When delving into the world of vaping, the choice of e-liquid is more than just a matter of flavor preference; it directly influences the entire vaping experience. Among the myriad options available, the three most commonly discussed e-liquid types are 70/30, 50/50, and salt e-liquids.
Each of these e-liquids has a unique composition that affects everything from throat hit to vapor production, flavor intensity, and even device compatibility. Understanding these differences is essential for both new and experienced vapers to optimize their vaping experience and ensure they get the most out of their devices.
The numbers in 70/30 and 50/50 refer to the ratio of Propylene Glycol (PG) to Vegetable Glycerin (VG) in the e-liquid. PG is known for its ability to carry flavors effectively and provide a stronger throat hit, while VG is thicker and sweeter, producing more vapor.
Salt e-liquids, on the other hand, utilize nicotine salts rather than freebase nicotine, offering a smoother hit even at higher nicotine strengths. Each of these factors plays a crucial role in determining how the e-liquid will perform in different vaping devices and how it will suit individual user preferences.
For instance, a vaper using a basic mouth-to-lung (MTL) device might prefer a 50/50 e-liquid for its balanced throat hit and flavor delivery, while someone using a sub-ohm setup may lean towards a 70/30 e-liquid for its dense vapor production and smoother draw. Similarly, those seeking a higher nicotine content with less harshness might find salt e-liquids to be the ideal choice, especially when paired with low-wattage pod systems.
Whether you’re new to vaping or looking to refine your experience, understanding these key differences will empower you to select the right e-liquid, ensuring that every vape session is as satisfying as possible.
When delving into the world of vaping, the choice of e-liquid is more than just about flavor; it influences your entire vaping experience, from the intensity of the throat hit to vapor production and even device compatibility.
What Are E-Liquid Ratios?
Understanding the composition of e-liquids is essential to optimizing your vaping experience, and this begins with knowing the role of Propylene Glycol (PG) and Vegetable Glycerin (VG), the two primary ingredients in e-liquids.
Understand what is PG (Propylene Glycol) and VG (Vegetable Glycerin)
Propylene Glycol (PG) is a synthetic liquid that is colorless, odorless, and slightly sweet. PG is widely used in food, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products. In the context of e-liquids, PG serves several key functions:
- Flavor Carrier: PG is an excellent solvent for flavor concentrates, allowing the e-liquid to deliver a more pronounced taste.
- Throat Hit: PG is responsible for the “throat hit” sensation that mimics the feel of smoking a traditional cigarette. This is especially important for those transitioning from smoking to vaping.
- Thin Consistency: PG is less viscous than VG, which makes it easier for the e-liquid to be absorbed by the wick in smaller, lower-powered vaping devices.
Vegetable Glycerin (VG) is a natural compound derived from vegetable oils. It is a thick, colorless liquid with a slightly sweet taste and a range of uses in food and cosmetics. In e-liquids, VG plays several critical roles:
- Vapor Production: VG is responsible for producing dense, thick vapor clouds. The higher the VG content, the more vapor the e-liquid will produce, which is especially favored by “cloud chasers.”
- Smoothness: VG contributes to a smoother, gentler hit on the throat, making it ideal for those who find high-PG e-liquids too harsh.
- Viscosity: VG is much thicker than PG, which can affect the e-liquid’s compatibility with certain devices. High-VG e-liquids require more powerful devices and larger coils to vaporize effectively.
VAPE GUIDE
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Ratio Significance
The ratio of PG to VG in an e-liquid determines its characteristics and suitability for different vaping styles and devices. Common ratios include 50/50, 70/30, and specialized blends for specific vaping needs.
- 50/50 Ratio: An equal blend of PG and VG, the 50/50 ratio is a versatile option that provides a balance between throat hit and vapor production. This ratio is well-suited for mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping, which mimics the draw of a traditional cigarette. The 50/50 ratio also delivers a strong flavor profile, making it a popular choice for those who prioritize taste. Additionally, the thinner consistency of a 50/50 blend ensures compatibility with a wide range of devices, including basic vape pens and starter kits.
- 70/30 Ratio: A blend of 70% VG and 30% PG, the 70/30 ratio is favored by sub-ohm vapers who seek dense vapor clouds and a smoother throat hit. The higher VG content produces more vapor, making it ideal for direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping, where the vapor is inhaled directly into the lungs. However, the thicker consistency of 70/30 e-liquids means they require more powerful devices with larger wicking ports to prevent dry hits and ensure efficient vaporization. The 70/30 ratio may slightly mute flavor intensity compared to a 50/50 blend, but the trade-off is a more substantial vapor production and a gentler throat sensation.
