Sub-Ohm Vaping: How to sub-ohm vape for big clouds and a more intense flavor

The choice of different styles, techniques, and methods of vaping has multiplied over the last few years. With such a wide variety of options, it can be easy for vaping newcomers to feel a bit out of their depth. This article aims to provide the facts and clear up any confusion about a form of vaping that is most often used by intermediate to advanced vapers: Sub-Ohm Vaping.

What Is Sub-Ohm Vaping?

Sub-ohm vaping has quickly become synonymous with more advanced vapers who want to step outside their comfort zones and push their limits. The hype around sub-ohm devices and sub-ohm coils is matched by confusion: what is sub-ohm vaping?

To understand what sub-ohm vaping is, we need to know a bit about how e-cigarettes work.

The Technical Perspective: Sub-Ohm Coils

Nearly all electronic vaping devices contain a coil of wire that is wrapped in a cotton wick. If you don’t know what a cotton wick is, it is simple: wicks absorb the e-liquid and ensure that it is next to the coil when you fire your device. Essentially, wicks are a vehicle for e-liquid. Most brands create cotton wicks, but silica and hemp are becoming more popular.

Back to coils. The coil of wire inside your vaping device can have varying levels of resistance, which is determined by the thickness. Thicker wire means lower resistance, and thinner wire means higher resistance.

Sub-Ohm Coil Resistance

The term coil resistance is thrown around a lot, but what does it mean? It refers to how much power travels through the coil.

Resistance is measured in ohms (Ω). In general, coils have a resistance between 0.2Ω and 2.8Ω. MTL coils sit between 1.2Ω and 2.0Ω.

If you have been in the vape community for a while, you will have heard of sub-ohm coils. As the name suggests, these coils have a resistance below 1Ω. They use much thicker wire than coils that have a resistance above 1Ω, and they are designed for DTL, sub-ohm vaping.

Higher resistance coils – use less charge and e-liquid

Lower resistance coil – uses more charge and e-liquid

As we can see, sub-ohm vaping uses more charge and e-liquid. Sub-ohm vaping requires more power to heat the coil to the same temperature. More electrical current flows through lower resistance coils.

In the early days of vaping, users would have to modify their devices to get enough power, but since around 2014 sub-ohm vapes have become increasingly common. These days, even some pod vapes are available to buy with sub-ohm coils, though these tend to be less powerful than what you would find in larger devices.

What Are the Benefits of Sub-Ohm Vaping?

More and more vapers are making the switch from standard vape pens to intricate box mods. So, what makes sub-ohm vaping so special?

Big Clouds

Sub-ohm vaping promises dense, immense clouds. Sub-ohm kits are capable of producing much more vapor than your standard vape kit.

Clouds of vapor have an aesthetic element that makes them hard to ignore. When sub-ohm tanks first entered the market, the concept of vaping changed forever. Now, your vaping device is much more than just a vehicle for nicotine. Some sub-ohm vapers even compete to create the biggest, most amazing clouds.

For many users, large clouds are in and of themselves reason enough to prefer using a sub-ohm device, but there are some other key benefits to keep in mind.

Flavor

You would be forgiven for thinking that sub-ohm vaping favors clouds instead of flavor. This is a common misconception, and an understandable one! Sub-ohm devices are more compatible with high VG ratio e-liquids, which gives some people the impression that they are not as flavorful. After all, PG is known for its immense ability to carry flavor.

In fact, a standard sub-ohm tank can create both vapor and flavor. Sub-ohm vaping utilizes a lot of e-juice in one go, which creates denser (and therefore more flavorful) clouds. Certain flavors taste far better through a sub-ohm vape device than a regular device.

Bulkier Device

A standard sub-ohm kit will be much bigger and bulkier than a standard vape pen. Sub-ohm vaping requires more power, so it is no surprise that the casing needs to accommodate a larger battery.

Of course, this could be an advantage or disadvantage depending on your preferences. Just as lots of people prefer slimmer pens, lots of vapers love bulky sub-ohm vaping kits. This is especially true for people who appreciate the aesthetic element of their kit.

Customization Options

You’re far more likely to find a range of customization options on a sub-ohm kit rather than a bog standard vape pen. Customizable features include temperature control, wattage control, airflow control, and a whole host of other improvements. Some chunky sub-ohm devices even have integrated LED lights that you can control via the display screen.

DTL Vaping

One of the biggest benefits of sub-ohm tanks is that they support the most aesthetic form of vaping.

In the vape world, there are two styles of vaping: DTL (Direct-To-Lung vaping) and MTL (Mouth-To-Lung vaping). MTL vaping is popular among ex-smokers because it replicates the feeling of smoking a traditional cigarette. DTL vaping is quite different, and it is more popular among intermediate and advanced vapers.

To take a DTL drag, you need to draw on your sub-ohm device for around five seconds. Of course, this is much longer than a traditional drag, but sub-ohm devices are designed to accommodate longer puffs.

Draw the vapor directly into your lungs. Once it’s hit your lungs, exhale. You will see massive amounts of dense vapor.

