Can High VG Juices Damage Certain Vape Coils?

Vegetable Glycerin (VG) is one of the two primary ingredients found in vape juices, the other being Propylene Glycol (PG). VG is known for producing thick vapor clouds and offering a smoother throat hit, making it a popular choice among cloud chasers and sub-ohm vapers. However, while high VG juices are preferred by many, they are not suitable for all types of vape devices—especially when it comes to certain coils. In fact, using high VG e-liquids with the wrong coil setup can lead to coil damage, dry hits, and a frustrating vaping experience. So, can high VG juices damage certain vape coils? The answer is yes—and here’s why.

Understanding VG and Its Properties

VG is a thick, viscous liquid derived from vegetable oils. In vape juice, a higher VG ratio (such as 70VG/30PG or even Max VG) means more vapor and a smoother feel on inhale. However, that same thickness makes VG harder to absorb through the cotton or wicking material in your coil, which can become problematic depending on the device and coil you use.

How Coils Work and Why Wicking Matters

Vape coils heat up the e-liquid absorbed by the wick (usually made of cotton) and turn it into vapor. For this process to work efficiently, the cotton must stay saturated with e-liquid at all times. When the wick fails to keep up with your vaping speed or with the thickness of the liquid, it can dry out, causing dry hits or even burning the coil.

High VG juices take longer to saturate the wick due to their thickness. Coils designed for thin, PG-heavy liquids may struggle with the slow wicking process, leading to reduced performance or premature failure.

Which Coils Are at Risk?

Not all coils are created equal, and some are more vulnerable to damage from high VG juices than others. Here are the types of coils that can be problematic when using thick VG liquids:

1. High-Resistance Coils (Above 1.0 Ohm)

These are typically found in pod systems and older vape pens. They are designed for mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping and are best suited for thinner, PG-dominant juices. The small wicking ports in these coils can’t handle thick VG well, resulting in dry hits and rapid degradation of the coil.

2. Small Coil Heads in Pod Systems

Many closed or refillable pod systems use compact coil heads with small wicking holes. These are optimized for lower power output and thinner e-liquids. Filling these pods with high VG juice can clog the wicking channels and overwork the coil, causing it to burn out quickly.

3. Older Generation Coils

Some older tanks and coils were designed before high VG became the standard for many vapers. These coils might lack the adequate airflow or wicking technology required to handle thick liquids, which can lead to flooding, leaking, or coil burnout.

Signs Your Coil Isn’t Compatible with High VG Juice

If you’re using a coil that isn’t built for thick e-liquid, you may notice the following issues:

• Frequent dry hits

• Burnt taste shortly after installing a new coil

• Reduced flavor production

• Gurgling or spitting from the tank

• Short coil lifespan (a few days or less)

• Poor vapor production despite high VG content

Which Coils Work Best with High VG Juices?

To fully enjoy high VG e-liquids without damaging your coil, it’s important to use the right hardware. The following types of coils are ideal for thicker juices:

1. Low-Resistance Coils (Sub-ohm)

Sub-ohm coils (typically less than 0.8 ohms) are designed for high power and direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping. These coils have large wicking ports and strong heating elements, making them perfect for vaporizing thick VG juices efficiently.

2. Mesh Coils

Mesh coils have become increasingly popular because of their large surface area, fast heating, and even wicking. They are especially efficient at handling high VG e-liquid, providing both flavor and vapor without overwhelming the wick.

3. Rebuildable Coils in RDAs or RTAs

For advanced users, rebuildable dripping atomizers (RDAs) or rebuildable tank atomizers (RTAs) allow you to customize your coil and wick size to suit high VG juices. You can use thicker cotton and more absorbent materials to prevent dry hits and ensure consistent saturation.

How to Avoid Coil Damage from High VG Juices

Even with the right coil, it’s important to follow good vaping practices to prevent damage:

• Prime your coil properly: Always saturate the wick with e-liquid before using a new coil.

• Let your tank sit: After filling, let the device sit for 5–10 minutes so the wick absorbs the thick VG fully.

• Avoid chain vaping: Give your wick time to re-saturate between puffs to avoid drying out.

• Use appropriate wattage: Stay within the recommended power range for your coil to avoid overheating.

• Clean your tank regularly: High VG juices can leave gunk behind, especially with sweet or dessert flavors.

Final Thoughts

While high VG juices deliver dense vapor and a smooth experience, they are not suitable for every coil or device. Using them with incompatible coils—especially high-resistance or small pod coils—can lead to poor performance and even permanent coil damage. To make the most out of high VG e-liquids, pair them with sub-ohm or mesh coils, ensure proper priming and maintenance, and vape at suitable wattages.

By understanding how VG interacts with your device, you can avoid unnecessary damage and enjoy a consistently smooth and flavorful vape.