Multi-Coil – What is it in Vaping?

Definition

A Multi-Coil setup is any atomiser head or rebuildable deck that uses two or more heating coils instead of a single wire spiral. By splitting the electrical load across several coils, the build creates a larger total surface area that vaporises more e-liquid at once. The result is denser clouds, richer flavour, and the ability to run at higher wattages without overheating any Coil“>single coil—ideal for direct-lung (DL) vapers who use high-power Mods and low-nicotine e-liquids.

Technical Details

How It Works

Each coil in a multi-coil array receives the same voltage from the battery, but the overall resistance drops because the coils are wired in parallel. For example, two identical 0.4 Ω coils together give a final resistance of 0.2 Ω. The total surface area doubles, so 80–110 watts can be applied without scorching cotton. Common configurations include:

• Dual-Coil—the most widespread; fits in most sub-ohm tanks and RTAs.
• Triple- & Quad-Coil—used in high-wattage stock coils (60–130 W).
• Hexa/Octa-Coil—rebuildable decks; require 150 W+ and high-drain 18650/21700 cells with 25–40 A ratings.
• Mesh-and-wire hybrids—combine a Mesh Coil with round wire for rapid ramp-up.

Wire gauges typically range from 24–28 AWG Kanthal, Ni80, or SS316L, with inner diameters of 2.5–3.5 mm and 5–8 wraps per coil.

Usage & Tips

Install coils so that each pair sits at identical height and distance from airflow slots to prevent hot spots. Wicks should be snug but not tight, ensuring equal e-liquid flow to every coil. Battery life is shorter—carry spare 21700 cells rated at 30 A or above and check mAh ratings. If flavour tastes burnt, check for uneven heating or collapsed cotton. Avoid Mechanical Mods unless you are comfortable with Ohm’s Law; regulated mods with temperature control provide safer headroom. Finally, prime all coils thoroughly and start at 10 W below the recommended range, stepping up gradually.

History & Context

The first commercial dual-coil cartomisers appeared around 2010, evolving from single-coil clearomisers. Cloud-chasing culture in the US and Australia pushed manufacturers to triple and quad designs by 2015, while MTL vapers still prefer single-coil for tighter draw and lower wattage. Today, multi-coil remains the standard for DL rebuildables and high-wattage stock coils.