If you’ve spent any time in the vaping world, you’ve likely encountered the debate over VG vs. PG in e-liquids—and more recently, the rise of mesh coils as a popular hardware choice. High VG e-liquids (those with 70% VG or higher) are beloved for their thick, dense vapor clouds and smooth throat hit, but they come with unique challenges. The question on many vapers’ minds is: Do mesh coils handle high VG e-liquids better than traditional round-wire coils? Let’s dive into the details to find out.
1. Understanding High VG E-Liquids: What Makes Them Tricky?
First, let’s break down what high VG e-liquids are and why they demand special consideration. VG (vegetable glycerin) is a thick, sweet, and viscous liquid, while PG (propylene glycol) is thinner, more flavor-forward, and carries a stronger throat hit. High VG blends are favored by cloud chasers and those who prefer a milder inhale, but their thickness creates two key issues:
- Wicking Challenges: Thick VG doesn’t flow as easily as PG. This means it can struggle to saturate the coil’s wick quickly, leading to dry hits if the coil heats up faster than the wick can supply e-liquid.
- Heat Distribution: High VG requires more heat to vaporize effectively. If a coil doesn’t distribute heat evenly, hotspots can form, burning the e-liquid (and the wick) before it has a chance to vaporize fully.
These issues are where mesh coils often shine—but let’s first understand how mesh coils differ from their traditional counterparts.
2. Mesh Coils vs. Round-Wire Coils: The Basics
Traditional round-wire coils are made from a single strand (or multiple strands) of wire twisted into a coil shape. They’ve been the standard for years, and they work well for many e-liquids, especially those with higher PG ratios. Mesh coils, on the other hand, are made from a thin, flat sheet of metal (usually kanthal, stainless steel, or nickel) woven into a mesh pattern, then wrapped into a coil.
The key difference? Surface area. A mesh coil has a much larger surface area than a round-wire coil of the same size. This increased surface area changes how the coil heats up, interacts with the e-liquid, and produces vapor—all of which matters when dealing with thick high VG blends.
3. Why Mesh Coils Excel with High VG E-Liquids
Let’s explore the specific reasons mesh coils often outperform round-wire coils when paired with high VG e-liquids:
- Even Heat Distribution Reduces Hotspots
High VG e-liquids need consistent heat to vaporize properly. Round-wire coils, especially when tightly wound, can develop hotspots—small areas that heat up faster than the rest. These hotspots can burn the thick VG e-liquid before it’s fully vaporized, leading to a harsh, burnt taste and damaging the wick.
Mesh coils, with their flat, porous design, distribute heat evenly across their entire surface. This means the e-liquid is heated uniformly, reducing the risk of burning. For high VG blends, which take longer to absorb into the wick and vaporize, this even heat is a game-changer.
- Larger Surface Area Meets High VG’s Vapor Demands
High VG e-liquids are prized for their massive vapor clouds, but producing those clouds requires a coil that can vaporize large amounts of liquid efficiently. Mesh coils’ large surface area allows them to interact with more e-liquid at once, turning that thick VG into dense vapor without straining.
Round-wire coils, with their smaller surface area, often struggle to keep up. They may vaporize less liquid per hit, resulting in thinner clouds, or they may overheat trying to vaporize more, leading to the same burnt issues mentioned earlier.
4. Better Wicking Compatibility for Thick Liquids
Remember, high VG is thick—it doesn’t flow through wicks as easily as PG. Mesh coils are often paired with larger, more absorbent wicks (like cotton or silica) to compensate. The mesh’s design also allows for better contact between the wick and the coil, ensuring that the e-liquid is drawn into the heating element more consistently.
Round-wire coils, especially those with tight wraps, can compress the wick, restricting the flow of thick VG. This can lead to dry spots in the wick, where the coil heats up without enough e-liquid to vaporize—hello, dry hits.
5. Cooler Operating Temperatures (Sort Of)
While mesh coils can produce intense heat, their large surface area means they spread that heat out, resulting in a lower temperature per unit area compared to round-wire coils. This “cooler” heat is gentler on high VG e-liquids, which can break down or burn at extreme temperatures. The result is a smoother, more flavorful hit, as the VG’s natural sweetness and the e-liquid’s additives aren’t compromised by overheating.
Mesh coils aren’t perfect, and there are a few tradeoffs to consider:
- Shorter Lifespan: The larger surface area that makes mesh coils great for vapor production also means they come into contact with more e-liquid. Over time, this can lead to faster buildup of residue (especially with sweetened high VG juices), which can shorten the coil’s lifespan compared to round-wire coils.
- Higher Power Requirements: To fully utilize their surface area, mesh coils often need more power (higher wattages) than round-wire coils. This can drain your battery faster, which is something to keep in mind if you’re using a portable device.
- Flavor Intensity: While mesh coils produce great flavor with high VG, some vapers argue that round-wire coils deliver a more concentrated, “sharp” flavor. This is because the smaller surface area of round wires can heat e-liquid more intensely in a focused area, which might highlight certain flavor notes. However, this is subjective—many vapers find mesh coils’ smooth, balanced flavor with high VG more enjoyable.
6. When Might a Round-Wire Coil Be Better?
Mesh coils are generally better for high VG, but there are scenarios where a round-wire coil might still be preferable:
- Low-Wattage Devices: If you’re using a small, low-powered pod system, a round-wire coil may be more efficient. Mesh coils in low-wattage setups might not reach the temperatures needed to vaporize thick VG effectively.
- High PG Blends: If you prefer e-liquids with higher PG ratios (50% or more), round-wire coils often work just fine. Their smaller surface area is sufficient for thinner liquids, and they may even enhance flavor in PG-heavy juices.
- Cost Sensitivity: Mesh coils are sometimes more expensive than round-wire coils, and if you go through coils quickly, the cost can add up. If you’re on a budget, round-wire coils might be a more economical choice—just be prepared to replace them more often if you’re using high VG.
For most vapers using high VG e-liquids, mesh coils are the better option. Their large surface area, even heat distribution, and compatibility with thick liquids address the key challenges of high VG—reducing dry hits, enhancing vapor production, and delivering smoother, more consistent flavor.
That said, personal preference plays a role. If you prioritize flavor intensity over cloud size, or if you’re using a low-powered device, a round-wire coil might still work for you. But if you love thick, creamy vapor clouds and hate burnt hits, give mesh coils a try with your favorite high VG juice—chances are, you’ll notice the difference.
At the end of the day, vaping is about experimentation. Grab a pack of mesh coils, load up your go-to high VG e-liquid, and see how it feels. Your taste buds (and your cloud game) might just thank you.
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