- Nicotine Salts: Although not defined by a specific PG/VG ratio, nicotine salts are a type of e-liquid that typically uses a 50/50 blend. The defining characteristic of nicotine salts is the use of nicotine in its natural salt form, combined with an acid to reduce the pH level. This results in a smoother throat hit even at higher nicotine strengths, making nicotine salts ideal for those who require a quick and potent nicotine fix without the harshness associated with high-nicotine freebase e-liquids. Nicotine salts are best used with low-wattage pod systems and MTL devices that can deliver the desired nicotine content effectively.
Detailed Breakdown of 50/50 E-Liquids
Composition: 50% PG / 50% VG.
Vaping Experience
50/50 e-liquids are renowned for offering a balanced vaping experience, combining the best of both worlds in terms of throat hit and vapor production. The 50% PG content provides a noticeable throat hit, similar to that of smoking a traditional cigarette, which is especially beneficial for those transitioning from smoking to vaping.
50/50 BLEND: BALANCED & SMOOTH
Explore Black Note's 50/50 Blend E-Juice
Enjoy a perfect balance of flavor and vapor with Black Note’s 50/50 Blend. Crafted for a smooth experience with an ideal mix of throat hit and cloud production.
At the same time, the 50% VG content ensures moderate vapor production without overwhelming cloud output.
This balance makes 50/50 e-liquids ideal for those who value both a satisfying throat hit and a flavorful experience. The PG component also plays a significant role in enhancing flavor concentration, delivering a more pronounced taste with each puff.
Device Compatibility
50/50 e-liquids are versatile and compatible with a wide range of vaping devices, making them an excellent choice for mouth-to-lung (MTL) devices, starter kits, and vape pens.
These devices typically operate at lower wattages and are designed to mimic the draw of a cigarette, which pairs perfectly with the balanced composition of 50/50 e-liquids.
The thinner consistency of 50/50 blends ensures efficient wicking and vaporization, reducing the risk of dry hits and coil issues.
- Recommended Coil Resistance: 1.0 ohm and above
- Wattage Range: 10-20 watts
- Details: Ideal for mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping, 50/50 e-liquids offer a balanced throat hit and flavor, closely mimicking the experience of traditional cigarettes. These e-liquids are best suited for higher resistance coils (1.0 ohm or above) and are typically used in lower-wattage devices like starter kits, vape pens, and pod systems.
RECOMMENDED DEVICES:
Aspire OBY
Aspire Vilter S
Aspire Vilter Pro
User Preference
50/50 e-liquids are particularly favored by beginners and those transitioning from smoking. The familiar throat hit combined with adequate vapor production helps replicate the sensation of smoking, making the switch to vaping smoother.
Experienced vapers who prefer a balanced experience between throat hit, flavor intensity, and vapor production also appreciate 50/50 e-liquids for their versatility and compatibility with a wide range of devices.
Detailed Breakdown of 70/30 E-Liquids
Composition: 70% VG / 30% PG.
Vaping Experience
70/30 e-liquids are designed to cater to vapers who prioritize smoothness and vapor production. The higher VG content (70%) significantly enhances vapor output, creating dense and thick clouds that are ideal for direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping.
70/30 BLEND: RICH & VELVETY
Explore Black Note's 70/30 Blend E-Juice
Experience deeper flavors and denser clouds with Black Note’s 70/30 Blend. Perfect for bold flavors and a smooth, satisfying vape.
This makes 70/30 e-liquids popular among cloud chasers and those who enjoy a more immersive vaping experience. However, the increased VG content does slightly mute the flavor intensity compared to 50/50 blends, as VG is not as effective at carrying flavor as PG. Despite this, the 30% PG still provides a good balance, ensuring that flavors remain rich and enjoyable, though with a milder throat hit than 50/50 blends.
Device Compatibility
Due to their thicker consistency, 70/30 e-liquids are best suited for sub-ohm tanks and advanced vape mods. These devices are designed to handle the higher viscosity of VG, with larger wicking ports and more powerful coils that ensure efficient vaporization without risking dry hits.
To Understand more about device compatibility read E-Liquid Pairing Guide
Sub-ohm setups, which operate at higher wattages, are particularly compatible with 70/30 blends, allowing vapers to fully experience the smooth, voluminous vapor clouds these e-liquids are known for.
- Recommended Coil Resistance: Below 1.0 ohm (Sub-ohm)
- Wattage Range: 30 watts and above (typically 40-80 watts, depending on the device)
- Details: Designed for direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping, 70/30 e-liquids are thicker due to their higher VG content and require sub-ohm coils (below 1.0 ohm) to produce dense vapor clouds and a smoother throat hit. These e-liquids perform best in more powerful devices that can handle higher wattages, delivering an enhanced vapor production experience.
