A Beginner's Guide to Sub-Ohm Devices: Choosing the Right E-Liquid for an Optimal Vaping Experience

Sub-ohm devices are not recommended for use with:

• Nicotine salt e-liquids: 20mg (2%), 30mg (3%), or 50mg (5%).
• 50VG/50PG freebase nicotine e-liquids.

If you’re new to sub-ohm vaping, here’s everything you need to know about why these types of e-liquids are not suitable and how to choose the right e-liquid for a satisfying vape.

For an optimal sub-ohm vaping experience, stick to high VG e-liquids with low nicotine concentrations.

Black Note

Sub-ohm devices are designed primarily for direct lung (DL) vaping and work best with:

• Lower nicotine levels (below 12mg).
• High VG e-liquids (70VG/30PG or higher).

Learn more about the difference between 70VG/30PG, 50VG/50PG, and Salt Nicotine here.

Using nicotine salts or 50VG/50PG freebase nicotine in sub-ohm devices can lead to an uncomfortable and harsh vaping experience due to the device’s higher power output and the characteristics of sub-ohm coils. Here’s a breakdown of why these types of e-liquids are not recommended:

1. Leaking

Sub-ohm devices are designed for high VG e-liquids, which are thicker. Using thinner liquids like nicotine salts or 50VG/50PG freebase can lead to leakage through the coil and airflow openings, resulting in a messy experience and possible damage to your device.

2. Dry Hits

Coils in sub-ohm devices are optimized for thicker, high VG e-liquids. Using thinner e-liquids can result in the coil not adequately absorbing the liquid, leading to unpleasant dry hits and a burnt taste.

3. Compromised Flavor

Sub-ohm coils are engineered to enhance the rich, robust flavors of high VG e-liquids. Using nicotine salts or 50VG/50PG e-liquids can dilute the flavor, affecting the overall quality of your vaping experience.

4. Low Vapor Production

One of the key features of sub-ohm devices is their ability to produce large vapor clouds. nicotine salts or 50VG/50PG e-liquids, particularly at lower wattages, can significantly reduce vapor production, defeating the purpose of using a sub-ohm device.

5. Safety Concerns

Nicotine salts are meant for low-power, mouth-to-lung (MTL) devices. Using these in a sub-ohm device can lead to excessive nicotine intake, potentially causing side effects like dizziness, nausea, or headaches.

6. Inadequate Coil Performance

Sub-ohm coils are built for higher wattage use (typically above 25W). Running these coils at lower wattages, as required for nicotine salts, leads to poor performance, potentially shortening the coil’s lifespan.

7. Battery Drain

Sub-ohm devices are designed for consistent power output. Using e-liquids that require lower wattage settings can cause inconsistent power consumption, leading to faster battery drain and the need for more frequent recharging.

8. Inefficient Nicotine Delivery

Nicotine salts are formulated for quick absorption and a smooth throat hit. Using them in a sub-ohm device results in too much nicotine being delivered too quickly, which can lead to an overwhelming experience.

Explore the Health Considerations of Naturally Extracted Tobacco E-liquid vs. Disposable Vapes.

For an optimal sub-ohm vaping experience, we recommend using e-liquids with:

• High VG content (70VG/30PG).
• Nicotine concentrations between 0mg and 12mg.

This setup ensures a smoother, more enjoyable vape, without the risks mentioned above.

What to Do for a Better Vaping Experience

If you prefer to use nicotine salts, we recommend switching to a mouth-to-lung (MTL) device for a better experience. Here are some recommended devices:

Tips to Avoid Issues if You Choose to Use Nicotine Salts with a Sub-Ohm Device

1. Use a Higher-Resistance Coil: Opt for coils designed for MTL vaping, such as 1.0 ohm or higher.
2. Keep the Wattage Low: Stay under 15 watts to avoid an excessively strong nicotine hit and ensure a smoother experience.

Safety Warning: Be cautious when using 50mg salt nicotine with sub-ohm devices, even at low wattages, to prevent dizziness, nausea, or discomfort.

For the best vaping experience with sub-ohm devices, stick to high VG e-liquids (70VG/30PG) with low nicotine concentrations (0mg to 12mg). Understanding the compatibility of your device with different types of e-liquids will help you avoid potential issues like leaking, dry hits, and overwhelming nicotine delivery.

The information provided in this blog post is for educational and informational purposes only. This information is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organization, employer, or company, including Black Note and its affiliates. The author, who is not a medical professional, writes this blog post without intending to offer medical advice or replace advice or treatment from a personal physician.

This blog post discusses tobacco products, e-cigarettes, and related substances, intended solely for adults 21+ and potentially harmful to health. Consult a doctor before starting or continuing to smoke and/or vape.

The author, the blog, Black Note, and its affiliates assume no responsibility for any actions or inaction a reader takes based on the information presented in this blog. We do not intend this content to promote smoking or vaping, and readers should interpret it accordingly.