Vaping continues to grow in popularity, with many smokers ditching tobacco in favour of safer and more flavourful e-liquids. Undoubtedly, it offers more versatility so you can tailor the experience to your preference.
However, some people notice that they don't get enough flavour from their vape kits and wonder why others rave about it so much.
Numerous factors contribute to a lack of flavour and are entirely avoidable. Read on to find out how to achieve maximum flavour from your vape kit.
The coils you use define your experience
The type of coil you use will impact the overall flavour of your vaping experience. While some pod kits have built-in coils, vape pens and mods require users to change their coils.
First, each brand and device has its own coils, so make sure you use them. A cheaper deal might seem like a fantastic idea, but generic coils that aren't made explicitly for your device won't offer a great experience.
However, even when you use manufacturer-recommended coils, you'll still have to choose the right ones for your needs.
Standard coils
Coils that measure 1.0 ohms resistance or above, known as standard coils, are perfect for higher nicotine strengths and mouth-to-lung vaping. They don't produce large clouds, but they're ideal for those looking for a cigarette-style replacement as they replicate the experience.
Sub ohm coils
These coils are designed for DTL (direct-to-lung) vaping, which requires you to take deep breaths. The increased airflow will result in bigger clouds, but you'll need an e-liquid with a lower nicotine strength and high VG content of 70VG or higher.
If you're unsure what kind of coils you need or which e-liquids will work with your coil, speak to one of experts in your local vape shop
Which coil type offers more flavour?
If you're looking for more flavour, it's best to use coils with a lower ohm resistance, as they produce more vapour. The increased vapour means more e-liquid in the air, which amplifies the taste.
While DTL (direct-to-lung) vaping isn't for everyone, it's worth trying if you want to get more out of your e-liquid. Just remember to start with a nicotine strength of 3 or 6 mg / ml nicotine strength if you're used to smoking tobacco products.
It's important to remember that you'll use more vape juice with lower-resistance coils, so be prepared to spend more money.
Configure your vape device properly
Some people start with a straightforward vape pen or disposable kit but then move on to something that suits their needs more. Advanced vape devices require user configuration, which can be confusing at first.
Let's look at how to configure your vape kit.
Selecting the right wattage
As well as using compatible coils, you also need to ensure that you're using the correct wattage setting. Different coil types require different wattage settings, so find the ideal level for your coil and use it.
If you set the power too low, you won't get enough vapour, and if it's too high, you'll end up with a burnt taste. Use the manufacturer's recommended settings as a starting point, then experiment until you find the perfect flavour.
You can usually find the recommended wattage range written on the coils, or the box they come with.
Airflow adjustment
How much air hits your coils will also affect the overall flavour. A tighter airflow produces less vapour but gives a more intense throat hit, whilst a loose airflow does the opposite.
Again, it comes down to personal preference, so experiment until you find an airflow setting that works for you. You can usually adjust the airflow by turning a ring at the base of your tank, although some devices have a top airflow.
E-Liquid
Your e-liquid is just as important as the rest of your kit when it comes to flavour. Make sure you use a high-quality e-liquid suited to your device and coils.
If you're using a pod system, you might be limited in terms of which liquids you can use as these tend to use high PG or 50/50 e-liquids. However, other devices give you more freedom to choose from the hundreds of different high VG flavours on the market.
It's worth trying out different brands and flavours until you find something you like. You might even want to mix two or more together to create your perfect taste.
Clean the tank regularly
If you don't clean your tank regularly, the build-up of residue will start to affect the flavour. Every time you refill your tank, give it a quick rinse with water to remove any old e-liquid and ensure it’s dry before reassembling.
It would help if you also gave it a deeper clean every few weeks by separating the tank and cleaning all the separate parts. The user manual will contain detailed instructions - just keep the internal components, such as the coil and battery, away from water.
Choose the right e-liquid
There are so many e-liquids available and each has its unique flavour and nicotine strength. However, the nicotine strength and PG/VG ratio will impact your experience with vaping.
Flavours
A lot of ex-smokers notice that tobacco e-liquids taste different to their cigarettes. It's nothing to worry about, in fact you can taste every element of the tobacco flavour because no tar or carbon monoxide is masking it.
Choose flavours that you like already and accept that vaping tastes different from smoking. After a short while of using a vape your tastebuds will adjust and you’ll eventually wonder why you liked the taste of tobacco in the first place.
VG/PG ratio
E-liquids contain two main ingredients: propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG). The PG is responsible for the throat hit, while the VG produces the vapour that is exhaled.
Most beginner vapers start with a 50/50 liquid as this is what most starter kits and pod vape kits are compatible with and are usually available in a variety of different strengths and flavour.
A high VG e-liquid will be smoother on your throat and will produce much more vapour, these usually come in bottles bigger than 10ml with no nicotine, allowing vapers to add nicotine shots to create their preferred strength. For more on nicotine shots read our blog post: How To Use Nicotine Shots
Nicotine Strength
The nicotine strength of your e-liquid will also affect the flavour. Higher nicotine levels will give you a more intense throat hit but it might be too harsh if you're not used to it.
Most beginner vapers start with medium strength (around 12 mg / ml) and work their way up or down, depending on how they feel. It's easy to adjust your nicotine strength by choosing a different e-liquid.
The bottom line
No way anyone should settle for anything but maximum flavour from their vaping experience, and by following the tips above, you'll love everything vaping has to offer.
Whether you're quitting smoking and want to transition to something better or just love getting your nicotine hit, vape kits and e-liquids are cost-effective and easy to use.