RECOMMENDED DEVICES:
Aspire BP Stik Pod Kit
Smok Propod GT Kit
Geek Vape Aegis Legend 3
User Preference
70/30 e-liquids are popular among experienced vapers who prefer a smoother inhale and larger cloud production. These e-liquids are particularly appealing to those who have moved beyond the initial stages of vaping and are looking for an experience that emphasizes vapor over throat hit. Cloud chasers and DTL vapers gravitate towards 70/30 blends for their ability to produce impressive vapor clouds while maintaining a satisfying flavor profile.
Understanding Salt E-Liquids
What Are Nicotine Salts?
Nicotine salts are a type of nicotine found naturally in tobacco leaves and differ from the freebase nicotine used in traditional e-liquids. In salt e-liquids, nicotine is combined with an acid (often benzoic acid) to lower its pH level, making it smoother to inhale.
SALT NICOTINE: SMOOTH & SATISFYING
Explore Black Note's Salt Nicotine
Enjoy a smoother hit with Black Note’s Salt Nicotine e-liquids, offering quick, strong nicotine delivery without the harshness. Perfect for mouth-to-lung vaping.
This modification allows nicotine salts to deliver higher concentrations of nicotine with less harshness on the throat, making them an excellent choice for those who need a strong nicotine fix without the discomfort often associated with high-nicotine freebase e-liquids.
Vaping Experience
One of the standout features of salt e-liquids is their smoothness, even at higher nicotine levels. This makes them particularly appealing to vapers who require a strong nicotine hit but find traditional high-nicotine e-liquids too harsh.
The smoothness is achieved through the chemical composition of nicotine salts, which allows for quick absorption into the bloodstream, providing almost immediate nicotine satisfaction.
This rapid absorption is similar to the effect of smoking a cigarette, which is why nicotine salts are often preferred by ex-smokers.
Device Compatibility
Salt e-liquids are best suited for low-wattage devices such as pod systems and certain mouth-to-lung (MTL) kits. These devices are designed to operate at lower power levels, which are ideal for vaporizing the higher nicotine content in salt e-liquids efficiently. Using salt e-liquids in high-wattage or sub-ohm devices can result in an overly intense nicotine hit, which can be unpleasant and lead to excessive nicotine intake.
- Recommended Coil Resistance: 1.0 ohm and above
- Wattage Range: 10-15 watts
- Details: Nicotine salts are formulated for low-wattage devices, such as pod systems, that use higher resistance coils (1.0 ohm or more). This setup ensures a smoother hit, reduces harshness, and prevents excessive nicotine intake, making it ideal for those seeking a satisfying nicotine experience without discomfort.
RECOMMENDED DEVICES:
Aspire OBY
Aspire Vilter S
Aspire Vilter Pro
User Preference
Nicotine salts are particularly popular among ex-smokers and those who seek higher nicotine levels without the harsh throat hit associated with traditional e-liquids. They are also favored by vapers who use pod systems and prefer a more discreet and portable vaping experience.
The combination of a smooth throat hit, quick nicotine satisfaction, and compatibility with compact devices makes nicotine salts an excellent option for those looking for a convenient and effective way to manage their nicotine cravings.
How to Choose the Right E-Liquid for You
Assessing Your Vaping Style
Choosing the right e-liquid starts with understanding your vaping style. If you prefer a strong throat hit similar to smoking, a 50/50 e-liquid might be your best choice. For those who enjoy creating large vapor clouds, a 70/30 e-liquid is ideal due to its higher VG content, which produces thicker vapor.
If quick nicotine satisfaction with a smooth throat hit is your priority, especially at higher nicotine levels, salt e-liquids are the way to go.
Device Considerations
Your vaping device plays a crucial role in determining which e-liquid ratio is appropriate. 50/50 e-liquids work well with basic vape pens, MTL devices, and starter kits due to their balanced consistency.
On the other hand, 70/30 e-liquids, being thicker, require sub-ohm tanks and advanced mods capable of handling higher wattages. Salt e-liquids are best suited for pod systems and low-wattage devices that are designed to deliver higher nicotine levels efficiently without being too harsh.
While 50/50 freebase and nicotine salt e-liquids are typically intended for use with lower-wattage devices like vape pens or pod systems, they can also be used with larger, adjustable wattage devices that support up to 200 watts. However, to ensure a safe and enjoyable vaping experience, the following wattage guidelines should be observed:
- Nicotine Salts (50/50): Keep the wattage under 15 watts to avoid an overly strong nicotine hit and potential discomfort.
- Freebase E-Liquids (50/50): Maintain the wattage below 20 watts to preserve flavor and prevent burning the e-liquid.
By following these recommendations, users who prefer the aesthetic and functionality of larger devices can still enjoy 50/50 e-liquids, maintaining both safety and satisfaction in their vaping experience.
