Sub-ohm vaping has become a buzzword in the vaping community, and for good reason. It’s a style of vaping that offers big clouds, intense flavor, and a unique experience that’s different from regular vaping. But what exactly is sub-ohm vaping? How does it work? And is it right for you? This guide will answer all those questions and more, taking you through the ins and outs of sub-ohm vaping so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your vaping journey.

At its core, sub-ohm vaping refers to using a coil with a resistance of less than 1 ohm. Ohms are a unit of measurement for electrical resistance. In vaping, a coil with lower resistance allows more electricity to flow through it. This means the coil heats up faster and produces more vapor. That’s why sub-ohm vaping is known for big clouds—more heat leads to more vaporization of the e-liquid. But it’s not just about clouds. Sub-ohm vaping also enhances flavor, as the increased heat can bring out more nuances in your e-liquid.

To understand sub-ohm vaping, it helps to compare it to regular vaping, which uses coils with a resistance of 1 ohm or higher. Regular vaping, sometimes called “mouth-to-lung” (MTL) vaping, mimics the feel of smoking a cigarette. The vapor is drawn into the mouth first, then inhaled into the lungs. Sub-ohm vaping, on the other hand, is often “direct-to-lung” (DTL) vaping. You inhale the vapor straight into your lungs, similar to taking a deep breath. This style works well with sub-ohm coils because the larger amount of vapor is easier to inhale directly.

The Basics of Sub-Ohm Vaping: Coils, Devices, and E-Liquids

Sub-ohm vaping isn’t just about the coil. It involves a combination of the right coil, device, and e-liquid to work properly. Let’s break down each component.

Coils for Sub-Ohm Vaping

The coil is the heart of sub-ohm vaping. Sub-ohm coils are designed to have a resistance below 1 ohm, usually between 0.1 and 0.5 ohms. They’re made from materials like kanthal, nickel, or stainless steel, and they often have a larger surface area than regular coils. This larger surface area allows them to heat more e-liquid at once, which is why they produce more vapor.

Sub-ohm coils also have more wraps or a larger diameter than standard coils. Some are even mesh coils—flat sheets of metal with tiny holes—that create an even bigger surface area. Mesh coils are popular in sub-ohm vaping because they heat evenly, reducing hot spots that can burn the e-liquid and ruin the flavor.

Devices for Sub-Ohm Vaping

Not all vaping devices can handle sub-ohm vaping. Sub-ohm coils require more power to heat up, so you need a device that can deliver higher wattages. Most sub-ohm vaping devices are box mods or advanced vape pens that can output 50 watts or more. Some can even go up to 200 watts or higher, giving you plenty of control over the heat.

These devices often have adjustable wattage and temperature settings, which is important for sub-ohm vaping. You can tweak the power to match the coil’s recommended wattage range, ensuring you get the best performance. Many sub-ohm devices also have larger batteries or use multiple batteries to handle the higher power demands. This means they can last longer between charges, even with heavy use.

E-Liquids for Sub-Ohm Vaping

The type of e-liquid you use is crucial for sub-ohm vaping. Regular e-liquids with high nicotine levels (like 12mg or more) can be too harsh when vaped sub-ohm. The increased vapor and heat make the nicotine hit stronger, which can irritate the throat. That’s why sub-ohm vaping e-liquids usually have lower nicotine levels—between 0mg and 6mg.

E-liquid viscosity also matters. Sub-ohm coils work best with e-liquids that have a high vegetable glycerin (VG) content. VG is thicker than propylene glycol (PG) and produces more vapor, which is perfect for sub-ohm vaping. Most sub-ohm e-liquids have a VG/PG ratio of 70/30 or higher. This high VG content ensures the coil stays saturated, preventing dry hits even with the increased heat.

Flavor is another consideration. Sub-ohm vaping can intensify flavors, so e-liquids designed for sub-ohm use often have bolder, more complex profiles. Fruit, dessert, and candy flavors are popular choices because their sweetness and richness shine through with the extra vapor.

How to Get Started with Sub-Ohm Vaping

If you’re interested in trying sub-ohm vaping, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started.

