Guide to Sub-Ohm Vapes

Sub-ohm vaping offers experienced vapers a way to enjoy intense flavour, dense vapour production, and a customisable experience that basic devices can't match. This guide explains what sub-ohm vaping is, how it works, what equipment you need, and whether it's the right choice for your vaping style.

What is sub-ohm vaping?

Sub-ohm vaping uses coils with a resistance below 1.0 ohm, typically ranging from 0.2 to 0.9 ohms. These low-resistance coils require higher power output to function properly, producing significantly more vapour than standard mouth-to-lung devices.

The term "sub-ohm" comes from the measurement of electrical resistance. Standard vaping coils operate above 1.0 ohm, whilst sub-ohm coils operate below this threshold, requiring more powerful batteries and specific e-liquids to work effectively.

What is a sub-ohm vape?

A sub-ohm vape is an advanced vape kit designed to handle low-resistance coils and high wattage output. These devices consist of several key components that work together to create the sub-ohm experience.

Key components of sub-ohm vaping

• Sub-ohm tanks or pods: Specifically designed tanks with high airflow capacity to manage the heat generated by low-resistance coils. They typically hold more e-liquid than standard tanks.
• Low-resistance coils (<1.0Ω): Usually constructed with mesh for increased surface area, these coils heat quickly and efficiently, producing large amounts of vapour.
• High-powered mod: A battery device capable of delivering 30W to 200W+ of power. These mods feature variable wattage settings, battery safety features, and displays showing current settings.
• High-VG e-liquid: Thicker e-liquid with 70/30 or 80/20 VG/PG ratios handles the heat without causing leaking whilst producing dense clouds.

What does sub-ohm mean?

Sub-ohm refers to electrical resistance below one ohm. In vaping terms, it refers to the coil's resistance rating in your device. Lower resistance means electricity flows more easily through the coil, generating more heat and vapour when powered by sufficient wattage.

Standard coils (1.0 ohm and above) work at lower power and produce less vapour. Sub-ohm coils require more power but deliver significantly more vapour production and often better flavour intensity.

How do I know if my vape is sub-ohm?

Several indicators tell you whether your device is sub-ohm. First, check your coil packaging. The resistance is clearly printed, usually showing values like 0.15Ω, 0.4Ω, or 0.8Ω. Anything below 1.0Ω is sub-ohm. Then, look at your device's display screen. Most advanced devices show current coil resistance. If the reading displays below 1.0Ω, you're vaping sub-ohm.

Consider your device type. Simple vape starter kits and basic pod systems rarely support sub-ohm vaping. Advanced vape kits and vape mod kits typically do. Finally, notice the vapour production. Sub-ohm devices produce substantially more vapour than standard devices. If you're creating large clouds, you're likely vaping sub-ohm.

What is a sub-ohm tank?

A sub-ohm tank is a specific type of vape tank engineered to handle the demands of low-resistance coils. These tanks feature several design elements that distinguish them from standard tanks.

Sub-ohm tanks feature wide airflow channels to cool vapour and manage heat generated by high-powered coils. Without adequate airflow, the vapour would be uncomfortably hot.

They typically hold larger e-liquid capacities (4ml-8ml) because sub-ohm vaping consumes liquid faster than mouth-to-lung vaping. Frequent refilling would otherwise become inconvenient.

The coils in sub-ohm tanks often use a mesh construction, which provides greater contact with e-liquid. This design heats liquid more evenly and efficiently, improving flavour and cloud production.

Many sub-ohm tanks include adjustable airflow controls, allowing you to customise your draw from slightly restricted to completely open. This flexibility lets you fine-tune your vaping experience.

Is sub-ohm vaping better?

Sub-ohm vaping isn't objectively better than other styles, but it offers distinct advantages for specific vapers. Whether it's better for you depends on what you want from your vaping experience.

Advantages of sub-ohm vaping

• Enhanced flavour intensity: The increased vapour production carries more flavour molecules, creating richer taste experiences. Many vapers find that sub-ohm delivers the most accurate and intense flavours.
• Impressive cloud production: Sub-ohm vaping produces dense, voluminous clouds. If you enjoy visible vapour or want to practice vape tricks, sub-ohm delivers.
• Satisfying throat hit: Despite using lower nicotine, the warm, dense vapour provides a satisfying throat sensation that many find pleasant.
• Customisation options: Advanced devices offer adjustable wattage, temperature control, and airflow settings, letting you tailor every aspect of your vape.
• Efficient nicotine delivery: Even with lower nicotine strengths, the high vapour volume delivers adequate nicotine satisfaction for most users.

However, sub-ohm vaping also has downsides worth considering:

• Higher e-liquid consumption: Sub-ohm devices use significantly more liquid than MTL devices, increasing running costs.
• Requires understanding: Operating these devices safely and effectively requires knowledge about battery safety, coil resistance, and wattage ranges.
• Less discreet: Large vapour clouds attract attention, making sub-ohm unsuitable for discreet vaping situations.
• Increased maintenance: Coils need changing more frequently, and devices require more regular cleaning and care.

For a comparison with other vaping styles, you might find our guide on MTL vs DTL vaping helpful. 

