What's the difference between these wires?

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ChelsB

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One is 316L, but what's the difference?
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Eskie

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Well, you're right, one is 316L stainless steel and the other in Kanthal. 316L can be used to build coils that will work in either wattage or temp control mode. Kanthal can only be used to make coils for wattage mode. TC isn't really possible. Both are easy to work with and some people feel they prefer the "taste" with one over another, but I can't. I've stopped using Kanthal as with SS I can run the coil/tank however I want, wattage or TC (usually TC).

Use Steam Engine to help guide making coils from either, as the resistance per unit length of SS is lower than for Kanthal (about half). Coil wrappingCoil wrapping
 

Izan

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Meh... better is subjective.
I went to SS because it is TC'able (Izan don't TC) and I think it tastes more "neutral".
Play with both and see what makes you happy. I used Kanthal for years and was never unhappy with it.
I blame my migration from Kanthal to SS on Imeo and the Spring-o-mizer Tilemahos.

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dolladave

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Well, you're right, one is 316L stainless steel and the other in Kanthal. 316L can be used to build coils that will work in either wattage or temp control mode. Kanthal can only be used to make coils for wattage mode. TC isn't really possible. Both are easy to work with and some people feel they prefer the "taste" with one over another, but I can't. I've stopped using Kanthal as with SS I can run the coil/tank however I want, wattage or TC (usually TC).

Use Steam Engine to help guide making coils from either, as the resistance per unit length of SS is lower than for Kanthal (about half). Coil wrappingCoil wrapping
Same here. I've used both and I've got spools of both.... I switched for the same reason you did.... Doesn't matter what I build anymore I can throw it on whatever I want and have the same vape. Don't have to worry about well crap, did i used nickel or kanthal this build lol. Taste is subjective and me personally, I can't tell a difference between either wire
 

Eskie

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Same here. I've used both and I've got spools of both.... I switched for the same reason you did.... Doesn't matter what I build anymore I can throw it on whatever I want and have the same vape. Don't have to worry about well crap, did i used nickel or kanthal this build lol. Taste is subjective and me personally, I can't tell a difference between either wire

Yeah, trying to remember which tank was built with what type of coil was definitely a big component for me too.:)

That, and having to decide "Will I want this build only for power or only for TC?". This way there's no need to choose.
 

ChelsB

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Same here. I've used both and I've got spools of both.... I switched for the same reason you did.... Doesn't matter what I build anymore I can throw it on whatever I want and have the same vape. Don't have to worry about well crap, did i used nickel or kanthal this build lol. Taste is subjective and me personally, I can't tell a difference between either wire

I wish I wouldn't have even bothered with buying the regular kanthal! But I suppose that is all part of my learning process!


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Foggy Road

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I've never used anything but kanthal,yet. But I'm considering SS for it's lower resistance. But the few factory SS coils I've used seem to add a sweetness to my very light flavors. I know some folks say it imparts a cleaner or better flavor. My buds apparently interpret whatever that is as sweetness. I'll eventually get a spool and give it a try but I'm really not expecting to like it.
 
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dolladave

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I wish I wouldn't have even bothered with buying the regular kanthal! But I suppose that is all part of my learning process!


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Just wait..... Spools of everything are sooooooooo cheap, I've got about 2 spools of every gauge from 24-34 in SS, Kanthal, and Nichrome N80..... They're so cheap and I don't do many exotic builds.... I have but I honestly can't tell much difference but I'd rather have what I want in stock and be able to try it then want to try it and not have it and have to wait for amazon to deliver it lol
 
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Bonskibon

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I use Kanthal only, but have considered getting a spool of SS. The only reason I haven't is because I'm a MTL vaper and know that I'll need more SS wire for the resistance I want which in turn means more heat that I'm not a fan of. I like a nice cool vape. I could probably work out something with Steam Engine, but prefer not to go over 12 watts usually so my options would be limited.
 

KenD

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I use Kanthal only, but have considered getting a spool of SS. The only reason I haven't is because I'm a MTL vaper and know that I'll need more SS wire for the resistance I want which in turn means more heat that I'm not a fan of. I like a nice cool vape. I could probably work out something with Steam Engine, but prefer not to go over 12 watts usually so my options would be limited.
If you're using a regulated mod you won't need to care about resistance too much. Yes, ss has lower resistance, but at the same wire gauge, coil id, and wrap number it has about the same heat flux and heat capacity as kanthal even with half the resistance. Just set the watts as you would with kanthal and you should be fine.

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Bonskibon

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If you're using a regulated mod you won't need to care about resistance too much. Yes, ss has lower resistance, but at the same wire gauge, coil id, and wrap number it has about the same heat flux and heat capacity as kanthal even with half the resistance. Just set the watts as you would with kanthal and you should be fine.

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Thanks, I'll probably go ahead and grab some SS. Doesn't hurt to have some in my arsenal.
 
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