Selecting the correct nicotine level is one of the key things to do when starting to vape. If you’re too low, you may not get your fix. Too high and it will be harsh on the throat, or cause dizziness. Beginners, particularly those quitting smoking, finding the right balance makes all the difference to the success of vaping.
It all depends on how much you used to smoke and how frequently. Those who smoked a lot — over a pack a day — tend to begin with a higher nicotine level to equal their old habit. Those who smoked socially or occasionally may do best to begin with something lighter.
The majority of vape juices are available in strengths such as 3mg, 6mg, 10mg, 12mg, or 18mg. Nicotine salts are also available, which are 10mg and 20mg. They are less harsh on the throat and release nicotine slightly quicker, which some find beneficial when transitioning off cigarettes for the first time.
Matching Strength to Smoking Habits
If you smoked ten to twenty cigarettes a day, a nicotine strength around 10mg to 12mg is usually a good starting point. It gives a decent throat hit and helps curb cravings without being too overpowering. Some people go straight to 18mg if they were heavy smokers, but this can feel too strong in smaller or more modern devices. Trying 12mg first often gives a better feel for how your body reacts.
For those smoking less than ten a day, or occasionally, a smaller strength such as 6mg may suffice. This provides a milder throat hit and is best for use with basic vape kits or pod sets. Beginning low and tending upwards is usually preferable to beginning too hard and having a sub-standard experience at the start.
Nicotine salts are also worth a note. These employ another form of nicotine that gets absorbed faster and is milder in nature, even at higher concentrations. A 10mg or 20mg liquid based on salt can be a good option for beginner vapes who have trouble with regular e-liquids being too harsh, but do not want to miss out on something that takes effect immediately.
What Happens If You Choose the Wrong Strength?
If the strength of nicotine is not sufficient, you will end up feeling dissatisfied. You might be inclined to vape repeatedly just to experience the same effect, which can be tiring. It also consumes more e-liquid and demages coils prematurely.
However, when the nicotine level is too great, you could feel light-headed, dizzy, or develop a scratchy throat. A few users also experience headaches or nausea if the nicotine is too powerful. If any of that occurs, it’s generally an indication to drop down a level.
The goal is to choose a strength that’s enough for you without having to chain vape or set the device aside after only a few puffs. It may be some trial and error to begin with, but it’s worth trying a couple of different strengths until you discover one that does the trick.
Start Simple, Adjust as You Go
Most new users begin with an entry-level vape kit and a nicotine level that aligns with the way they smoked before. There is no requirement to overcomplicate it — 10mg or 12mg liquid will do for most individuals who are new to vaping, particularly with MTL (mouth-to-lung) setups, as these types of vaping devices are closer to smoking a real cigarette.
As you change, you can also change the strength. Some individuals reduce it gradually over time, and others remain constant. The most important thing is to employ a strength that maintains cravings at bay without excess.