Is it better to have higher or lower ohms on a vape?

Neither higher nor lower resistance is universally better. The right resistance depends on your vaping style and preferences:

Most beginners start with higher-resistance devices and progress to sub-ohm devices as they gain experience and confidence.

What do lower ohms do for vaping?

Lower ohms allow more current to flow through the coil, generating more heat quickly. This increased heat vaporises e-liquid more rapidly and completely, creating several effects:

• More vapour production: The rapid heating creates substantially more vapour per draw compared to higher resistance coils.
• Warmer vapour: Lower resistance produces warmer hits, which many vapers find more satisfying and flavourful.
• Increased power consumption: Your battery drains faster because the device works harder to power low-resistance coils.
• Faster e-liquid consumption: The efficient vaporisation means you'll refill more frequently.
• Direct-to-lung inhaling: The abundant vapour production suits the DTL technique rather than the MTL style.

Understanding these effects helps you decide whether sub-ohm vaping matches your preferences and lifestyle.

What ohm is best for mouth to lung?

Mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping typically uses coils between 1.0Ω and 2.0Ω, which is above the sub-ohm range. These higher-resistance coils create the tight, restricted draw that mimics cigarette smoking.

MTL devices operate at lower wattages (10W-20W) and work best with higher nicotine strengths and 50/50 VG/PG e-liquids. This combination delivers a satisfying throat hit and effective nicotine delivery without overwhelming vapour production.

Sub-ohm coils don't work well for MTL vaping because they produce too much vapour and require lower nicotine strengths. The wide airflow in sub-ohm devices also prevents the tight draw MTL vapers prefer.

Does sub-ohm vaping taste better?

Sub-ohm vaping often delivers more intense flavour than higher-resistance vaping, but "better" is subjective. The increased vapour production carries more flavour compounds, creating richer taste experiences.

The larger surface area of mesh sub-ohm coils heats e-liquid more evenly, which can improve flavour accuracy and complexity. Many vapers report noticing subtle flavour notes in sub-ohm devices that they missed with simpler setups.

However, flavour quality also depends on e-liquid quality, proper wattage settings, and coil freshness. A well-maintained MTL device with premium liquid can taste excellent, just not as bold or intense as the flavours sub-ohm devices produce.

Temperature also affects flavour. Sub-ohm vaping produces warmer vapour, which some find enhances flavour, whilst others prefer the cooler vapour from MTL devices.

What ohm is best for flavour?

For maximum flavour, most experienced vapers prefer coils between 0.15Ω and 0.5Ω when sub-ohm vaping. This range provides excellent balance between vapour production, flavour intensity, and coil longevity.

Coils around 0.2Ω-0.4Ω work particularly well for flavour-focused vaping when paired with appropriate wattage (typically 50W-80W). This setup heats e-liquid efficiently without overheating, which can mute or alter flavours.

Very low resistances (below 0.15Ω) can sometimes produce too much heat, potentially burning flavour compounds and creating harsh hits. Higher sub-ohm resistances (0.6Ω-0.8Ω) might not fully capture all flavour nuances.

Personal preference plays a significant role. Experiment with different resistances and wattages to find your ideal flavour balance.

What liquid is best for sub-ohm vaping?

High-VG e-liquids work best for sub-ohm vaping, typically with VG ratios of 70% or higher. These thicker liquids handle the heat generated by sub-ohm coils without leaking or causing flooding.

Recommended e-liquid types for sub-ohm:

Shortfill e-liquids are particularly popular for sub-ohm vaping. These come in larger bottles (50ml-100ml) with space to add nicotine shots, making it easy to create low-strength, high-VG mixes that work perfectly with sub-ohm devices. Popular options include established brands that formulate specifically for sub-ohm use. Always check the VG/PG ratio before purchasing to ensure compatibility.

Related: The Best Vape Flavours According to Vapers

Nicotine strength for sub-ohm:

Use significantly lower nicotine strengths for sub-ohm vaping compared to MTL devices. Common strengths include 0mg, 3mg, or 6mg maximum. Higher nicotine would be harsh and overwhelming due to the high vapour volume you're inhaling. Never use nic salt e-liquids (typically 10mg-20mg) in sub-ohm devices. The combination of high nicotine content and large vapour production creates an unpleasant, potentially nauseating experience.

Related: What are Nicotine Salts?

Do sub-ohm coils burn out faster?

Yes, sub-ohm coils typically burn out faster than higher-resistance coils due to the increased heat and power they endure. Several factors contribute to shorter coil lifespan. They burn faster due to the high wattage. It generates more heat, which degrades coil materials more quickly. 

As well, the increased e-liquid consumption means the coil processes more liquid, exposing it to more sweeteners and flavourings that can gunk up the mesh. Finally, a larger surface area collects residue faster than smaller coils, particularly when using heavily sweetened e-liquids.

Typical coil lifespan:

Sub-ohm coils generally last 1-2 weeks with regular use, though this varies based on:

• E-liquid sweetener content
• Vaping frequency
• Wattage settings
• Coil quality

You'll know it's time to change coils when the flavour diminishes, you taste a burnt flavour, or vapour production drops noticeably. 

