What PG/VG Ratio Works Best with Mesh Coils?

Mesh coils have revolutionized the vaping experience, offering smoother draws, faster heat-up times, and exceptional flavor clarity. However, to get the most out of mesh coils, it’s crucial to pair them with the right PG/VG ratio in your e-liquid. The Propylene Glycol (PG) and Vegetable Glycerin (VG) balance affects everything from flavor intensity to vapor production and coil longevity. So, what PG/VG ratio works best with mesh coils? Let’s dive into the details.

1. Understanding PG and VG: The Basics

Before matching them with mesh coils, let’s briefly break down PG and VG:

Propylene Glycol (PG)

• Thin and runny in consistency.

• Provides a stronger throat hit, similar to traditional cigarettes.

• Carries flavor more effectively, making it ideal for flavor-rich profiles.

• Less vapor production compared to VG.

Vegetable Glycerin (VG)

• Thick and syrupy texture.

• Offers smoother inhales and produces dense vapor clouds.

• Slightly sweet on its own, which can affect flavor perception.

• Can be taxing on smaller coils due to its thickness.

2. What Are Mesh Coils?

Mesh coils are made from a sheet of perforated metal, typically Kanthal or stainless steel, rather than the traditional wire coil. This design offers a larger surface area, allowing e-liquid to vaporize more evenly and efficiently.

Benefits of Mesh Coils:

• Faster ramp-up time (heats up almost instantly).

• Better flavor distribution.

• More vapor production.

• Longer lifespan due to even heat distribution.

• Lower risk of dry hits, since mesh heats more surface area with less power.

3. Why PG/VG Ratio Matters for Mesh Coils

The PG/VG ratio of your vape juice influences how well it performs with your specific coil setup.

Mesh Coil Strengths:

• Designed for sub-ohm vaping, typically used at higher wattages (20–60W or more).

• Ideal for Direct-to-Lung (DTL) vaping styles.

• Optimized for high VG liquids because of larger wicking ports and greater power.

That means mesh coils generally favor thicker, VG-heavy juices, but the ideal ratio might depend on your device, power setting, and flavor preferences.

4. Recommended PG/VG Ratios for Mesh Coils

Best Overall: 70VG / 30PG

This is widely considered the sweet spot for mesh coils.

• Smooth draw with excellent vapor production.

• Carries enough PG to maintain strong, clear flavor.

• The 70VG consistency is thick enough to support high-wattage vaping without leaking or burning.

• Perfect for sub-ohm tanks and rebuildable mesh coil setups.

Alternative: 80VG / 20PG

For vapers who prioritize massive clouds over throat hit:

• Best paired with mesh coils in high-powered mods (e.g., 40W+).

• May slightly mute flavor, especially in subtle or fruity blends.

• Ideal for cloud chasers and competitive vaping.

Not Recommended: 50/50 or Higher PG Liquids

Mesh coils are not optimized for thin, PG-heavy juices:

• Too runny for large mesh coil wicking systems.

• Higher risk of leaking or spitback.

• PG-heavy juices are better for MTL (Mouth-to-Lung) vaping and small coils, not mesh.

• Could result in dry hits or coil flooding if used inappropriately.

5. Factors That Influence the Ideal PG/VG Ratio for Mesh Coils

Even within mesh coil use, several factors can tweak the optimal e-liquid ratio:

Device Type

• Pod systems with mesh coils may still require thinner liquids (e.g., 60VG/40PG) due to smaller coil sizes and lower wattages.

• Box mods and sub-ohm tanks are better suited for 70VG or higher.

Wattage and Airflow

• Higher wattages vaporize thicker liquids more efficiently.

• If your vape runs cooler or has restricted airflow, a slightly thinner mix (e.g., 60VG/40PG) may work better for wicking.

Flavor Type

• Dessert and creamy flavors benefit from high VG (for richness and mouthfeel).

• Fruity or menthol flavors may perform better with slightly more PG to boost sharpness and clarity.

6. Tips for Using the Right PG/VG Ratio with Mesh Coils

To optimize your mesh coil performance, follow these practical tips:

• Check Manufacturer Recommendations: Most vape tanks or pods list the best VG ratio or wattage range. Stick to it for best results.
• Prime Your Coil: Especially with high-VG liquids, always prime your mesh coil properly. Add a few drops directly to the cotton before use and let it soak for 5–10 minutes.
• Adjust Wattage Sensibly: High VG requires more power to vaporize effectively. If your juice is 80VG, consider starting on the higher end of your coil’s wattage range.
• Monitor Coil Lifespan: High VG e-liquids are thicker and can gunk up coils faster—especially dessert or custard flavors. Be prepared to replace coils slightly more often.
• Use Open Airflow Settings: Mesh coils and high VG liquids pair well with open airflow to allow smooth, cloud-rich inhales. Tight draws may lead to spitback or overheating.

If you’re using mesh coils, 70VG/30PG is the ideal balance of flavor, vapor, and consistency. It’s thick enough to wick properly through mesh structures and provides a smooth, satisfying vape without sacrificing taste. For users focused on massive clouds, 80VG/20PG can also work well—just be aware of the slightly diminished flavor notes.

Avoid high-PG or 50/50 blends unless your mesh coil is part of a low-wattage pod system designed specifically for thinner e-liquids. Always match the juice to the capabilities of your device and the characteristics of the coil.