E-liquid
E-liquid, sometimes referred to as vape juice, is one of the two consumables vapers need to purchase. There is a wide selection of bottle sizes, ratios, flavour and nicotine strength available. The main difference in e-liquid ranges is the type of nicotine contained within. Freebase nicotine provides a throat hit based on strength, whereas nic-salt liquids provide little to no throat hit. More information about e-liquid and its main variations can be found at the bottom of this page.
What is E-liquid?
E-liquid is comprised of three main components. These are: Propylene Glycol (PG), Vegetable Glycerine (VG) and flavours. If the e-liquid is premixed then it will also contain nicotine.
PG is responsible for carrying the flavour of the liquid. Also, a higher PG ratio will provide a more satisfying throat hit when in freebase liquid. High PG liquid is more suited towards lower powered devices, which most starter kits are. The more intense throat hit is important to replicate that of cigarettes, meaning that it is more effective as a smoking cessation tool.
VG produces more cloud when vaporised and also adds sweetness to e-liquid. VG heavy liquids are most suited to high power devices, wherein vapers usually enjoy a larger amount of vapour production. Direct-to-lung kits are usually used in conjunction with VG liquids, which are usually a lower nicotine strength.
There are three variations in the type of nicotine within e-liquids. The most common form of nicotine is freebase, which provides vapers with the full strength of their chosen nicotine level. The next format of nicotine is nicotine salts, often referred to as nic-salts. Nic-salts produce little to no throat hit, which can be ideal for new vapers as it alleviates the initial cough that new vapers can experience.
What Are Nicotine Salts?
Nicotine salts are a result of adding an acid to freebase e-liquid. This acid neutralises the alkali used in the nicotine extraction process, this in turn creates a smoother vaping experience with little to no throat hit. Most commonly, nic-salts are available in 50/50 VG:PG or a PG heavy ratio. This means that they are an ideal choice for new vapers, who often choose a low powered starter kit. Also, due to the lack of a throat hit, nic-salts are often available in higher nicotine strengths.
What is Shortfill?
Due to EU law, specifically the Tobacco Products Directive 2016 (TPD), pre-mixed liquids cannot be sold in volumes of more than 10ml. In order to conform to this law, e-liquid companies began to produce 50ml or 100ml bottles of liquid containing no nicotine. Nicotine shots are then added by the consumer to create the desired strength.
|
Bottle Size |
Nic Shots Added | Resulting Strength |
|---|---|---|
|
50ml |
1 |
3mg |
|
50ml |
2 |
6mg |
|
100ml |
2 |
3mg |
|
100ml |
4 |
6mg |
These larger bottles are mostly 70/30 VG:PG, meaning that they are only suitable for more powerful devices.
Which Type of E-liquid is Best for Me?
The ratio of liquid that you use depends on the ohm of your coil. Using an incorrect thickness of e liquid may cause your coils to burn out prematurely or cause your tank to leak.
Above 1ohm coils: This ohm of coil is primarily found in lower power devices, especially starter kits. A ratio of 50/50 or 30/70 VG:PG are the most optimal ratios.
Sub-ohm coils: 50/50 is still a valid option for sub-ohm coils, though you may vape through it slightly faster. 70/30 VG:PG is the ratio that is most commonly used with sub-ohm kits, as it provides a greater volume of vapour production.
Below are some examples of liquids from each category:
Freebase Liquids
For freebase liquids, the most popular ranges include: TECC Titus, Urban Chase & MyVapors.
Nicotine Salt Liquids
The most popular nic salt liquid includes: ELUX Legend Nic Salts, Crystal Bar E-Liquid & Vampire Vape Nic Salts.
Alternatively, if you’d like to try a hybrid nic salt we have Riot bar EDTN & VLTZ E-liquid ranges available.
Bar Salt
Bar salt liquids give you the same sweet and intense flavours you find in disposable vapes, for a fraction of the cost. If you find yourself spending too much on disposables, you should consider switching to bar salts.
Popular choices include ElfLiq, Bar Juice 5000 and MaryLiq Nic Salt.
Shortfill
The only shortfill liquid, at present, is TECC Urban Chase.What Strength Should I Choose?
Please see below for the recommended nicotine strength, based on equivalent number of cigarettes smoked per day:
|
Amount of Cigarettes Smoked Per Day |
E-liquid Strength |
|
<1 |
3mg (0.3%) |
|
1-5 |
5-9mg (0.5%-0.9%) |
|
5-15 |
10-13mg (1%-1.3%) |
|
15-20 |
14-17mg (1.4%-1.7%) |
|
20+ |
18-20mg (1.8%-2%) |
TPD Compliance
There are two main articles of legislation that govern the use of e-cigarettes and e-liquid both within the EU and UK: The Tobacco Products Directive 2016 (TPD, EU) and The Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 (TRPR, UK).
The restrictions that apply to e-liquid are:
- E-liquid that contains nicotine cannot be sold in bottles bigger than 10ml.
- There can be no chemicals used in e-liquid that may be viewed as harmful to vapers.
Still struggling to find what's best for you? Why not speak to one of our friendly Customer Service Advisors on 01254 264118 between the hours of 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. Perhaps you even have a flavour suggestion? Talk to us on social media, we would love to hear your ideas.