Getting your e-liquid and coil combination right makes a huge difference to your vaping experience. Whether you're using thick high-VG liquids, balanced 50/50 blends, or nicotine salts, the right coil choice enhances both flavour and performance.
Matching your e-liquid to the right vape coil isn’t always obvious — but it makes a huge difference to flavour, vapour, and overall satisfaction. The wrong combination of these elements can lead to disappointing results - from weak flavour and poor vapour production to dry hits and shortened coil life.
Different e-liquids have different characteristics. Some are thick and need more power to vaporise properly. Others are thinner and work better at lower wattages. Understanding these differences helps you choose coils that complement your preferred e-liquid type.
Whether you're new to vaping or looking to optimise your current setup, matching your coil to your e-liquid type is one of the best ways to improve your overall experience.
Key Takeaways
High-VG e-liquids (70VG/30PG+) work best with low-resistance sub-ohm coils that can handle thicker liquids
50/50 e-liquids are the most versatile, working well with both MTL and sub-ohm coils
Nicotine salt e-liquids perform best with higher-resistance MTL coils at lower wattages
Using the wrong coil/e-liquid combination can cause poor wicking, burnt taste, or device problems
When in doubt, check your coil's recommended wattage and match it to your e-liquid type
What Makes E-Liquid Types Different?
Before we look at which coils work best, it's helpful to understand what makes e-liquids different from each other.
What's the Difference Between VG and PG?
E-liquids contain two main base ingredients:
VG (Vegetable Glycerin) is thick, slightly sweet, and produces dense vapour clouds. The more VG in your e-liquid, the thicker it becomes.
PG (Propylene Glycol) is thinner, carries flavour well, and provides throat hit. Higher PG ratios make e-liquids runnier and easier to wick.
The ratio between these ingredients - shown as numbers like 70VG/30PG or 50VG/50PG - determines how thick your e-liquid is and how it behaves in different coils.
Nicotine Types
Freebase nicotine is the traditional type found in many High-PG e-liquids as well as some 50/50 vape juices. It provides throat hit that increases with nicotine strength.
Nicotine salts use a different formulation that allows higher nicotine concentrations while remaining smooth. Almost all nic salt e-liquids use a 50VG/50PG ratio.
Which Vape Coils Work Best with High-VG E-Liquids?
High-VG e-liquids (typically 70VG/30PG or higher) are popular with vapers who enjoy large vapour clouds and rich flavours. However, their thick consistency requires specific coil characteristics.
Why Sub-Ohm Coils Work Best for High-VG E-Liquids
The thick nature of high-VG liquids means they need more power to vaporise effectively. Sub-ohm coils (below 0.5ohm resistance) are essential because these low-resistance coils allow higher power output, generating the heat needed to properly vaporise thick VG.
Common resistance ranges for high-VG include:
0.15-0.25ohm: Dense vapour and rich flavour
0.3-0.4ohm: Balanced performance with good vapour and flavour
0.4-0.5ohm: Moderate sub-ohm performance, good for beginners
Wicking Requirements
High-VG liquids need coils with large wicking ports and substantial cotton capacity. The coil must be able to draw thick liquid efficiently to prevent dry hits, especially during longer vaping sessions.
Mesh coils are particularly good for high-VG liquids because their larger surface area and improved wicking design handle viscous liquids more effectively than traditional wire coils.
Power Requirements
High-VG setups typically operate between 40-80W or higher. This increased power ensures complete vapourisation of the thick liquid and maintains consistent performance.
Why Are 50/50 E-Liquids So Popular?
50/50 e-liquids offer the perfect balance between VG and PG, making them incredibly versatile. This balanced ratio means they work well with a wide range of coil types and vaping styles.
The moderate thickness of 50/50 liquids makes them suitable for both beginners learning their preferences and experienced vapers who want flexibility across different devices.
Coil Compatibility
50/50 liquids work with:
MTL coils (0.8-1.4ohm): Perfect for mouth-to-lung vaping
RDL coils (0.4-0.8ohm): Balanced performance between MTL and DTL
Light sub-ohm coils (0.3-0.5ohm): Moderate cloud production
Power Flexibility
50/50 e-liquids perform well across 10-40W depending on your coil resistance. This flexibility means you can use them in everything from simple pod devices to more advanced vape kits.
