Which juice is the juice for me?

Nicotine salt e-liquids are among the most popular crazes to hit the vape market since freebase. They’re known for being less abrasive, yet more appealing. However, as popular as they are, there are still a handful of people that prefer regular juice AKA freebase. If you’re a first-time vaper, it will help to know how these two types of vaping juice differ. Here is a breakdown of what you need to know: 

Differences	Nicotine Salt (18 mg/ 1.8%mg- 50mg/ 5.0%mg)	Freebase Nicotine (0mg/ 0%- 18mg/ 1.8%)
Device Compatibility	Pod systems or coils ran at 10-40 watts (0.6- 1.8 ohms)	Sub ohm devices with coils ran at 25- 260 watts (0.15- 0.8 ohms)
Throat Hit and Vapor Production	Smooth and mellow, low- medium vapor production	Strong, hard throat hit,
Nicotine Absorption Rate	Rapid	Moderate
Consistency	Thinner	Thicker
Recommended Devices	Smok Solus, Smok Novo, VooPoo Vinci, Vaporesso Xros Mini, Vaporesso Zero	Smok Arcfox, Smok Fortis, VooPoo Drag X/ S Pro, GeekVape M100, GeekVape S100

Form, Throat Hit, and Absorption Rate

Nicotine salt is the chemical in its organic state that is extracted and mixed into e-liquids. Because of this, the body absorbs nicotine salts at a rapid rate balanced over time. This gives nic salts the distinct smoothness that is less harsh on the throat than its freebase counterpart. 

Freebase nicotine is the chemical in its purest form, which gives e-liquids a stronger throat hit than nic salts. It causes the body to absorb nicotine at a slower rate. This type of vaping juice is most suitable for sub-ohming, which involves bolder flavors and much larger vapor clouds. 

Concentration and Power

Because of its mellowness, nic salts are often consumed in higher concentrations. Pod-based vape devices like vape pens are the most common e-cigs for nic salt, which run on a lower wattage. 

The purity of nicotine in freebase is the reason why they are in low concentrations. High-powered devices are most suitable for freebase juices. Those are the vapes that look like big power banks. 

Pros and Cons of Nicotine Salts

One of the main reasons nic salts have become a preferred choice of e-liquid is its low throat hit intensity. You can take several puffs without feeling throat soreness. The smoke that comes from it also makes it ideal for subtle and discreet vaping. 

Nic salt vaping, however, comes in higher concentrations, meaning it has more nicotine than freebase. If you’re looking to reduce your nicotine intake, nic salts might not be the best option for your needs.

Pros and Cons of Freebase Nicotine

Freebase has less nicotine than nic salts, which is why it can help people slowly transition out of nicotine addiction. It also works on most devices and is the ideal juice for sub-ohm vaping.

This type of juice is not for everyone, especially if you’re used to nic salts. It requires more inhaling and can cause some throat irritation if overdone. 

Less nicotine also doesn’t necessarily make it “healthier” than nic salts. Research so far has concluded that their is no difference in harm to the body. 

 

BREAKDOWN OF NICOTINE STRENGTHS

Regular Juice AKA Freebase

  0 MG= 0% nicotine

  3 MG= 0.3% nicotine

  6 MG= 0.6% nicotine

12 MG= 1.2% nicotine

18 MG= 1.8% nicotine

 

Nic Salts

18 MG= 1.8% nicotine

25 MG= 2.5% nicotine

36 MG= 3.6% nicotine

48 MG= 4.8% nicotine

50 MG= 5.0% nicotine