Salt Nicotine E-Liquids Explained
A recent development in the vaping world, Nicotine Salts are the revolutionary step to creating the perfect E-Liquid for helping smokers quit. This product is created from taking Freebase Nicotine and adding an acid (such as Benzoic or Citric acid) to balance the pH, creating a more neutral nicotine that provides a gentler throat hit and neutral flavours. Nicotine Salt is actually the original base of nicotine extracted from the tobacco plant making it perfectly natural. Because of the balancing done to the nicotine to create the Nicotine Salts, higher strengths of nicotine can be achieved and be enjoyed without treating your throat to a harsh hit.
For Those Quitting Smoking: Nicotine salts are often an excellent starting point. They provide the higher nicotine levels that many smokers need, delivered smoothly for a more comfortable transition.
For Experienced Vapers: If you've been vaping for a while and wish to reduce your nicotine intake, freebase nicotine allows you to enjoy a wide variety of flavors while gradually lowering your nicotine strength without a harsh throat hit at milder levels.Nicotine Salts: A Smoother Path to Vaping
Understanding nicotine strength is key when you begin vaping. You need enough nicotine to satisfy cravings without experiencing unpleasant side effects like throat irritation or dizziness. Smokers often require higher nicotine strengths initially (18mg to 20mg). However, high-strength freebase nicotine can be harsh and may affect the e-liquid's flavor due to its natural peppery taste.
Nicotine salts ("nic salts") have significantly improved the vaping experience for those needing higher nicotine concentrations. Initially found in closed pod systems, they are now widely available in various strengths in 10ml bottles and disposable vapes.What Exactly Are Nic Salts?
Nic salts are formed by adding an acid, typically benzoic acid, to alkaline freebase nicotine(pH around 9). This neutralizes the pH, resulting in a smoother throat hit and less flavor interference, even at higher nicotine strengths.
Beyond smoothness, nic salts are more stable than freebase nicotine, offering a longer shelf life. Interestingly, nicotine naturally exists in tobacco plants in its salt form. Due to their slightly different chemical structure, nic salts are also absorbed more efficiently by the body.
Why Are Nic Salts Popular and Who Benefits Most?
Nic salts are particularly beneficial for smokers transitioning to vaping, especially those needing higher nicotine strengths. While smokers are used to a throat hit, the intensity of an 18mg freebase nicotine e-liquid can be overwhelming for new vapers. Nic salts provide a comfortable inhale with effective nicotine delivery.
Their popularity has led to a wide range of nic salt strengths, catering to former heavy smokers and allowing those stepping down from 12mg freebase nicotine to choose a 6mg nic salt if preferred, supporting a gradual reduction in nicotine intake and the potential to reach a zero-nicotine level or quit vaping altogether.Ideal Vape Kits for Nic Salts
Due to their easy vaporization, high nicotine content, and stronger perceived hit, nic salts work best with low-powered starter kits like pod systems and vape pens. It's crucial to use a coil with a resistance of at least 1.0ohm. Nic salts are designed for mouth-to-lung vaping; using them in sub-ohm, direct-to-lung devices would result in an excessively intense nicotine hit, even at lower nic salt strengths.
Recommendations Based on Smoking Habits
Over a pack a day: New vapers who are heavy smokers are advised to start with an open pod kit (refillable pods) and a 20mg nic salt e-liquid. This offers the convenience of a pod system with the flexibility to choose e-liquid flavors.
Around 15 to a pack a day: Smokers in this range can also benefit from open pod kits or vape pens paired with a 10mg nic salt. If 10mg isn't enough, 20mg is an option. With coils around 1.0ohm to 1.2ohms, users can expect good nicotine delivery and excellent flavor.
5 to 10 cigarettes a day: Moderate smokers at this level can use 6mg or 10mg nic salts with a vape pen featuring a coil resistance above 1.0ohm. Vape pens often have adjustable airflow, allowing users to customize the nicotine hit and inhale experience.