Personal Preferences
Beyond technical aspects, your personal preferences should guide your e-liquid choice. Consider your flavor preferences—50/50 blends often deliver stronger flavors, while 70/30 blends might be slightly muted but offer a smoother experience.
If you need a higher nicotine concentration without the associated harshness, nicotine salts offer an ideal solution. Additionally, think about whether you prioritize a strong throat hit, massive vapor clouds, or quick nicotine delivery, and choose an e-liquid that aligns with these needs.
Choose 50/50 Vape Juice if you’re looking for strong flavours, a pronounced throat hit, and versatility with a wide range of devices, & Opt for 70/30 Vape Juice if you prioritise thick vapour clouds, a smoother inhale, and are using a powerful sub-ohm device.
Why Quality Matters: Choosing Premium E-Liquids
Importance of Quality Ingredients
When it comes to vaping, the quality of your e-liquid is paramount. High-quality e-liquids, like those offered by Black Note, are crafted using premium ingredients, ensuring a purer and more consistent vaping experience.
Quality ingredients not only enhance flavor but also contribute to a smoother and safer inhale, free from harmful additives such as diacetyl, acetoin, and acetyl propionyl. By choosing premium e-liquids, you minimize the risk of exposure to low-grade substances that could compromise your health and overall vaping satisfaction.
Avoiding Low-Quality and Fake E-Liquids
The market is flooded with low-quality and counterfeit e-liquids, which can pose significant risks. These products often contain harmful chemicals, inconsistent nicotine levels, and poor-quality flavorings. Vaping low-quality e-liquids can lead to a subpar experience, including harsh throat hits, weak flavor, and even potential health risks such as respiratory issues or exposure to toxic substances.
To ensure safety, it’s crucial to purchase e-liquids from reputable sources and verify the authenticity of the product. Trusted brands like Black Note guarantee quality, helping you avoid the dangers associated with counterfeit products and enhancing your overall vaping experience.
FAQ’s:
What are the main differences between 50/50 and 70/30 e-liquids?
50/50 e-liquids have an equal ratio of Propylene Glycol (PG) and Vegetable Glycerin (VG), providing a balance between throat hit and vapor production. 70/30 e-liquids contain 70% VG and 30% PG, producing larger vapor clouds with a smoother throat hit but slightly muted flavor.
What is the difference between salt e-liquids and regular (freebase) e-liquids?
Salt e-liquids use nicotine salts, which are absorbed more quickly into the bloodstream, providing a faster and more satisfying nicotine hit compared to freebase nicotine found in regular e-liquids. Salt e-liquids are typically used in higher nicotine strengths and are smoother on the throat, making them ideal for those seeking a stronger nicotine hit without the harshness.
Which e-liquid ratio is best for sub-ohm vaping?
70/30 e-liquids are best suited for sub-ohm vaping due to their higher VG content, which produces larger vapor clouds and is compatible with the higher power output of sub-ohm devices.
Can I use 70/30 e-liquids in a basic vape pen?
No, 70/30 e-liquids are thicker and require more power and better wicking capabilities found in advanced vape devices. Basic vape pens are better suited for 50/50 e-liquids.
Why is the throat hit stronger with 50/50 e-liquids?
The higher PG content in 50/50 e-liquids carries flavor more effectively and provides a sharper throat hit, which many users transitioning from smoking prefer.
Are salt e-liquids better for nicotine satisfaction?
Yes, salt e-liquids are designed for quick nicotine absorption, making them ideal for users seeking higher nicotine levels and a faster hit. They are smoother on the throat even at higher strengths.
Which e-liquid ratio is better for flavor?
50/50 e-liquids generally provide a more pronounced flavor due to the higher PG content, which is a better carrier for flavor concentrates.
Can I use salt e-liquids with sub-ohm devices?
It’s not recommended to use salt e-liquids with sub-ohm devices due to their high nicotine content. Sub-ohm devices produce large amounts of vapor, which can lead to excessive nicotine intake and discomfort.
Choosing Quality for the Best Vaping Experience
Choosing the right e-liquid is essential for a satisfying and safe vaping experience. Whether you prefer a strong throat hit, massive vapor clouds, or quick nicotine satisfaction, understanding the differences between 50/50, 70/30, and salt e-liquids will help you make an informed decision.
Quality also plays a crucial role in ensuring that your e-liquid delivers consistent flavor and smoothness without compromising your health.
At Black Note, we are committed to offering only the highest quality, naturally extracted tobacco e-liquids. Our dedication to premium ingredients and rigorous quality control ensures that you enjoy a pure and authentic vaping experience.
By choosing Black Note, you’re not only selecting superior e-liquids but also safeguarding your health and enhancing your overall vaping satisfaction. Explore our range of e-liquids today to find the perfect match for your needs.
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.
