Choosing the correct nicotine level is an important decision for those who are just starting to vape. Too much nicotine and you may end up coughing, while a weak e-liquid can leave you with little taste. Or worse yet, you may end up spending a good deal of money on an oversized bottle or pack, only to find that the nicotine strength isn’t enough to meet your needs.
Vape liquids come in strengths starting at zero nicotine and going as high as 30mg/mL. Navigating through these levels can be confusing at first, but it doesn’t have to be! In this article we help point you in the right direction when choosing the concentration of nicotine within the ranges most commonly found on the market.
3-6 mg/mL – Low Range
This range is usually preferred by “dripper” vapers, using rebuildable atomizers (RDA, RBA) or users of more advanced “sub-ohm” tank systems. Mainly, it’s because they like to vape more often, using more puffs to get the same amount of nicotine.
Also, atomizer and sub-ohm devices tend to generate much more vapor (because of the way they are built and the airflow they deliver) than 1st generation cartomizers and vaporizers. Using a high intensity nicotine e-liquide with a sub-ohm atomizer packs a lot more punch than through a standard cartomizer for example.
6-12 mg/mL – Mid Range
This range is generally a good starting option for those who are moderate to light smokers and plan to use a “tank” device or atomizer. If you are trying to switch from smoking cessation therapy, such as nicotine gum, this may be the best level for you.
12-18 mg/mL- Medium-High Range
This range is ideal for the heavy smoker, or those who smoke cigarettes with high nicotine content, in cartomizer-type equipment or beginners, such as an electronic cigarette in pencil format. Because it is a particularly high level, the ideal is to try starting at 18 mg / mL and from there, begin to lower (or increase) the level until you find the ideal point for daily consumption.
It is important to note that nicotine has its own flavor that alters that of your vaping liquid. Plus, it’s easy to get more nicotine than you expect when you inhale, which can leave you feeling slightly high, even if you’re experienced with conventional cigarette smoking.
18-36 mg/mL – High Range
Although this high level of nicotine is generally recommended only for heavy smokers (those who smoke more than 2 packs a day), you should keep this level in mind even if you smoke a pack a day. It’s true that it’s a stronger vape, but a 2014 study found that new vapers who start with e-liquids over 20mg/ml have a higher success rate when it comes to quitting and changing habits.
Hopefully this article could clear up your doubts when it comes to choosing the e-liquid that best fits your expectations and needs. Thanks for reading!