Sub-ohm vaping has become a popular choice among vapers who prefer dense clouds and rich flavors. These devices are designed for those who want an enhanced vaping experience, but using the right e-liquids is crucial to get the most out of your sub-ohm device. This guide will walk you through the best practices for using sub-ohm devices, particularly focusing on the type of e-liquids that provide the best experience.
Important Note for Sub-Ohm Vaping:
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.
Why You Should Avoid Nicotine Salts and 50VG/50PG E-Liquids in Sub-Ohm Devices
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.
Best Practice: Use High VG E-Liquids
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:
- Use a Higher-Resistance Coil: Opt for coils designed for MTL vaping, such as 1.0 ohm or higher.
- 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.
Take Our Quit Smoking Quiz
If you’re new to vaping or unsure which e-liquid or device is right for you, take our Quit Smoking Quiz to find your perfect match:
VAPE GUIDE
New to Vaping or Black Note?
Whether you're transitioning from smoking to vaping or seeking an upgrade to natural tobacco e-liquids, Black Note has you covered. Our quick, 15-second quiz and comprehensive guide are tailored to help both smokers and current vapers discover their ideal natural vaping alternatives.
FAQ’s:
What is sub-ohm vaping?
Sub-ohm vaping refers to using a device with a coil resistance of less than 1 ohm. This setup produces larger vapor clouds and more intense flavors, making it popular among cloud chasers.
Why should I avoid nicotine salt e-liquids in sub-ohm devices?
Nicotine salts are designed for low-power devices and can lead to excessive nicotine intake, harsh throat hits, and uncomfortable vaping when used in high-power sub-ohm devices.
What is the ideal VG/PG ratio for sub-ohm vaping?
The best ratio for sub-ohm vaping is 70VG/30PG or higher. High VG e-liquids provide thicker clouds and smoother hits, which sub-ohm devices are designed to enhance.
Can I use Nicotine Salt or 50VG/50PG Freebase e-liquids with the Sub-ohm Devices?
It’s not recommended, as thinner liquids like 50VG/50PG can cause leaking, dry hits, and reduced flavor production in sub-ohm devices.
What nicotine level is best for sub-ohm vaping?
Sub-ohm devices work best with low nicotine levels, typically between 0mg and 12mg, to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
What happens if I use nicotine salts in my sub-ohm device?
Using nicotine salts in a sub-ohm device can result in harsh hits, excessive nicotine intake, and even dizziness or nausea due to high nicotine delivery.
How can I improve my vaping experience with a sub-ohm device?
To optimize your experience, use high VG e-liquids (70VG/30PG) and keep nicotine levels below 12mg. This setup ensures better flavor, vapor production, and overall satisfaction.
Conclusion
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.
About The Author
Lexi Burgess, Follow me on LinkedIn
I keep my ear to the ground to report on Big Vape, emerging health research, and new vape legislation. When the ever-changing landscape of the vape industry isn’t on my mind, I play badminton and read old horror novels.
Disclaimer
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 adult use and potentially harmful to health. We advise all readers/users of this content to quit smoking and/or vaping, or to 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.
