A sub-ohm tank is a vape tank that uses coils with a resistance below 1.0 ohm. That lower resistance allows the coil to be fired at higher wattages, which produces more vapour and more intense flavour than standard coils. They’re designed for direct-to-lung vaping and pair with a box mod or regulated mod rather than a simple pen-style battery.

Any coil rated below 1.0 ohm qualifies as a sub-ohm coil. Most sub-ohm tanks come with coils in the 0.15 ohm to 0.5 ohm range. Lower resistance coils generally run at higher wattages and produce more vapour, while coils closer to 0.5 ohm tend to give a slightly cooler, more flavour-focused vape. Check the coil’s recommended wattage range printed on the packaging and make sure your mod can hit those figures.

Most likely, yes. Sub-ohm tanks use a standard 510 connection, which fits the vast majority of box mods and regulated mods. The key check is wattage – look at the coil’s recommended wattage range and confirm your mod can reach it. If your mod tops out at 40W and the coil wants 60W to 80W, you’ll get weak flavour and potentially a harsh vape. Our compatible vape mod range shows what’s available if you need an upgrade.

It depends on the coil. Most sub-ohm tanks run well anywhere between 40W and 100W, and the specific coil you’re using will have a recommended range stamped on it. Start at the lower end of that range, take a few draws, then increase gradually until you hit the flavour and warmth you want. Running a coil above its rated maximum will shorten its life and risk dry hits.

High-VG e-liquids are the best match for sub-ohm tanks, typically a 70VG/30PG ratio or higher. That thicker VG base produces better clouds and a smoother inhale at higher wattages. Shortfill e-liquids are the most practical format for sub-ohm vaping in the UK – most come in 100ml bottles at 0mg, with a nicotine shot added to bring it to your preferred strength.

It’s not recommended. Nic salts are designed for low-wattage, restricted-draw devices. Using them in a sub-ohm tank at high wattage will deliver far more nicotine per inhale than intended, which can cause dizziness, nausea and a very harsh throat hit. For sub-ohm vaping, stick to freebase nicotine at 3mg or 6mg. That’s the right range for the delivery rate you’ll get from a DTL setup. Check our guide on nicotine strength if you’re not sure what suits you. The UK legal limit for nicotine-containing e-liquid is 20mg/ml.

With regular daily use, most sub-ohm coils last between one and two weeks before flavour starts to drop or you notice a burnt taste. We ran Geekvape Z coils for just under two weeks of daily use before they started falling off. Coil life depends on how often you vape, what wattage you run and how sweet your e-liquid is – high-sugar liquids burn through coils faster. For the full detail, read our guide on how long do vape coils last.

More than a pod kit – that’s the honest answer. At typical sub-ohm wattages, expect to get through anywhere from 5ml to 15ml per day depending on how frequently you vape and how high you run the power. That’s worth factoring into your running costs. Shortfill e-liquids in 100ml bottles are the most cost-effective way to keep a sub-ohm setup stocked.

The most common causes are overfilling, a worn or cracked O-ring, leaving the airflow fully closed while the tank is filled, or running a coil that hasn’t been primed properly. Top-airflow tank designs are significantly less prone to leaking than bottom-airflow options because gravity isn’t working against the seals. Always prime your coil before your first use and don’t leave a filled tank on its side for extended periods.

Apply a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the exposed cotton on the coil head before fitting it. Once the coil is installed and the tank is filled, wait at least five minutes for the cotton to saturate fully, then take a few short draws without firing the device. Start your first few puffs at the lower end of the coil’s recommended wattage range and increase from there. Skipping this step is the most common cause of dry hits. Our full guide on avoiding dry hits covers the process in detail.

It can be, but it depends on what you’re used to. If you’re switching from cigarettes and want a tight, cigarette-like draw, a sub-ohm tank probably isn’t the right first step – a mouth-to-lung pod kit will feel more familiar. If you’re coming off disposables and found them satisfying, or you want bigger clouds and stronger flavour from the start, a beginner-friendly DTL tank paired with a simple regulated mod is a reasonable starting point. The key is using the right nicotine strength – 3mg freebase at sub-ohm wattages delivers more nicotine per puff than it looks on the label.

Mouth-to-lung vaping mimics the draw style of a cigarette – you pull vapour into your mouth first, then inhale. Sub-ohm vaping is direct-to-lung, meaning you inhale straight into the lungs, which produces more vapour and a fuller flavour hit. MTL setups use higher-resistance coils, lower wattages and work well with nic salts. Sub-ohm tanks use lower-resistance coils, higher wattages and high-VG e-liquids. The two styles suit different preferences, so it’s worth knowing which one fits your vaping goals before you buy. Our mouth-to-lung vs direct-to-lung vaping guide covers the differences clearly if you want to read more.