First, choose the right device. Look for a box mod or vape pen that’s designed for sub-ohm vaping. It should have adjustable wattage, preferably up to at least 50 watts. Many beginner-friendly sub-ohm kits come with everything you need: the mod, a sub-ohm tank, and pre-built coils. This is a good option if you’re new to sub-ohm vaping, as it takes the guesswork out of picking separate components.

Next, select your e-liquid. As mentioned, go for a low nicotine level (0mg to 6mg) and a high VG ratio (70/30 or higher). Start with a flavor you enjoy—if you like fruity e-liquids, try a sub-ohm version of that. This will make the transition easier as you get used to the sub-ohm vaping experience.

Once you have your device and e-liquid, it’s time to set up. Fill the sub-ohm tank with e-liquid, making sure not to overfill it. Let the coil sit for a few minutes to soak up the e-liquid—this is called priming. Priming is important for sub-ohm coils because they need to be fully saturated to avoid burning.

Then, adjust the wattage on your device. Check the coil’s recommended wattage range (it’s usually printed on the coil or the packaging) and set your device to the middle of that range. For example, if a coil is rated for 40-60 watts, start at 50 watts. This gives you a good baseline to work from.

Take your first puff. Remember, sub-ohm vaping is direct-to-lung, so inhale the vapor straight into your lungs. You’ll notice more vapor than with regular vaping, and the flavor should be strong and rich. If it tastes burnt, stop immediately—you might not have primed the coil enough, or the wattage is too high. Let the coil cool down, check the wattage, and try again.

As you get more comfortable, experiment with the wattage. Increasing it can produce bigger clouds and more intense flavor, but don’t go above the coil’s maximum rating. Decreasing it might give you a smoother experience, with a slightly milder flavor. Find the sweet spot that works for you and your e-liquid.

The Pros and Cons of Sub-Ohm Vaping

Like any vaping style, sub-ohm vaping has its advantages and disadvantages. Understanding them can help you decide if it’s right for you.

Pros of Sub-Ohm Vaping

• Big Clouds: This is the most obvious benefit. Sub-ohm vaping produces much larger clouds than regular vaping, which many vapers enjoy. It’s great for cloud chasers who love performing tricks or showing off their vapor.
• Intense Flavor: The increased heat and vapor of sub-ohm vaping can bring out flavors in e-liquids that regular vaping misses. This makes it a favorite among flavor chasers who want to experience every note in their e-liquid.
• Smooth Hits: Even though sub-ohm vaping produces more vapor, the high VG e-liquids and lower nicotine levels make the hits smooth. This can be more enjoyable for some vapers than the harsher throat hit of regular vaping.
• Customization: Sub-ohm devices offer lots of control over wattage and temperature, allowing you to tailor your experience. You can adjust settings to match different e-liquids, ensuring each one tastes its best.

Cons of Sub-Ohm Vaping

• More E-Liquid Use: Sub-ohm vaping uses e-liquid faster than regular vaping. The larger coils and higher heat vaporize more juice with each puff, so you’ll need to refill your tank more often. This can be more expensive in the long run.
• Shorter Coil Life: The high heat and increased e-liquid use mean sub-ohm coils don’t last as long as regular coils. You’ll need to replace them more frequently, which is another ongoing cost.
• Bulkier Devices: Sub-ohm devices are often larger and heavier than pod systems or basic vape pens. They can be less portable, making them less ideal for vapers who want something small and discreet.
• Steeper Learning Curve: Sub-ohm vaping requires more knowledge than regular vaping. You need to understand coil resistance, wattage settings, and e-liquid ratios to get the best experience. It’s not as plug-and-play as some simpler devices.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Sub-Ohm Vaping

If you decide to try sub-ohm vaping, these tips can help you make the most of your experience.

