What Are E-Liquids?
To start, let’s define what e-liquids are. E-liquids, also known as vape juice, are the liquid mixtures used in electronic cigarettes and vape devices to produce vapour. These liquids deliver the flavours and nicotine (if included) to the user. The core components of e-liquids are typically:
● Propylene Glycol (PG): A synthetic compound commonly used in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
● Vegetable Glycerin (VG): A natural compound derived from vegetable oils.
● Nicotine: An optional component depending on the user's preference.
● Flavourings: Concentrated flavours that replicate the taste of fruits, desserts, tobacco, and other intriguing blends.
By adjusting the ratio of PG to VG, manufacturers create e-liquids with different characteristics to cater to varied tastes and vaping styles.
What Are PG E-Liquids?
Propylene Glycol (PG) is a organic compound which comes from Propylene Oxide and is colourless, odourless liquid with a slightly sweet taste. It's been used in various industries for decades, primarily because it efficiently carries flavours and has a thinner consistency than VG.
Characteristics of PG E-Liquids:
● Throat Hit: PG e-liquids are known for delivering a stronger throat hit, similar to the sensation of smoking traditional cigarettes. This makes them a popular choice for those transitioning from smoking to vaping.
● Flavour Carrier: PG is excellent at carrying flavours, which means e-liquids with higher PG content often have more pronounced and intense flavours.
● Thinner Consistency: The lower viscosity of PG means it's less likely to gunk up coils in your vape device, leading to fewer maintenance issues and longer coil life.
● Faster Absorption: PG absorbs more quickly into the wick and coil of your device, which can result in a more immediate and satisfying vaping experience
What Are VG E-Liquids?
Vegetable Glycerin (VG) is a natural compound derived from vegetable oils. It is thicker and slightly sweet in taste, contributing to the viscosity and volume of the vapour produced.
Characteristics of VG E-Liquids:
● Vapour Production: VG is renowned for producing large, thick clouds of vapour, making it a favourite among cloud chasers and trick enthusiasts.
● Smoother Hit: High VG e-liquids provide a smoother throat hit compared to PG, making them more comfortable for those who find PG too harsh.
● Sweetness: The natural sweetness of VG can enhance the overall flavour profile of the e-liquid, adding a subtle, sweet undertone.
● Thicker Consistency: VG's higher viscosity can lead to faster build-up on coils, requiring more frequent cleaning or replacement
What Are the Benefits of Each Type of E-Liquid?
Benefits of PG E-Liquids:
Stronger Throat Hit: For ex-smokers, the throat hit delivered by PG e-liquids can closely mimic the sensation of smoking, making the transition to vaping more satisfying.
Flavour Intensity: PG’s superior ability to carry flavours ensures a rich and intense flavour profile, perfect for those seeking a robust taste experience.
Coil Longevity: The thin consistency of PG e-liquids means they are less likely to clog coils, resulting in less frequent maintenance and better longevity of your vape device components.
Benefits of VG E-Liquids:
Cloud Production: The thick, dense clouds produced by VG e-liquids are ideal for users who enjoy cloud chasing and performing vape tricks.
Smoother Draw: The smoother throat hit provided by VG e-liquids is beneficial for those who find PG too harsh or irritating on the throat.
Sweet Flavor Profile: The natural sweetness of VG can complement and enhance e-liquid flavours, appealing to those who prefer sweeter tastes.
What Are the Cons of Each Type of E-Liquid?
Cons of PG E-Liquids:
Throat Irritation: The stronger throat hit associated with PG can be too harsh for some vapers, leading to throat irritation or discomfort.
Allergic Reactions: While rare, some people may experience allergic reactions to PG, including symptoms like rashes, itching, or swelling.
Less Vapour Production: PG e-liquids produce less vapour compared to VG, which might not satisfy users who enjoy large clouds of vapour.
Cons of VG E-Liquids:
Coil Gunk: The thicker consistency of VG can lead to faster build-up on coils, necessitating more frequent cleaning or replacement.
Wicking Issues: In some devices, especially those with smaller coils or wicks, the thicker VG e-liquid may not wick as efficiently, potentially leading to dry hits.
Less Intense Flavour: VG is not as efficient a flavour carrier as PG, resulting in e-liquids that might have a less pronounced taste.
What Devices Are Best Suited to Each Liquid?
Choosing a suitable device for your preferred ratio of PG and VG is crucial to achieving the best vaping experience.
Devices for PG E-Liquids:
PG e-liquids are best suited to devices with higher resistance coils (above 1 ohm) and lower wattage settings. These are typically referred to as mouth-to-lung (MTL) devices, reminiscent of the way traditional cigarettes are smoked. Examples include:
● Pod Systems: Compact and easy-to-use devices designed for high PG e-liquids. Ideal for nicotine salts and those seeking a stronger throat hit.
● Classic Vape Pens: Simple and user-friendly, these devices are perfect for beginners transitioning from smoking to vaping. They provide a satisfying throat hit with high PG e-liquids.
