If you’ve spent any time around vapers or in vape shops, you’ve probably heard people talking about “sub ohm vapes.” They’re a hot topic, and for good reason. These devices offer a unique vaping experience that’s all about big clouds and bold flavors. But what exactly are they? How do they work? And is one right for you? Let’s take a deep dive into the world of sub ohm vapes to answer all these questions and more.

What Are Sub Ohm Vapes, Exactly?

At their core, sub ohm vapes are vaping devices where the coil has a resistance of less than 1 ohm. To understand why this matters, let’s start with the basics of resistance. In simple terms, resistance is how much the coil slows down the flow of electricity from the battery. Think of it like a narrow pipe slowing down water flow—lower resistance is like a wider pipe, letting more electricity pass through.

Regular vapes, often called “mouth-to-lung” (MTL) devices, typically have coils with a resistance of 1 ohm or higher. This higher resistance means less electricity flows, less heat is generated, and less vapor is produced. They’re designed to mimic the feel of smoking a cigarette, with a tighter draw and a stronger throat hit.

Sub ohm vapes, on the other hand, are “direct-to-lung” (DTL) devices. The lower resistance (under 1 ohm) lets more electricity flow, which creates more heat. More heat means more e-juice is vaporized at once, resulting in bigger clouds. The draw is also much looser, more like taking a deep breath, which makes for a smoother experience.

How Do Sub Ohm Vapes Work? Let’s Break It Down

The magic of sub ohm vapes starts with the coil. Coils are made of thin wires—usually kanthal, nichrome, or stainless steel—wrapped into a spiral shape. In sub ohm coils, the wire is either thicker than usual, has more wraps, or both. This design lowers the resistance because thicker wire and more wraps create a larger surface area, allowing more electricity to pass through without as much resistance.

When you press the fire button on a sub ohm vape, the battery sends power to the coil. Because of the low resistance, the coil heats up in a fraction of a second—much faster than a regular coil. This rapid heating turns the e-juice soaked into the coil’s cotton wick into vapor.

But here’s the thing: sub ohm vapes need more power to work properly. That’s why most of them have adjustable wattage settings, often ranging from 30W all the way up to 200W or more. Wattage controls how much power the battery sends to the coil. Cranking up the wattage makes the coil hotter, which in turn produces even more vapor. It’s a simple trade-off: more power means more heat, more vapor, and more flavor.

Another key part of sub ohm vapes is the tank. The tank holds the e-juice and connects to the coil. Sub ohm tanks are usually larger than MTL tanks because they need to hold more e-juice—those big clouds come from vaporizing a lot of liquid at once. They also have larger airflow vents. When you take a hit, more air is pulled into the tank, mixing with the vapor to make it less dense and easier to inhale. This extra air is what gives sub ohm vapes their smooth, easy draw.

Who Should Use Sub Ohm Vapes?

Sub ohm vapes aren’t for every vaper. They’re designed for specific preferences and habits. Let’s look at who they’re best suited for:

• Cloud chasers: If you love the look and feel of huge vapor clouds—whether to show off, compete in cloud contests, or just enjoy the visual effect—sub ohm vapes are made for you. No other type of vape can produce clouds as big or as dense.
• Flavor fanatics: The more vapor a vape produces, the more flavor molecules you inhale. Sub ohm vapes amplify even the subtlest notes in e-juice. A fruit blend might reveal hints of citrus you never tasted before, and a dessert flavor could feel richer, with more depth. If you’re someone who loves experimenting with different e-juice flavors and wants to get the most out of them, sub ohm vapes deliver.
• Vapers who prefer a smooth draw: Regular vapes can have a harsh throat hit, which some people don’t like. Sub ohm vapes, with their looser draw and more air mixing with the vapor, feel much smoother on the throat. This makes them a good choice for people who find MTL devices too harsh.
• Experienced vapers (or willing learners): While some sub ohm kits are beginner-friendly, they do require a bit more knowledge than basic vapes. You’ll need to understand things like coil resistance, wattage settings, and e-juice ratios. If you’re new to vaping, it might be better to start with a simpler device and work your way up. But if you’re willing to learn the basics, there’s no reason a beginner can’t enjoy a sub ohm vape.

