New vapers in the UK often ask one question. What wattage should I use? The answer is not complicated. Wattage controls how hot your coil gets.
As a matter of fact, too much power burns your coil, giving a harsh taste. Whereas, too little power makes weak vapour and no flavour. The right wattage depends on your coil resistance and that number is printed on the side of your coil, like 0.8 ohm or 0.6 ohm.
This blog explains exactly what wattage to use for each coil type. You will learn the difference between MTL and DTL vaping. Just direct advice to help you vape safely and enjoyably.
What is Wattage and Why Does It Matter?
Wattage simply equals the electrical energy to your coil. Consider it as a light bulb, in a low power bulb, you get poor light. Conversely, bright light is provided by a high-wattage bulb. Same concept with vapes; low wattage provides cool, weak vapour and high wattage offers warm, thick vapour.
There is a limit to each coil, and it will burn the cotton inside if you exceed it. As a result, creating a burnt taste that does not go away. In fact, you have to replace the coil itself. So matching wattage to your coil resistance keeps your vape tasting good and saves you money on replacement coils.
Understanding Coil Resistance
Resistance is measured in ohms. Lower ohms mean less resistance, which allows more power to flow through the coil. Higher ohms mean more resistance, which allows less power to flow. The simple rule is as follows. High resistance coils require low wattage and low resistance coils require high wattage. If you are unsure about choosing the right coil or device, experts at Simba Vape Shop can help you select the best option based on your vaping style.
Furthermore, a coil of 1.2 ohms takes low power, about 10 watts and a coil of 0.2 ohms takes high power to 80 watts or even more. Never exceed the range of recommended coil wattages stated on the coil or the box. That range tells you the safe zone so you can stay inside it.
MTL vs DTL Wattage – The Key Difference
MTL stands for mouth to lung. You suck in vapour into the mouth, and then you breathe in to the lungs. Therefore, this is more like smoking a cigarette. MTL deploys high resistance coils of over 0.8 ohms with wattage kept down to 10-20 watts. DTL refers to direct to lung, i.e. inhalation of vapour directly into the lungs as in a deep breath.
This is equivalent to smoking a hookah or a bong. Moreover, DTL applies low resistance coils of less than 0.6 ohms. Wattage is in the range of 30 and 100 watts. Pick MTL should you desire another cigarette-like experience, or DTL should you desire big clouds and powerful hits on the throat.
0.8 Ohm Coil – Best Wattage for MTL Vaping
The coil that is considered a classic MTL coil is a 0.8 ohm coil since it provides a warm, flavourful vape, similar to a cigarette. The optimum of this coil ranges between 12 to 18 watts, hence remain directly within that limit for best results. This coil works perfectly with 50/50 e-liquids and nic salts.
Do not go above 20 watts because the coil will burn fast. Also, do not go below 10 watts as this will give almost no vapour. Keep it at 15 watts if you want a simple middle ground. That setting works for most vapers.
0.6 Ohm Coil – Best Wattage for RDL Vaping
A 0.6 ohm coil sits in the middle, which is called RDL. It stands for restricted direct to lung that means you get more airflow than MTL but less than full DTL. The sweet spot for a 0.6 ohm coil is between 15 and 25 watts and this coil works well with 50/50 e-liquids.
It can also handle some high VG e-liquids if you stay near 20 watts. At 15 watts, you get a cooler vape with less cloud. At 25 watts, you get a warmer vape with more clouds. Therefore, try both ends and find what feels good to you.
Other Common Coils and Their Wattage Ranges
Here is a quick reference for other popular coil resistances. A 1.2 ohm coil runs best between 8 and 12 watts, so use this for very tight MTL draws with nic salts. A 0.4 ohm coil runs best between 25 and 35 watts, which is a light DTL coil good for restricted lung hits.
Moreover, a 0.3 ohm coil works best at 35–45W, a 0.2 ohm at 50–70W, and a 0.15 ohm at 70–90W. Lower resistance means higher wattage. Always start low and increase with time.
Why Does My Vape Taste Burnt?
A burnt taste is the most common sign of wrong wattage. You took the power too high to your coil and the heat burns the cotton wick inside. That bitter taste indicates that the coil is destroyed, it cannot be fixed and must be changed.
You can always check the wattage recommended on your coil to avoid this. Start off with the lowest range number and, using a few puffs, add 2 or 3 watts each time. Stop when the flavour is good. When you get the slightest feeling of burning, reduce the wattage at once.
How to Prime Your Coil for the Right Wattage?
Priming means soaking your coil with liquid before you use it because it prevents dry hits. Here is the simple method. First, put a few drops of e-liquid directly into the cotton holes on the side of the coil. Second, install the coil in your tank. Third, fill the tank with liquid and wait five minutes.
Then, take a few puffs without pressing the fire button. This pulls liquid into the cotton. Finally, start vaping at the lowest recommended wattage. Slowly increase until you find your sweet spot. Remember, never fire a dry coil as it burns instantly.
Adjusting Wattage for Different E-Liquids
Different e-liquids perform better at different wattages. High VG liquids are thick and hence require more wattage to vaporise. Low wattage leaves them half-cooked, which gives weak flavour and spitback. Moreover, high PG liquids are thin, hence, they vaporise easily at low wattage.
High wattage makes them taste harsh and burnt. For 50/50 e-liquids, stick to the middle of your coil range. For 70/30 VG/PG, go toward the high end of your coil range. Apart from this, for nic salts, stay at the low end. Nic salts vaporise cleanly at low wattage but taste bad when overheated.
Conclusion
Choosing the right wattage does not need to be hard. As a matter of fact, all you need to do is look at the resistance on your coil. A 0.8 ohm coil is best in 12-18 watts and a 0.6 ohm coil in 15-25 watts. For beginners and experienced users alike, Simba Vapes offers reliable products and guidance to help you vape safely and enjoyably.
In addition, the increased resistance implies decreasing wattage. Reduced resistance means increasing wattage. Start low in the suggested range, then gradually add until the flavour tastes good enough.
Also, prime your coil before first use and never exceed the maximum printed number. Burnt taste: You went too far. These are only some of the tips to keep your vape clean and the coils last much longer as well in the long run.
