0
0
Choosing the right vape juice selection is a crucial step for new customers. It allows them to explore their flavor preferences and find the right nicotine strength while maintaining device longevity.
Vape juices contain propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG) and, if desired, nicotine. PG and VG provide different experiences and can affect the flavour of the vapour.
Freebase Juice
If you’ve ever had a starter vaping kit or used pre-filled pods, you have most likely experienced freebase nicotine. It’s been around since the ’60s and is a purer form of nicotine compared to other derivatives.
Freebase nicotine will give a throat hit that is sharper and feels more like smoking traditional tobacco. This type of nicotine has a higher bioavailability which means it is more potent and faster absorbed into our bodies when it’s vaporized.
Nic salts, on the other hand, are not as pure and will have a lower bioavailability. This is due to the fact that they are converted from freebase nicotine using a food-grade acid. This process essentially alters the chemical structure of nicotine from its free base state into a salt and changes it back to its original pH level. The salt is then mixed with the nicotine in e-liquids and is sold in higher nicotine strengths than freebase nicotine.
Higher VG Juice
If you want to vape big clouds, high-VG juices are the way to go. VG (Vegetable Glycerine) is thicker than PG, which makes it a great option for producing thick vapour when heated. If you’re interested in a high-VG e-liquid, then look for shortfills or other e-liquids that have a VG:PG ratio of 70:30 to 80:20.
A high-VG vape juice can produce a lot of dense, thick vapour that can satisfy the cravings of many former smokers. However, it doesn’t deliver the throat hit that many new vapers desire, and it’s important to find a balance between this and your other requirements. Thankfully, you can also increase the power of your device to give more of a throat hit and still enjoy thick clouds. This is something that a good number of new vapers are doing. The Lunar Rover range of e-liquids, for example, comes in two lines – high-VG and 50/50 – to cater to different preferences.
Low PG Juice
Propylene glycol is a tasteless substance that holds and releases e-liquid flavours much better than VG does. It is also a powerful humectant and has a thin consistency similar to water. PG can cause dry mouth and throat for some people, especially those who are just switching to vaping from smoking cigarettes.
However, it carries flavours really well and has a strong ‘throat hit’ which many ex-smokers find familiar and comforting. PG is also a good choice for MTL (mouth to lung) devices and smaller vape tanks.
MTL vapers should avoid high VG juices that can damage simple vape pens or pods. The VG can clog up the heating coil and lead to ‘dry puffs’. To help combat this, you can try using a shortfill or mix your own juice with a low VG ratio. This can help prevent the wick from becoming completely dry in between puffs. A few drops of distilled water can be added to the juice to help it soak the wick quicker.
Nicotine Level
If you want to enjoy the flavours and exhalation of vaping without any nicotine, there are plenty of e-liquids available. This option is ideal for new vapers or those who are looking for a non-addictive alternative to smoking.
Nicotine levels vary between e-liquids, but generally a nicotine concentration of 20mg per ml is the highest allowed under UK regulations. Typically, the nicotine level in a juice is added alongside a food-grade flavouring extract and either created in a lab or extracted from tobacco leaves.
A Californian brand that has risen to popularity with its exotic fruit blends, Pacha Mama use ingredients like starfruit, pitaya and acai in their liquids. Their original range is available as nicotine salts and shortfills, while their latest dessert-based shortfill collection has become a huge hit here at E-Cigarette Direct. Try Fugly but Sweet, an indulgent freshly baked dessert flavour with notes of vanilla brownie and caramel fudge. It’s a high-VG 70VG/30PG mix that’s perfect for sub-ohm tanks.
