Embarking on the world of vaping can be overwhelming for newcomers, especially when faced with the vast array of e-liquid options. The evolution of the e-liquid and vape industry over the past decade has transformed it into a diverse landscape beyond traditional tobacco flavors and basic pens. E-liquids, vaporized and inhaled in vape devices, come in various flavors, strengths, and formulas. This guide ensures that readers will have a solid understanding of e-liquids by the end, making informed choices for an enjoyable vaping experience.
What are the constituents of E-Liquid?
Approved and licensed bottles of vape liquid available at Vapeshire typically contain a maximum of four ingredients: Propylene Glycol (PG), Vegetable Glycerin (VG), Food Flavourings, and Nicotine. Contrary to expectations, the composition is surprisingly simple, resembling everyday items found in kitchen cupboards. Let's delve into each ingredient to understand their role in the vaping experience.
• Propylene Glycol – PG: This chemical adheres to food-safe standards and is deemed fit for human consumption. Widely utilized in the food and medical industries, PG in e-liquid is a carrier for nicotine and flavor. It provides the traditional "throat hit" akin to cigarettes. A thinner consistency helps it vaporize quickly.
• Vegetable Glycerin – VG: A thick, food-safe substance derived from plant oils, VG functions as a sweetener and thickener. When used in electronic cigarettes, it plays a crucial role in vapor production while offering a smoother inhale.
• Food Flavorings: Flavor concentrates, commonly used in e-liquids, are water-soluble and typically produced by companies specializing in flavorings and fragrances. These concentrates encompass a broad spectrum, ranging from tobacco and fruit flavors to more unconventional options like chocolate glazed donuts. Notably, numerous commercial e-juices incorporate sweeteners, with sucralose being the most prevalent among them. At Vapeshire, you can choose different flavor groups such as fruit, mint, tobacco, menthol, drink, candy & treats, dessert & cream.
• Nicotine: A highly addictive substance, nicotine, while poisonous in large doses, poses the real danger of addiction to smoking and vaping. It's advised against taking up vaping if you haven't smoked before. You can select amongst nicotine strength options of 0mg, 3mg, 6mg, 24mg, 25mg, 35mg, 48mg, 50mg, and 55mg at Vapeshire. The nicotine strength is indicated by the amount per 1 ml of juice. Here are the most common ones:
o 3 mg/mL or 0.3% = super low
o 6 mg/mL or 0.6% = low
o 12 mg/mL or 1.2% = low to medium
o 18-24 mg/mL or 1.8% – 2.4% = medium to high
o 36 mg/mL or 3.6% and above = super high
What Nicotine level should you opt for?
Selecting the appropriate type of liquid hinges on the device you use and your reasons for vaping. This consideration extends to choosing the correct nicotine strength, where all these factors interplay. To simplify the process, let's categorize it based on your smoking habits:
• For social smokers, those who indulge once or twice a week, opting for a low nicotine option, such as 3mg, is recommended. This choice is often suitable for individuals who have successfully quit smoking and no longer require a substantial nicotine hit. Alternatively, if you enjoy the act of vaping but have overcome the craving for nicotine, 0mg juice is also available.
• For individuals classified as light smokers—those consuming fewer than ten cigarettes a day—a nicotine strength of 6mg is recommended. Positioned on the lower end of the scale, this strength is ideal for those who derive pleasure from vaping while still desiring a mild nicotine buzz. You can easily find 6mg options in PG and 50/50 e-liquids, although VG options may be slightly less abundant.
• For the average smoker consuming up to a pack a day, a 12mg e-liquid is recommended. This nicotine strength serves as an ideal starting point for individuals with a typical smoking habit, offering a transition and substitution that aligns with the nicotine intake from regular cigarettes.
• For heavy smokers, those consuming more than a pack a day, the recommended nicotine strength is the maximum of 18mg or even 24mg. This higher strength is tailored for individuals with a significant smoking habit, requiring a potent dose to achieve proper satisfaction from vaping. It's important to note that these higher nicotine strengths are generally available in e-liquids with 70% PG or higher, necessitating the use of a vape pen or a non-sub-ohm device.
What PG/VG Blend should you choose?
If you've started exploring e-liquids, you'll likely encounter different ratios, indicating the proportion of PG (Propylene Glycol) and VG (Vegetable Glycerin) in the liquid. For instance, a label stating "PG 70/30" consists of 70% PG and 30% VG. Understanding these ratios is crucial for ensuring an enjoyable vaping experience.
• PG BASED JUICES:
Primarily chosen by those aiming to quit smoking, PG vape liquids offer higher nicotine levels, and a more pronounced throat hit. Starting at around 70% PG, these liquids simulate the smoking experience rather than emphasizing cloud production. Vaped at lower temperatures, they accommodate nicotine strengths up to 20mg.
• VG BASED JUICES:
VG vape juices are renowned for producing voluminous clouds in various exotic flavors. Starting at around 60% VG, these thicker liquids are vaped at higher temperatures, limiting nicotine strengths to 6mg or below.
• 50/50 VAPE JUICES:
Combining the best of both worlds, 50/50 e-liquids consist of 50% PG and 50% VG. This balance produces a flavorful liquid with a satisfying throat hit, producing more vapor than a PG liquid. Versatile enough for use in various devices and tanks, nicotine levels range from 0mg to 11mg, catering to light to medium smokers.
• SHORT FILL E-LIQUIDS:
Short fills are larger bottles of nicotine-free e-liquid, leaving space for users to add their nicotine using a nicotine shot. Introduced to comply with regulations, as nicotine-containing e-liquids cannot be sold in bottles exceeding 10ml, short fills offer flexibility in nicotine customization.
Discovering the Ideal E-Liquid for Your Device
The most efficient method is to examine the coils on your device. Replaceable coils typically feature a printed ohm rating on the metal casing. Locate the ohm rating and consult the earlier guidelines to determine whether a higher PG or VG e-liquid is suitable. Unless the ohm rating is meager, a balanced 50% e-liquid is generally reliable.
