SMOK Coil Compatibility Guide
SMOK produces one of the widest device ranges of any vape brand, which also means one of the most sprawling coil ranges. Nord, RPM, RPM2, TFV - each system uses its own coil family, and they are not interchangeable. If you have a SMOK device and need to buy replacement coils, this guide will tell you exactly what to look for.
We cover every major SMOK coil family, which devices they fit, the resistance options available, and the wattage settings that deliver the best flavour and vapour. For a broader overview of how coils work, our vape maintenance and coils guide is a good starting point.
SMOK Coil Systems Overview
SMOK devices divide broadly into two categories: pod kits and box mod tanks. Each category uses a completely different coil format, and the two are not compatible with each other. Within pod kits, SMOK has introduced multiple distinct coil systems over the years, which can cause confusion even for experienced vapers.
The main coil families in the current SMOK range are:
- Nord coils - designed for the Nord 2, Nord 4, Nord 5 and similar pod kits
- RPM coils - used in original RPM devices and some Novo variants
- RPM2 coils - introduced with the RPM2 and compatible with Nord 4, Nord 5
- LP1 coils - lower-power coils used in newer compact Nord kits
- TFV coils - for the TFV series of sub-ohm tanks used with box mods
The key point to understand is that SMOK regularly updates its pod platform. The Nord 4 accepted RPM2 coils as well as Nord 4 coils, and the Nord 5 continues this pattern. If you own an older Nord device, check your specific model rather than assuming all Nord coils are identical.
Nord Coils
The Nord coil range covers SMOK's most popular pod kit series. Nord coils are press-fit and slot into the base of Nord replacement pods. SMOK has refined this format several times, so the generation of your device matters.
Nord 4 and Nord 5 Coils
The Nord 4 and Nord 5 accept two coil formats: Nord 4 coils and RPM2 coils. This gives users a wide choice of resistances and vaping styles from a single device. Nord 4 coil options include:
- 0.15 ohm meshed - designed for direct-to-lung use at 40 to 80W, produces very dense vapour
- 0.2 ohm meshed - slightly higher resistance DTL coil, 25 to 65W
- 0.6 ohm DC MTL - dual-coil MTL option, runs at 15 to 25W, suits freebase nicotine at 3 to 6mg
- 0.8 ohm DC MTL - tighter MTL draw, 12 to 20W, works well with nic salts at 10 to 20mg
LP1 Coils for Compact Nord Kits
SMOK's LP1 coil format is used in the Nord 1 (late version) and similar compact kits. LP1 coils are smaller than standard Nord coils and are not interchangeable. Options include a 0.8 ohm meshed and a 0.9 ohm DC MTL, both intended for lower-wattage use below 20W.
RPM and RPM2 Coils
The RPM coil family was introduced with the SMOK RPM 40 and expanded across multiple devices. RPM and RPM2 coils look similar but are not directly interchangeable, so it is important to know which generation you need.
Original RPM Coils
RPM coils fit the RPM 40 and some Novo 4 variants. Common options include:
- 0.4 ohm mesh - versatile coil, 25W recommended, suits restricted DTL vaping with freebase nicotine at 3mg
- 1.0 ohm mesh - MTL-focused coil, 16 to 20W, works well with both nic salts and freebase at low strengths
- 0.6 ohm triple mesh - three-coil setup for maximum vapour at 40W, strictly sub-ohm DTL use
RPM2 Coils
RPM2 coils are larger in diameter than original RPM coils and fit the RPM2, Nord 4, and Nord 5. Key options include:
- 0.16 ohm mesh - high-performance DTL coil, 40 to 80W, very high vapour output
- 0.6 ohm DC MTL - dual-coil MTL, 16 to 24W, a good balance of flavour and vapour for 6mg freebase
If you own a Nord 4 or Nord 5, you can use either Nord 4 coils or RPM2 coils - the pods for each coil type are sold separately. Using RPM2 coils gives you access to a different set of resistance options and potentially better vapour at higher wattages.
TFV Tank Coils
SMOK's TFV series covers traditional screw-fit sub-ohm tanks used with box mod devices. These are entirely separate from the pod coil systems and are designed for direct-to-lung vaping at higher wattages. Current TFV coil lines include coils for the TFV16, TFV18, and older TFV12 tanks.
TFV coils cannot be used in any SMOK pod system. If you have a box mod with a TFV tank, look for coils marked specifically for your TFV model. Common TFV options include:
- TFV18 meshed coil 0.15 ohm - designed for 65 to 80W, produces very warm dense vapour
- TFV16 meshed 0.17 ohm - runs at 60 to 75W, suited to high-VG cloud-chasing e-liquids
- TFV16 dual mesh 0.12 ohm - maximum power output at 70 to 100W, for experienced DTL vapers only
TFV coils require high-VG e-liquids (70VG minimum) to wick correctly at these wattages. Using high-PG liquids will cause rapid coil burnout.
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Browse SMOK CoilsMesh vs Regular Coils
SMOK's current range is almost entirely mesh-based, but it is worth understanding what this means for your vaping experience. A mesh coil uses a flat, perforated strip of metal as the heating element instead of a twisted wire coil. The larger surface area of mesh produces faster ramp-up time, more even heat distribution, and improved flavour consistency compared to older wire coils.
For most vapers buying replacement SMOK coils today, mesh is the default. The differences you will notice between SMOK's coil options are primarily about resistance and wattage range rather than coil construction type.
To understand more about how coil resistance affects your draw, wattage setting, and e-liquid choice, see our detailed article on vape coils explained.
Device Compatibility Table
The table below covers the main SMOK devices currently in circulation and their compatible coil families. Where a device accepts more than one coil format, both are listed.
| Device Family | Compatible Coil Series | Resistance Options | Recommended Wattage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nord 4 / Nord 5 | Nord 4 coils / RPM2 coils | 0.15, 0.2, 0.6, 0.8 ohm (Nord 4); 0.16, 0.6 ohm (RPM2) | 12-80W |
| Nord 2 | Nord coils / RPM coils | 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0 ohm | 10-40W |
| Nord (compact / LP1 variant) | LP1 coils | 0.8, 0.9 ohm | 10-20W |
| RPM 40 / Novo 4 | RPM coils | 0.4, 0.6, 1.0 ohm | 16-40W |
| RPM2 / RPM2S | RPM2 coils | 0.16, 0.6 ohm | 16-80W |
| TFV18 | TFV18 coils | 0.15, 0.33 ohm | 55-80W |
| TFV16 | TFV16 coils | 0.12, 0.17 ohm | 60-100W |
Choosing Coils for Nic Salts
Nicotine salts are a popular choice for MTL vapers and for people who have recently switched from cigarettes. Because nic salts deliver nicotine more efficiently than freebase e-liquids, they are almost always used in lower-power, higher-resistance coil setups. Using nic salts in a sub-ohm coil at high wattage will produce an uncomfortably strong nicotine hit.
For SMOK devices with nic salts, the recommended coil choices are:
- Nord 4 0.8 ohm DC MTL - excellent for 10 to 20mg nic salts, tight and satisfying MTL draw
- Nord 4 0.6 ohm DC MTL - slightly airier, suits 10mg nic salts or 6mg freebase
- RPM 1.0 ohm mesh - one of the smoothest nic salt options in the RPM range, best at 16 to 18W
- LP1 0.9 ohm DC MTL - ideal for compact Nord kits at low wattage with 20mg salts
If you are new to nic salts or pod salt e-liquids and want to understand which strengths suit different vaping habits, our pod salt guide covers this in detail.
Practical Buying Tips
SMOK's coil range can feel overwhelming when you are browsing. A few straightforward habits will save you from ordering the wrong item:
- Note your device model exactly - "Nord" alone is not specific enough. Know whether you have a Nord 2, Nord 4, Nord 5, or a compact Nord variant before ordering.
- Check the pod type, not just the device - Nord 4 devices use different pods for Nord 4 coils vs RPM2 coils. The pod and coil must match as a pair.
- Match resistance to your e-liquid - nic salts need higher resistance (0.6 ohm and above for most SMOK pods), freebase sub-ohm liquids suit the 0.15 to 0.4 ohm range.
- Buy in packs - SMOK coils are generally sold in packs of five. Keeping a spare pack at home means you are never stuck when a coil burns out.
- Always prime new coils - SMOK coils benefit from at least five minutes of soaking before the first use, and ideally starting at a low wattage for the first few puffs.
For signs that your coil needs changing, see our article on when to change your vape coil. And for a broader look at keeping your kit in good condition, our vape maintenance guide has everything you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between SMOK Nord and RPM coils?
Nord coils and RPM coils are separate systems designed for different device families. Nord coils are intended for the Nord series, while RPM coils fit the RPM 40, Novo 4, and some Nord 2 configurations. RPM2 coils are a larger, newer format used in the RPM2 and also compatible with Nord 4 and Nord 5 pods.
Are SMOK Nord coils interchangeable between Nord 2, Nord 4, and Nord 5?
No, they are not directly interchangeable. Nord 4 and Nord 5 accept Nord 4 coils and RPM2 coils depending on which pod you are using. Nord 2 uses original Nord coils or RPM coils. LP1 coils fit certain compact Nord variants. Always confirm your specific Nord model before ordering.
What resistance SMOK coil should I use for nicotine salts?
For nicotine salts, use a coil with a resistance of 0.6 ohm or higher. The Nord 4 0.8 ohm DC MTL and Nord 4 0.6 ohm DC MTL are both popular choices for nic salt users. The RPM 1.0 ohm mesh is also excellent for nic salts on RPM-compatible devices. Avoid sub-ohm coils below 0.5 ohm with nic salts at 10mg or above.
Do SMOK TFV coils fit in pods?
No. SMOK TFV coils are designed for screw-fit sub-ohm tanks used with box mod devices. They are physically incompatible with Nord, RPM, or RPM2 pod systems and cannot be used interchangeably.
How often should I change SMOK coils?
Most SMOK coils last 1 to 2 weeks with regular use. Sweet e-liquids, high-wattage operation, and missing the priming step all reduce coil life. A burnt, muted, or chemical taste is the clearest sign that your coil needs replacing. Some vapers using low-sweetness liquids at moderate wattages may find coils lasting up to three weeks.