How to Choose the Right Pod Resistance?

Today, vaping has become a lifestyle choice for many who are into a customizable experience. Amongst many distinct features, pod resistance is an integral feature to be looked at when tailoring a pod or simply buying one. Since the pod resistance immensely alters the throat hit and vapor cloud formation.

What is Pod Resistance?

The electrical resistance of the mesh coil found in vapes is known as the pod resistance of that device. Measured in ohms, this resistance indicates the total power required to heat the mesh coil to turn the e-liquid into dense vapour clouds. This resistance plays an integral role since it determines the nicotine strength per puff, vapour size, and temperature. The two main classifications of pod resistance are as below:

• Sub-ohm: a resistance of less than 1 ohm, ideal for DTL (direct to Lung) vaping sessions with intense flavour hit and dense vapour production

• Above-ohm: a resistance of more than 1 ohm, ideal for MTL (mouth-to-lung) vaping sessions with a higher nicotine effect to mimic the likes of smoking

Understanding the Importance of Pod Resistance

Choosing the right pod resistance matters because it is not just about the delivery of performance and quality, but satisfaction, safety, and compatibility too. If you do not choose the right pod resistance, it may result in poor performance, like dry throat hits, bland flavour, with overconsumption of e-liquids. Hence, the pod resistance affects your overall vaping experience.

Vaping Mode

Your preference for the vaping mode, i.e, MTL or DTL, determines what pod resistance to choose from. MTL aims for inhalation of vapours from the mouth to the lungs, while DTL is where you inhale directly into the lungs, respectively.

Nicotine Strength

Nicotine levels in pods also affect the resistance. For instance, the nicotine strength of 15-20 mg is best paired with above ohm devices, while low resistance works well with freebase lower nicotine levels like 3 to 12 mg.

Compatibility

It is important to consider that the vape device you are using supports the pod resistance, too. Know the specifications of your device, if it's versatile enough to support both high and low resistance, or tailored to individual preference.

Flavour and Cloud Production

Low-resistance pods are ideal for intense flavour enthusiasts. Opt for a pod resistance of around 0.8 to 1.2 ohms for quick coil heat-up. And for bigger, dense vapours, go for resistance less than 0.5 ohm paired with high VG ratio e-liquids

Battery Health

Pod kits with low resistance coils drain your battery faster than high resistance coils, owing to more wattage consumption. While high resistance pods are perfect for on-the-go vaping sessions for people who like enjoying longer, hassle-free vaping sessions without the need for frequent recharging.

Which Pod Resistance to Choose for your E-liquid?

The right pod resistance can be selected depending on the type of e-liquid you are using and its properties. Free base E-liquids with a high VG ratio, like 70%, work best with sub-ohm low resistance mesh coil technologies. High nicotine salt strength or PG ratio is better suited for above-ohm pod kits for efficient nicotine delivery.

Common Issues

If your pod kit is not working efficiently and you are facing issues with its performance, then there is an issue with the resistance of the coil. This may include problems like:

• Dry hits indicate that either the wattage is high or the resistance is low. 

• Secondly, weak flavour suggests that the type of e-liquid used with the coil resistance is not compatible. 

• Harsh throat hits are an indicator that you are utilising high-nicotine strength salts on sub-ohm pods. 

• Last but not least, leakage is another problem that suggests the viscosity of your e-liquid is not suited to the coil resistance

Suggestions for Beginners?

If you are someone who is new to vaping and has transitioned from smoking, start with higher resistance pods. Remember to prime your coil prior to use for smoother throat hits. Moreover, keep an eye on the wattage settings of your pod for better compatibility with the coil resistance. Try different pod resistance to experience different levels of nicotine strengths and intensity of flavours.

Final Thoughts

Opting for the right pod resistance is not just about technical selection rather personal preference. Whether you have transitioned from smoking, are chasing denser clouds, on the lookout for intense and bold flavour hits, understanding the importance of resistance and how it affects all of these can alter the way you experience vaping.

Your ideal resistance is dependent upon the nicotine strength, type of e-liquid used, vaping mode (MTL or DTL), and device compatibility. With a little trial and error, you can now find your sweet spot.