Related: How Long Do Vapes Last?

Tip for extending coil life:

• Prime new coils properly by saturating them with e-liquid and letting them sit for 5-10 minutes before first use.
• Stay within recommended wattage ranges printed on the coil. Running too high burns coils prematurely.
• Avoid chain vaping. Give your device 30-60 seconds between long draws to allow the coil to re-saturate.
• Choose e-liquids without excessive sweeteners, as these gunk up coils faster than naturally flavoured options.

Related: Vaping Wire Guide: Coil Building for Beginners

Does sub-ohm use more juice?

Absolutely. Sub-ohm vaping consumes significantly more e-liquid than mouth-to-lung vaping, often 2-3 times as much. This increased consumption results from several factors:

• The high wattage vaporises more liquid per puff. Whilst an MTL device might vaporise a few drops per draw, a sub-ohm device vaporises substantially more.
• Longer, deeper draws common in direct-to-lung vaping mean each puff uses more liquid. The DTL technique requires continuous inhalation rather than the quick puffs of MTL.
• A larger coil surface area requires more liquid to keep it saturated, increasing overall consumption throughout your vaping session.

What this means practically:

A 10ml bottle might last an MTL vaper several days, but only last a sub-ohm vaper one day or less with heavy use. Shortfills offer better value for sub-ohm vapers due to larger bottle sizes and lower per-ml costs. Tank refilling becomes more frequent. Most sub-ohm vapers refill at least once daily, sometimes multiple times depending on usage.

Tips for sub-ohm vaping

Getting the best experience from sub-ohm vaping requires following several important practices:

• Start low with wattage: When trying new coils or e-liquids, begin at the lower end of the recommended wattage range printed on your coil. Gradually increase until you find your preferred setting. Read more with our guide on what wattage to vape at.
• Always prime coils: Apply drops of e-liquid directly to the coil cotton, fill your tank, and wait 5-10 minutes. This prevents dry, burnt hits that ruin new coils immediately.
• Stay within recommended ranges: Every coil has an optimal wattage range printed on its side. Respect these limits. Too low produces weak vapour and poor flavour. Too high burns coils and creates harsh hits.
• Adjust airflow properly: Wide open airflow cools vapour and produces bigger clouds. Partially closed airflow creates warmer, more flavourful hits with less cloud production. Experiment to find your preference.
• Use appropriate batteries: Only use high-drain batteries rated for sub-ohm vaping if using devices with replaceable batteries. Follow battery safety guidelines strictly. Never use damaged batteries.
• Change coils regularly: Don't wait until the flavour becomes terrible. Change coils every 1-2 weeks for optimal flavour, even if they still produce vapour.
• Clean your tank: When changing coils, rinse your tank with warm water and dry thoroughly. This prevents old residue from affecting the new coil flavour.
• Stay hydrated: The high VG content in sub-ohm e-liquids can cause mild dehydration. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Choose quality e-liquids: Premium liquids with less sweetener extend coil life and provide better flavour. Browse our selection of high-quality e-liquids suitable for sub-ohm devices.

Choosing the right sub-ohm device

Selecting your first sub-ohm device requires considering several factors beyond just coil resistance.

• For beginners to sub-ohm: Choose devices with simple controls, clear displays, and built-in batteries. Options from Vaporesso, Voopoo, and Smok offer excellent entry points without overwhelming complexity.
• For experienced vapers: Consider vape mod kits with replaceable batteries, temperature control, and advanced features. These provide maximum customisation and performance.

Related: SMOK Rigel Vape Kit Review

Important features to consider:

• Battery capacity: Look for at least 2000mAh for all-day vaping without recharging. Higher capacity means more convenience.
• Wattage range: Ensure the device can deliver appropriate power for your preferred coils. Most sub-ohm vaping happens between 40W and 100W.
• Tank capacity: Larger tanks (5ml+) reduce refilling frequency, which is important given sub-ohm's high liquid consumption.
• Build quality: Choose reputable brands known for reliable devices. Poor quality can lead to safety issues and disappointing performance.

Browse our complete selection of advanced vape kits to find devices suitable for sub-ohm vaping. Or look at our guide to the best vaping accessories. 

Safety considerations for sub-ohm vaping

Sub-ohm vaping is safe when you follow proper precautions and use quality equipment. However, the greater power involved requires adherence to several safety principles. Use only genuine batteries from reputable manufacturers. Never use batteries with torn wrapping. Store batteries in protective cases when not in use. 

Never exceed your device's maximum wattage or amperage ratings. Pushing devices beyond their limits can cause overheating or failure. And don't cover airflow holes when vaping. Blocked airflow can cause overheating and flooding. Read your device manual thoroughly. Understand all features and safety mechanisms before use. And keep your device clean, check connections regularly, and replace worn components promptly.

Related: Cleaning and Maintaining your Vape

Is sub-ohm vaping right for you?

Many vapers progress naturally from starter kits to sub-ohm devices as their knowledge and preferences develop. There's no rush to upgrade before you're ready. For alternatives that balance performance with simplicity, explore our ranges of refillable pod vape kits and 4-in-1 pod vape kits.