Resistance – What is it in Vaping?

Definition

Resistance is the electrical opposition that a coil presents to current flow from your vapebattery, measured in Ohms (Ω). In vaping, it determines how much power is drawn and how quickly the coil heats your e-liquid. Lower resistance (sub-ohm) coils create bigger clouds and warmer vapour, while higher-resistance coils use less battery, produce cooler vapour, and often give stronger flavour. Understanding resistance is essential for matching your coil, mod, and vaping style safely and effectively.

Technical Details

Resistance is governed by Ohm’s Law: I = V ÷ R (current equals voltage divided by resistance). Coils with fewer wraps, thicker wire (lower gauge), or specific materials (Nichrome, Kanthal, SS, Ni200, Ti) naturally have lower resistance. Typical ranges:

  • Sub-ohm: 0.1 Ω – 0.9 Ω
  • Standard: 1.0 Ω – 1.8 Ω
  • Mouth-to-lung (MTL): 1.2 Ω – 2.5 Ω

Rebuildable atomisers—RDA, RTA, and RDTA—allow users to tailor resistance by adjusting coil diameter, wraps, and material. Regulated mods read resistance automatically and limit output to prevent unsafe currents, whereas unregulated devices demand manual knowledge of battery limits.

Usage & Tips

  • Match your mod: Ensure your regulated mod’s lowest supported resistance is below your coil’s value. Most Australian refillable kits handle 0.1 Ω–3.0 Ω.
  • Check before firing: On rebuildables, dry-fire at 10–15 W to confirm even glow and stable resistance.
  • Avoid shorts: Loose leads or touching wraps can drop resistance dangerously low; always inspect wicking and screws.
  • Battery safety: For sub-ohm builds, use high-drain 18650/21700 cells rated ≥25 A and never exceed the CDR (continuous discharge rating).

History & Context

When vaping emerged in the mid-2000s, factory cartomisers sat around 2.5 Ω. The rise of rebuildables in 2012 sparked “cloud chasing,” pushing resistances below 1 Ω. Today, mesh strips and temperature-control alloys continue to refine how resistance influences flavour and vapour production across Australia’s regulated market.

Share the Post: