Coils have come a long way in the past ten years.

But they still burn out, particularly when used at high wattages.

It’s unpleasant when it happens, and it makes vaping more expensive - especially for Direct-Lung and restricted Direct-Lung vapers.

What’s more, I suspect it has an impact on the relative safety of vaping to cigarettes. While Public Health England estimates that vaping is at least 95% safer than smoking, there is still a residual risk.

By attacking that risk on multiple fronts - for example, with toxicology research on e-liquid ingredients and innovation in vaping hardware - I believe we have the opportunity to reduce this risk even further.

Innokin, in collaboration with Fourier Technology, may well have made a major step forward on the second front. The Innokin Sensis is the result of 18 months of development and introduces multiple new technologies that improve flavour, increase coil longevity and reduce carbon build-up on.

I’m really excited about what seems to be a big leap forward in vape technology. Let’s take a look in a bit more detail.

Contents

• A common problem with coils
• Auto-priming technology
• Refresh mode
• Alternating Current & F0 mode
• F0 Mode
• The benefits

A common problem with coils

Priming your coil is one of the most important things you can do to prevent it from burning out.

If you’re not familiar with the process (I suspect most readers will be), it simply involves ensuring the wick of the coil is soaked through with e-liquid before use. This helps avoid the wick getting burnt when the coil heats up.

However, if the coil runs dry when you are using it, it can still burn out. Even if it doesn’t burn out, the longevity can be impacted and the performance affected, with decreased vapour and taste.

Auto-priming technology

Enter Innokin’s new Coil+ mode.

Enable Coil+, and after you finish inhaling power will continue to go through your coil. Only for 0.4 seconds, and only at 40% of the wattage you were using it at, but enough to draw the e-liquid back into the coil.

Innokin believes the additional power output will also prevent the build-up of carbon on the coil. This should lead to a more consistent taste even as the coil gets older.

Do note that you still need to prime the coil before using it for the first time.

Refresh mode

Refresh works in a similar way to Coil+ mode, running at 40% of the wattage to bring in extra e-liquid, improve wicking and taste.

The difference is that the Coil+ mode is performed automatically, while Refresh mode can be used manually. This means you can use it whenever you think your coil needs improved wicking or more flavour.

What’s more, if you choose to run Refresh manually, you can decide how long to run it for, up to a maximum of 8 seconds. (For comparison, Coil+ mode runs power through the wick for 0.4 seconds.)

Innokin emphasises that Refresh mode should only be activated after the coil has been primed and used for the first time - it doesn’t replace manual priming.

The Innokin Sensis comes with a 510 connector, which means both Coil+ and Refresh mode can be used with any 510 tank.

Alternating Current & F0 modes

Current vape devices use direct-current to power coils in a single direction. The problem is that a ‘bubble’ of vapour forms around the coil. This interferes with heat transfer and efficiency.

Enter Alternating Current Mode (ACM).

ACM, which Fourier and Innokin call ‘Fourth Generation Vaping’, sends electricity through the coil in both directions. The resonance generated by ACM disrupts the bubble and improves heating and energy transfer.

ACM mode will also help prevent carbon build up on the coil. With auto-priming technology, this will again help the coil to last longer.

F0 Mode

That's not the only new technology in the Sensis.

ACM also includes F0 mode.

F0 mode is not automatically enabled on the device. You can unlock the mode on the device with a specific code. You can search for the code on social media or, if you’re patient, the device will eventually unlock itself.

Obviously, there is a bit of marketing involved, but there’s not all there is to it. Innokin wants us to use both standard wattage and Coil+ mode before we use FO, so that we experience the difference between the two modes.

This technology is still very much under wraps at the moment, but Innokin have promised to release more information in the future. Let's just say it is very much designed for the the flavour chaser who really likes to tweak their settings to get optimum flavour.

The benefits

Innokin are cautious to stress that coil performance depends on many factors. (Typically, these include how long you puff for and the wattage you use the device at.) Within these parameters, though, they estimate the new technology can extend coil life from 20-50%.

That seems to be born out by tests from our friends over at the Vaping Post:

We tested the Sensis extensively with over 6200 puffs. And the least we can say is that it actually works. And even quite well. The coils have an exceptional lifespan (almost 50% more depending on the liquid and the style of vape).

A longer coil life also means reduced ongoing costs for vapers. Innokin also points out that manufacturing fewer coils is positive for the environment. This is one of several eco-friendly steps Innokin have taken recently - they have also introduced biodegradable filters for the Innokin EQ-FLTR and fully recyclable packaging for new devices.

Vapers can also expect improved flavour, and the ability to refresh the coil to improve the taste at any time.

Have you tried the Innokin Sensis yet? Let me know how you got on with it in the comments!