Identical VG/PG Ratios for Freebased and Salt-Based Juices Can Be Different
Before there was salt-based nicotine, we spent a lot of time determining which VG/PG ratio was best suited for our vaping needs. The rule of thumb has always been that more vegetable glycerin (VG) produces larger, thicker clouds while more propylene glycol (PG) results in a more pronounced flavor and a stronger throat hit.
However, the world of vaping has changed dramatically since the discovery of nicotine salts. Now that we have salt nic e-liquid, we can enjoy a strong punch of nicotine that satisfies our cravings. This type of vape juice also gives us a powerful throat hit that many find to be quite pleasurable.
Typically speaking, e-liquid made with nicotine salts contains a base of 50/50 VG/PG. This leads many vapers to wonder if their freebase nicotine e-liquid can be used interchangeably with salt nic e-juice. To put it simply, the answer is no. We're going to explain why these two types of juices are very different.
Throat Hit
E-Liquid that's made with salt-based nicotine is known for the strong throat hit that it provides. This is because of the nicotine salts in addition to the ratio of VG to PG. When nicotine salts are inhaled, they punch the back of the throat before making their way into the lungs.
Sure, you can get a decent throat hit with a standard juice that has a high amount of PG. However, most vapers agree that it just doesn't compare to salt nic e-juice.
Cloud Production
When you vape a salt nicotine-based e-juice, you're just not going to get the same clouds that you got with a freebase e-liquid. This mostly has to do with the device that you're using. Salt nic juices requires a totally different atomizer style that utilizes a coil that's not designed to produce big, puffy fog.
Those thick, enormous clouds are the result of using a sub-ohm coil and setting your device (mainly a box mod with temperature control) at a high wattage level. Nic salt e-liquid must be used with a low-wattage device in order to preserve the type of nicotine.
Nicotine Buzz
Because of the nature of nicotine salts, you're going to get more of a buzz when you vape this type of e-liquid. Freebase nicotine must be heated to an extremely high temperature in order to deliver that same buzz. The problem is that freebase nic becomes extremely harsh when heated to this temperature. Salt-based, on the other hand, can be enjoyed at a high temperature without irritating your throat.
The Device
Of course, the most obvious difference between these two types of e-liquid is the device that's used. A device (pod bases system) that's designed for salt nic e-liquids is not compatible with vape juices that are made from freebase nicotine. Similarly, a sub-ohm mod can't handle a salt nic e-liquid.
To sum it up, the reason for comes down to the power of the device, the tank it uses, and the coils that are made to handle difference resistances.
There Are Differences Indeed
As you can see, these two types of e-juices are incredibly different from each other. The type of juice that's right for you depends on your vape-related preferences.
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