Devices for VG E-Liquids:
VG e-liquids shine in devices designed for sub-ohm vaping, where lower resistance coils (below 1 ohm) and higher wattage settings produce large clouds and rich flavours. Examples include:
● Sub-Ohm Tanks: These tanks, paired with powerful box mods, are designed for direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping, generating thick vapour clouds. They are perfect for high VG e-liquids.
● Rebuildable Atomizers (RDAs): Advanced users who enjoy customizing their vaping experience often use RDAs for cloud chasing. These devices work exceptionally well with high VG e-liquids.
Coil Compatibility: PG/VG Ratios and Coil Lifespan
Understanding coil compatibility and how different PG/VG ratios can impact the lifespan of your coils is essential for a satisfying and long-lasting vaping experience. Coils are a crucial component of any vape device, responsible for heating the e-liquid and producing the vapour. Properly maintaining your coils and choosing the right PG/VG ratio for your device can optimise their longevity and enhance your overall vaping experience.
When it comes to coil compatibility, the thickness of the e-liquid plays a crucial role. High-PG liquids (those with a higher proportion of PG) are generally more compatible with coils, as the thin consistency allows for efficient wicking and prevents clogging. On the other hand, high-VG liquids (those with a higher proportion of VG) tend to be thicker and can lead to slower wicking, resulting in a shorter coil lifespan and potential dry hits.
To maintain the lifespan of your coils when using PG/VG liquids, it's important to consider a few key points:
Choosing the Right Coil:
Different vape devices have coils designed for specific PG/VG ratios. Manufacturers often indicate the recommended ratios for optimal performance. Make sure to select coils that are compatible with the e-liquid you intend to use.
Proper Priming:
Before using a new coil, it's crucial to prime it properly. Apply a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the coil's wicking material and let it saturate for a few minutes. This ensures the coil is adequately soaked and prevents dry hits.
Avoid Chain Vaping:
Chain vaping refers to consecutive puffs with little to no pause. This practice can cause the coil to overheat and reduce its lifespan. Take regular breaks between puffs to allow the coil to cool down.
Regular Coil Maintenance:
Cleaning your coils regularly can help prolong their lifespan. Remove the coil from the device and rinse it with warm water to remove any residue or gunk. Let it dry thoroughly before reattaching it to the device.
Optimal Wattage Settings:
Operating your device at the recommended wattage range specified by the coil manufacturer is essential. Running the coil at too low a wattage can lead to flooding and gurgling, while high wattage can cause the coil to burn out quickly.
What to Consider When Choosing a VG or PG E-Liquid
Choosing between VG and PG e-liquids depends on various factors, including your vaping style, preferences, and any sensitivities.
Throat Hit vs. Smoothness
Consider whether you prefer a stronger throat hit, similar to smoking, or a smoother draw. If you seek a closer experience to traditional cigarettes, high PG e-liquids are the way to go. Conversely, if you want smoother, more comfortable inhalations, opt for high VG e-liquids.
Flavour Intensity vs. Cloud Production
Think about what matters more to you: intense, robust flavours or impressive vapour clouds. PG e-liquids deliver stronger flavours, ideal for flavour chasers, whereas VG e-liquids produce dense clouds, perfect for cloud chasers and trick enthusiasts.
Device Compatibility
Take into account the device you’re using. High PG e-liquids are suited for MTL devices like pod systems and vape pens. High VG e-liquids are best for sub-ohm tanks and RDAs, designed for DTL vaping.
Sensitivities and Allergies
If you have a known sensitivity or allergic reaction to PG, opting for high VG e-liquids is essential. Pay attention to any symptoms like throat irritation, rashes, or discomfort, and adjust your e-liquid choice accordingly.
Nicotine Levels
Consider your preferred nicotine strength. High PG e-liquids are commonly used with nicotine salts, offering higher nicotine concentrations, which can be beneficial for those trying to quit smoking. High VG e-liquids are often used with freebase nicotine at lower concentrations, suited for DTL vaping and cloud chasing.
Mixing Propylene Glycol and Vegetable Glycerin
Many manufacturers have realised that mixing PG and VG when making e-liquids is the best way to incorporate all of the positive points of both base solutions. Combining the two results in a better vapour density or a thicker vapour, better flavour intensity and variable throat hit levels, depending on the ratio of the two solutions being mixed.
Experimentation is the only real way to know whether you prefer a VG or PG e-liquid or a mixture of both at different strengths and ratios.
PG, VG and Health and Safety Issues
Both Propylene Glycol and Vegetable Glycerin are considered safe by relevant authorities and are used regularly in food production and in a number of other applications which result in both being handled, used or even ingested by the consumer. In rare cases of allergic reaction, a minor throat inflammation or skin irritation may occur and use should be discontinued. The World Health Organisation lists Propylene Glycol as having no safety concerns.
