Hi all,
Over the past few weeks, I’ve done quite a bit of testing to understand why some coils burn out fast while others last for weeks. I discovered the key lies not in the wattage alone, but in watt density — the amount of power applied per unit surface area of the coil.
Higher watt density = hotter coil = faster cotton degradation and coil gunk.Lower watt density = cooler, cleaner burn = longer coil life.
Would love to hear what others are using — especially if you're getting >3 weeks per coil! Let’s compare and see which setups are the most efficient.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve done quite a bit of testing to understand why some coils burn out fast while others last for weeks. I discovered the key lies not in the wattage alone, but in watt density — the amount of power applied per unit surface area of the coil.
What Is Watt Density?
Watt Density = Power (W) / Coil Surface AreaHigher watt density = hotter coil = faster cotton degradation and coil gunk.Lower watt density = cooler, cleaner burn = longer coil life.
Factors That Improve Coil Longevity:
- Larger Coil Surface Area - Use thicker wires (26–28 AWG) - Increase coil diameter (2.5–3mm)
- Lower Wattage - Stay within 10–20W if you're MTL - Avoid overpowering small coils
- High-Quality Wicking - Make sure cotton is saturated - Never fire on dry cotton
- Juice Matters - Avoid sugary/dark liquids if coil life is your goal
My Favorite Setup for Longevity:
- Kanthal 26 AWG, 3mm ID, 6 wraps
- Resistance: ~1.2Ω
- Power: 14W
- Used with fruit or light tobacco juices
- Coil life: easily 2–3 weeks with 1 rewick
Would love to hear what others are using — especially if you're getting >3 weeks per coil! Let’s compare and see which setups are the most efficient.
