Different Types of Vape Coils Explained: MTL, Sub-Ohm and Mesh
September 01, 2025Not all vape coils are created equal. The design, resistance, and material of your coil shape everything from vapour density to flavour strength.
Vape coils come in many shapes and styles, but they all serve the same purpose: heating your e-liquid to create vapour. The type of coil you choose plays a major role in the way your device performs — affecting flavour intensity, vapour production, throat hit, and even the kind of e-liquid you can use.
In this guide, we’ll break down the most common coil categories used in refillable vape kits and pods: mouth-to-lung (MTL) coils, sub-ohm (DTL) coils, and mesh coils. By understanding how these coil types differ and what they’re best suited for, you’ll be better equipped to enjoy a smoother, more satisfying vape.
Key Takeaways
- MTL coils offer a tighter draw, discreet vapour and are ideal for nicotine salts or 50/50 e-liquids
- Sub-ohm coils produce more vapour and flavour, best paired with high-VG e-liquids for direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping
- Mesh coils use a mesh strip instead of a wire and offer faster ramp-up, improved flavour and longer lifespan
- Coil resistance affects power needs, vapour warmth, and e-liquid compatibility
- Not all pods and tanks use replaceable coils — some have prebuilt coils sealed inside
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What is a Vape Coil?
A vape coil is the heating element inside your pod or tank. It’s usually made of a resistive wire wrapped in cotton, which absorbs your e-liquid. When you activate your device, the coil heats up and turns the liquid into vapour.
Coils vary in resistance (measured in ohms), material, and structure. These factors determine how much power your device needs and how your vape tastes and feels. Let’s explore the main types of coils and when to use them.
MTL Coils (Mouth-to-Lung)
MTL coils are designed for a cigarette-style inhale – drawing vapour into your mouth before inhaling into your lungs. These coils:
- Have higher resistances (typically 0.8–1.4OHM)
- Operate at lower wattages (10–15W)
- Produce less vapour
- Work best with 50/50 e-liquids or nicotine salts
- Are commonly used in starter kits and pod systems
MTL coils offer a tactile yet comfortable throat hit and are ideal for vapers who prefer subtle clouds and strong flavour. They’re a great choice for newer vapers, thanks to their ability to simulate the familiar tight draw of cigarettes.
Sub-Ohm Coils
Sub-ohm coils have a resistance below 1.0OHM and are designed for direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping. This means you inhale vapour straight into your lungs, similar to breathing in.
Sub-ohm coils:
- Produce more vapour and a looser airflow
- Deliver warmer, dense vapour
- Pair best with high-VG e-liquids (70VG or higher)
- Usually operate at 30W+
- Are used in advanced pod kits and vape tanks
These Sub-ohm vape coils are ideal if you’re after big clouds and a more intense vaping experience. However, they consume more e-liquid and battery power.
Mesh Coils
Mesh coils aren’t a style of vaping like MTL or DTL, but rather a design feature. Instead of a single round wire, mesh coils use a strip of fine metal mesh. This increases the surface area, meaning more e-liquid is heated at once.
Mesh coils are available in both MTL and sub-ohm formats, depending on your tank or pod.
Benefits of mesh coils include:
- Faster heat-up time
- Smoother and more consistent vapour
- Better flavour definition
- Longer lifespan due to even heating
Mesh coils have become the standard in many modern vape kits because of these performance advantages.
Prebuilt vs Replaceable Coils
Some refillable pods and most vape tanks use replaceable coils that can be swapped out when performance drops. Others use prebuilt (integrated) coils sealed into the po. These are known as fixed-coil pods. Once the coil expires, the whole pod is replaced.
You’ll usually find prebuilt coils in closed pod systems or simpler refillable pods. Replaceable coils are more common in tanks and open pod kits that offer customisation.
Check your device’s product page or manual to confirm which coil type it uses.
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Conclusion
Understanding vape coil types is key to unlocking a better vape. Whether you're aiming for big clouds with a sub-ohm mesh coil, or seeking satisfying hits from a compact MTL pod, there's a coil out there that matches your style.
Check your device’s specs, choose the right e-liquid, and let your coil do the rest.
Need help finding compatible coils or pods? Explore our full range of prebuilt replacement coils and refillable pods, or reach out to our Customer Services Team for expert advice.
