Sub-ohm vaping is very popular, and has vapers wanting to learn more. “Ohm’s Law” states that all electricity should be taken seriously. First, do no harm to yourself. Always practice safe vaping because an ohm is a measure of electricity.
Older atomizers and cartomizers had a range of 1.5-2.8 ohms. Sub-ohm mods use atomizer coils that produce resistance of less than 1.0 ohm for bigger clouds, intensified flavor, and hotter vaper. Non-variable voltage sources, like a battery, produce more wattage by lowering the resistance of a circuit.
Older mods required using a rebuildable atomizer to produce the coils. Newer tanks allow consumers to vape at sub-ohm levels without a rebuild. Newer tanks produce the effects of a rebuildable dripping atomizer with less work.
At one time, enthusiasts had to use rebuildable atomizers allowing them to devise their own sub-ohm coils from wicking materials such as cotton or kanthal wire creating unregulated mods which used a 18650 battery for power and heating the atomizer coil. Today, safer regulated box mods and sub-ohm tanks are used instead of a self build. Regulated mods carry safety restrictions that prevent them from firing an atomizer at too low of a resistance.
There are three sub-ohm vaping methods:
Rebuildable Dripping Atomizers (RDA):
Before sub-ohm tanks, RDA’s (drippers) were the only method around to sub-ohm vapers. They were used with mechanical or box mods. Drippers are usually smaller than tank atomizers. Ejuice is dripped onto the coil and wick, and then re-dripped every few puffs.
Rebuildable Tank Atomizers (RBA, RTA):
You can build your own coils without dripping. An RBA is a clearomizer. The user must build the coil(s) inside. RBA users can custom design any coil they desire and produce a unique vaping experience. Not all RBAs are for sub-ohming. Some do not have the airflow controls and insulation necessary for sub-ohm vaping allowing the RTA to produce very hot vapor that may burn your lips.
New To Sub-Ohm Vaping?
This is similar to RBA vaping, but uses manufactured disposable coils. Some sub-ohm tanks have optional RBA heads. Use pre-built coil heads or build your own. This technology is the basis for the newer mods.
The Good, The Bad, And….
There are pros and cons to everything. The pro’s for sub-ohming include bigger clouds, hotter vapor, and more intense flavor. The RDAs, RBAs, and sub-ohm tanks have airflow controls that cool the e-juice to avoid injury. Yes, the juices burn hotter, but they also taste fuller, richer, and more intense.
Another negative would be the powerful mouth-to-lung hit, but some love the added ‘kick’. Another possible negative might be “sneaking” a vape break at work. Large plumes are hard to hide. Because sub-ohm tanks use more e-juice, it’s more expensive.
Newer sub-ohm tanks are safe and reliable but those new to vaping should know what they are doing before starting. More power requires caution. Follow instructions carefully including battery size.
