Tubular Coil – What is it in Vaping?

Definition

A Tubular Coil is a cylindrical heating element found inside most vapeTank atomisers. Made from resistancewire—often Kanthal, stainless steel, or Titanium Wire—it is wrapped into a hollow “tube” shape and surrounded by cotton wicking. When the device is fired, electrical current passes through the coil, generating heat that vaporises the e-liquid soaked into the cotton. The resulting vapour travels up the tube’s centre and into the drip-tip, delivering flavour and the desired Hit“>Throat Hit. Tubular coils are popular because they balance cloud production, flavour clarity, and easy installation in stock coil heads.

Technical Details

Internally, a tubular coil consists of a spiralled resistive wire (typically 0.2–0.8 Ω) encased in a perforated metal sleeve or mesh cylinder. The sleeve controls wicking speed and prevents hot-spots. Most factory-made heads measure 8–12 mm in length and 4–6 mm in diameter, fitting standard sub-ohm tanks. Variants include single, dual, triple, and even quad-core tubes, each increasing surface area for denser vapour. Mesh-style tubular coils replace the traditional spiral with a crimped metal sheet, offering faster ramp-up and even heat distribution. Stainless-steel versions support Temperature Control (TC) mode, while Kanthal versions operate only in wattage mode. Manufacturers often laser-etch the recommended wattage range on the casing (e.g., 40–70 W) to guide users.

Usage & Tips

Prime a new tubular coil by dripping e-liquid onto exposed cotton until saturated, then fill the Top Fill tank and wait 5–10 minutes before first use. Start at the lowest recommended wattage and increase gradually to avoid burning. If you experience a metallic taste or reduced vapour, check for flooded or dry wicking—gentle suction without firing can clear floods, while lowering wattage prevents dry hits. Replace the coil when flavour drops or the wicking darkens, usually every 7–14 days. For Temperature Control users, lock the coil’s resistance at room temperature to ensure accurate limits and prolong lifespan.

History & Context

Tubular coils evolved from early cartomisers circa 2010, when vapers drilled holes in hollow tubes to improve wicking. The format was commercialised in 2013 with the first sub-ohm tank coils, paving the way for today’s plug-and-play replacement heads that dominate the Australian market.