How to choose resistance to an e-cigarette?
The proper functioning of an e-cigarette is mainly based on its resistance. However, it is often difficult to know which model to take, between a BCC or a sub-ohm. You have to choose well to hope to discover your “sweet spot”: the style of vape that aligns with your profile as a vaper. Therefore, how to sort out the resistance existing on the market? Here are some helpful tips for finding the coil that best suits your preferences.
The choice of resistance greatly impacts the quality of vaping. This is why these three major factors must be taken into account:
- The value of the resistance expressed in ohm (Ω): defines the power of the vape and the volume of vapour that the e-cig can produce. The lower it is, the greater the vaping power, and vice versa.
- The power range in Watts (W): is mentioned on the body of the resistance. It provides information on the wattage to use to adjust the power of the e-cigarette.
- The type of e-liquid is compatible with the resistance: at each resistance, it’s a batch of compatible vape juices! For example, some do not support a PG/VG base (propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin) rich in VG, as this can clog them and create a dry hit (burnt taste).
To support these criteria, one can also take into account the number of coils or resistive wires in the resistance. The more coils, the greater the heating capacity.
It is also advisable to consider the type of resistance: normal, Clapton, ceramic, Notch coil, strip and mesh.
Finally, resistance is also chosen according to its type of resistive, or more precisely according to the material with which it was manufactured: kanthal, nichrome, nickel, titanium or stainless steel.
Resistance and vaping materials: correspondence to respect
The resistor value should line up with the battery voltage for a perfect sweet spot. Insufficient current results in low vapour volume and/or bland flavours. A current that is too intense can alter the operation of the resistance, making vaping impossible. Prefer resistors of 1.5 to 2.5 ohms for conventional batteries with variable voltage or not.
As the resistance value increases, the vapour produced will be cold. Below 1.8 ohms, the vapour is hot. Between 1.8 and 2.2 ohms, it is lukewarm. Between 2.2 and 2.5 ohms, it is cold.
If you are aiming for indirect inhalation from a mod or an electronic box, it is advisable to opt for a resistance of 1 to 1.8 ohm with a power set at 15 W at most. For indirect inhalation via a sub-ohm, a low-value coil of 0.5 to 1 ohm and high power are preferred.
Mods or mechanical boxes intended for expert vapers usually pair with 0.5 and 0.8-ohm coils.
Choose from different resistor technologies
CE4 or T2 type long wick resistors
These models are robust and do not cost too much. They are ideal for neophyte vapers. These resistors are equipped with silica, glass or cotton wicks, the bristles of which cause the liquid to rise by capillarity.
Simple resistors BCC (“Single coil”)
They have a single thread and a short wick. They generate a warm to hot vapour and restore the flavours of the e-liquid to perfection.
BDC double resistors (“Dual coil”)
Equipped with a double resistive wire, these resistance models have a larger heating surface. They produce denser vapour and consume more e-liquid. In particular, they use 10 to 20% more liquid than simple BBC resistors, depending on the wattage.
BVC (Bottom Vertical Coil) vertical resistors
Intended for a more specific use, these are placed inside a vertical chimney. They deliver a generous vapour, while properly restoring the flavours of the e-liquid. It is a robust and durable model.
Subohm resistors
Characterized by a value of less than 1 ohm, these models are used to produce dense and generous vapour. Supporting a higher wattage, this type of resistance is mainly suitable for e-cigarettes specifically using fatty e-liquids with high viscosity and rich in VG. Requiring a fairly high cost, it is mainly aimed at experienced vapers.