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A Down to the “Wire” Classic Vaping Materials Battle: Nickel vs. Kanthal
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onIn the realm of rebuildable atomizers there are different wire types that are used by vapers to create their own coil to enable them get the best vape they desire. This resistance wire is used to make the atomizer's heating element. There are so many techniques of making these coils but there are just a few materials that are normally used and the most common of these are the Kanthal and Nickel. There are also a variety of opinions brought forward by a majority of vapers on which is the best among the two and so forth and below is a detailed analysis of the two materials.
Kanthal and Nichrome wires form the two major resistance wire types.
- -Kanthal is a mixture of chromium, iron and aluminum.
- -Nichrome on the other hand comes from the nickel-chromium alloys that are generally used in temperatures that are below 1250 degrees Celsius.
Nichrome has a slightly lesser utmost operating temperature compared to that of Kanthal but does not contain iron at all. There are people who say that they are able to taste this difference.
The upper limit operating temperatures usually refer to the highest temperatures that the wire can be able to handle without getting damaged. Kanthal wire is capable of operating safely in temperatures of up to 1400 degree Celsius (2550 Fahrenheit). Nichrome wire on its part possesses a melting temperature of around 1150 degrees Celsius or 2100 Fahrenheit.
When it comes to the resistance of the wires, the hotter the wire gets then the more the resistance it generates. The resistance is usually affected by the diameter, volume and length. A thinner wire usually has a high resistance than a thick one and the longer it is then the higher the overall resistance it offers. Nichrome 80 has a low resistance per its length when compared to Kanthal meaning that it heats up fast. This makes Nichrome to be a great choice for people who love 'cloud chasing' or sub-ohm builds.
Overall, the Kanthal wire usually has a high maximum operating temperature which guarantees you of its durability and long life on your RDA. Nichrome is fast becoming popular currently due to its fast rate of heating up, easy flexibility and lower cost but this does not make it better than Kanthal. There are some vapers who claim that they feel a more metallic taste in Kanthal than the Nichrome wire. These two wires have their weaknesses and strengths and the best one depends on a personal preference and sensitivity to metals.