King Coil – What is it in Vaping?
Definition
The King Coil is a large-format, high-performance coil assembly designed for sub-ohm tanks and rebuildable dripping atomisers (RDAs). Built from premium Kanthal wire or stainless steel, its extra-thick wraps and wide Diameter“>inner diameter create massive surface area for rapid, even heating. The purpose of a King Coil is simple: deliver dense, flavour-rich vapour at high wattages while extending wicking life. Ideal for cloud-chasing vapers who want power without sacrificing taste, it slots into compatible atomisers that can accommodate its 3–4 mm internal diameter and Resistance“>low resistance.
Technical Details
Inside a King Coil, multiple strands of 24–26 gauge Kanthal or Ni80 are twisted or braided (Clapton, fused Clapton, or alien variants) then wrapped 6–8 times around a 3.5 mm jig. Resulting resistances range from 0.10 Ω to 0.20 Ω, making them perfect for 60–120 W devices. The knurled design on the outer wrap increases surface area by up to 40 %, boosting both flavour and vapour production. Common variations include the “Mini King” (2.5 mm ID for single-coil Kayfun builds) and the “King Coil Pro” with staggered ribbon cores for even faster ramp-up.
Usage & Tips
- Installation: Mount the coil so legs point toward positive and negative posts, ensuring no hot spots when pulsed at 20 W.
- Wicking: Use thick Japanese Cotton“>organic cotton; trim tails flush with deck edges to prevent dry hits.
- Power range: Start at 60 W and increase by 5 W until desired warmth is reached; avoid exceeding 130 W to protect cotton.
- Common issue:Gunk build-up—dry burn gently, then rinse under warm water.
- Safety: Always verify resistance on a Mod“>regulated mod before firing; pair only with batteries rated ≥25 A continuous discharge.
History & Context
Originally coined by Australian coil builders in 2016, the King Coil emerged as a tongue-in-cheek response to smaller micro-coil trends. Its popularity soared after Instagram cloud comps showcased 100 W+ setups, pushing local vape shops to stock pre-made Kings alongside starter vape kits. Today, it remains a staple in the AU scene, bridging casual users and hardcore hobbyists.