Cigarettes = Nicotine Strength
New to vaping?
Then you need to decide which e-liquid to use.
There are four choices to make.
1. Which nicotine strength is right for you?
2. Which flavour should you try?
3. Which VG:PG ratio should you use?
4. Which nicotine type should you use?
Which nicotine strength is right for you?
The number one reason why most smokers fail to switch to vaping is a low nicotine strength.
For example, a study by Gentry et al found that low e-liquid nicotine strengths correlated with higher relapse rates. A second study by Juul labs found that people in countries with higher nicotine strengths were more likely to switch successfully than people in countries with lower nicotine strengths.
The table below suggests different nicotine strengths for different people. However, needs vary from person to person. It’s important to experiment with different nicotine strengths until you find the one that works best for you. If you find you are still experiencing cravings, try using a higher nicotine strength.
| 1.6-2% | Medium to heavy smokers |
| 1.0 – 1.5% | Light smokers |
| 0.1%-0.9% | Vapers who are reducing nicotine strength |
| 0% | Vapers who are ready to stop using nicotine, but are not yet ready to stop vaping. |
Flavour Selection
Choosing an e-liquid flavour is an enjoyable part of the vaping experience as there is such a wide choice of great tasting e-liquids.
The choice can be overwhelming, so our advice for new vapers is to keep it simple.
Many new vapers select a tobacco or menthol flavour at first. However, research shows that vapers who start with a non-tobacco flavour are more likely to switch successfully.
If you can’t bring yourself to use a non-tobacco flavour when you start, you might try a hybrid flavour. There are many e-liquids that combine a tobacco flavour with other elements, such as honey roast notes, chocolate or cinnamon.
When you start vaping, it’s a good idea to buy a few different e-liquids and try them at home.
Don’t buy 10 bottles in one strength and flavour until you’re comfortable that:
- you can vape it all day
- the strength satisfies your nicotine requirements.
Your local dedicated vape store will be able to advise you further.
VG:PG Ratio
E-liquids are made up of two ingredients: propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerine (VG).
This is usually expressed as a ratio: VG:PG.
E-liquids with a VG:PG ratio of around 30:70 to 50:50 have a stronger throat hit and work better with starter kits. E-liquids with a VG:PG ratio of 70:30 work better with more advanced kits. They have a softer throat hit and produce more vapour.
Most vapers initiate their vaping journey with a starter kit, as they are easy to use. If that’s the case for you, it’s advisable to start with PG content of at least 50%. This will ensure your starter kit works well, and will better replicate the experience of smoking with a satisfying throat hit. (See Mouth to Lung and Direct Lung vaping for more information.)
Nicotine Type
Nicotine comes in two types: freebase and nicotine salts.
Freebase (or regular) nicotine has a stronger throat hit and is closer to the experience of smoking. Nicotine salts have a smoother throat hit, even at higher nicotine strengths.
If you like a strong throat hit, you’re better off using freebase nicotine. However, if you prefer a smooth throat hit, or if freebase nicotine makes you cough, nicotine salts are the better choice.
If you’re not sure which will be right for you, it’s well worth trying both types of nicotine.
Wrapping Up
There’s no right or wrong choice when it comes to e-liquid. The key to success is to try different e-liquids and see what works best for you. The tasting process can be a lot of fun too. Enjoy!
