What is sub ohm vaping, and how do I do it?

What is sub ohm vaping, and how do I do it?

What kit do I need to produce big vape clouds? Is this type of vaping for me? If you’re new to e-cigs, you might have come across terms such as ‘sub ohm vaping’ and ‘sub ohm kits’ and be wondering what it’s all about.

Read on to get the full lowdown on

Sub ohm vaping differs from classic vapes and requires a different kit to do it. Also, as some of the vaping lingo can get pretty technical, we’ll also explain some jargon along the way.

 

What exactly is sub ohm vaping?

To understand this, we need to focus on the atomiser head (aka the coil). This is the small removable component that screws into the bottom of your vape tank. It contains a thin coiled wire (i.e. the heating element) surrounded by absorbent wicking material.

When you press the button on your e-cig, the atomiser converts energy from the battery to heat the wire. This then vaporises the e-liquid that is absorbed into the wicking material.

Now we need to think about resistance, which is a way of measuring how a particular device or material reduces the electric current flowing through it. Resistance is measured in ohms (Ω).

The lower the resistance of your coil, the higher the electric current passing through it.; so your coil will get hotter quicker. A hotter coil means that more e-liquid is vaporised more quickly. As long as there’s sufficient airflow through the tank, this means bigger vape clouds.

So now for a couple of definitions…

  • Plus ohm (i.e. regular) vape kits. These feature a coil with a resistance measurement of between 1.2 ohms and 2.0 ohms.
  • Sub ohm vape kits. These have a resistance measurement of less than 1.0 ohm.

 

How does sub ohm vaping differ from regular vaping?

 

Bigger clouds

Compared to a regular e-cig, sub ohm vaping lets you create larger and thicker clouds; these are (great for smoke rings and other vape tricks.

 

The better option for direct to lung vaping

There are two basic vaping styles. The first is mouth to lung (MTL); where you take a draw of vapour into the mouth, inhale it into the lungs and then exhale. The second is direct to lung (DTL). With this, you inhale the vapour in one single, steady action, without holding it in your mouth, before exhaling.

When it comes to choice of vaping styles, it’s all a matter of personal preference. Those who are new to vaping often go for MTL because it’s the most similar method to smoking (with shorter, more frequent drags). DTL fans are usually looking for bigger clouds and a more intense hit. Sub ohm devices tend to be best for DTL, precisely because they produce these larger volumes of vapour.

 

Good for cutting down on nicotine

Compared to MTL vaping with a standard e-cig, each puff with a sub ohm device tends to consume more e-liquid. It helps you deliver a bigger, more powerful hit.

If you’ve recently switched from smoking to vaping and you currently use 18mg nicotine juice, for sub ohm DTL vaping, you’ll probably find this juice to be overwhelming, with too strong a throat hit. Many sub ohmers load their tanks with juices under 6mg nicotine. Also, if reduction of nicotine consumption is your end goal, sub ohming can be a useful way to get there.

 

Flavour intensity

How would you like your iced orange juice to be more orangey? Or your cheesecake juice to taste even more delicious? With sub ohming you are vaporising more liquid with each puff, so you intensify the flavour sensation of your liquid of choice. If you love trying out premium flavours, sub ohming can be a great way to explore the subtleties of different juices.

 

What type of equipment do I need for sub ohming?

 

E-liquid for sub ohm vaping

Vape juices contain two main ingredients: PG (propylene glycol) and VG (vegetable glycerine). The higher the proportion of VG content, the thicker the liquid. Sub ohm vaping involves more heat, bigger hits and higher vapour production than regular vaping, hence the need for thicker liquid. For this reason, the e-liquids most suitable for sub ohming tend to have a higher VG to PG ratio.

 

Batteries and tanks

Often, the term, ‘mod’ (short for ‘modified device’) is used to describe the casing that houses the battery.

Devices designed for sub ohming tend to look bulkier than regular vape mods and vape pens because they use vape batteries that can handle higher power.

Look closely, and you’ll also see differences in sub ohm tank design. To get those big clouds, you need sufficient air flow. That’s why sub ohm tanks usually have up to three adjustable air holes at the bottom, as opposed to one or two on regular vape tanks. Also, on sub ohm tanks, these air holes are more likely to be adjustable, giving you maximum control to personalise the flavour to vapour ratio.

 

Sub ohm kits

In the early days of vaping, sub ohming demanded a lot of technical knowledge Sub ohmers would source their own tanks, mods and batteries and even build up their own atomisers, cutting up bits of wire and packing in their cotton mesh.

It’s still possible to go down the DIY route, many dedicated vape enthusiasts love this element of it, especially those looking for a customised, ‘big cloud’ experience.
But now, if you want to sub ohm vape, you don’t have to build your own. It’s possible to buy user-friendly kits containing a regulated mod with inbuilt temperature control, usb charging and auto cut-off, the right coils and tank. In fact, everything you need for safe, convenient sub ohm vaping.

 

Is sub ohming for me?

The best advice is to give it a try, it doesn’t have to involve an all-or-nothing choice between sub ohming and regular vaping. There’s nothing to stop you carrying a discrete e-cig for quick MTL puffs on the move, while also having a sub ohm device at home to sit back, make some clouds, and savour the flavour!

Want to find out more about all aspects of vaping? Don’t forget to check out our blog.