Tips to help you choose the right eliquid
Posted by Courtney McElligott on Nov 9th 2016
Things to Think About When Choosing an E-Liquid Flavor
Whether you have already found a flavor you love or you are still searching, the sheer number of flavors and flavor combinations on the market can make picking the right e-liquid feel difficult. Most adult vapers would rather not gamble on an unfamiliar juice and end up with a bottle that sits unused. Below are a few practical tips to help you find an e-liquid that suits your individual taste and preferences.
Start by Figuring Out the Flavors You Like Most
Everyone's palate is different, which is exactly why so many e-liquids exist. Browsing our shelves or any vape retail store quickly tells you which category pulls you in, whether you lean toward fruity e-juices or prefer dessert-flavor e-liquids. Many adult vapers gravitate toward a rich tobacco taste, while others reach for sweet or fruity profiles. These flavors are great on their own, and they are also perfect for mixing and concocting unique blends of your own. If you are a "cloud chaser," look for high-VG e-juice with a higher level of vegetable glycerin, which produces larger amounts of vapor.
Check the Quality Before You Buy
Not all e-liquids are made the same way, under the same conditions, or with the same quality of ingredients. Generally you get what you pay for, and that holds true for e-liquid. Most reputable vendors share details about their ingredients and the conditions under which their products are mixed. An e-juice that is dirt cheap may not deliver the experience you want, so if a deal seems too good to be true, it usually is. Genuine specials do exist, so keep your eyes peeled for promotions where you can find affordable e-juice that is still made well. Favor suppliers with higher quality standards, and when in doubt, check that the ingredients are made in the US, where domestic quality standards are typically more stringent.
Test, Test, and Test Some More
Try between 5 and 10 different flavors that appeal to you. When you find a few you like, ask the associates what is in them and whether there are similar e-liquids worth sampling. If you are buying directly from a manufacturer, they made the juice and are the best people to suggest flavors you might enjoy. If you find a few you like but still cannot dial in exactly the profile you want, you may be ready to step up to do-it-yourself experimentation. (DIY is suggested for advanced vapers only, since it takes a solid understanding of every ingredient to do well.)
Many e-cigarette vendors offer DIY e-juice supplies for at-home experimentation with flavor concentrates. By combining a few of your favorite e-liquid flavors, you might land on a new all-time favorite. It is not for the undecided, but here is a bonus: if you go through a lot of e-juice, mixing your own can save you a good deal. Expect to spend a bit upfront, and do not be afraid to try different combinations. If all else fails, do not hesitate to contact us. We are more than happy to help you get started, walk you through choosing a flavor, and answer DIY or any other questions you might have.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the PG/VG ratio in an e-liquid actually change?
PG (propylene glycol) is thinner and carries flavor with a more pronounced throat hit, while VG (vegetable glycerin) is thicker and produces bigger vapor clouds with a smoother draw. A 50/50 blend balances the two; higher-VG blends like 70/30 favor clouds. Both PG and VG are common food additives recognized by the FDA as safe for use in food, which is a fact about the ingredients and not a claim about vapor products.
How do I pick a nicotine strength?
E-liquid nicotine is measured in milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL), with common options including 0mg, 3mg, 6mg, 12mg, and 18mg, plus higher levels in nicotine-salt formats. The right level for an adult vaper is a matter of personal preference and the device being used. Many people experiment across a couple of strengths to find what feels comfortable. Nicotine is an addictive chemical.
What is the difference between freebase nicotine and nicotine salts?
Freebase nicotine is the traditional form used in most bottled e-liquids and pairs well with sub-ohm and direct-lung devices. Nicotine salts deliver a smoother draw at higher nicotine levels and are typically used in lower-power pod systems. Your device and the kind of inhale you prefer usually decide which one fits.
How many flavors should I try before settling on one?
Sampling 5 to 10 flavors across the categories that appeal to you, such as fruit, dessert, menthol, or tobacco, is a good way to narrow things down. Ask staff what is in the ones you like so they can point you toward similar profiles, and consider buying smaller bottles while you explore.
Why are some e-liquids so much cheaper than others?
Price usually reflects ingredient quality, flavor sourcing, and manufacturing conditions. Legitimate sales and promotions exist, but an unusually low price can mean corners were cut. Look for vendors that disclose their ingredients and mixing standards, and favor US-made products where quality standards tend to be more stringent.
Is mixing my own e-liquid (DIY) a good idea?
DIY mixing with flavor concentrates lets you build custom profiles and can lower your cost per bottle if you vape frequently. It is best suited to experienced vapers, since it requires understanding each ingredient and measuring carefully. If you are curious, our team is happy to point you toward starter supplies and answer your questions.
These products are intended only for adults 21+. Nicotine is an addictive chemical. This article is general product information and is not a smoking-cessation claim.