What is sub-ohm vaping? There are many terminologies used in the vaping world, and learning and understanding all of them can be overwhelming for newbies. One of such terms that newbies will always hear, especially among pro vapers, is “sub-ohm vaping.”
So what is sub-ohm vaping? This article answers the question and explains everything about it in detail, beginning from the sub-ohm meaning.
What Is Sub-ohm Vaping? – What Does Sub-ohm Vaping Mean?
Sub-ohm vaping is a unique style of vaping that involves massive vapors and strong vape flavor. This vaping style employs the direct-to-lung inhalation technique, where vapers inhale the vapor directly from the mouthpiece to the lungs. Sub-ohm vaping is done using sub-ohm devices (or sub-ohmers). These devices are made with low resistance coils, which aid in the manufacture of huge vapors.
Sub-ohm Vaping vs. Regular Vaping
There are several differences between sub-ohm vaping and regular vaping:
- Style: Sub-ohm vaping is best suited to the DTL (direct-to-lung) vaping technique, while regular vaping uses the MTL (mouth-to-lung) technique.
- Devices: The tools used for sub-ohm vaping are collectively called sub-ohm kits. Devices used for sub-ohm vaping must have low coil resistance (1 ohm or less).
- Vape Clouds: Perhaps the most significant difference between sub-ohm and regular vaping is the massive vapors that follow with the former. Sub-ohm vapors are thick and massive, thanks to the low opposition of coils and the high VG e-liquid.
What Are The Benefits Of Sub-ohm Vaping?
Here are the key benefits of sub-ohm vaping:
Massive Cloud Production
The amount of huge vapors you get from sub-ohm vape devices is quite remarkable, perfect for showing off to your vape friends during group sessions. It’s no wonder this is the preferred vaping style for cloud chasers.
Stronger Flavor
If you know the correlation between vapor and flavor concentration, you’ll know that more vapor means more flavor hits. So sub-ohming doesn’t favor only cloud chasing but flavor-chasing as well. Also, considering that VG is the primary flavor-carrying agent in e-liquids, and only high-VG e-liquids are used for sub-ohm vaping, you can be sure that the VG concentration of sub-ohm juices is off the charts.
Stronger Nicotine Hit
Inhaling more vapor means inhaling more nicotine (an addictive chemical). So with every draw, your lungs get filled thoroughly, which quenches your cravings sooner. Also, the DTL vape style makes the chemical hit even more potent, and this is why harsh vape liquids aren’t recommended for sub-ohming.
Stronger Lung Hit
MTL vaping gives an excellent throat hit but not so much of a lung hit. DTL vaping, on the other hand, provides that unique DTL hit that so many experienced vapers crave. Sometimes, this hit may be too harsh for newbies, which is another reason this vaping technique is reserved for the pros.
Greater Range of Devices and Customizations
The devices come in different shapes, sizes, and setups. They also allow for various customizations so you can have a personalized vape experience. For instance, you can adjust the power, airflow, and voltage of a sub-ohmer to suit your specific needs. You can also change the battery and make other adjustments like rebuilding the tank.
Some vapers even go as far as building their own special sub-ohmers from scratch. Regular e-cigarettes for MTL vaping do not give room for too many customizations; most don’t even allow you to refill vape juice manually.
Is Sub-ohm Vaping Safe?
Yes, sub-ohm vaping is safe. However, it may be harsh on newbies due to the direct-to-lung hit. Most new vapers may feel choked as a result, or feel like their lungs are burning. Scenarios like these happen when the wrong combination of power (wattage) and coil resistance is used.
This is why it’s always good to set the sub-ohm tank or device to the safest settings possible, perhaps the lowest voltage and power, before you begin to vape. You can adjust to higher settings as you get more comfortable with the technique.
To be completely safe as a new sub-ohm vaper, get kits from a credible supplier, and stick to the safety guidelines for e-cigarettes and batteries. When you become a pro, you can experiment all you want.
Characteristics Of Sub-ohm Vaping Devices
Coil Resistance
Sub-ohm vape devices feature coils having resistance lesser than 1 ohm. This feature in most devices ranges from 0.15 to 0.5 ohms.
Wattage Settings
Sub-ohm vape devices offer very high wattage to make for powerful clouds. You can set it as high as 200W.
Batteries
The powerful wattage sub-ohm coils provide is thanks to the high voltage released by the battery. However, due to high power outages, the batteries of most sub-ohmers get drained quickly.
Tanks
Unlike the regular e-cigarette that features only two types of tanks (regular and pod tanks), sub-ohm vape devices can feature the following types of tanks:
- Regular tank
- Pod tank
- RTA (Rebuildable Tank Atomizer) – Allows for customization of your coil
- RDA (Rebuildable Dripping Atomizer) – Produces the biggest vapors and best flavors
- RDTA (Rebuildable Dripping Tank Atomizer) – Functions as a dripper and has increased liquid capacity
Best PG/VG Ratios And Nicotine Strength For Sub-ohm Vaping
PG/VG Ratio
When considering the PG/VG ratio, you should go for high VG fluids. They produce massive flavors and don’t give much of a burning sensation when the vapors hit your lungs. An ideal mix would be 70VG/30PG. Generally, any e-juice with 60%VG upwards will suffice.
Nicotine Strength
Most sub-ohm vapers use a nicotine strength of 0.3 percent (or 3mg). This is mainly because sub-ohming involves a lot of vapor production, so the smaller the chemical concentration, the less likely you are to get intoxicated. If you’re a chain smoker trying to quit, you’ll need to vape higher nicotine strength juices (say 6mg).
Why To Choose Sub-ohm Vaping? – When Is Sub-ohm Vaping A Good Fit For You?
Sub-ohm vaping is the right choice for you if:
- You’re one of those vapers who love chasing vape clouds
- You don’t mind sacrificing anything for a better-tasting vape
- You like to explore different vape styles and settings
- You make DIY vape devices or e-liquids
- You have a high-powered device
- You’re allergic to the throat hit from harsh PG fluids
If you tick any of these boxes, then sub-ohming is right for you. Even if you don’t tick any of them, you should try it to at least get the experience. Who knows, you may fall in love with it and make it your everyday vape style.