What is sub-ohm vaping?
Sub-ohm vaping uses coils with a resistance below 1.0 ohm combined with higher wattage to produce warmer, denser vapour than standard vape kits. The result is bigger clouds, more intense flavour, and a direct-to-lung (DTL) inhale where you breathe vapour straight into your lungs rather than holding it in your mouth first. Sub-ohm kits are best suited to experienced vapers who want maximum flavour and cloud production from their vape liquid.
These kits are designed for use with high-VG shortfill vape liquid at lower nicotine strengths, typically 3mg or 6mg. The higher VG content produces thicker vapour and smoother flavour at high wattages. Using a high-nicotine e-liquid like a 20mg nic salt in a sub-ohm device is not recommended, as the combination of high wattage and high nicotine can deliver an uncomfortably strong hit. For a full explanation of VG/PG ratios and which vape juice suits which device, see our PG/VG ratio guide.
Box mod kits vs DTL pod kits
The kits on this page fall into two categories. Traditional box mod kits like the Geekvape Aegis Legend 5 and Vaporesso Armour Ultra pair a high-wattage mod with a 510-threaded sub-ohm tank. They offer the most power, the widest coil compatibility, and the best cloud production, but they are larger and heavier than pod kits.
DTL pod kits like the OXVA VPrime and Voopoo Argus Matrix use low-resistance pods rather than tanks to achieve a sub-ohm-style draw in a much more compact format. They sacrifice some raw power and tank capacity, but they are lighter, easier to carry, and require less maintenance. For many vapers, the flavour and vapour from a DTL pod kit is more than enough.
If you are stepping up from a prefilled device and this is your first refillable kit, our how to vape guide covers filling, priming, and basic maintenance. For coil care and replacement, see our vape coils guide.
Browse the full sub-ohm kits collection to compare all available devices, or explore our vape kits for the full range including MTL, pod, and pen-style options.
Frequently asked questions
What is a sub-ohm vape kit?
A sub-ohm vape kit uses coils with a resistance below 1.0 ohm to produce more vapour and stronger flavour than standard vape kits. These devices run at higher wattages and are designed for direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping with high-VG shortfill e-liquid.
What vape juice should I use with a sub-ohm kit?
High-VG shortfill vape juice at 3mg or 6mg nicotine is the standard choice for sub-ohm vaping. The thicker liquid produces dense vapour and smooth flavour at high wattages. Avoid using high-nicotine nic salts in sub-ohm devices, as this can deliver an uncomfortably strong nicotine hit.
Do I need external batteries for a sub-ohm kit?
It depends on the device. Box mod kits like the Geekvape Aegis Legend 5 require external 18650 batteries (sold separately). Pod mods and kits with built-in batteries like the Vaporesso Armour Ultra (5,500mAh) do not require any extra purchases: you charge them via USB-C.
What is the difference between DTL and MTL vaping?
DTL (direct-to-lung) vaping means inhaling vapour straight into your lungs, producing larger clouds and more intense flavour. MTL (mouth-to-lung) vaping means drawing vapour into your mouth first, then inhaling, which mimics the feel of smoking a cigarette. Sub-ohm kits are primarily DTL devices. For a detailed comparison, see our MTL vaping guide.
How long do sub-ohm coils last?
Sub-ohm mesh coils typically last one to three weeks depending on usage and the sweetness of your vape juice. Heavily sweetened e-liquid causes coils to degrade faster. Replace the coil when you notice a drop in flavour or a slightly burnt taste. For more detail, see our vape coils guide.
Is sub-ohm vaping suitable for beginners?
Sub-ohm vaping is best suited to intermediate and experienced vapers who are comfortable with refilling, coil changes, and wattage adjustment. If you are new to vaping, a simpler beginner's pod kit or prefilled pod kit is a better starting point. You can move up to a sub-ohm device once you are familiar with the basics.
What wattage should I use for sub-ohm vaping?
The ideal wattage depends on the coil you are using. Each coil has a recommended wattage range printed on it or listed in the kit manual. For example, the Geekvape Z 0.15 ohm coil is rated for 70-85W, while the Z 0.4 ohm coil works best at 50-60W. Starting at the lower end of the range and adjusting upward gives you the best balance of flavour and coil life.
Can I use a sub-ohm kit for MTL vaping?
Some pod mod kits on this page support both DTL and MTL coils, including the Vaporesso Armour GS and Voopoo Argus Matrix. By switching to a higher-resistance coil (0.7 ohm or above) and tightening the airflow, you can achieve a cigarette-like MTL draw. Box mod kits with low-resistance-only coils are DTL only.
