Sub-ohm tanks stormed onto the vaping scene a few years ago, quickly gaining immense popularity and forever changing the vaping landscape. Before these tanks, if you wanted to sub-ohm vape, you’d need to build your own coils on an RDA or RBA. This presented a barrier for many vapers who weren’t comfortable with coil building, limiting advanced vaping to a niche community.
The introduction of pre-built sub-ohm coils that could simply be screwed into a tank and used immediately revolutionized the industry. Suddenly, anyone could experience the benefits of sub-ohm vaping without the hassle of building. This rapid expansion, however, brought with it concerns, especially regarding safety. Manufacturers began producing higher wattage mods and more powerful tanks, leading some to question if these devices were truly safe for the average user. So, are sub-ohm tanks safe?
The Sub-Ohm Tank Evolution
The concept of sub-ohm vaping isn’t new. Enthusiasts have been building low-resistance coils on RDAs and RBAs for years to achieve massive vapor production and intense flavor. However, the requirement for manual coil building meant it was primarily a hobby for experienced vapers.
This changed dramatically with the introduction of the Aspire Atlantis in late 2014, followed shortly by the Kanger Subtank. These were groundbreaking devices that featured replaceable, pre-built sub-ohm coils. They allowed vapers to enjoy the benefits of sub-ohm vaping—denser vapor, warmer vape, and often improved flavor—without having to learn how to wrap coils.
Since then, sub-ohm tanks have only grown more sophisticated. Today, we have tanks that can handle incredible wattages, produce enormous clouds, and deliver exceptional flavor, making advanced vaping accessible to everyone.
What is Sub-Ohm Vaping?
Simply put, sub-ohm vaping involves using an atomizer coil with a resistance lower than 1.0 Ohm. Traditional clearomizers and vape pens typically operate with coils above 1.0 Ohm, often in the 1.8 to 2.5 Ohm range.
When you reduce the resistance of your coil while maintaining a consistent voltage, you increase the current (amps) flowing through the coil. This leads to more power (watts) being delivered, which heats the coil faster and more intensely. The result is significantly more vapor and a warmer, often more flavorful vape experience.
Modern sub-ohm tanks, such as the Atlantis 2, Smok TFV4, or Uwell Crown, are designed with larger airflow channels and improved wicking systems to handle the increased heat and vapor production. This allows for a direct-to-lung inhale, much like smoking a shisha pipe, which is different from the mouth-to-lung inhale typical of higher resistance coils.
Sub-Ohm Vaping for Beginners
If you’re new to sub-ohm vaping, it’s wise to start slow. While many tanks come with coils as low as 0.15 Ohm, beginning with a coil in the 0.5 Ohm to 0.8 Ohm range is generally recommended. This allows you to gradually adjust to the increased vapor production and different draw style.
Crucially, ensure you have a mod capable of handling sub-ohm resistances and powerful batteries that can safely supply the necessary current. Always check the specifications of your tank and coils, and never exceed the recommended wattage range.
Best Sub-Ohm Tanks of 2016 for Beginners
For those looking to dip their toes into sub-ohm vaping, these tanks were excellent choices in 2016:
Aspire Cleito
Known for its innovative chimney design that eliminates the static chimney, allowing for maximum flavor and vapor. It’s simple to use and offers a fantastic vaping experience. The Cleito typically comes with 0.4-ohm and 0.2-ohm coils.
Smok TFV4
A powerhouse known for its massive vapor production and a wide array of coil options, including single, dual, triple, and even quadruple coils. While it can be a juice guzzler, its performance is undeniable. It’s often bundled with 0.2-ohm and 0.15-ohm coils.
Kanger Toptank Mini
An evolution of the popular Subtank Mini, the Toptank Mini added top-fill capabilities, making refilling much more convenient. It offered a great balance of flavor and vapor in a compact form factor. Coils typically ranged from 0.5 ohms to 1.5 ohms.
Horizon Arctic
The Arctic was a popular choice for cloud chasers, known for its excellent airflow and ability to handle high wattages. It produced dense clouds and good flavor. Coils typically included 0.2-ohm and 0.5-ohm options.
Uwell Crown
Praised for its superior flavor production and robust build quality, the Uwell Crown quickly became a favorite among many vapers. It offered a smooth draw and reliable performance. Common coils included 0.25-ohm and 0.5-ohm.
Advantages of Sub-Ohm Vaping
There are several reasons why vapers gravitate towards sub-ohm setups:
More Vapor Production: This is arguably the biggest draw. Sub-ohm tanks produce significantly more vapor, leading to larger clouds and a more substantial exhale.
Warmer Vape: For many, a warmer vape is more satisfying and mimics the sensation of smoking more closely than a cooler vape.
