Slow and Steady with Nicotine Salts
It seems as though more vapers are trading in their large box mod setups for small and user-friendly pod mods, and for good reason. No one can deny that salt-based nicotine has completely changed the industry forever. This type of nicotine seems to be more capable of satisfying users’ nicotine cravings than freebase nicotine, and the devices with which this type of e-liquid is compatible are much easier to use and conveniently portable.
Many vapers notice that once they make the switch to this new vaping style, they aren’t spending nearly as much money on vape juice each month. Initially, many salt nic newbies are put off by the fact that this type of e-liquid comes in smaller bottles than the type of vape juice that they’re used to. However, they quickly discover that while the bottles are noticeably smaller, they go through them far less frequently.
So, what is it about salt-based nicotine that seems to make vapers go through e-liquid less frequently? As you’ll see, there are a number of factors at play.
How Freebase Nicotine and Salt-Based Nicotine Differ from Each Other
Before we get into the reasons why vapers will likely spend less money on salt-based vape juices over time, we have to examine the key differences between this type of nicotine and the freebase nicotine that used to be our only option.
Freebase nicotine was initially created as a cigarette additive back in the 1950s. It’s a much stronger and more potent type of nicotine that has been chemically modified. In cigarettes, it adds to the intensity with which one feels the nicotine hit. But, when added to vape juice, it must be present only in low concentrations as the high output levels of standard mods can burn it, causing an unpleasant sensation as the vapor makes its way down the throat.
Now, we have nicotine salts, which are also known as salt-based nicotine. This type of nicotine is a compound taken straight from the tobacco plant and added to benzoic acid. This creates a type of nicotine that’s powerfully potent without being harsh, which means that vapers can enjoy a strong blast of nicotine while using a low-wattage device.
Why Vape Juices Containing Salt-Based Nicotine Seem to Last Longer Than Vape Juices Containing Freebase Nicotine
Now that you know what makes salt-based nicotine different from its freebase counterpart, it’s time to explore the variety of ways in which this type of e-liquid can last longer than vape juice that contains freebase nicotine.
The Nicotine Strength is Higher
The biggest reason why vapers go through salt nic e-liquid at a slower rate is because this type of e-juice satisfies their cravings in ways that freebase nicotine could not. Because freebase nicotine e-liquid can only be vaped in low concentrations, users would have to take many big hits in order to get their nicotine fix. Now, with salt-based nicotine, just a couple of puffs is all it takes since the concentration of nicotine is much, much higher. Therefore, vapers are taking fewer hits per vaping session, which results in more e-liquid leftover.
The Device’s Wattage Levels are Lower
Salt-based nicotine e-liquids can only be used with low-wattage devices, which means that the vape juice burns through at a slower rate. You see, high wattages allow the e-liquid to evaporate at a fast pace, which is why sub-ohm vapers tend to run out of vape juice quickly. With low-wattage pod mods, only a tiny bit of e-liquid is evaporated per hit.
The Coils are Smaller
Another factor is the size of the coils that are inside the pod cartridges. Sub-ohm coils are very large and contain big cotton wicks that absorb a lot of e-liquid. When the coil gets heated, the e-liquid that’s saturating the wick turns into vapor. Pod mod coils are much smaller and don’t absorb as much vape juice, which means that less vapor is produced when a device is fired.
The VG/PG Ratio is Different
Another thing to consider is that the VG/PG ratio is different with salt nic e-liquids. The higher the VG, the more vapor is produced each time the device is fired, which explains why high VG vape juices are associated with massive, thick vape clouds. See, sub-ohm setups utilize high VG e-liquids. However, salt nic vape juices have 50/50 ratios, which means that the vapor production is not as high.
The Effects Are Evident
Salt-based nicotine has dramatically changed the way in which we vape, and one of the many advantages that it has is that it helps us save money on e-liquid. As you can see, this vaping style helps us go through e-juice at a far slower rate, which is a welcome change. So, enjoy those savings and keep satisfying your needs with the power of nicotine salts!