Advanced Vaping: Coil Building

Whether you are ready to take the next step in your vaping journey, or you are curious about your options, it is worth exploring advanced vaping.

It is possible that you are perfectly happy with a simple pod kit and don't wish to change. But if you fancy lending a new dimension to your vaping experience, there's much to discover including coil building.

Rebuildable atomisers are a cornerstone of advanced vaping. Designed for users who want greater control over performance, flavour, and vapour production, they allow vapers to build and install their own coils rather than relying on pre-made replacements. While they require more knowledge and maintenance, rebuildable atomisers offer flexibility and customisation that standard tanks cannot match.

What is a rebuildable atomiser?

A rebuildable atomiser is a vape tank or atomiser that allows the user to:

• Install their own coil wire or mesh
• Wick the coil with cotton or alternative materials
• Fine-tune airflow, resistance, and power delivery

Instead of replacing factory-made coils, users rebuild the heating element themselves.

Types of Rebuildable Atomisers

Rebuildable Dripping Atomisers (RDAs)

RDAs require e-liquid to be dripped directly onto the coil and wick.

Key characteristics:

• Exceptional flavour and vapour
• Minimal internal chamber
• Frequent re-dripping or squonking required

RDAs are popular with flavour testers and enthusiasts who prioritise performance over convenience.

Rebuildable Tank Atomisers (RTAs)

RTAs include a built-in e-liquid tank that feeds liquid to the coil via wicking channels.

Key characteristics:

• Tank convenience with rebuildable control
• Longer vaping time between refills
• More precise wicking required to avoid leaks or dry hits

RTAs are well suited to daily use by experienced vapers.

Rebuildable Dripping Tank Atomisers (RDTAs)

RDTAs combine aspects of RDAs and RTAs.

Key characteristics:

• Tank positioned below the build deck
• Gravity-fed wicking
• Dripping-style airflow with tank capacity

They offer a middle ground between flavour and convenience.

Why do vapers choose rebuildable atomisers?

1. Superior Flavour

Custom coil placement and airflow control allow rebuildables to deliver more accurate and intense flavour compared to many stock-coil tanks.

2. Customisable Performance

Users can tailor:

• Coil resistance
• Wire type (Kanthal, stainless steel, Ni80, mesh)
• Wattage range
• Airflow tightness

This makes rebuildables adaptable to both MTL and DTL vaping styles.

3. Long-Term Cost Savings

Although there is an initial learning curve, rebuildables are cheaper over time as coil wire and cotton are inexpensive. Rebuildables mean that users do not incur the ongoing costs of  replacing coils.

4. Coil Longevity and Control

Users are able to:

• Replace wicking without rebuilding the coil
• Clean coils
• Fix issues immediately instead of replacing parts

Challenges and Considerations

Rebuildable atomisers are not without drawbacks.

Learning Curve

Building coils requires:

• Basic electrical knowledge (Ohm’s law)
• Understanding battery safety
• Practice with wicking and airflow

Maintenance

Rebuildables need regular attention:

• Re-wicking
• Cleaning
• Adjusting builds over time

They are less “plug-and-play” than standard tanks.

Safety Awareness

Particularly with mechanical mods, rebuildables require:

• Accurate resistance measurement
• Knowledge of battery limits
• Safe building practices

Using regulated mods significantly reduces risk for beginners.

Rebuildables in Modern Vaping

Modern rebuildable atomisers are far more user-friendly than early designs. Features such as:

• Postless and velocity-style decks
• Mesh strips with shaping tools
• Improved airflow systems

…have made rebuildables more accessible while maintaining performance advantages.

Who are rebuildable atomisers for?

Rebuildables are best suited to:

• Experienced vapers
• Hobbyists and enthusiasts
• Users focused on flavour and performance
• Those seeking long-term savings

They are generally not recommended for complete beginners.

Conclusion

Rebuildable atomisers offer unmatched control, flavour, and flexibility for vapers willing to invest time in learning and maintenance. While they demand more knowledge than standard vape tanks, their performance, customisation options, and cost efficiency make them a lasting part of vaping culture.

For many experienced users, rebuildable atomisers represent the most rewarding way to vape.