A refillable pod kit is a rechargeable device with a pod you fill yourself and a coil you replace when it wears out. To choose one, match three things: the coil resistance to how you like to draw, the pod size to how often you want to refill, and the coil to your e-liquid type. This guide walks through each one in plain terms.
Vaping products are for adults 19 and older in Ontario. This guide is general information for adult customers.
Refillable vs prefilled pods
The first decision is how you want to supply the liquid.
- Prefilled pods arrive already filled. You swap the whole pod when it runs out. There is less handling, but you are limited to the liquids the pod maker offers.
- Refillable pods have a fill port, so you choose the liquid and top up when needed. Depending on the design, you replace either the coil or the whole pod when it wears out.
Refillable kits give you more choice of vape juice, including both salt nic and freebase. They also ask a little more of you: filling carefully, priming coils and keeping the pod clean. You can see what we stock on our vape pods and coils page.
Coil resistance and draw style
Resistance is measured in ohms. A lower-resistance coil lets more current through, so it heats up faster and produces more vapour. A higher-resistance coil heats more slowly and gives a tighter, more restricted draw.
Draw style describes how you inhale. In a mouth-to-lung (MTL) draw, you pull vapour into your mouth first, then inhale. In a direct-lung (DL) draw, you inhale straight in. Here is how resistance usually lines up with each style. Treat it as general guidance, because the numbers printed on your coil and device always come first.
| Coil resistance | Draw style | Typical e-liquid | Typical device |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 ohm and up | Tighter mouth-to-lung | Salt nic, or lower-strength freebase with more PG | Low-wattage pod kits |
| 0.6 to 0.9 ohms | Restricted direct lung | Salt nic or freebase, balanced PG/VG | Mid-power pod kits |
| Below 0.5 ohms | Direct lung | Freebase, usually higher VG | Higher-power devices |
Mesh vs regular coils
Regular coils use a length of wire wrapped around a cotton wick. They are simple, common in mouth-to-lung pods, and available across a wide range of resistances.
Mesh coils use a flat sheet of fine mesh instead of a wrapped wire. The mesh spreads heat across a larger surface, so mesh coils usually warm up quickly and give more even flavour. They also tend to use liquid faster, and they work best with the liquid type printed on the coil. If a coil says it is made for a certain PG/VG range, stay inside it.
Pod capacity and fill ports
Capacity is listed in millilitres and varies from device to device, so check the figure for the kit you are looking at rather than assuming. A larger pod means fewer refills but a bigger body. A smaller pod keeps the device slim and pocketable.
Fill ports come in a few styles: a silicone plug you pull back, a sliding cover, or a top-fill opening. Whichever you have, a few habits help:
- Fill slowly with the bottle tip straight into the port.
- Leave a little air gap at the top rather than filling to the brim.
- Wipe away any spill before you reassemble the pod.
- Close the plug or cover fully so it seals.
Airflow
Airflow sets how easily air moves through the pod. Some kits have a fixed opening, while others have a slider or ring you can adjust.
Airflow and resistance work as a pair. A tight airflow suits a higher-resistance coil and a tighter draw. A more open airflow suits a lower-resistance coil. Mixing them badly, such as a very open airflow on a high-resistance coil, tends to feel weak and airy. A very tight airflow on a low-resistance coil can feel hot.
Battery and charging
Battery capacity is listed in mAh. A bigger number usually means longer between charges, and a bigger device. Lower-resistance coils draw more power, so they tend to drain a battery faster than higher-resistance coils on the same device.
Most current kits charge over USB-C, which means one common cable can serve several devices. Use the cable supplied or a quality replacement, follow the maker’s charging instructions, and keep the charging port free of lint and spilled liquid.
Match the coil to your e-liquid type
This is the step that is easiest to skip and the one that matters most for flavour.
- Salt nic is usually used with higher-resistance coils on low-wattage devices.
- Freebase is usually used with lower-resistance coils on higher-wattage devices, often in thicker, higher-VG blends.
Thick liquid in a small coil can wick poorly, and that is a common cause of a burnt taste. If you want to go deeper on the two types, read our guide to salt nic vs freebase.
Coil replacement basics
Coils wear out. There is no fixed schedule, because lifespan depends on the liquid, the power, and how often you use the device. Watch for these signs:
- Flavour fades or tastes flat.
- A burnt taste appears. Our guide on why a vape tastes burnt and how to fix it covers the causes.
- Vapour is thinner than before.
- The pod gurgles or leaks.
Heavily sweetened liquids tend to leave residue on a coil faster, so you may need to change coils more often with them.
When you fit a new coil, prime it. Fill the pod, then let it sit for several minutes so the cotton soaks through before the first draw. Start with a few short draws rather than a long one. Coils are made for specific pods and devices, so always check that a replacement matches your model.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I change my coil?
There is no set schedule. Change it when the flavour fades, a burnt taste appears or the pod starts to gurgle or leak. Liquid type, power and how often you use the device all affect how long a coil lasts.
Can I use any coil in any pod?
No. Coils are made for specific pods and devices. Check the model name on your device and match the replacement coil to it.
Which coil resistance should I start with?
Choose by the draw style you prefer. Around 1.0 ohm and up suits a tighter mouth-to-lung draw, 0.6 to 0.9 ohms suits a restricted direct-lung draw, and below 0.5 ohms is for direct-lung use on higher-power devices. If you are unsure, ask a staff member to walk you through the options.
Can I use salt nic in any refillable pod?
Not always. Salt nic works best in low-wattage pods with higher-resistance coils. Check the liquid type listed on your coil before you fill the pod.
Visit GTA Vapes Port Union
Picking a coil is easier with the device in your hand. Bring yours to our specialty vape shop at 91 Rylander Blvd, Unit 1018, Scarborough ON M1B 5M5, and staff can help you match a coil and liquid. Learn more about our vape shop in Scarborough, or call (416) 724-8237.
Hours: Monday to Wednesday 8am to 11pm, Thursday and Friday 8am to midnight, Saturday 9am to midnight, Sunday 10am to 11pm. We are close to Port Union, West Rouge, Highland Creek, Centennial, West Hill, Guildwood, Rouge Hill GO, Morningside and UTSC. Photo ID is required, and you must be 19 or older.
