In this article, we are going to guide you through the clouds and explain the world of sub ohm vaping. If you are new to all this then it may seem a little daunting, but don’t worry, we are going to keep things as simple as we can.
Hopefully, once you have read what we’ve got to say about sub ohm vaping, you can work out if it is the best option for you.
- What is an Ohm?
- Is sub ohm vaping safe?
- How do you use a sub ohm vape?
- What juice is best for sub ohm vape?
- What is the difference between sub ohm and MTL vaping?
- Is sub ohm vaping for me?
Chase the clouds with sub ohm vaping
What is an ohm?
Let’s start with the basics. What is an Ohm? An ohm is a unit to measure electric resistance. All prebuilt coils will have a resistance, which will be found either on the coil or on the packaging. If the coil is under 1, then it is a sub ohm coil. When resistance is lower it produces more flavour and more vapour.
You can learn more about ohms on our blog, vaping and battery safety here’s a little brief info to get you started.
In 2014 sub ohm made its debut in the vaping world. This was due to the first sub ohm tanks coming out, the Herakles, the Arctic and the Aspire Atlantis. Since that tank, there have been some great improvements on sub ohm tanks which provide more flavour and more vapor.
The reason why you enjoy more flavour is due to more vapour being pulled into your lungs. Sub ohm coils are generally wider, allowing more air to flow through too.
You will also inhale differently to a typical cigarette draw when you use a sub ohm vape. The type of draw is called direct to lung. We explain this in more detail below, under the header, how to use a sub ohm vape.
Is sub ohm vaping safe?
Sub ohm vaping is more and more mainstream these days. However, even the most basic sub ohm mods can be dangerous when used incorrectly. Here are our top tips to ensure that your sub ohm vaping experience is safe
1. If you are a beginner then use a regulated box mod
This allows you to enjoy sub ohm vaping with much fewer risks and little knowledge of ohms law. These mods have safety features too. However, as with all electrical goods, follow the instructions and watch out for any malfunctions.
2. Use mechanical mods with caution and knowledge
A mechanical mod cannot be adjusted. This means that all the battery power fires up the coil. You can adjust wattage with this type of kit only by using different coil resistances, which you build yourself. Before you use the coil, you should test it with an ohmmeter to check that it is safe and will not short circuit and cause a fire.
3. Get savvy on battery safety
Beware of fake batteries or those that are not in great condition. You also want to make sure you never keep batteries in our pocket. We have a whole post on battery safety. Read it!
4. Buy genuine kits!
Don’t buy knock-off kits just because they look the part and are cheap. It might mean that they haven’t gone through such rigorous testing or have the safety features that the genuine one has.
How to use a sub ohm vape?
To use a sub ohm vape, such as a box mod, you will most likely adjust the settings, such as the wattage and temperature control. You’d then push the fire button and take a long slow inhale, about 3-5 seconds.
You draw the vapour directly into your lungs, not mouth and then lungs like a traditional draw. The wider drip tip allows for more air to be inhaled too.
Here’s a short video on how to vape properly:
What ejuice is best for sub ohm vaping?
A sub ohm vape is going to require high VG eliquid. This is juice that contains 60% or more VG. VG is much thicker than PG and creates cloud as well as a smooth throat hit. You can find our more in-depth about high VG e-liquids in our Ultimate Guide to Vaping.
What is the difference between sub ohm and MTL vaping?
There are a couple of big differences between MTL and sub ohm vaping, here’s a simple breakdown, or you can see our MTL vs DTL Vaping Guide.
- MTL is like a traditional cigarette draw, sub ohm is direct to lung
- Sub ohm creates thick clouds and has a smooth throat hit
- Sub ohming uses higher powered devices with adjustable watts
- Sub ohm uses high VG juice, M.T.L uses high PG or nic salts
- Sub ohm kits are often larger in size and have more functions
Is sub ohm vaping for me?
Sub ohm vaping isn’t for everyone. For one, sub ohm vaping is a different style to your cigalike or starter kits. Instead of mouth to lung, like a cigarette, you inhale the vapour directly into the lungs. If you are looking for something like a cigarette then sub ohm vaping won’t be your first choice due to the way in which you inhale.
A sub ohm vaping device will be bulkier than the alternative. This is due to it needing a bigger battery. Not only that, but these kits often have displays where you can make adjustments to watts and more. If you like something robust and bulky then sub ohm is the way to go, here’s our Sub Ohm Vape Kit Range. If you are after something discrete for your pocket or purse, then it isn’t for you.
With a low ohm resistance, you can expect your juices to drain a little faster, but you will find you can bring the nicotine content down a notch at the same time; which is a definite bonus.
Operating at 0.5 ohms (Anything less than 1 ohm, is referred to as sub-ohms) you will need to make sure the device you are working with can handle this type of tank – don’t start attaching ego batteries or petrol station specials; these babies are meant for a little more advanced vape kits.
Many of us have two kits. One smaller, mouth to lung device for out and about, then one big cloud sub ohm kit for home and other occasions.
Final round-up, what is sub ohm vaping?
To conclude, sub ohm vaping refers to the resistance of the vape coil. The lower the resistance the bigger the cloud production. If you are looking for rich and dense clouds with great flavour then this is for you. If you are just after a device to replicate smoking then opt for something more basic with a mouth to lung pull.
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