In the ever-evolving world of vaping, one technique has gained significant attention and popularity: sub-ohm vaping. This advanced approach to vaping offers a unique and immersive experience, catering to the needs of seasoned vapers and cloud chasers alike. If you're curious about delving into the realm of sub-ohm vaping, this comprehensive guide is your gateway to unlocking its full potential.
What is Sub-Ohm Vaping?
Sub-ohm vaping refers to the practice of using vape coils with a resistance of less than 1 ohm. This low resistance allows for the use of higher wattage and airflow, resulting in the production of larger, denser clouds of vapour and a more intense flavour profile. The term "sub-ohm" comes from the fact that the coil resistance is measured in fractions of an ohm, typically ranging from 0.1 to 0.5 ohms.
How Sub-Ohm Vaping Works
To understand sub-ohm vaping, it's essential to grasp the concept of resistance in vaping. Resistance, measured in ohms, determines the amount of current that flows through the coil. Lower resistance coils, such as those used in sub-ohm vaping, allow for a higher current flow, which in turn generates more heat and produces larger, more intense vapour.
Sub-ohm coils are designed with thicker, lower-resistance wire, often made of materials like kanthal, nichrome, or stainless steel. This construction allows for a greater surface area, enabling the coil to vaporize more e-liquid at higher wattages, resulting in the signature sub-ohm vaping experience.
Equipment for Sub-Ohm Vaping
To fully embrace the world of sub-ohm vaping, you'll need the right equipment. This includes:
Sub-Ohm Tanks
Sub-ohm tanks are specifically designed to accommodate low-resistance coils and handle the increased airflow and wattage required for sub-ohm vaping. These tanks feature larger juice channels, wider airflow, and often incorporate adjustable airflow control to fine-tune your vaping experience.
High-Wattage Vape Mods
Sub-ohm vaping requires a powerful vape mod capable of delivering high wattages, typically ranging from 80 to 200 watts. These advanced mods are equipped with high-capacity vape batteries and sophisticated chipsets to ensure safe and reliable performance at the elevated power levels.
High VG E-Liquids
To complement the sub-ohm vaping setup, you'll need e-liquids with a higher vegetable glycerin (VG) content. High VG e-liquids, typically with a 70% VG or higher ratio, produce thicker, denser clouds and a more intense flavour profile.
Benefits of Sub-Ohm Vaping
Embracing the sub-ohm vaping experience offers several distinct advantages:
Increased Vapour Production
The low-resistance coils and high-wattage output of sub-ohm vaping result in the generation of significantly larger, more impressive clouds of vapour. This is a key appeal for cloud chasers and those who enjoy the visual aspect of vaping.
Enhanced Flavour Intensity
The increased airflow and wattage in sub-ohm vaping allow for a more thorough vaporisation of the e-liquid, unlocking a deeper and more intense flavour profile. Vapers can enjoy a richer, more nuanced taste from their favourite e-liquids.
Warmer Vape Experience
Sub-ohm vaping produces a warmer, more satisfying vape due to the higher wattage and increased heat output. This warmth can enhance the overall vaping experience, particularly for those who prefer a more robust and satisfying throat hit.
Considerations and Safety
While sub-ohm vaping offers numerous benefits, it's essential to approach it with caution and a focus on safety. Key considerations include:
Battery Safety
Sub-ohm vaping places a significant strain on vape batteries, as they must deliver high currents to power the low-resistance coils. Proper vaping battery safety, including the use of high-drain batteries and appropriate charging practices, is crucial to prevent potential hazards.
E-Liquid Consumption
Due to the increased vapour production, sub-ohm vaping typically results in a higher consumption of e-liquid. Vapers should be mindful of their e-cig usage and ensure they have an adequate supply on hand.
Nicotine Strength Adjustments
When transitioning to sub-ohm vaping, it's essential to adjust your nicotine strength accordingly. The increased vapour production and absorption can lead to a more potent nicotine experience, so it's recommended to start with a lower nicotine concentration. Read our How To Mix Nicotine Guide.
Getting Started with Sub-Ohm Vaping
If you're ready to explore the world of sub-ohm vaping, here are some tips to get you started:
Choosing the Right Equipment
Invest in a high-quality sub-ohm tank and a powerful, high-wattage vape mod that can handle the demands of low-resistance coils. Research and select equipment that suits your vaping preferences and skill level.
Priming Coils
When installing new sub-ohm coils, be sure to prime them properly by vape dripping e-liquid directly onto the coil and wicking material. This ensures the coil is thoroughly saturated and prevents dry hits.
Finding the Right Wattage
Start with a lower wattage and gradually increase it until you find the sweet spot that delivers your desired vapour production and flavour intensity. Pay attention to your device's recommended wattage range for the specific coil you're using.
Advanced Techniques
As you become more comfortable with sub-ohm vaping, you may want to explore some advanced techniques:
Cloud Chasing
For those who enjoy the visual spectacle of vaping, cloud chasing vape involves pushing the limits of vapour production through techniques like lung-inhaling and specific coil and airflow configurations.
Direct-to-Lung (DTL) Inhaling
Sub-ohm vaping lends itself well to a direct-to-lung (DTL vape) inhaling technique, where the vapour is drawn directly into the lungs, rather than the mouth-to-lung (MTL vape) approach used in more traditional vaping.
Conclusion
Sub-ohm vaping offers a thrilling and immersive vaping experience, catering to the needs of seasoned vapers and cloud chasers alike. By understanding the principles behind this advanced technique, selecting the right equipment, and prioritizing safety, you can unlock a new level of flavour intensity and vapour production. Embrace the power of sub-ohm vaping and embark on a journey of enhanced vaping satisfaction.