If you are new to vaping, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the selection of e-juices available. There are hundreds of different juices on the market, and knowing which option is right for you can be daunting. Here are a few factors to consider.
The Difference Between VG and PG
E-juice comprises either a vegetable glycerine (VG) or propylene glycol (PG) base with an added flavouring and nicotine. VG and PG have slightly different qualities, so you need to understand how they will affect your vaping experience.
Propylene Glycol Qualities
PG is the most commonly used base ingredient for e-liquid nicotine, and it is used in thousands of consumer products. PG tends to be thin and tasteless, and among vapers, it is known for producing an exceptional throat hit – a burning sensation at the back of the throat. Other characteristics:
- Less build-up
- Accurate, crisp flavours
- Lower vapour production
Vegetable Glycerine Qualities
Also a safe ingredient, instead of being chemically produced in a lab like PG, VG is 100% natural and derived from plant or vegetable oils. VG produces thicker clouds of vapour, and the thicker quality means it builds up quicker on your vaping gear. This means you will need to clean your gear more frequently. Characteristics include:
- Slightly sweet aftertaste
- Excellent vapour production
- Softer throat hit
- Options for people with PG allergies
Nicotine and Flavour
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of e-liquid flavours, and just like figuring out which PG/VG mix suits you, you will need to experiment with flavours to figure out which ones you find the most appealing. Just because you enjoy watermelon doesn’t necessarily mean you will enjoy vaping a watermelon flavour. Many manufacturers will offer trial sizes so you can try out a couple of different varieties and decide which ones you find the most appealing. Eventually, you will narrow down your preferences. Once you find a few that you like, stick with them or continue trying different flavours for variety.
As for nicotine, you can usually determine how much you require by evaluating the cigarettes you used to smoke. Heavier smokers who enjoy full-flavoured cigarettes typically choose 4mg or higher to satisfy their cravings. More nicotine will satisfy stronger cravings, but it can also generate a more satisfying and deeper throat hit, replicating the feel of a full-flavoured cigarette. Moderate smokers can usually satisfy their milder cravings with either 12mg or 18mg, and lighter smokers seem to enjoy 3mg or 6mg. One of the benefits of e-cigs is the ability to lower the nicotine level, and therefore consumption, over time.
Experimentation Never Has to End
Once you have found an e-juice supplier you are happy with, it is up to you to determine the flavours that will satisfy your personal needs. While you may find the perfect flavour on your first try, experimenting with different tastes, blends, and strengths may be necessary to create your perfect experience.
There are thousands of options, and your preferences may change over time. Your experimentation process never has to end. Variety is just one more thing that makes vaping great!