If you are new to vaping, finding the right e-liquid that meets your needs can feel overwhelming. With so many different flavours, nicotine levels, and vegetable glycerine (VG) / propylene glycol (PG) ratios to choose from, it can be easy to feel lost. But there is no need to worry – we are here to guide you through the process! By the end of this article, you will be equipped with everything you need to confidently choose the perfect e-liquid for your vaping needs.
The Importance Of Your Device
Before we dive into e-liquid choices, you should consider the device you are using. Different devices work better with specific types of e-liquid, so getting this part right will help you to maximise flavour and vapour production. For example, sub-ohm tanks that produce big, dense clouds need e-liquids with a higher VG content. On the other hand, rebuildable atomizers tend to perform better with e-liquids with a higher PG ratio, which provide a stronger throat hit and more intense flavour.
What Will Work Best For Your Device
Once you have chosen your device, it is time to start experimenting with which e-liquid you will use. There are four major elements you will want to keep in mind that play a crucial role in your overall vaping experience:
- Flavour preference
- PG/VG ratio
- Nicotine content
- The amount you vape
Flavour Preference
Flavour is probably the most exciting aspect of choosing an e-liquid. Whether you want something traditional like tobacco or something more adventurous like bubblegum or strawberry cheesecake, there is a flavour for everyone.
Customisable devices with adjustable airflow and variable wattage can help enhance the flavour of your vape juice even further. If you are using a disposable vape, you might notice that they often taste better right off the bat compared to tank kits. This is because the wicking material in disposable vapes has more time to fully absorb the e-liquid before it is used, resulting in a more flavourful puff.
PG/VG Ratio
The PG/VG ratio of your e-liquid is another essential factor to consider when making your choice. PG and VG serve different purposes in vape juice, and the right ratio depends on your preferences and device type.
A higher VG content will give you more vapour and thicker clouds, but it may come at the cost of less flavour and a weaker throat hit. On the other hand, higher PG contents intensify the throat hit and enhance the flavour, but produce smaller clouds.
For example, if you are using a sub-ohm tank, you will want a higher VG e-liquid to increase your vapour production. But if you are using a rebuildable atomizer, an e-liquid with a higher PG ratio can intensify the throat hit and boost flavour.
Most vapers find that a 50/50 ratio of PG and VG works well for a wide range of devices, but it is all about experimenting to find the best balance for you. Keep in mind that high VG e-liquids are thicker, so they can burn out coils faster when used with high-resistance devices.
Nicotine Content
Nicotine levels vary widely in e-liquids, typically ranging from 0 mg/ml (nicotine-free) to 20 mg/ml or higher. The right amount for you will depend on your vaping device and how much nicotine you want or need according to your tolerance.
If you are using a low-wattage, mouth-to-lung (MTL) device, higher nicotine strengths (like 12 mg/ml or more) work well to satisfy nicotine cravings with fewer puffs. On the flip side, if you are using a high-wattage, direct-to-lung (DTL) device, you will want a lower nicotine strength (usually between 3 mg/ml and 6 mg/ml) to avoid overwhelming your throat and lungs with too much nicotine at once.
Nicotine salts are a popular type of e-liquid perfect for vapers who prefer higher nicotine strengths but do not want the harsh throat hit. Nic salts work best in low wattage devices, but if you have a high wattage setup, you can still use nicotine salts – just be sure to lower the nicotine strength to avoid discomfort.
The Amount You Vape
You should also consider how often you vape, as this will impact how much nicotine you need and how quickly you will go through your e-liquid. If you are a light vaper who takes just a few puffs throughout the day, a lower nicotine strength will probably be enough. If you vape more frequently or used to be a heavy smoker, you will likely need a higher nicotine concentration.
A good rule of thumb is to match your previous smoking habits to your nicotine strength. For example, a heavy smoker (20+ cigarettes per day) will likely benefit from 18 mg/ml to 20 mg/ml nicotine strength, whereas a lighter smoker (around 10 cigarettes per day) may find 6 mg/ml to 12 mg/ml more suitable.
If you are a heavy vaper using a high wattage device, you will likely go through e-liquid faster. In this case, longfills are a great option – these are larger bottles of nicotine-free e-liquid that you can add nicotine shots to, allowing you to control the nicotine level while having more vape juice to make it last longer.
Choosing the perfect e-liquid might seem tricky at first, but it becomes easier once you understand the different factors at play. The type of device you use, the flavour you prefer, the PG/VG ratio, and your nicotine needs all contribute to a tailored vaping experience.
For most pod kits and low wattage devices, a 50/50 PG/VG ratio and nicotine salts will provide a smooth and satisfying vape. For tank kits, a variety of nicotine types and PG/VG ratios will work well, allowing for more experimentation. And for sub-ohm vaping, opt for a higher VG ratio (around 70/30) and lower nicotine strengths for bigger clouds and a smoother hit.
The key is to experiment until you find what works best for you. With such a wide variety of flavours, nicotine levels, and PG/VG ratios to choose from, there’s a perfect e-liquid out there for everyone. So, go ahead – dive in and start discovering your favourites today!
