Matching Your Double Drip E-Liquid to Your Coil: The Golden Rules for Perfect Flavour

Drouble Drip Liquids

Once you understand which e-liquids pair best with which coils or pods, you’ll never need to experience a leaky tank or burnt coil again. 

 

Vaping hardware and e-liquids are like a lock and key; they only work perfectly when they match. You might already know the basics of what e-liquid is, but knowing which bottle belongs in which tank is a separate skill. Getting the combination wrong is the fastest way to ruin your experience. 

 

If you have ever taken a puff and tasted burning cotton or had e-liquid leak inexplicably into your pocket, the problem likely isn't your device. It is your e-liquid’s ratio. 

 

Understanding the relationship between your coil's resistance (measured in ohms) and your e-liquid's thickness (VG vs PG) can be the difference between a great vape and a burnt coil. In this guide, we break down the simple science of matching your bottle to your tank to ensure you get the perfect draw every time.

Key Takeaways

The Golden Rule: High-power kits need thick e-liquid (High-VG), while low-power kits need thinner e-liquid (50/50 or High-PG). 

Check the Coil: Look for the "ohm" number printed on your coil. Lower numbers (below 0.6ohm) mean you need high-VG shortfills. Higher numbers (above 0.8ohm) mean you need Nic Salts or 50/50 liquids. 

Avoid Leaks: Using thin liquid in a powerful sub-ohm tank is the most common cause of leaks. 

Avoid Dry Hits: Using thick liquid in a small starter kit will clog the coil and lead to a burnt taste. 

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The Two Variables: Ohms and Ratios

To get this right, you only need to understand two numbers. 

 

First is the Resistance of your coil, measured in ohms. You don't need to be an electrician to understand this. You just need to look at the metal casing of your coil or the back of your pod box.

 

Low Resistance (Sub-Ohm): Numbers less than 1.0ohm (e.g., 0.15ohm, 0.2ohm, 0.4ohm). These heat up very fast and use a lot of power.

 

High Resistance (Plus-Ohm): Numbers closer to or above 1.0ohm (e.g., 0.8ohm, 1.0ohm, 1.2ohm). These heat up gently and use less power.

 

Second is the Viscosity of your e-liquid, determined by the VG/PG Ratio.

 

High-VG (70% VG and above): Vegetable Glycerine is a thick, syrupy substance. High-VG liquids are thick and produce large clouds.

 

50/50 or High-PG: Propylene Glycol is thinner, like water. Liquids with 50% PG or more are runnier and produce less vapour but clearer flavour. 

The Golden Rules of Compatibility

Now that we know the players, here is how you match them up.

 

Scenario 1: The Cloud Chaser (Sub-Ohm) 

If you are using a large, powerful kit designed to blow big clouds, you are likely using coils with a resistance between 0.15ohm and 0.6ohm. These coils have very large "wicking ports" (the holes where the cotton shows through) because they need to drink up e-liquid quickly to cope with the high heat. 

The Match: You must use High-VG E-Liquids, commonly found in Shortfills.

 

The thickness of the high-VG liquid prevents it from flooding through the large holes, ensuring the tank stays leak-free while producing dense vapour.

 

Scenario 2: The Satisfaction Seeker (MTL) 

If you are using a compact Starter Vape Kit, a refillable pod system, or a vape pen, you are likely using coils with a resistance between 0.8ohm and 1.2ohm. These coils have very small wicking ports. They are designed for a tight draw that mimics a cigarette.

 

The Match: You should use 50/50 E-Liquids or Nic Salts.

 

Because these liquids are thinner, they can easily soak into the small wicking holes. If you tried to use a thick high-VG liquid here, it would be too gloopy to pass through, leading to a dry, burnt hit. 

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The Golden Rules of Compatibility

If you are standing in a shop or browsing online and feel confused, just check the number on your coil and consult this list: 

 

Coil: 0.15ohm to 0.4ohm 

Style: High Power, Direct-to-Lung (Big Clouds). 

Best E-Liquid: Shortfills (70% VG). 

 

Coil: 0.6ohm 

Style: Restricted Direct-to-Lung (RDL). 

Best E-Liquid: This is a versatile "hybrid" resistance. It works well with Shortfills (70% VG) for clouds but can often handle 50/50 E-liquids for a punchier flavour. 

 

Coil: 0.8ohm to 1.2ohm 

Style: Mouth-to-Lung (Cigarette-style draw). 

Best E-Liquid: Nic Salts (for a smooth feel) or 50/50 E-Liquids (for a classic "throat hit" and a wide variety of strengths). 

What Happens When You Get It Wrong?

Ignoring these rules usually results in one of two undesirable outcomes.

 

The Leak (Thin liquid in a Big Coil) 

If you put a thin 50/50 liquid into a beefy sub-ohm tank, gravity will win. The liquid is too runny to be held back by the large cotton wicks. It will flood the coil, leading to spitting (hot droplets in your mouth) and e-liquid leaking out of the air vents all over your hands.

 

The Burn (Thick liquid in a Small Coil) 

If you put a thick High-VG liquid into a small pod kit, the liquid is too sludge-like to soak into the cotton fast enough. You might get one good puff, but the second one will taste distinctively like burnt newspaper. This is because the cotton has dried out. Once a coil is burnt, it cannot be fixed; you have to throw it away and buy new Coils. 

In these countries, you could face fines or confiscation just for bringing a vape into the country. 

Conclusion

Vaping doesn't need to be complicated. By simply checking the "ohm" number on your coil, you can instantly know which bottle to pick. 

 

If you want big clouds and high power, grab a Shortfill. If you want a smooth, discreet vape with rapid nicotine satisfaction, choose Nic Salts or our versatile 50/50 E-Liquids. 

 

If you are still unsure which liquid matches your new device, our Customer Service Team is on hand to guide you to the perfect pairing. 

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FAQ's:

What e-liquid is best for 0.8ohm coils? 

For a 0.8ohm coil, we recommend using a 50/50 ratio e-liquid. This resistance is designed for mouth-to-lung vaping, and a 50/50 liquid (like Nic Salts or standard 50/50 freebase) offers the perfect balance of flavour and wicking speed without clogging the coil.

Can I use Shortfills in a pod kit? 

It is generally not recommended. Shortfills are usually High-VG (thick), which can struggle to wick properly in the small coils used by most pod kits. This can lead to dry hits and burnt coils. However, some newer, powerful pod mod kits can handle shortfills if they use lower resistance coils (below 0.6ohm). 

Why is my coil leaking? 

Leaking is often caused by using an e-liquid that is too thin for your coil. If you use a thin 50/50 liquid in a powerful sub-ohm tank with large wicking ports, the liquid can flood through and leak out of the airflow. Try switching to a thicker High-VG liquid. 

What does 50/50 mean? 

"50/50" refers to the ratio of ingredients in the e-liquid: 50% Vegetable Glycerine (VG) and 50% Propylene Glycol (PG). This balanced ratio creates a liquid that is compatible with almost all starter kits and pod devices, offering a great mix of flavour clarity and moderate vapour production.