Temperature

If you prefer a warmer vape, then sub-ohm is the way to go. Sub-ohm devices are capable of firing at serious wattages. Powers of up to 200w are fairly common in today’s larger devices. Low ohms enable you to vape hot without burning your coils.

Warm vapes are especially impactful when paired with creamy, intricate flavor profiles. If you want to experience the true taste of Salted Caramel Pecan or Traditional Tobacco, you’re better off with a sub-ohm device that runs hot.

Less Nicotine

With new concerns about nicotine hitting the headlines every day, it is no wonder that vapers are worried about their consumption. The good news is that sub-ohm vaping uses far less nicotine than mouth-to-lung vaping.

MTL vaping requires higher nicotine strength e-liquid or even nic salts. When you switch to sub-ohm vaping, you need to greatly reduce your nicotine strength. An 18mg strength vape liquid might be palatable when it is in a vape pen, but in a sub-ohm tank it will be far too much. The resulting vape hit will leave you coughing and spluttering.

By switching to direct-to-lung vaping, you can reduce your consumption and still enjoy immense clouds.

What Nicotine Strength Do I Use for Sub-Ohm Vaping?

Most sub-ohm vapers stay on the lower end of the scale. It is not uncommon to use 3mg strength liquid when sub-ohm vaping.

Start with 3mg and assess how you feel. If your nicotine cravings aren’t satisfied, you can increase your consumption to 6mg.

Remember, you are the best gauge of your limits. Everyone is different. You can even up the amount to 8mg if you’re feeling confident!

What Is Cloud Chasing?

Cloud chasing is a style of vaping that emphasizes blowing the biggest, densest clouds of vapor possible. Cloud chasing has enthusiasts all over the world, and there are even cloud chasing events and competitions where people aim to ‘out-vape’ each other.

Cloud-chasing enthusiasts are constantly looking for ways to lower their ohms, increase their wattage, and widen their airflows. All these factors boost vapor production and create denser, more impressive clouds.

Using a sub-ohm vape does not necessarily make you a cloud chaser, but you must have a sub-ohm device to chase clouds.

DIY Sub-Ohm Vaping

If you decide to build your own custom cloud-chasing tanks and coils, be sure you know what you are doing. One of the most common questions that we get is, ‘is DIY sub-ohm vaping safe?’

Yes and no. For people who have years of experience working on DIY projects, the answer is yes. However, vapers should never jump straight from store-bought vape pens to DIY sub-ohm devices.

As with any DIY vape device, you need a thorough understanding of vape safety and electricity. DIY vape kits don’t just slot together! They require time, patience, and above all an understanding of health and safety.

If you want to err on the side of caution, you should stick to store-bought options.

What Vapes are Best for Cloud Chasing?

At the very minimum, cloud chasing requires a tank that is capable of firing sub-ohm coils.

The simplest, most straightforward way to start cloud chasing is to get your hands on an all-in-one device (also known as a pen vape) with a sub-ohm coil. Pen vapes combine the tank and battery in one device and are limited to a specific wattage. Sub-ohm pen vapes require next to no setup and are a great choice for vapers just starting their sub-ohm journey.

Of course, vape pens are by definition much slimmer than the chunky mechanical mods that you might have seen. They might not deliver on aesthetic appeal, but you will gain an understanding of how sub-ohm kits function.

If you want to take your sub-ohm vaping experience one step further, you can use a mechanical mod or a regulated mod.

Mechanical Mod

For more experienced users, people who want the biggest clouds, and others who like to control all the variables, mechanical mods are perfect. These kinds of mods are also known as unregulated mods. They don’t have an internal circuit board; instead, the electrical current runs straight from the battery to the atomizer.

A mechanical mod will supply massive amounts of power to the atomizer, which leads to denser clouds. This kind of device might seem intimidating, but it’s actually one of the most simplistic designs on the market.

It’s important to note that mechanical mods are not easy. Unlike vape pens that you can buy from a store, unbox, and start using straight away, box mods require electrical knowledge. Don’t attempt to use the customization features on a mechanical mod unless you are confident in your understanding of electrics.

Regulated Mods

Regulated mods (or box mods) are the most common sub-ohm devices. With this kind of mod, you don’t have to worry about electrical knowledge or any DIY steps.

Box mods have integrated batteries. To recharge the device, just plug in a USB cable and find a suitable power outlet.

They are much easier to use, but they have nowhere near as many customizable options as unregulated mods. Ultimately, this is the only downfall of regulated mods. If you want a personalized experience, you might not be satisfied. Then again, you’ll be able to relax with the knowledge that your regulated mod has in-built safety features.

Types of Sub-Ohm Tanks

Once you’ve found a box mod you like that is capable of firing at high wattage, you need to pair it with an atomizer. There are three main types of atomizers for cloud chasers: tanks, drippers, and squonkers.

Tanks

Tanks offer the most straightforward and convenient way to puff big clouds. A tank has both the coil and a reservoir for the e-liquid, which enables you to go for multiple sessions between refills.