• Prime Your Coils Properly: Always prime new coils by adding a few drops of e-liquid directly to the coil’s cotton. Then fill the tank and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This ensures the cotton is fully saturated and prevents burning.
• Keep Your Device Clean: Sub-ohm tanks can get dirty quickly, especially with sweet e-liquids that leave residue. Clean the tank regularly by rinsing it with warm water and drying it thoroughly. This helps maintain good flavor and performance.
• Monitor Battery Life: Sub-ohm vaping uses more power, so your battery will drain faster. Keep a charger handy, and consider carrying a spare battery if your device uses replaceable ones. This way, you won’t be caught without power.
• Experiment with E-Liquids: Not all e-liquids work well with sub-ohm vaping. Try different flavors and VG/PG ratios to see what you like best. Some flavors that are mild in regular vaping become amazing with sub-ohm, while others might be too strong.
• Stay Within Coil Limits: Never exceed the recommended wattage range for your coil. Doing so can burn the coil, ruin your e-liquid, and even damage your device. Stick to the range provided by the manufacturer.
• Practice Good Airflow: Most sub-ohm tanks have adjustable airflow. Open it up for bigger clouds, or close it slightly for more intense flavor. Play around with the settings to find what works for you.

Common Myths About Sub-Ohm Vaping

There are a lot of misconceptions about sub-ohm vaping. Let’s debunk some of the most common ones.

• Myth: Sub-Ohm Vaping is Only for Experts: While sub-ohm vaping does require a bit more knowledge than basic vaping, many beginner-friendly kits make it accessible to new vapers. These kits come with pre-built coils and simple settings, so you don’t need to be an expert to get started.
• Myth: Sub-Ohm Vaping is Dangerous: Like any vaping, sub-ohm vaping is safe when done properly. Using the right device, coils, and e-liquids, and following the manufacturer’s instructions, minimizes risks. Avoid cheap, unbranded devices, and you’ll be fine.
• Myth: You Need to Build Your Own Coils: While some advanced sub-ohm vapers build their own coils, it’s not required. Pre-built sub-ohm coils are widely available and work great for most vapers. You can enjoy sub-ohm vaping without ever touching a coil-building tool.
• Myth: Sub-Ohm Vaping is Just for Cloud Chasers: While big clouds are a part of sub-ohm vaping, many people enjoy it for the flavor. The enhanced taste is a major draw, even for vapers who don’t care about cloud size.

The Future of Sub-Ohm Vaping

Sub-ohm vaping has come a long way since it first became popular, and it continues to evolve. Manufacturers are constantly improving sub-ohm devices and coils to make them more efficient, longer-lasting, and easier to use.

One trend is the development of mesh coils, which we mentioned earlier. Mesh coils provide better heat distribution and longer life than traditional coils, making them a favorite in sub-ohm vaping. We’re likely to see more advanced mesh designs in the future, with even better performance.

Another trend is smarter devices. New sub-ohm mods often have features like coil recognition, which automatically sets the wattage based on the coil you’re using. This makes sub-ohm vaping more user-friendly, especially for beginners. Some devices also connect to apps, allowing you to track usage, customize settings, and get recommendations for e-liquids.

E-liquid companies are also innovating for sub-ohm vaping. We’re seeing more high VG e-liquids with complex flavor profiles designed specifically for sub-ohm use. These e-liquids are formulated to stand up to the high heat, ensuring the flavor stays strong even with intense vaping.

Final Thoughts: Is Sub-Ohm Vaping Right for You?

Sub-ohm vaping is a fun and exciting way to vape, but it’s not for everyone. If you love big clouds, intense flavor, and customizing your vaping experience, it’s definitely worth trying. It’s also a good option if you prefer smooth hits with lower nicotine levels.

On the other hand, if you prefer small, portable devices, don’t want to go through e-liquid quickly, or are happy with the simplicity of regular vaping, sub-ohm might not be for you. It’s all about what you value in your vaping experience.

If you’re on the fence, start with a beginner sub-ohm kit. These kits are designed to be easy to use, and they come with everything you need to try sub-ohm vaping without a huge investment. You can always go back to regular vaping if you don’t enjoy it.

No matter what you decide, sub-ohm vaping has something to offer. It’s a testament to how far vaping technology has come, and it continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Whether you’re a cloud chaser, a flavor enthusiast, or just curious, sub-ohm vaping is an experience worth exploring.