Variable Wattage (VW) – What It Means in Vaping & How It Works

Variable Wattage (VW) – Glossary Entry

Definition

Variable Wattage (VW) is a feature on modern vape devices that lets the user manually set the exact power output, measured in watts (W). Instead of the device guessing, VW mode keeps the chosen wattage constant no matter which Juice“>vape juice or CoilResistance“>coil resistance you use, ensuring the same heat, same vapour volume and same flavour every time you press the fire button. It is the most popular vaping mode because it is simple for beginners yet precise enough for advanced vapers chasing big clouds or intense flavour.

Technical Details

Inside a VW mod, a micro-processor reads the coil’s resistance in real time and automatically adjusts the voltage to maintain the set wattage. Most Australian vape kits offer a VW range from 5 W to 80 W on pod-mods and up to 200 W+ on high-end box mods. Accuracy is usually ±5 W, while premium chipsets such as DNA or YiHi reach ±0.1 W. Some mods also run Variable Voltage (VV) alongside VW, but VW is preferred because it compensates for coil resistance changes, giving a consistent vape even when swapping tanks. Look for devices that support 0.1 Ω–3.0 Ω coils when shopping for VW versatility.

Usage & Tips

  • Start low: Begin around 10–15 W for high-resistance coils and 40–60 W for sub-ohm tanks to avoid burning vape juice.
  • Adjust gradually: Increase 2–3 W at a time until flavour peaks; going too high can scorch cotton or crack plastic pods.
  • Safety first: Ensure your batteries can handle the wattage (check the CDR rating). If the mod gets hot or shows “Check Atomiser,” lower the wattage or inspect the coil.
  • Lock the setting: Use the lock function to prevent accidental changes while the device is in your pocket.

History & Context

Variable Wattage debuted on the Evolv Darwin in 2010, a landmark moment that shifted the vaping industry from fixed-voltage eGo pens to user-tunable mods. Today, VW is the default mode on almost every vape sold in Australia, from discreet pod systems to cloud-chasing dual-battery kits.

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