Intensified Flavor: While subjective, many vapers find that sub-ohm coils, with their increased surface area and higher power, bring out the nuances in e-liquid flavors more effectively.
Direct-to-Lung Inhale: The wide airflow and powerful vapor production make sub-ohm tanks ideal for a direct-to-lung inhale, which some find more natural and satisfying.
Disadvantages of Sub-Ohm Vaping
However, sub-ohm vaping isn’t without its drawbacks:
Increased E-Liquid Consumption: More vapor means more e-liquid is being vaporized. You’ll go through your juice much faster.
Shorter Battery Life: High wattage requirements mean your batteries will drain more quickly, necessitating more frequent recharging or carrying spares.
Higher Cost: Between increased e-liquid usage, more frequent coil replacements, and the initial investment in a powerful mod and tank, sub-ohm vaping can be more expensive.
Heat: Devices can get warm, especially during prolonged use.
Less Stealthy: The large vapor clouds make sub-ohm vaping less discreet, which can be an issue in public settings.
Requires Advanced Knowledge: While pre-built coils simplify things, understanding battery safety and Ohm’s law is still crucial for safe operation.
Sub-Ohm Tank Safety – Battery Safety
This is perhaps the most critical aspect of sub-ohm safety. Using the wrong batteries or misusing them can lead to serious risks, including venting, overheating, or even explosions. Always use high-drain, authentic batteries from reputable manufacturers that are specifically designed for vaping devices.
Key battery safety tips:
Use Reputable Brands: Stick to trusted brands like LG, Samsung, Sony, and Panasonic.
Check Amperage: Ensure your batteries have a continuous discharge rating (CDR) that can safely handle the amperage drawn by your device at the wattage you’re using. Never exceed the CDR.
Inspect Wraps: Always inspect your battery wraps for tears or damage. A damaged wrap can cause a short circuit. Replace damaged batteries immediately.
Proper Storage: Store batteries in protective cases, not loose in pockets or bags where they can come into contact with metal objects (keys, coins) and short circuit.
Balance Charging: If using a multi-battery mod, ensure batteries are married (used and charged together) and charged externally in a quality charger.
Don’t Overcharge/Over-discharge: Use a smart charger that stops charging when batteries are full. Don’t let your batteries drain completely.
When you transition to sub-ohm vaping, you’ll be consuming significantly more vapor per puff. This means you’ll also be inhaling more nicotine. To avoid over-nicotinization (feeling jittery, nauseous, or headachy), it’s highly recommended to reduce your nicotine strength.
If you typically vape 12mg or 6mg nicotine on a standard setup, you might consider dropping to 3mg or even 0mg for sub-ohm tanks. Many experienced sub-ohm vapers use 3mg or 1.5mg nicotine to enjoy the large clouds without an overwhelming nicotine hit.
Sub-Ohm Tank Safety – Ohm’s Law and You
While modern regulated mods have built-in safety features, understanding Ohm’s Law is fundamental for any vaper, especially those using sub-ohm setups. Ohm’s Law describes the relationship between voltage (V), current (I – Amps), and resistance (R – Ohms).
Voltage (Volts): The electrical pressure that drives the current.
Current (Amps): The flow rate of electricity. This is what heats your coil.
Resistance (Ohms): The opposition to the flow of current. Lower resistance means higher current at a given voltage.
Power (Watts): The rate at which energy is transferred. Watts = Volts x Amps.
The basic formula is Volts = Amps x Ohms. You can rearrange this to calculate any unknown: Amps = Volts / Ohms and Ohms = Volts / Amps.
For safety, you primarily need to be concerned with Amps. Your battery has a maximum continuous discharge rate (CDR) in Amps. You must ensure the Amps your device draws never exceed your battery’s CDR.
For example, if you’re using a mechanical mod (which delivers unregulated voltage, typically around 4.2V fully charged) with a 0.2 Ohm coil:
Amps = 4.2V / 0.2 Ohms = 21 Amps.
In this scenario, you would need a battery with a CDR of at least 21 Amps (and preferably a significant safety margin above that). Regulated mods make this calculation for you, but understanding the principles helps you choose appropriate batteries and coils.
Are Sub-Ohm Tanks Safe?
The answer is a resounding yes, if used correctly and responsibly. Sub-ohm tanks, like any powerful electronic device, require users to be informed and cautious.
By adhering to strict battery safety guidelines, understanding nicotine levels, and having a basic grasp of Ohm’s Law, you can enjoy the many benefits of sub-ohm vaping safely. Always purchase your gear from reputable vendors, use authentic batteries, and if you’re ever unsure about a setup, consult an experienced vaper or professional for guidance. Safety should always be your top priority.
