What are E-Liquids?

Have you ever wondered what that delicious magic fluid is that fuels your vapes? Well, that special sauce is what we call ‘e-liquid.’ E-liquid, also commonly known as ‘e-juice,’ or ‘vape juice,’ is the heart and soul of vaping. But what is e-liquid? Vape liquids play a fundamental role in providing both flavour and relief from nicotine cravings. To put it very simply: No e-liquid, No vaping. It’s the thing that makes vaping a far more pleasurable (and safer) alternative to tobacco, which is why we love it! 

Whether you're exploring the vast range of e liquid flavours available at Vapestore. seeking a specific nicotine strength, or hunting for a vape juice that will work best with your chosen vape device, pods, and coils, understanding the fundamentals of e-liquid is key to your enjoyment.  

Fortunately, understanding e-liquid doesn’t require a degree in chemistry. Far from it. The following guide aims to equip you with everything you need to know about the lifeblood of vaping that we call e-liquid. So, grab your vape, sit back, and let's explore the vibrant world of e-juice together. 

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The Different Types of E-liquid

Once you venture further into the world of vaping, it quickly becomes clear that not all e-liquids are created equal. The variety on offer at Vapestore alone is vast, because we cater to all different preferences and styles of vaping. So, let's break down the main types of e-liquid you're likely to encounter on your vaping journey. 

Classic High-PG:

High-PG or ‘classic’ e-liquids are where many vapers start their journey, especially those newly transitioning from smoking. Why? Because they deliver a tactile throat hit reminiscent of traditional cigarettes, along with clear, vibrant flavours. A higher proportion of PG (propylene glycol) which is thinner, means it works well with simpler, low-power devices like pen-style vapes and pod kits, and low-resistance coils, reducing the risk of clogging. If you're after strong flavour and that familiar back-of-the-throat hit, high-PG e-liquids could be your best bet. 

50/50 E-Liquid:

For vapers looking for the best of all worlds, 50/50 e-liquids strike a perfect balance between flavour clarity, vapour production and a comfortable throat hit. These versatile juices work well with a wide range of devices, from simple starter kits to more advanced setups. Whether you're drawing into your mouth before inhaling to your lungs (MTL) or inhaling directly into your lungs (DTL), a 50/50 blend offers a straightforward and satisfying experience, making it a go-to choice for many vapers

Nic Salts:

Nicotine salts (or nic salts) have changed the game for those seeking higher nicotine strengths without the harsh throat hit such strengths can produce with traditional Freebase nicotine e-liquids. They're absorbed into the body faster too, providing a quicker and more immediate nicotine rush. Nic salts are ideal in low-power, high-resistance devices like pod systems and are perfect for smokers seeking an alternative, offering a smooth yet efficient experience. 

High-VG:

Cloud chasers, these ones are for you. High-VG (vegetable glycerine) e-liquids are thicker than PG, producing rich, dense, billowing clouds of vapour. They're smoother on the throat, allowing for higher wattage vaping without the harshness. These e-liquids are best suited for advance vape kits, high-powered sub-ohm devices, and advanced mods, catering to those who prioritize vapour production over throat hit. The flavour might be slightly muted compared to PG-heavy juices, but the trade-off is worth it for cloud enthusiasts. 

Each type of e-liquid brings something different to the table, and understanding these differences is key to tuning your vaping experience to your exact preferences.  

In our next section, we'll explore the different forms e-liquids can take, from pre-filled pods to 10mls, shortfills, and DIY mixtures, and how they cater to the diverse needs of today’s vaping community.  

The Different Forms of E-liquid 

If the composition of an e-liquid, in terms of VG:PG ratio, determines its ‘type,’ then the format or volume that you buy your e-liquid in determines its ‘form.’ From the convenience of pre-filled pods to classic 10ml, to the customization offered by DIY blends, let's explore the various forms that vape juices are sold in. 

Pre-filled Pods:

For those who value convenience and simplicity, pre-filled pods are a dream come true. These are exactly what they sound like – ‘closed pods’ (e.g. non-refillable, disposable, replaceable) filled with e-liquid, ready to be popped into a compatible device. They're perfect for beginners or vapers who prefer not to fuss with refilling or swapping coils. Just use and replace once the pod is empty or the coil ceases to work. The downside? Less variety in flavours and strengths, and they can be more expensive in the long run. 