Perfect for New Vapers
If you're new to vaping or unsure about your preferences, 50/50 e-liquids are an excellent starting point for new vapers or anyone who values versatility. Can be used with low to mid-powered pod kits or refillable tank.
What Coils Should I Use with Nicotine Salts?
Nicotine Salt e-liquids are designed specifically for mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping. This means they work best with higher-resistance coils that operate at lower wattages.
The smooth delivery that makes nic salts popular comes from using the right vape coil and power combination.
Ideal Resistance Range
MTL coils (0.8-1.4ohm) are perfect for nicotine salts. These higher-resistance coils operate at 10-15W, which prevents overheating the nicotine salt formulation and maintains the smooth delivery they're known for.
Why Lower Power Works Better
High wattages can create harsh throat hit despite the smooth nic salt formulation, reduce coil lifespan through overheating, and produce more vapour than most MTL vapers want.
Airflow and Draw Characteristics
Nic salt coils typically feature tighter airflow designs that mimic the draw resistance of traditional cigarettes. This makes them ideal for vapers transitioning from smoking or those who prefer a more restrictive inhale.
What Can Go Wrong with the Wrong Coil?
Using mismatched e-liquids and coils leads to several common problems that can ruin your vaping experience:
High-VG in MTL Coils: Thick high-VG liquid struggles to wick properly through small MTL coil ports, resulting in dry hits, burnt taste, and premature coil failure. The solution is using sub-ohm coils with larger wicking capacity.
Nic Salts in High-Power Coils: High wattages overheat nicotine salt formulations, creating harsh throat hit and unpleasant taste. Sticking to MTL coils operating at 10-15W solves this issue.
50/50 Liquids at Extreme Wattages: Using moderate 50/50 liquids in very high-power setups may not produce expected vapour output or can taste harsh. Using 50/50 liquids in their optimal 15-40W range delivers the best results.
How to Prime Coils for Different E-Liquid Types
Proper priming technique varies slightly depending on your e-liquid type:
For High-VG E-Liquids
Apply more drops: Use 4-5 drops on visible cotton due to the thicker consistency
Wait longer: Allow 10-15 minutes for full saturation
Start lower: Begin at 40-50% of recommended wattage
Take breaks: Allow longer pauses between puffs initially
For 50/50 and Nic Salt E-Liquids
Standard drops: 2-3 drops on visible cotton is usually sufficient
Normal wait time: 5-10 minutes for saturation
Gradual increase: Start low and work up to preferred wattage
Regular intervals: Normal puffing patterns once properly primed
Can I Switch Between E-Liquid Types?
While possible, switching between very different e-liquid types isn't always recommended without taking some precautions.
Best practices when switching:
Clean your tank thoroughly between changes
Consider using a fresh coil for very different liquid types
Allow extra priming time when switching to thicker liquids
Stick to similar VG/PG ratios when possible
When to definitely use a fresh coil:
Switching from high-VG to nic salts (or vice versa)
Changing from strong flavours to delicate ones
Moving between very different nicotine strengths
Choosing the Right Coil for Your E-Liquid
High-VG e-liquids work best with sub-ohm coils (0.15-0.5ohm) operating between 40-80W. These setups are perfect for cloud production and rich flavour but should avoid MTL coils and low wattages.
50/50 e-liquids offer the most flexibility, working well with anything from MTL to light sub-ohm coils (0.3-1.4ohm) across 10-40W. They're ideal for versatility and all-day vaping, just avoid extreme wattages at either end.
Nicotine salts need MTL coils (0.8-1.4ohm) at gentle 10-15W power levels for smooth nicotine delivery and that familiar cigarette-like experience. Keep away from sub-ohm coils and high wattages.
Conclusion
Matching your e-liquid type to the right vape coil doesn't have to be complicated. High-VG liquids need powerful sub-ohm coils, nicotine salts work best with gentle MTL coils, and 50/50 blends offer flexibility across most setups.
Getting this combination right means better flavour, longer coil life, and a more enjoyable vaping experience overall. When in doubt, start with the coil manufacturer's recommendations and adjust from there based on your preferences.