Transitioning to vaping, especially if it’s a step towards quitting smoking, can be exciting and a tad overwhelming. With a plethora of choices available, one of the primary concerns for new vapers is: “How do I choose the right PG/VG ratio for my vape juice?” This guide is dedicated to demystifying this aspect of vaping, ensuring you make an informed choice tailored to your preferences.
Understanding PG & VG: The Dynamic Duo of E-Juices
PG (Propylene Glycol):
What is it? Propylene Glycol is a synthetic organic compound with the chemical formula C3H8O2. It’s a viscous, colourless liquid which is nearly odourless but possesses a faintly sweet taste.
Purpose in Vaping: PG is known for delivering a more substantial throat hit, which many vapers find similar to the sensation experienced with traditional cigarettes. This makes it a popular choice for those transitioning from smoking.
Vaping Experience: PG’s thin consistency means it’s less likely to build up on the heating element of your vaporizer than VG. This can contribute to a longer device lifespan. Additionally, its thin consistency wicks very effectively, reducing the risk of “dry hits.”
VG (Vegetable Glycerin):
What is it? Vegetable Glycerin is a natural organic glycerol made from vegetable oil, often palm or coconut oil. It’s a clear, odourless liquid with a slightly sweet taste.
Purpose in Vaping: VG is denser than PG, leading to thicker, more voluminous vapour clouds, making it a favourite for “cloud chasers.”
Vaping Experience: Due to its sweet undertone, VG can slightly influence the overall taste of the e-liquid. Its thicker consistency can mean a shorter lifespan for vaporizer coils, especially those not designed explicitly for high-VG liquid.
Safety First: Are PG and VG Safe?
Both PG and VG have been deemed safe for oral, topical, and inhalation applications. Their non-toxic nature is evident from their widespread use in various industries.
PG in Everyday Products: PG has been recognized as safe by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for human consumption. It’s often used as a food additive, in pharmaceuticals as a solvent, and in many personal care products.
VG in Everyday Products: VG, also recognized as safe by the FDA, is often used in foods to sweeten, moisten, and help preserve them. It’s also a common component in soap production.
Decoding the PG/VG Ratio: Tailoring Your Vaping Experience
Understanding the PG/VG ratio is crucial as it can significantly influence your vaping experience. Here’s a deeper dive into the most common ratios:
50/50 Ratio: The Balanced Blend
Versatility: This ratio offers a middle-ground, making it suitable for most vaping devices.
Throat Hit & Flavor: A 50/50 blend provides a noticeable throat hit reminiscent of smoking traditional cigarettes while still delivering a complete flavour profile.
Vapour Production: While it produces a satisfactory amount of vapour, it won’t be as dense as high VG e-liquids.
Who’s it for? Perfect for those new to vaping or those using low-power devices and pod systems.
High VG E-Liquids (80/20 Ratio): The Cloud Enthusiast’s Dream
Vapour Production: As the name suggests, high VG e-liquids produce thick, dense clouds, making them a favourite for cloud chasers.
Flavour Profile: The natural sweetness of VG can sometimes mute certain e-liquid flavours slightly, but it provides a smoother overall taste.
Throat Hit: Offers a much milder throat hit than high PG e-liquids.
Who’s it for? Ideal for sub-ohm vapers and those using advanced mods.
70/30 High VG E-Liquids: The Sweet Spot for Many
Versatility: Compatible with a wide range of devices, especially sub-ohm setups.
Flavour & Vapor: Provides a balance between flavour clarity and vapour production. You’ll get voluminous clouds without compromising much on taste.
Throat Hit: Smooth with a hint of the throat sensation, making it comfortable for most vapers.
Who’s it for? Those who want the best of both worlds – decent flavour and impressive cloud production.
Does PG/VG Ratio Influence Nicotine Strength?
Absolutely. The PG/VG ratio can impact how the nicotine in the e-liquid feels during inhalation.
High PG E-Liquids: These tend to deliver a sharper throat hit, which can make the nicotine sensation feel stronger.
High VG E-Liquids: The smoother nature of VG means that even with the same nicotine strength as a high PG e-liquid, the nicotine hit feels milder.
Remember, DTL (Direct-to-Lung) vapers using high VG liquids often consume more liquid in shorter sessions. This means they might opt for e-liquids with lower nicotine strengths than MTL (Mouth-to-Lung) vapers.
Choosing Your Ideal PG/VG Ratio: A Personal Endeavor
Your perfect PG/VG ratio hinges on your vaping preferences:
Flavour Intensity: If you’re all about savouring every note and nuance of your e-liquid, a 50/50 blend might be your best bet.
Throat Sensatio: If you’re transitioning from smoking and crave that familiar throat hit, consider e-liquids with a higher PG content.
Cloud Production: For those who enjoy creating thick, billowing clouds, high VG e-liquids are the way to go.
Stealth Vaping: If you want to keep your vaping low profile with less visible vapour, lean towards a higher PG ratio.
Conclusion
Embarking on your vaping journey involves a myriad of choices, with the PG/VG ratio being one of the most pivotal. Understanding these ratios ensures you get the most out of your vaping sessions, whether you’re in it for the flavour, the clouds, or a balanced experience. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all; it’s all about exploring and finding what resonates with your personal preferences. Happy vaping!