10ml Bottles:

The iconic stalwart of the e-liquid world, 10ml bottles are TPD-compliant and offer a way to experiment with a wide range of flavours and nicotine strengths without breaking the bank. They're great for those who like to change up their flavours regularly, and they can carry all types of e-liquid, from 50/50 to nic salts, classic High-PG to High-VG. Plus, they're easy to carry around, making them ideal for vapers on the go. 

50ml and 100ml Shortfills:

Shortfills offer more bang for your buck – they're larger bottles of nicotine-free e-liquid, with space left to add a nicotine shot (see below) if desired. This form is popular among vapers who use higher volumes of e-liquid, especially those with sub-ohm devices that produce a lot of vapour. Shortfills allow for customization of nicotine strength and are a cost-effective way to vape. 

Nicotine Shots:

‘Nic Shots are the perfect way to tailor your shortfill strength to your exact preference. They’re typically 10ml bottles of nicotine suspended in an unflavoured e-liquid solution of PG and VG. We also sell Nic Shots laced with cool menthol so that you can add a dash of arctic cool to any juice you choose. 

DIY E-liquids:

For the tinkerers and flavour enthusiasts, DIY e-liquids are the ultimate way to personalize your vaping experience. By mixing your own base liquids (PG and VG), adding nicotine shots, and experimenting with flavour concentrates, you can create unique blends tailored exactly to your taste. It's a more involved process, but for many vapers, the ability to craft their "perfect" e-liquid is well worth the effort. 

Longfills:

A variation on the DIY theme, longfills are essentially larger bottles of flavour concentrate. They offer a middle ground between pre-mixed e-liquids and full DIY mixing, where you typically add a PG and VG base mix, and nicotine to the concentrate according to your preference. It's a simpler way to get into the DIY scene without starting entirely from scratch. 

Each form of e-liquid serves a different need within the vaping community. Whether you're after convenience, variety, value, or customization, there's an option out there for you. The key is to experiment and find what works best for your device, your taste, and your vaping style.Speaking of which…

A Quick Word About Vaping Styles and E-liquid Suitability 

Understanding your vaping style helps you to get the most out of your vaping experience. There are three common styles to consider: MTL (Mouth-to-Lung), DTL (Direct-to-Lung), and RDTL (Restricted Direct-to-Lung). Each style has its e-liquid preferences, affecting throat hit, flavour, and cloud production. Let's delve into what e-liquids suit each style best. 

MTL (Mouth-to-Lung) 

MTL vaping mimics the traditional smoking experience, where you draw vapour into your mouth before inhaling it into your lungs. It's ideal for those transitioning from smoking to vaping or vapers who prefer a sharper throat hit and higher nicotine strength. 

E-liquid Suitability: High-PG e-liquids and nic salts are perfect for MTL vaping. They provide a strong throat hit and clear flavour, with nic salts offering a smoother experience at higher nicotine levels. 

DTL (Direct-to-Lung) 

DTL vaping involves inhaling vapour directly into your lungs, similar to taking a deep breath. This style is favoured by those who enjoy creating large clouds of vapour and a smoother throat hit. 

E-liquid Suitability: High-VG e-liquids are the go-to for DTL vaping, producing denser clouds and a milder throat hit. Some vapers also enjoy 50/50 blends for a balanced experience. 

RDTL (Restricted Direct-to-Lung) 

RDTL strikes a balance between MTL and DTL, offering a bit more vapour than MTL but not as much as DTL. It's a great middle ground for vapers looking for moderate cloud production but with good flavour. 

E-liquid Suitability: 50/50 e-liquids are ideal for RDTL vaping, offering a nice blend of smooth throat hit, good flavour and vapour production. High-VG options can also work well, depending on your device's capability. 

Up next, we'll match types of eliquid and vaping styles with the sorts of vape kits they work best with, helping you make an informed choice for an optimal vaping experience.  

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