Standard Resistance – What is it in Vaping?

Definition

Standard Resistance refers to any vapecoil that measures between 1.0 ohm and 1.8 ohm when tested on a Mod“>regulated mod or ohm reader. These higher-resistance coils are designed for mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping, mimicking the draw of a traditional cigarette and producing modest vapour with pronounced flavour. Because they require less power—typically 7–18 watts—they extend battery life, consume less e-liquid, and deliver a stronger nicotinehit, making them the go-to choice for first-time switchers and stealth vapers in Australia.

Technical Details

Standard-resistance coils are built with thinner-gauge Kanthal, Nichrome or stainless-steel wire, wrapped to a higher ohm reading than their Sub-Ohm cousins. Most commercial versions sit at 1.2 ohm, 1.5 ohm or 1.8 ohm and are paired with 2.5 mm–3 mm internal diametercotton wicks. Operating voltage ranges from 3.2 V to 4.2 V, drawing 6–12 A on a fully-charged 18650 cell. Temperature control is rare at this resistance, so mods rely on fixed-wattage or voltage curves. Variations include vertical coil, BVC (bottom vertical coil) and older silica-wick designs still found in cigalike Kit“>Starter Kit pods.

Usage & Tips

• Prime the coil with 3–4 drops of liquid down the centre and wait 5 min before first use to prevent dry hits.
• Stay inside the wattage window printed on the coil; exceeding it carbonises cotton and shortens life.
• Use 50/50 or 60 PG e-liquid for faster wicking; high-VG juices can starve the coil and cause Short Circuit Protection errors.
• Carry spare coils—standard-resistance heads last 10–20 mL before flavour drops, less with sweetened juices.
• Store upright in hot Australian summers; heat thins liquid and can flood the coil, leading to gurgling.

History & Context

When cigalikes arrived in Australia circa 2008, every coil was “standard” because battery technology couldn’t safely dip below 1 ohm. The advent of high-drain 18650 cells and Sub-Ohm tanks around 2014 re-defined “normal,” but 1 ohm-plus coils remain popular in nicotine-salt pods and MTL tanks, preserving the familiar ritual for ex-smokers.