-liquids. A 1.2-ohm coil gives a cooler, tighter draw, perfect for Mouth-to-Lung vaping and nic salts or high-nicotine e-liquids.

Which is better, a 0.8 or 1.2-ohm coil?

• 0.8-ohm coil: Warmer vapour, more clouds, suitable for RDL or loose MTL with medium nicotine.
• 1.2-ohm coil: Cooler vape, tight draw, ideal for pure MTL and nic salt users.
• Best choice depends on your vaping preference—smooth clouds or tight, cigarette-like hits.

How many puffs does a 0.8-ohm coil last?

A 0.8-ohm coil typically lasts between 800 and 2,000 puffs, depending on:

• E-liquid type
• Wattage used
• Vaping frequency

Always prime the coil and avoid dry hits to extend its lifespan.

Should I use 0.8 or 1.2 ohms for nic salt?

Both can work, but it depends on the nicotine strength:

• Use 1.2Ω for high-strength nic salts (20 mg+) – smoother, less harsh.
• Use 0.8Ω for lower-strength nic salts (10–15mg) – more vapour and flavour. For a smoother experience, 1.2Ω is the safer choice.

Understanding coil resistance helps you get the most out of your vape, whether you want strong flavour, big clouds, or a cigarette-like feel. Picking the right coil makes vaping smoother, more satisfying, and tailored to your style.

• High resistance for tight draws and high nicotine
• Low resistance for big clouds and bold flavour
• Mid resistance for a balanced experience

Browse our full range of vape coils to find the perfect match for your device and vaping preference.