For those new to vaping, one of the first skills to master is how to prime a vape coil. Without proper priming, your first puff could not only taste burnt but also potentially ruin the coil, leading to unnecessary expense. Learning the correct way to prime your coil not only saves money but also enhances your vaping experience by ensuring your coils last as long as possible.

Not all vaping devices require coil priming. Devices like e-cigs that use replaceable cartridges or pod mods are ready to use right out of the box. For example, the Mig Cig e-cigarette kits, which are designed to resemble traditional cigarettes, use Ulta nicotine cartridges and require no coil priming. These kits are ideal for smokers transitioning to vaping without the fuss of coil maintenance. However, for those using refillable tank systems or RDAs, understanding how to prime and break in coils is crucial, especially if you enjoy cloud-chasing.

Priming a vape coil is a straightforward process and a vital part of learning to vape without experiencing a burnt taste. A vape coil is essentially a high-temperature metal element that comes into direct contact with a wick, usually made of organic cotton or other fibers like bamboo. This setup is critical because if the wick is dry when the coil heats up, it will burn the cotton, ruining the taste and the coil itself.

A vape coil, housed within the atomizer, is a cylindrical component that includes both the wire (usually made of Kanthal, stainless steel, or nickel) and the wick. The coil acts like a heating element that, when activated, heats the e-liquid to produce vapor. Properly primed coils ensure that the wick is saturated with e-liquid to prevent dry, burnt tasting hits.

Priming a vape coil, especially sub-ohm coils (with resistance less than 1.0 ohms), is essential for achieving great vapor production without damaging the coil. Here’s a simple guide to effectively prime your coils:

1. Install the Coil: Insert the new coil into your vape tank's base. Ensure it is securely in place.
2. Saturate the Wick: Apply several drops of e-liquid directly onto the cotton wick through the top of the coil and also on the visible cotton through the juice ports on the coil’s sides.
3. Assemble and Fill the Tank: Once the coil is primed, assemble the tank and fill it with your favorite vape juice.
4. Let It Sit: Allow the coil to sit for about 10 minutes to ensure the wick is fully saturated. This waiting period helps prevent dry hits and extends the life of your coil.

Breaking in a new coil is like warming up a car; it prepares the coil for optimal performance. Start with the lowest wattage setting recommended for your coil, take a few short puffs, and gradually increase the power in small increments. This method not only enhances the vaping experience but also maximizes coil longevity.

Change your vape coil when you notice a decrease in vapor production or a persistent burnt taste. The lifespan of a coil can vary depending on usage habits and wattage levels. Regular vapers might find they need to change coils more frequently than those who vape occasionally.

Understanding how to prime and maintain your vape coils is key to enjoying a superior vaping experience. As you gain more experience, you'll become more adept at recognizing when a coil needs changing and how best to care for your vaping device. For more tips and tricks on vaping maintenance, check out our blog.