Finding the right vape juice can feel overwhelming with so many terms like nic salts, freebase, shortfills, and VG/PG ratios, it’s easy to get lost.
But choosing the correct e-liquid isn’t just about taste. It affects how smooth your vape feels, how long your coil lasts, and how satisfying each puff is.
In this easy, exper guide, we’ll explain everything from nicotine types to device compatibility so you can make confident, informed choices about what goes into your vape.
From Freebase to Nic Salts: Key Terms Explained
Before choosing your ideal vape juice, let’s break down the main ingredients and terms.
|
Term |
What It Means |
Best For |
|
Pure nicotine that provides a stronger throat hit and slower nicotine delivery. |
Ex-smokers who enjoy a sharp, cigarette-like inhale. |
|
|
Nicotine Salts (Nic Salts) |
Naturally derived form of nicotine that feels smoother and absorbs faster. |
Light to moderate smokers who prefer smoother hits. |
|
Shortfill |
Nicotine-free large bottle with space to add a nicotine shot. |
Sub-ohm vapers or heavy users wanting cost savings. |
|
Longfill |
Bottle with flavour concentrate only you add nicotine and base liquid yourself. |
DIY vapers who like custom blends. |
|
VG (Vegetable Glycerine) |
Thicker liquid that makes big clouds and a smooth inhale. |
Cloud chasers and DL vapers. |
|
PG (Propylene Glycol) |
Thinner liquid that carries flavour better and adds throat hit. |
MTL vapers or ex-smokers. |
The VG/PG ratio is the most overlooked factor by beginners. Using the wrong mix (for example, thick VG in a small pod) can burn coils and waste liquid.
Read Blog: Crystal Bar Flavours
Best Vape Juice for Pods and Vape Pens
Pod kits and simple vape pens are designed for balanced 50:50 VG/PG e-liquids. These thinner juices easily wick through smaller coils and provide the best flavour at lower wattages.
They pair perfectly with nic salts for smooth hits or 10ml freebase for a stronger throat feel.
Why 50:50 works best:
-
Thin enough to prevent dry hits.
-
Gives a gentle but satisfying vapour.
-
Works efficiently with compact coils and MTL airflow.
Best choices for pods:
-
Elfliq Nic Salts – smooth hit, perfect for beginners.
-
Vampire Vape Heisenberg – famous freebase flavour for MTL.
-
Bar Juice 5000 – disposable-style taste in bottle form.
This advice is device-specific, verified by coil-resistance design (0.8–1.2Ω). Always check coil compatibility before switching VG levels.
Best Vape Juice for Mods and Pod Mods
Mods and pod mods are more powerful and versatile.
They use low-resistance coils (below 0.6Ω) and can handle thicker high-VG liquids (70VG/30PG or more).
High-VG liquids give bigger clouds and smoother hits but need more power to vaporize properly.
For mods and pod mods:
-
Choose shortfills for flexibility and cost efficiency.
-
Opt for 70VG or 80VG e-liquids for maximum vapour.
-
Experiment with airflow and wattage to balance cloud size and flavour.
Many vapers overlook that VG affects not just vapour but also coil lifespan. High-VG liquids can shorten coil life if airflow is too restricted or wattage too low.
Choosing the Right Nicotine Strength
Nicotine strength decides how satisfied you feel too weak, and you’ll crave more; too strong, and it’ll feel harsh.
|
Smoking Habit |
Nicotine Level |
Recommended Type |
|
Heavy (15–20+ cigs/day) |
18–20mg |
Nic Salt or Freebase |
|
Moderate (10–15/day) |
12mg |
Freebase |
|
Light (1–10/day) |
6mg |
Nic Salt or Freebase |
|
Social/Occasional |
3mg |
Nic Salt or Shortfill |
|
Non-smoker |
0mg |
Nic-free Shortfill |
Studies by Public Health England show that correct nicotine strength significantly increases quit-rate success. Weak e-liquids often lead to relapse or dual use.
The Best Vape Juice for a Strong Throat Hit
If you enjoy that familiar “kick” at the back of the throat:
-
Choose higher-PG freebase e-liquids (50:50 or 40:60).
-
Use an MTL pod or vape pen with tighter airflow.
-
Avoid high-VG liquids they’re too smooth for this purpose.
High PG increases throat hit but also carries flavour better so you don’t need high wattage to taste it. However, it may feel dry if you chain-vape without hydration.
