How to Choose the Right Nicotine Strength for Your Vape

Why nicotine strength matters

Choosing the right nicotine strength for your e-liquid is the most critical decision you'll make as a vape lover/enthusiast. It's the single factor that impacts your overall vaping experience, your ability to shift from smoking, if that's your goal. The nicotine level determines the "hit" you feel, how quickly cravings are satisfied, and even the type of device you should use. Too high a strength can lead to a harsh throat hit, a dizzying feel, and a general vibe of being overwhelmed. Too low, and you'll find yourself constantly craving more, leading to chain-vaping and ultimately, an unsatisfying experience that may send you back to cigarettes. If you're still unsure we are here to explain it all.

Nicotine levels explained

Vape juices and prefilled devices come in a wide range of nicotine strengths, measured in milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL). It's also sometimes listed as a percentage (e.g., 20mg). 

• 0mg (0%): Nicotine-free. This is for people who simply enjoy the flavour/smoke and act of vaping without any nicotine. It's also the final step for the ones who have successfully shifted themselves off nicotine entirely.
• 3mg (0.3%): The lowest strength containing nicotine. Ideal for very light smokers (fewer than 5 cigarettes a day) or for those who have already reduced their nicotine intake and are looking for a minimal hit. Best used with high-powered DTL (Direct to Lung) devices that produce large amounts of vapour, which usually need less strength.
• 6mg (0.6%): A popular choice for light to moderate smokers (up to half a pack a day). This strength provides a gentle throat hit and works well for both DTL and RDL (Restricted Direct-to-Lung) devices.
• 12mg (1.2%): A medium strength perfect for moderate smokers (up to a pack a day). This is often the starting point for those who use a Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) device, as it provides a satisfying throat hit without being overpowering.
• 18mg (1.8%): This has long been a standard maximum strength designed for heavy, pack-a-day-plus smokers who need a substantial amount of nicotine to satisfy their cravings. The harshness of the throat hit can be desirable for those who are used to the feel of smoking a cigarette. Best used with: Low-wattage, Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) devices.
• 20mg (2.0%): The highest strengths typically available in UK. These are designed for heavy smokers (more than a pack a day) who require a strong and immediate nicotine hit to eliminate cravings. These strengths are almost exclusively used with low-wattage MTL devices and provides a perfect hit.

Nic salt and freebase strength differences

Not all nicotine is created equal. The type of nicotine in your e-liquid impacts the strength you should choose.

Freebase Nicotine

Freebase nicotine is the traditional form of nicotine found in most classic e-liquids.. It is a purified form that, due to its higher alkalinity, delivers a more subtle and sometimes harsh throat hit, especially in higher concentrations. This can be a desirable sensation for ex  smokers who are fond of the feeling of a cigarette. This form of nicotine is absorbed into the bloodstream more slowly, providing a slow, more prolonged effect. Because of the harshness at higher levels, freebase nicotine is most often used in low concentrations (e.g., 3mg or 6mg) with high-powered, Direct-to-Lung (DTL) devices that produce large volumes of vapor.

Nicotine Salts (Nic Salts)

Nic salts are formulated by adding a mild acid to freebase nicotine. This lowers the pH, resulting in a much smoother inhale, even at very high concentrations. Nic salts are absorbed into the bloodstream more quickly, providing a faster, more cigarette-like nicotine rush. This instant craving satisfaction allows for strengths in  20mg (in the UK), making them perfect for users of pod systems and other low-wattage devices who need a strong dose of nicotine..

Matching nicotine strength to vaping style (MTL/DTL)

Your vaping style, how you inhale is directly linked to the nicotine strength you should use.

• Mouth-to-Lung (MTL): MTL devices, like pod systems and vape bars, have a tight airflow and produce a small to normal amount of vapour. Because of the low vapour volume per puff, you need a higher concentration of nicotine to get a satisfying hit. For MTL, go for 10mg and above, with nic salts being an excellent choice for a great, high-strength experience.
• Direct-to-Lung (DTL): DTL devices, such as box mods and sub-ohm tanks, feature wide-open airflow and produce massive clouds of vapor. Each puffs delivers a large volume of vapour and a significant amount of nicotine. Using a high strength with a DTL device would be incredibly harsh. For DTL, stick to low strengths 3mg or 6mg freebase nicotine are the most common and recommended choices.

FAQ section

I'm a heavy smoker. Should I start with the highest strength?
Yes. If you're a heavy smoker, starting with a higher nicotine strength (18mg or 20mg) in a simple MTL device will provide the satisfaction you need to satisfy cravings and avoid returning to cigarettes. You can always reduce the strength over time.

Can I use a nic salt e-liquid in a DTL device?
No, this is highly not advisable. Nic salts are specifically designed for use with low-wattage devices. The high vapour production of a DTL device combined with the high concentration of nic salts can lead to an excessive nicotine dose, causing discomfort and a potentially negative experience.

How do I know if my nicotine strength is too high or too low?
If the nicotine is too high, you might experience a harsh throat hit, lightheadedness, or nausea. If it's too low, you'll feel an urge to chain-vape, and your cravings won't be fully satisfied. Listen to your body and adjust accordingly. It might take a few tries to find the perfect balance.