Air Holes – What Are They in Vaping Devices?

Definition: What Are Air Holes in Vaping?

Air holes are the small openings, slots or ports engineered into an atomizer, tank or rebuildable deck that allow outside air to enter the coil chamber. Their primary purpose is to feed fresh air over the heated coil and wick, mix it with the produced vapour, and create the Resistance“>draw resistance that defines the vaping experience. By adjusting how much air passes through these holes—via an Airflow Control)”>AFC (Airflow Control) ring—users can switch between a tight, cigarette-like draw or a loose, airy cloud-chasing inhale without altering the liquid or power settings.

Technical Details

Air holes sit directly below or beside the coil in most modern atomizers. When the user presses the fire button on their Akkuträger (batterymod), the coil heats e-liquid into aerosol; simultaneously, negative pressure from the inhale pulls air through the holes. The size, number and position of the holes determine the velocity and volume of incoming air, measured in millimetres (Ø 1.0 mm micro-holes up to 6 mm wide slots). Common variations include:

  • Fixed holes: Non-adjustable, drilled ports found in basic clearomisers.
  • Adjustable slots: Curved or teardrop slots rotated by an AFC ring for on-the-fly changes.
  • Honeycomb discs: Multiple tiny perforations for smoother, quieter airflow.
  • Top-airflow channels: Holes placed above the coil to reduce leaking.

Usage & Tips

To get the most from your air holes, start with the AFC half-open and fine-tune until the flavour feels rich and the draw matches your preference. If gurgling occurs, close the holes slightly to increase vacuum; if the vape is too hot, open them wider. Clean lint or e-liquid residue from the holes weekly using a cotton bud to maintain consistent airflow control. Always ensure at least one hole remains unobstructed—blocked air holes can overheat the coil and degrade your All Day Vape (ADV) flavour. For sub-ohm builds, larger holes prevent vacuum lock and wicking issues.

History & Context

Early 2010s cartomisers relied on a single fixed air hole, giving every user the same draw. The introduction of adjustable AFC rings in 2013 allowed Australian vapers to tailor their experience, paving the way for the diverse atomizer market we enjoy today.

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