New to vaping or your not sure where to start ?
Don’t worry vaping might seem a bit confusing at first, but it really doesn’t need to be. If you’re unsure where to start or just want things explained clearly, we’ve put together a set of simple guides to help you understand the basics. From choosing the right vape kit to looking after your vape and learning the different ways to vape, everything’s covered in plain language.
We also have helpful videos from our reviewer, Andrew, who walks you through each topic and products shows you exactly how it all works.
If you need any extra help, our friendly support team is here 7 days a week via live chat or give us a call on 01224 032542 and we’ll be happy to assist. You can also reach us through Contact Us.
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About DIY Coils
At their most simple, coils are the pieces of wire that are twisted into a spiral to surround your wicking material. When you draw on your vape an electrical current passes through the coils and heats them, turning your e-liquid into vapour for you to inhale.
There are many different materials that vape coils are made of such as kanthal, ceramic, nichrome, nickel, titanium, or stainless steel.
Experienced vapers who opt for rebuildable vape setups may build their own coils or build pre-built coils. Here are some of the different types of pre-built coils you can buy.
Clapton
Standard Clapton coils feature a large gauge wire with a smaller wire wrapped tightly around it. These have a higher surface area which means that they can produce more vapour quickly with great flavour intensity. Clapton coils can be made out of different types of wires and in different resistances, and there are many varieties of Clapton coils.
Fused Clapton
Fused Clapton coils feature two or more thicker wires that are 'fused' together with one thinner gauge wire wrapped around them. This means that Fused Clapton has a larger surface area and also has a faster ramp-up time than standard Clapton coils.
Staple
Staple coils are named because of their staple-like appearance. They have a stack of around 8 to 10 flat wires which have a thinner wire wrapped around them. These coils have a ribbed texture that traps e-liquid in the grooves and provides great flavours.
Framed Staple
Framed Staple coils are similar to Fused Clapton because they have the staple-style flat ribbon wires that are surrounded by two round wires which give the coil additional ribbing texture to contain e-liquid.
Alien
Alien Clapton coils are also similar to Fused Clapton but the core of the wire is removed before it is wrapped around the multi-strand core. These usually have low resistances and are designed for sub-ohm vaping and have a slower ramp-up time.
Pre-built Coils
There are many reasons that a vaper might opt for pre-built coils for their RDA, RTA, or RDTA. The biggest benefit of going for pre-built ones is that they are easier and faster to install because you don't have to twist them yourself. They also require less precision and expertise, so they're a good option for vapers just starting to get into vaping with rebuildables.
Moreover, these coils have already been checked for safety so you don't need to worry about anything. There are many great coils such as Clapton coils, Fused Clapton coils, Alien coils, and others that can provide a fantastic vaping experience.
The main downsides of choosing coils that are pre-built are that you have less control over the materials and resistance of the coils.
If you're ready to start building your own coils for your vape and have a good understanding of ohm's law, check out our selections of coil wire, tools, and tool kits.