Vaping And A Burning Sensation: Navigating Dry Hits Like A Pro

The lifestyle of vaping usually involves running into some challenges along the way, and dry hits are one of these hurdles. Nothing is worse than expecting a puff full of flavour during a smooth vaping session and ending up with the harsh taste and burning sensation of a dry hit. However, there is no need to worry as we dive into the world of dry hits, looking at their causes, effects, and how to navigate them like a pro.

What Is A Dry Hit?

Dry hits are unpleasant experiences that can happen when you inhale vapour from your device. You will notice a very bad taste that resembles a burnt flavour and a dry, irritating sensation in your throat when drawing from your mouthpiece. They do not only taste bad, they also produce a vapourless hit. 

Understanding Dry Hits: What Are The Causes?

There are a few reasons why you could be experiencing dry hits from your device, including: 

• Not filling enough e-liquid
• Not priming your coil properly
• Using the wrong e-liquid
• Setting the wattage too high
• Chain vaping

Not Filling Enough E-Liquid

Dry hits usually happen when you do not have enough e-liquid in your pod or tank to fully saturate the wicking material in your coil. The dried wick heats up, and you will taste the unpleasant burnt flavour when you take a hit of your vape.

Not Priming Your Coil Properly

When you use a new coil, you should make sure that you prime it properly. Make sure that your coil is fully submerged in vape juice for 3-5 minutes before you take a hit. If you have burnt your coil too badly, you will keep getting dry hits, so you will need to purchase a new one.

Coils also burn out after prolonged use. Make sure that you replace your coils when you notice a change in flavour production or quality, or when you start to notice that it tastes slightly burnt. If you keep vaping a coil in this condition, you will end up experiencing a dry hit.

Using The Wrong E-Liquid

E-liquids have different concentrations of base ingredients. Some have high Vegetable Glycerine (VG) levels, high Propylene Glycol (PG) levels, or 50/50 levels. Each type has different viscosities and thicknesses. High VG e-liquids are thicker, while high PG e-liquids are thinner.

Setting The Wattage Too High

If your device’s wattage is set too high for the resistance of your coil or the type of e-liquid you are using, you will get a dry hit. Turn your device off when you carry it in your pocket or bag to prevent it from turning on accidentally. This will also ensure that the power output does not go out of the recommended range.

Chain Vaping

If you’re taking a few quick hits, make sure that you’re giving enough time between puffs for the coil to soak up some e-liquid. Chain vaping can lead to dry hits even if you have enough e-liquid in your pod or tank.

Vaping With Pleasure: How To Avoid Dry Hits

Keeping your coil moist is the best way to make sure you avoid dry hits. But there are some other things you will also need to consider when it comes to preventing dry hits completely. Practices to prevent dry hits include: 

• Keeping your wick saturated
• Changing up your vaping habits
• Adjusting your PG/VG ratio
• Using a mesh coil
• Updating your vaping kit

Keeping Your Wick Saturated

The easiest way to prevent dry hits is by keeping your wick fully saturated. This is especially important when you are using a new coil. Make sure to fill your tank with e-liquid and let it stand for 5-10 minutes before vaping. This ensures that your coil is primed properly and your wick is fully saturated, minimising your chances of experiencing an unsatisfying dry hit.

Changing Up Your Vaping Habits

The way in which you vape can have an impact on how frequently you experience dry hits. Chain vaping, cloud chasing, and vaping at high voltages can increase your chances of experiencing dry hits. 

Chain vaping may also cause your e-liquid to heat up more than usual, which gives it a much thinner consistency. This makes it more difficult for the e-liquid to fully saturate your wick before you take your next draw. Be sure to take some longer and slower puffs and let your vape cool down between sessions.

Adjusting Your PG/VG Ratio

E-liquid contains a few ingredients, including Propylene Glycol (PG) or Vegetable Glycerine (VG) in varying concentrations. VG has a thicker consistency than PG, so many vapers pick e-liquids with a high VG content for cloud chasing. 

However, it takes longer for a coil to become saturated with high VG e-liquids due to its thicker consistency. That is why you might experience more dry hits if you are using VG-dominant e-liquids. Make sure you prime your coil properly and give your vape enough time to rest between sessions. 

If this remains a problem, opt for e-liquids that have a higher PG concentration. Since PG has a thinner consistency, it gets soaked into the coil quickly and easily. Therefore, e-liquids with higher PG concentrations have a lower likelihood of causing dry hits.

Using A Mesh Coil

Mesh coils are pre-build with a meshed heating element. They are specifically designed to heat up faster without creating hot spots on your coil for a consistent vaping experience. Mesh coils spread heat evenly, placing less strain on the coil and making them last longer than regular coils.

Updating Your Vaping Kit

If you follow the guidelines on preventing dry hits and still seem to find yourself experiencing these unpleasant sensations when you vape, it might be time to update your vaping kit. Make sure that you invest in a device that will provide you with the experience you want, along with factors like durability, long-term cost efficiency, and aesthetics. 

Mastering the art of vaping involves enjoying the flavours and sensations of a wide variety of e-liquids along with navigating the occasional dry hit with skill. By understanding the causes behind dry hits and taking preventative measures like priming your coils properly, using enough e-liquid, and keeping your device settings in control, you can minimise the instances of unpleasant dry hits. Keep improving your knowledge on vaping to enhance your overall experience and ensure more enjoyable vaping sessions every time.