The Best Vape Juice for a Smooth Throat Hit
Prefer a gentle, creamy inhale? Go for nic salts or high-VG shortfills.
Nic salts provide a smooth throat feel even at higher strengths (10–20mg).
For smoothness:
-
Pair nic salts with low-power pods (≤20W).
-
Use high-VG liquids only on sub-ohm mods (≥40W).
-
Keep coils primed to prevent dry burns.
Try: Elfliq Nic Salts, Bar Juice 5000, Seriously Fruity Shortfills.
Smoothness isn’t only about nicotine airflow, wattage, and coil type matter. Large airflow = cooler, smoother vapour.
The Best Vape Juice for a Cigarette-Style Vape
Replicating that cigarette sensation requires the right setup:
-
Tight MTL airflow
-
50:50 e-liquid
-
Nic salts (10–20mg)
Nic salts deliver nicotine quickly and mimic the draw of smoking perfect for switching from cigarettes.
Ideal devices: OXVA Xlim, Vaporesso Xros Mini, Uwell Caliburn Series.
Hybrid nic salts that mix freebase and salts (like Hexa) provide the most realistic cigarette-style experience something missing in the competitor’s breakdown.
The Best Vape Juice for Cloud Chasing
If you’re chasing thick, flavourful clouds, high-VG liquids (70–90%) are your best friend.
|
Coil Resistance |
Power Range |
Result |
|
0.15–0.3Ω |
50–80W |
Massive clouds, warm vapour |
|
0.4–0.6Ω |
30–50W |
Balanced clouds and flavour |
|
>0.8Ω |
<25W |
Mild vapour, flavour focus |
Cloud chasing isn’t just about VG coil design, wattage curve, and airflow play key roles. Many new vapers run thick liquids too cool, producing muted flavour.
Choosing the Best E-Liquid Flavour
Flavour is personal but statistically, fruit and mint flavours help more smokers quit than tobacco ones.
Popular flavour families:
-
Fruity: Mango, watermelon, blueberry, apple.
-
Minty/Icy: Menthol, peppermint, spearmint.
-
Dessert: Vanilla, custard, caramel.
-
Tobacco blends: Smooth or hybrid (tobacco + vanilla).
A UKVIA study found that smokers who switched to fruit or mint flavours were 40% more likely to stay smoke-free after 6 months.
TL;DR: Quick Vape Juice Selector
|
Goal |
Best E-Liquid Type |
Ideal Device |
|
Strong throat hit |
Freebase 50:50 or 40:60 (PG-heavy) |
MTL pod/pen |
|
Smooth hit |
Nic salts or high-VG shortfill |
Pod or mod |
|
Cigarette-like experience |
Nic salt (50:50) |
Pod system |
|
Cloud chasing |
High-VG shortfill |
Sub-ohm mod |
|
Cost-effective vaping |
50:50 shortfill |
Pod/mod combo |
Final Thoughts
Finding your perfect vape juice doesn’t have to be confusing. Once you know your device type, nicotine preference, and flavour goal, everything falls into place. Whether you prefer smooth clouds, strong hits, or authentic cigarette-like satisfaction, there’s a perfect e-liquid out there you just need to match it correctly.
For quality-tested e-liquids and trusted brands, explore Vape4World your reliable destination for premium vape juices, nic salts, and shortfills made for every device and style.
Read Blog: Best Vape Flavours
FAQs:
What vape juice is best for beginners?
A 50:50 VG/PG vape juice with nicotine salts (10–20mg) is best for beginners. It provides a smooth, cigarette-like inhale and balanced vapour production.
Can I use nic salts in any pod device?
No. Nic salts should only be used in low-power pod devices or vape pens under 20W with 0.8Ω–1.2Ω coils. Using them in sub-ohm or high-wattage kits can cause harsh hits.
What’s the difference between VG and PG?
VG makes thicker clouds and a smoother inhale, while PG gives stronger flavour and throat hit. A 50:50 VG/PG mix offers the best balance for most vapers.
Can I mix different vape juices together?
Yes, but only if the VG/PG ratios are compatible, such as two 50:50 blends. Avoid mixing nic salts with shortfills unless you understand nicotine levels.
How long does vape juice last before it expires?
Most vape juices last 12–24 months. Store them in a cool, dark place and avoid using if the liquid smells bad, looks cloudy, or changes colour.