On the flip side, sub ohm vapes might not be right for you if:

• You’re a casual vaper who only takes a few puffs a day. They use more e-juice and battery power, so they’re overkill for light use.
• You prefer a strong throat hit. The smooth draw of sub ohm vapes means less throat irritation, which is a downside if you like that “kick.”
• You’re on a tight budget. While there are affordable sub ohm kits, they do use more e-juice, which adds up over time.

Choosing the Right E-Juice for Sub Ohm Vapes

Not all e-juices work well with sub ohm vapes. Using the wrong one can lead to a bad taste, burnt coils, or even damage to your device. Here’s what to look for:

• High VG content: E-juice is made up of two main ingredients: vegetable glycerin (VG) and propylene glycol (PG). VG is thick and produces lots of vapor, while PG is thin and gives a stronger throat hit. Sub ohm vapes need e-juice with a high VG ratio—usually 70% VG or higher. This thick liquid creates the dense clouds sub ohm vapes are known for. If you use e-juice with too much PG (like a 50/50 mix or higher PG), it can burn quickly on the hot coil, leaving a harsh, chemical taste.
• Lower nicotine levels: Because sub ohm vapes produce more vapor, you’ll inhale more nicotine with each hit. Using high-nicotine e-juice can lead to nicotine overload, which causes dizziness, nausea, or headaches. Most sub ohm users stick to e-juice with 3mg or 6mg of nicotine. If you’re used to higher nicotine levels in regular vapes, you’ll need to adjust when switching to sub ohm.
• Bold flavors: Sub ohm vapes amplify flavors, but they can also wash out mild ones. Light flavors like subtle mint or delicate fruit might get lost in the big clouds. Instead, opt for bold, intense flavors—think citrus, tropical fruits, creamy desserts, or rich tobaccos. These stand up better to the large vapor volume and taste great.
• Avoid thickeners or additives: Some e-juices have thickeners or additives to improve texture, but these can clog sub ohm coils. Stick to high-quality e-juices from reputable brands to avoid this issue.

Coil Types for Sub Ohm Vapes: What’s the Difference?

Coils are the heart of any vape, and sub ohm coils come in a few different types. Each has its own pros and cons:

• Clapton coils: These are made by wrapping a thin wire around a thicker core wire, like a guitar string. They have a large surface area, which means more e-juice is vaporized at once. This leads to big clouds and rich flavor. They do take a bit longer to heat up, though, and can use more battery power.
• Fused Clapton coils: Similar to Clapton coils but with multiple core wires wrapped in a thin wire. They heat up faster than regular Clapton coils and produce even more vapor. They’re a favorite among cloud chasers but can be more expensive.
• Mesh coils: Instead of a wire spiral, mesh coils use a thin sheet of metal with tiny holes. This design creates a larger, more even heating surface. Mesh coils heat up quickly, produce consistent flavor, and last longer than wire coils. They’re a great all-around choice for most sub ohm vapers.
• Ceramic coils: These have a ceramic core instead of a metal wire. They heat up slowly but evenly, which can enhance flavor. They’re also more durable and less likely to burn, even if you run the tank dry (though you should never do that!). The downside is they’re often more expensive than metal coils.

When choosing a coil, check the recommended wattage range. This is usually printed on the coil package (like “30–60W”). Sticking to this range ensures the coil heats properly—too low and you won’t get enough vapor; too high and you’ll burn the coil.

Tips for Using and Maintaining Your Sub Ohm Vape

To get the most out of your sub ohm vape and keep it working well, follow these tips:

