
One of the essential aspects of vaping that new users need to get right from day one is how to prime a vape coil properly. Failure to prime a coil correctly could lead to the frying of the coil when you take the first draw. Also, it could ruin the entire coil, which you’ll have to replace at an extra cost. You can imagine the cash that will go to waste if you have to replace your coil every time you take your first vape.
Even if you bought your products from a vape tank clearance, you could save yourself a lot of trouble, time, and money if you learn to prime your new vape coil properly. It will extend the lifespan of your vape and ensure that you enjoy your vaping sessions. Although it’s not every vape coil that requires priming, having this know-how in your toolkit will take you a long way in your vaping journey.
First, you need to understand what a vape coil is and identify the ones that need priming. This post also answers vital questions like:
Let’s dive right in.
A vape coil is a device with a cylindrical shape that contains the wick and atomizer wire as one piece. The atomizer coil is metallic. It is usually made from Kanthal. However, some manufacturers use metals such as mesh or stainless steel to produce temperature control vaping. You can liken the metal coil to a coil spring.
Generally, vape devices operate by passing an electric current through the coil, which heats it. This causes the coil to brighten with an orange glow like a cooking stove. The intense heat vaporizes the e-liquid and produces vapor. However, if you have a dry wick, heat from the vape coil will burn the cotton wick instead of the e-juice, giving a burnt taste when you vape.
The common wick material is cotton. But other materials like bamboo can also serve the same purpose. Due to the proximity of the wick and vape coil, you must saturate the wick with juice before heating the coil. This explains why it’s essential to know the steps required in priming vape coils properly.
Several factors affect the lifespan of a vape coil. From the specifics of your vape setup to the type of e-liquid you’re using, you must understand that every situation is different. Some of the factors to consider include:
On average, decently manufactured coils such as Aspire vape coils could last between four to one week, depending on the rate at which you vape. But the coil can last twice as long if you vape less than the average user.
There are two main types of vape coils, namely:
You have to prime both types of coils, although the methods differ slightly.

The atomizer resistance of MTL vape coils is above 1.0 ohms. In case you’re wondering, the meaning of MTL is mouth to lung, implying that you’ll draw the vapor into your mouth and hold for a few seconds before inhaling. Also, MTL is the most common among smokers. Understanding the steps involved in priming MTL vape coils is straightforward. You don’t need to complete any extra efforts. Instead, all you need is patience.
The typical MTL vape coil is smaller than sub-ohm vape coils. If you’re using smaller diameter coils like Aspire vape coils, you don’t need to prime the actual coil with e-juice. Instead of dropping your e-liquid on the coil, simply fill the tank and allow it to saturate for about 5 to 10 minutes. Then you can begin enjoying your vape.
Here are the necessary steps in the correct order:
Now, let’s look at the steps involved in priming Sub-ohm vape coils.

If you’re using a sub-ohm coil, then your atomizer resistance is less than 1.0 ohms. The lower the atomizer resistance, the more power your vape will pull from the battery. As a result, your vape will produce considerably more vapor, which most vapers find to be excellent. However, you must remember the old saying that “with more power comes more responsibility.” Therefore, it’s always your responsibility to ensure your sub-ohm coil is well-primed before use to avoid burnout.
The entire process is simple and shouldn’t take you much time. But the best part about priming is that it’s worth the effort. To get started, you must first insert your sub-ohm coil into the tank’s base. The highest quality and durable vape tanks found at Kurevapes, such as Horizon Falcon 2 and Smok Tech TFV9, are designed for precision and enable you to insert coil with ease.
After securing the coil firmly in place, drop some vape juice via the top opening of the coil onto the cotton material directly. Don’t forget to place a few drops of your e-liquid into the juice ports located near the coil. Now, you can assemble the tank and fill it with juice. Then wait for no less than 10 minutes before the first vape.
Remember, the 10 minutes waiting time is an essential part of the priming process. You’ll find some coils suggesting five minutes in their user manuals. Nevertheless, we strongly recommend nothing less than 10 minutes to be safe since this guarantees your coil is fully prime for the first vape.

Having prepared your coil, you can now focus on how to break in your new vape coil. No worries, it’s easier than it sounds and should take you a matter of minutes to understand. The best analogy for breaking in a new coil is how you would warm up a car before driving it on a cold winter morning. It’s the same concept that’s behind the idea of breaking in a new coil.
Below is the correct way of breaking your vape coils in gradually to extend their lifespan:
Many benefits come with priming a vape coil and breaking it in. Continue reading to learn how priming and breaking in helps you use the coil for longer, get the full value from your device, and ensures your experience the best vaping sessions.
The primary reason to properly prime your vape coil is to prevent burnt or dry hits. Whenever you leave an atomizer without use for an extended period, the wicking material dries up completely. Since the coil and wick are in contact, the wick burns up when you heat the coil. However, pre-saturating the wick prevents this from happening.
There’s a significant difference in the lifespan of primed atomizer coils and coils that haven’t been primed properly. Generally, the former lasts longer than the latter. The only reason being that you’ve adequately broken in the material within the coil.
Another vital benefit you will enjoy after priming your coil is a noticeably more intense and robust flavor from your vape juice. By taking the time to pre-saturated your cotton and coil, the first and subsequent vapes provide a richer level of flavor.
Good vapers never stop learning about their tanks and mods. This step-by-step guide is meant to help lay the groundwork to start you on track. As you gather more experience, your confidence and comfort with vaping devices and accessories will increase. You’ll also understand how the different components of the e-cigarettes work better and get better value for your money.
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