When looking to buy e-liquid, what are the main items you should consider? The taste, the power of the nicotine, and VG/PG ratio are apparent considerations. Once you've got some experience buying e-liquids, you'll be able to make better and more informed decisions. Below we will find out what e-liquid is right for you.
Choosing the Right Nicotine Strength
Don't immediately choose the highest possible nicotine strength as it may not provide you with the most satisfaction. It's going to be worth some time and effort experimenting to see what satisfies your cravings throughout the first few weeks of vaping. The lowest strength nicotine is typically 3mg, and the highest strength is 20mg with 6mg,12mg and 18mg variants in the middle. Reducing nicotine levels is an option that many ex-smokers have successfully used and cut out nicotine by gradually decreasing it. It's vital to get the correct nicotine strength as too little will make you vape more and too much can make you feel nauseous or give you a headache. Rule of thumb is to start with medium strength, then adjust accordingly. You don't need nicotine if you don't smoke. Therefore, always choose the 0mg option that is available across e-liquid varieties.
What is a "throat hit"?
'Throat hit' is that feeling you get when you inhale on an e-cig. The vapour hits, causing a pleasurable tingle or sensation. This is caused by ingredients in your e-liquid, hitting the back of your throat. If you're an experienced vaper or new to vaping, you've more than likely heard about the perfect "throat hit." There are two types: strong and weak/smooth. Different e-liquids, e-cigs and setups determine the kind of throat hit you're looking for. More on this below:
Strong throat hit:
1. You're going to need an e-liquid with a higher PG (propylene glycol) ratio of 70%. 2. Adjust the power settings or increase the temperature on your e-cig. If you have airflow control, try reducing it as this can give you more of the kick you're wanting. 3. Nicotine is probably the number one thing that affects your throat hit. The more of a throat hit you want, the more nicotine your e-liquid should have. 4. The flavour of your e-liquid: Mint or menthol flavoured e-liquid give a better kick.
Weak or smooth throat hit:
1. For a smoother hit, your VG (vegetable glycerin) needs to have a higher ratio. This will also mean thicker and denser clouds known as Sub Ohm vaping. 2. Reducing the nicotine percentage will also go a long way towards a silkier hit. 3. Don't use sharper flavours and instead go for more of the sweeter, fruity types, like Strawberry Milkshake or a Mixed Berry e-liquid.
MTL vs DTL
When selecting a vape kit or e-cig, you'll probably come across the acronyms MTL and DTL. These stand for 'mouth to lung' (MTL) and "direct to lung' (DTL). These terms define the different vaping techniques used by vapers and explain how you inhale the vapour created by your e-cigarette. We will cover more about the types of features to consider and how they can help you when buying an e-cigarette or vaping device. MTL (Mouth To Lung) vaping is when you inhale the vapour from your e-cigarette into your mouth, then into your lungs. This vaping style is best suited for beginners as it simulates how most people smoke a cigarette and will help ease the transition from smoking to vaping. DTL (Direct To Lung) vaping, also known as 'sub-ohm vaping', involves inhaling the vapour from an e-cigarette directly into the lungs, like taking a normal breath. More experienced vapers usually favour this as the vapour is denser and can be a little overwhelming for new users.
PG & VG
The primary base solution in e-liquid is Propylene Glycol (PG), Vegetable Glycerol (VG) or both. PG provides more flavour but produces a weaker vapour. VG is slightly more syrupy, has a sweet taste and can create massive vapour clouds. Each type of liquids caters to different preferences for vaping. A person's way of vaping is down to their specific taste and motivation. Be mindful that not all e-liquids will not work across all devices. A common PG to VG ratio is 40:60, and many users are happy with the amount of vapour this mix produces and the flavour.
Nicotine Salts
Nicotine salts (or nic salts) are a different form of nicotine – they occur naturally in tobacco leaves. Freebase nicotine is the kind of nicotine we know from traditional e-liquids. Manufacturers have added a specific acid to freebase nicotine to obtain nicotine salts. Generally, nicotine salts have a lower pH compared to freebase nicotine. Lower alkalinity means you can vape higher nicotine strength e-liquids without the unpleasant harshness. Nicotine salts also get absorbed faster, which give you the nicotine hit comparable to traditional cigarettes Which option is better? It comes down to what you're looking for and the style of vaping you prefer. You might like throat hit or choose a smoother vaping experience. Some vapers fancy high strength nicotine while others are happy with 3mg nicotine or less.
