Picture this: you’re happily puffing away on your favorite vape, when suddenly, your taste buds are assaulted by an acrid, burnt flavor that leaves you coughing and sputtering. Sound familiar? If you’re a vaper, chances are you’ve experienced the nightmare that is a burnt hit.
It’s a common problem, but that doesn’t make it any less frustrating, especially when you’ve dropped some serious cash on your device. So, what’s causing this burnt taste, and more importantly, how can you banish it for good?
Dry Hits vs. Burnt Hits: Know the Difference
When your vape tastes burnt, it’s important to determine whether you’re experiencing a dry hit or a burnt hit.
So, first, let’s clear up some terminology. A dry hit is what happens when your wick is starting to dry out, but hasn’t completely burnt to a crisp yet. You’ll notice a drop in vapor production and a slightly harsh taste, but it’s not the full-on assault of a burnt hit.
A burnt hit, on the other hand, is when your wick is drier than a desert and your coil is essentially cooking the cotton. This is the one that’ll make you regret ever picking up a vape in the first place.
1.The Science Behind the Singe
So, what’s actually happening when you take a burnt hit? Let’s take a quick look at the anatomy of your vape. You’ve got your battery, your tank full of e-liquid, and your coil, which is wrapped in a wicking material (usually cotton). When you hit that fire button, the battery heats up the coil, which then vaporizes the e-liquid that’s been absorbed by the wick. Easy peasy, right?
The problem starts when there’s not enough e-liquid making its way to the coil. This can happen for a bunch of reasons, like chain vaping or using the wrong kind of juice. When the wick dries out, the coil starts to burn the cotton, and that’s when things get nasty.
- Priming 101: The Secret to Smooth Hits
One of the biggest culprits behind burnt hits is forgetting to prime your coil. Priming is basically just making sure your wick is nice and saturated with e-liquid before you start vaping. If you’re rocking a tank with replaceable coils, here’s what you need to do:
- Take your new coil out of the packaging and drip a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the wick.
- Put your tank back together and fill ‘er up with your favorite juice.
- Let it sit for a good 5-10 minutes so the wick can really soak up that liquid.
- Start vaping at a lower wattage and work your way up until you find your sweet spot.
If you’re using a pod system, it’s even easier. Just fill up your pod, let it sit for a few minutes, and you’re good to go.
2. The Juice Makes the Difference
The type of e-liquid you’re using can also make a big difference when it comes to avoiding burnt hits.
- High-VG juices, which are thicker and produce more vapor, can be harder for your wick to absorb. If you’ve got a device with a smaller coil, you’re better off sticking with a juice that has more PG for better wicking.
- Keep an eye out for flavors that are notorious for gunking up coils. Sweetened liquids are the worst offenders here, so if you’re constantly getting burnt hits, try switching to something a little less dessert-like.
Let me tell you, I once bought this delicious Malaysian mango vape juice that was super sweet – I’m talking cavity-inducing levels of sweetness. Little did I know, it was packed with sweeteners that absolutely wrecked my coil faster than any other juice I’ve tried. The gunk buildup was insane, and I started getting burnt hits within days, even with my trusty Vaporesso coils. So, take it from me, the type of juice you use definitely makes a massive difference.
3. Dealing with Coil Gunk
Even if you’re priming like a pro and using the right juice, you might still end up with a burnt taste after a while. This is probably due to coil gunk – that gross buildup of caramelized e-liquid on your coil. As the gunk accumulates, it makes it harder for the liquid to reach the wick, leading to dry hits and that oh-so-lovely burnt flavor.
4. Knowing When to Say Goodbye (to Your Coil)
So, how do you know when it’s time to toss your coil and start fresh? The lifespan of your coil depends on several factors, such as your vaping habits, the type of e-liquid you use, and the coil itself. Here are some general guidelines:
- If you’re a heavy vaper or use sweetened e-liquids, you may need to change your coil every 5-7 days.
- For moderate vapers using less sweet juices, your coil could last anywhere from 1-2 weeks.
- Some coils, like those designed for MTL (mouth-to-lung) vaping, can last even longer due to the lower power and juice consumption.
I’ve recently been testing the SXMini Puremax pod vape, which utilizes temperature control and some other magic to help prolong the coil life, and prevent dry hits. Even with sweet juices that are 60VG, I’ve been getting over four weeks of life out of them.
Of course, these are just rough estimates. Keep an eye out for these telltale signs that your coil needs replacing:
- You’re getting less vapor than usual
- Your flavor is starting to taste weak or muted
- You’re hearing gurgling or spitting sounds
- You’re getting a burnt taste, even when your tank is full
If you’re noticing any of these red flags, it’s time to bid farewell to your old coil and embrace the fresh.
5. The Dangers of Chain Vaping
Look, we’ve all been there. You’re in the zone, you’re enjoying your vape, and before you know it, you’ve taken 30 hits in a row. But here’s the thing – chain vaping is a one-way ticket to Burnt Hit City. Your wick needs a chance to re-saturate with e-liquid between puffs, and if you’re not giving it that chance, you’re going to end up with a crispy coil.
If you’re a serial chain vaper, try taking smaller hits or giving yourself a few seconds between puffs. Your coils (and your lungs) will thank you.
6. Wattage Woes
If you’re using a device with adjustable wattage, pay attention to the recommended range for your coil. Cranking up the wattage too high is a surefire way to make your vape taste burnt and ruin your coil. On the flip side, going too low can lead to flooding and gurgling.
Start at the lower end of the recommended range and work your way up until you find your sweet spot. If you’re still getting burnt hits, consider investing in a temperature control mod, which will let you set a maximum temperature for your coil and prevent it from going into full meltdown mode.
Banishing Burnt Hits for Good
Alright, folks, let’s recap. Burnt hits are the worst, but they don’t have to be a permanent part of your vaping journey. By priming your coils, choosing the right e-liquid, keeping an eye out for gunk, and replacing your coils regularly, you can keep those burnt hits at bay and enjoy a smooth, flavorful vape every time.
And hey, if you do end up with a burnt coil, don’t beat yourself up about it. Toss that sucker and start fresh. Your taste buds will forgive you.So, the next time you’re about to take a hit and you catch a whiff of that dreaded burnt smell, remember – prime, juice, replace, and find your wattage sweet spot. Trust me, your vaping experience will be so much better for it.
