Kanthal vs Mesh Coils: Which Is Better for Flavour?

Kanthal vs. Mesh Coils: Which Is Better for Flavour in Your Vape?

If you've been vaping for a while, you'll know that the coil is the beating heart of your device. It’s the small, unassuming component responsible for turning your favourite e-liquid into a satisfying cloud of vapour. But with so many coil types on the market, it can be confusing to know which one to choose. For flavour fanatics, the choice often comes down to two main contenders: the traditionalist Kanthal coil and the modern innovator, the mesh coil.

Both coils have their dedicated fans, each championing their preferred technology for its unique flavour profile. But which one is truly better for flavour? The answer isn't as simple as you might think. It depends on a variety of factors, from how they're constructed to your personal vaping style.

This in-depth guide will break down the mechanics of Kanthal and mesh coils, compare their flavour delivery head-to-head, and help you determine which one is the perfect choice for your perfect vape.

The Traditionalist: Understanding Kanthal Coils

Before the rise of mesh, Kanthal was the undisputed king of the vaping world. Its name, a brand of resistance wire, became synonymous with the coils that powered early devices and continues to be a reliable choice today.

What is a Kanthal Coil?

A Kanthal coil is made from a specific type of metal alloy—Kanthal—which is primarily an alloy of iron, chromium, and aluminium. This material is known for its excellent resistance properties and its ability to heat up and cool down at a moderate pace, making it a stable and durable choice for vaping.

How Do Kanthal Coils Work?

The traditional Kanthal coil is typically a simple, wound wire coil. The wire is coiled into a spiral shape, much like a spring, and a wicking material (usually cotton) is threaded through its centre. When you press the fire button, the coil heats up, vaporising the e-liquid absorbed by the cotton.

Flavour Profile of Kanthal Coils

Kanthal coils are renowned for their ability to deliver a warm, concentrated, and rich flavour. Because the heat is focused on a smaller surface area (the wire itself), the vapour often feels dense and warm. This concentration of heat and flavour can bring out the deeper, more subtle notes of an e-liquid. For many vapers, the warmth of a Kanthal coil provides a truly classic and satisfying experience.

Pros of Kanthal for Flavour:

• Rich & Concentrated Flavour: The small surface area and focused heat can create a dense, warm vapour that brings out the deep notes of an e-liquid.

• Classic "Throat Hit": Kanthal coils tend to produce a more pronounced throat hit, which many vapers prefer for a sensation similar to smoking.

• Durability: Kanthal is a highly durable material that can withstand high temperatures, making these coils reliable and long-lasting.

Cons of Kanthal for Flavour:

• Slower Ramp-Up Time: Kanthal takes slightly longer to heat up than other materials, meaning there is a small delay between pressing the button and getting a satisfying vape.

• Less Vapour Production: The limited surface area means less e-liquid is vaporised at once, resulting in a less voluminous cloud compared to mesh coils.

The Innovator: Understanding Mesh Coils

Mesh coils are the modern solution to a classic problem. They were designed to address the limitations of traditional wire coils and have quickly become the industry standard for both sub-ohm and pod devices.

What is a Mesh Coil?

A mesh coil isn't a traditional wire coil at all. Instead, it’s a thin, perforated sheet or strip of metal (often made from Kanthal, stainless steel, or nickel) that looks like a fine honeycomb or mesh screen. This sheet is wrapped into a cylindrical shape and surrounded by cotton wicking material.

How Do Mesh Coils Work?

The key to a mesh coil's performance is its immense surface area. Because the heating element is a flat sheet rather than a single wire, it makes contact with a much larger portion of the cotton wick. When powered on, the entire surface of the mesh heats up evenly and instantly. This rapid, uniform heating vaporises a larger quantity of e-liquid at once.

Flavour Profile of Mesh Coils

Mesh coils are famous for their clean, crisp, and vivid flavour. The large surface area and uniform heating produce a smoother, cooler vapour with a remarkable clarity that allows you to taste the individual flavour notes of your e-liquid. Many vapers describe the flavour from a mesh coil as brighter and more "in your face."

Pros of Mesh for Flavour:

• Crisp & Clean Flavour: The larger surface area heats the e-liquid more evenly, leading to a smooth, clean, and distinct flavour profile.

• Faster Ramp-Up Time: Mesh coils heat up almost instantly, providing a satisfying puff the moment you press the fire button.

• Massive Vapour Production: The increased surface area vaporises more e-liquid at once, producing big, dense clouds.

Cons of Mesh for Flavour:

• Less Throat Hit: Due to the even heating and cooler vapour, mesh coils typically produce a less aggressive throat hit than Kanthal coils.

• Shorter Lifespan (in some cases): While mesh coils are often highly durable, some high-performance mesh coils that operate at very high wattages can have a slightly shorter lifespan than traditional coils.

The Head-to-Head: Kanthal vs. Mesh for Flavour

Now, let's put these two contenders side-by-side on the key metrics that matter to vapers.

The choice between Kanthal and mesh for flavour is a matter of personal preference.

• Kanthal is for the purist who loves a dense, warm, and classic vaping experience. If you enjoy a strong throat hit and a rich, concentrated flavour, Kanthal is the one for you.

• Mesh is for the modern vaper who prefers a bright, clean, and voluminous vape. If you want instant flavour, a smoother inhale, and big clouds, mesh coils will be your ideal choice.

Making Your Choice: Which Coil is Right for You?

The best coil is the one that fits your vaping style. Here are our recommendations:

• For the Flavour Purist: If you are an MTL vaper who loves a warm, concentrated flavour with a strong throat hit, a traditional Kanthal coil is an excellent choice. It will bring out the deep, rich notes of your tobacco, coffee, or dessert e-liquids beautifully.

• For the Cloud Chaser: If your goal is massive vapour production and a clean, smooth flavour, a mesh coil is the clear winner. The immense surface area of the mesh will vaporise a huge amount of e-liquid, giving you a voluminous cloud with a vivid taste.

• For the Beginner or Pod Vaper: The vast majority of modern pod systems come equipped with mesh coils. Their fast ramp-up time and consistent flavour make them ideal for a user-friendly, satisfying experience.

• For the All-Rounder: If you are a vaper who enjoys both MTL and DTL, you'll be happy to know that many brands now offer both Kanthal and mesh coils for their devices, allowing you to experiment and switch between the two to suit your mood.

A Final Word on Choosing Your Coil

The coil material is only one part of the equation. Your device's wattage settings and the VG/PG ratio of your e-liquid also play a crucial role in your flavour experience. To get the best out of your chosen coil:

• Respect the Wattage Range: Always operate your coil within the manufacturer's recommended wattage range to ensure optimal flavour and coil life.

• Match Your E-Liquid: A thinner 50/50 e-liquid works best with Kanthal and low-power MTL setups, while a thicker 70/30 VG e-liquid is perfect for high-power mesh coils.

In the end, the debate between Kanthal and mesh isn't about one being objectively better; it's about what you want from your vape. Whether you prefer the classic warmth of Kanthal or the modern clarity of mesh, the key is to find the perfect pairing of coil, device, and e-liquid that satisfies your personal taste.

Explore our wide range of Kanthal and mesh coils at MisterVape, and let the great flavour debate begin!