Vape Coils Explained: MTL vs DL, Mesh vs Regular (South Africa Edition)

Vape Coils Explained: MTL vs DL, Mesh vs Regular (South Africa Edition)

Vape Coils Explained: MTL vs DL, Mesh vs Regular (South Africa Edition)

Choosing the right vape coil can dramatically change your vaping experience — from flavour to cloud production and even how long your device lasts. Here's everything you need to know, especially if you vape in South Africa.

🛑 18+ Only. Vape products contain nicotine and are intended for adult use only.


🔧 What is a Vape Coil?

A vape coil is the heating element inside your pod, cartridge, or tank that turns e-liquid into vapour.
It's usually made of a metal wire (or mesh) surrounded by cotton that absorbs the e-liquid.

When you activate your vape, the coil heats up, vaporizing the liquid in the cotton — giving you the puff.


🔍 Coil Types: MTL vs DL

Type MTL (Mouth-to-Lung) DL (Direct-Lung)
Draw Tight, cigarette-like Airy, more vapour
Coil Ohms High resistance (0.8Ω – 1.4Ω) Low resistance (0.1Ω – 0.6Ω)
E-liquid Nicotine Salts Freebase Nicotine
Vape Type Pod kits (e.g. XROS, Upends, Elf Bar) Mods and sub-ohm tanks (e.g. Luxe XR, Drag)
Vaper Profile Beginners, smokers Cloud chasers, flavour lovers

🔥 Coil Materials: Mesh vs Regular

🟢 Mesh Coils

  • Use a sheet of metal mesh instead of a single wire

  • Pros:

    • Larger surface area = more vapour and flavour

    • Heats faster and more evenly

    • Lasts longer

🔵 Regular Wire Coils

  • Use a traditional metal wire

  • Pros:

    • Simpler and often cheaper

    • Good for tighter MTL hits

    • Often found in older pod systems


🧠 Coil Resistance: What Do the Numbers Mean?

Coil Resistance Best For Experience
Above 1.0Ω MTL pods, tighter draw Less vapour, strong throat hit
0.6Ω – 0.8Ω Hybrid vapes, balanced draw Mix of flavour & cloud
Below 0.5Ω Sub-ohm tanks, DL vapes Big clouds, full flavour

🔁 How Often Should I Change My Coil?

Change your coil when:

  • Flavour tastes burnt

  • Vapour production drops

  • E-liquid starts to taste muted

  • Coil has been used for 5–10 days

Pro Tip: Always prime your new coil by letting e-liquid soak for 5–10 minutes before vaping.


🔍 Local Coil Examples You’ll Find at The Vape Order

Device Coil Type
Vaporesso XROS 0.8Ω Mesh Pod MTL
Elf Bar EW9000 Pre-filled flavour pod MTL (Nic Salt)
Vaporesso Luxe XR 0.4Ω Mesh Coil DL
Upends Switch Disposable cartridge (50mg) MTL
GeekVape Aegis 0.2Ω Kanthal Mesh DL

💬 Final Thoughts

Understanding your coil type makes all the difference — it affects flavour, cloud size, nicotine strength, and even how often you need to replace your coil.

Whether you're using nic salts or freebase, MTL or DL — we've got the right coils in stock and staff that can help you choose in-store or online.


📍 Available at The Vape Order Montana and Port Elizabeth. Online ordering nationwide.
18+ only. Vape responsibly.

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