The downside of tank mods is that they offer a lot less flexibility. You are limited to the manufacturer’s coils, which will need replacing fairly frequently. If you opt for these kinds of sub-ohm tanks, you need to set aside money for regular coil changes.

RDAs

An RDA is a Rebuildable Dripping Atomizer, which is also known as a dripper. As the name suggests, this type of atomizer needs a bit of TLC. Vapers are responsible for choosing their own wicks and coils and building the atomizer.

Serious, experienced cloud chasers prefer this style of atomizer. RDAs produce the biggest amounts of vapor and typically come with the largest amount of customization options.

With an RDA, there is no tank or reservoir to hold your juice. Instead, you remove a cover and drip your e-liquid directly onto the coils.

If customization is your thing, an RDA is undoubtedly the superior choice. Because they are rebuildable, your imagination is the limit when it comes to making your own coils.

Squonk Mods

Despite the bizarre name, squonk mods may be the best development in cloud-chasing technology in years. A squonk mod aims to combine the convenience of tank mods with the fat cloud production capabilities of an RDA.

Squonk mods utilize a dripper-style atomizer, but with the addition of a flexible reservoir bottle. When you manually pump the squeeze bottle, an amount of e-liquid is squirted from the reservoir directly onto your coils. This way you can enjoy the superior flavor and vapor production of an RDA without the hassle of having to manually drip e-liquid onto your coils every time you want to vape.

How Sub-Ohm Vape to Make the Biggest Clouds Possible

As well as getting the right equipment, making the biggest clouds possible requires a little bit of technique on your part as well. There are many finer points, and dedicated cloud chasers could probably spend hours debating their preferred methods. To make the process easier, we’ve compiled a few of our favorite tips.

Use a High VG Juice

PG (propylene glycol) and VG (vegetable glycerin) are the two base components of every e-liquid. They have some similar and unique properties. Vapers have to choose a VG/PG ratio that suits their needs, devices, and e-liquids.

Of the two, VG is far gentler on the throat. PG is known to create an immense throat hit, but VG is known to support smooth drags. Of course, to take a DTL hit and produce big clouds, you need to take a long drag. It wouldn’t be a good idea to have a long puff on an e-liquid that contains 50% or more PG, because the throat hit would be too harsh.

Cloud chasers usually opt for e-liquids that sit at 70% or more VG.

Did you know? You can even buy 100% VG ratio e-juice, but these mixtures might compromise on flavor a bit too much for your tastebuds.

Use the Right Coil

This is a tricky one. Technically, any coil that has a resistance under 1Ω is considered a sub-ohm coil. But to get the best clouds, you need to buy a coil that is under 0.5Ω.

If you’ve already chosen a style of vaping, a device, and an e-liquid that is compatible with sub-ohm vaping, why not take it one step further and choose the best coil for the job? Coils that are below 0.5 Ω can fire at much higher powers. Low-resistance coils also have a greater surface area in contact with the wick and produce bigger clouds. The most ambitious sub-ohm vapers go as low as 0.2Ω!

Buy Mesh Coils

To boost the potential of your sub-ohm coils, make sure you buy mesh coils. They have much better wick-to-wire contact, meaning they create more clouds. The surface area is also far bigger than standard coils relative to the mass. Overall, mesh coils are the best option for direct-to-lung, sub-ohm vaping.

Don’t Fear the Power

Box mods are available in an array of wattages. To get the most out of your sub-ohm atomizer, ensure that your device is capable of firing at high enough power. The absolute minimum wattage you should be using is 40w.

The good news is that most box mods designed for sub-ohm vaping are capable of putting out much more than this. You can experiment with settings and find your sweet spot. Even better, box mods are usually modern and stylish. Streamlined silver, bold blues, and rainbow creations are just some of the options available to you.

All About the Airflow

If you have a sub-ohm tank, the likelihood is that it has an adjustable airflow.

An adjustable airflow is a hole in the tank that can be opened or closed. When the hole is closed, there is no airflow. When the hole is open, the airflow is at a maximum.

For the best sub-ohm vaping experience, keep the hole open. Couple an open airflow with deep, fast draws to create the biggest clouds possible. Drawing on your sub-ohm vape slowly can result in the coils heating up too fast, which negatively affects the flavor and quality of your vape and can shorten the lifespan of your coils.

Wrapping Up

Now you know how to sub-ohm vape!

Sub-ohm vaping offers unparalleled flavor, vapor production, and satisfaction. If you are serious about vaping and not adverse to making big, fluffy vape clouds, then we highly recommend giving cloud-chasing a try.

It’s worth bearing in mind that cloud-chasing is a visually obvious style of vaping. Members of the public might not appreciate being engulfed in clouds of funky-smelling vapor, so make sure you are careful where you indulge your habit and avoid vaping anywhere that smoking isn’t permitted.

Whether you decide to go for an RDA, tank, or squonk-mod, follow the guidelines in this article for the best possible cloud-chasing experience.