• Prime your coils properly: New coils come with dry cotton, which needs to be saturated with e-juice before use. Drip 4–5 drops of e-juice directly onto the cotton (you’ll see small holes on the coil where the cotton peeks through). Then fill the tank and let it sit for 10–15 minutes. This ensures the cotton is fully soaked, preventing a burnt taste when you first fire it up.
• Start low and adjust wattage slowly: Even if your coil is rated up to 60W, start at the lower end (like 30W) and gradually increase. This lets you find the sweet spot where the flavor is best and the vapor is just right. Jumping to high wattage right away can burn the coil.
• Keep the tank full: Sub ohm coils vaporize a lot of e-juice, so check the tank often. Never let the e-juice level drop below the coil—this will dry out the cotton and burn the coil. A burnt coil tastes terrible and needs to be replaced, so keeping the tank full saves you money.
• Clean the tank regularly: Over time, e-juice residue builds up in the tank, which can make flavors taste muted or mixed (like a hint of your last e-juice in your new one). To clean it, empty the tank, take it apart, and rinse the glass or plastic tank with warm water. Let it dry completely before reassembling. Do this every 1–2 weeks, or whenever you switch to a new flavor.
• Replace coils when needed: Coils don’t last forever. You’ll know it’s time to replace one when the flavor starts to taste burnt, muted, or metallic. Most coils last 1–2 weeks with daily use, but this depends on how much you vape and the wattage you use. Higher wattage burns through coils faster.
• Charge batteries properly: Sub ohm vapes use a lot of power, so invest in a good charger. Never leave batteries charging unattended, and don’t use damaged batteries. If your vape has a built-in battery, avoid overcharging it—unplug it once it’s full.
• Adjust airflow for your preference: Most sub ohm tanks let you adjust the airflow by twisting a ring on the tank. More airflow makes the draw looser and the clouds bigger, while less airflow tightens the draw and intensifies the flavor. Play around with it to find what you like best.

Common Myths About Sub Ohm Vapes (and the Truth)

There are a lot of misconceptions about sub ohm vapes. Let’s set the record straight:

• Myth: Sub ohm vapes are only for “pros.”

Truth: While they do require a bit more knowledge than basic vapes, many sub ohm kits are designed for beginners. They come with pre-built coils, simple wattage controls, and clear instructions. As long as you learn the basics (like priming coils and using the right e-juice), anyone can use one.

• Myth: They’re dangerous.

Truth: Any vape can be unsafe if misused, but sub ohm vapes aren’t inherently more dangerous. The risks come from things like using damaged batteries, overcharging, or using the wrong coils—not the sub ohm design itself. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and you’ll be fine.

• Myth: They’re too expensive.

Truth: There are sub ohm kits at every price point, including budget-friendly options under $50. While they do use more e-juice, the cost is offset by the better experience for many vapers. Plus, you can save money by buying e-juice in larger bottles.

• Myth: You need to be a “cloud chaser” to enjoy them.

Truth: While sub ohm vapes are great for big clouds, many people use them just for the enhanced flavor. You don’t have to blow huge clouds to appreciate the smoother draw and richer taste.

Top Sub Ohm Vapes to Try in 2024

If you’re ready to try a sub ohm vape, here are some top-rated options for different budgets and needs:

• [Brand X] Starter Kit ( 45): Perfect for beginners. It comes with a 2000mAh battery, adjustable wattage (30–80W), and pre-built mesh coils. The tank holds 4ml of e-juice, and the airflow is easy to adjust. Users love its simplicity and consistent performance.
• [Brand Y] Cloud Pro ( 70): A step up for more experienced vapers. It has a larger 3000mAh battery, wattage up to 120W, and supports both mesh and Clapton coils. The tank holds 5ml of e-juice, and the sleek design looks great. It’s known for producing huge clouds without sacrificing flavor.
• [Brand Z] Mini Sub Ohm ( 40): Great for vapers on the go. It’s small and portable but still packs a punch, with wattage up to 60W and a 2ml tank (perfect for travel). The draw is smooth, and it’s easy to clean.
• [Brand W] Advanced Kit ( 100): For serious enthusiasts. It has a customizable wattage range (50–200W), supports rebuildable coils (if you want to make your own), and has a large 6ml tank. It also has temperature control, which lets you adjust the coil temperature for more precise flavor.

Final Thoughts

Sub ohm vapes offer a unique and exciting vaping experience, focusing on big clouds and bold flavors. They’re not for everyone, but if you love experimenting with flavors, enjoy a smooth draw, or just want to try something new, they’re worth exploring.

Remember, the key to enjoying a sub ohm vape is using the right e-juice (high VG, low nicotine), priming your coils, and starting with the right wattage. With a little practice, you’ll be able to get the most out of your device and enjoy all the benefits sub ohm vaping has to offer.

Whether you’re a seasoned vaper looking to step up your game or a curious beginner willing to learn, sub ohm vapes have something to offer. Give one a try—you might just find your new favorite way to vape.