Nicolas Paterson
29/10/2024 • 3 min read
When you first start vaping it can seem a little bit confusing at first, especially when it comes to figuring out the different types of nicotine vape liquids. You may have heard terms like "nic salts", "freebase nicotine", or "e-liquid" and wondered "which is the best vape liquid for me?" But don't worry! We're here to break down the difference between nic salt and e-liquid freebase in less than 3 minutes…
Let’s start with the basics: what is nic salt? Nicotine salts, or simply just "nic salts" are a form of nicotine vape liquid, & not salts, or crystals. Unlike regular (or freebase) nicotine vape liquids, nic salts are combined with an ingredient that helps them to absorb more rapidly into the bloodstream. This is why many vapers feel a faster & stronger nicotine hit when using nic salt vape juice. These work faster than traditional freebase e-liquid. You’ll find these vape liquid inside most disposable vape kits and other puff bars.
Nic salts are perfect for those who want a luxuriously smooth and satisfying inhale. They are especially popular among ex-smokers, most of whom want a similar throat inhale experience that’s similar to cigarette or tobacco smoking.
Now let’s talk freebase nicotine. Freebase vape liquid is the most common type of nicotine you’ll find in traditional e-liquids.
Freebase nicotine tends to be less harsh or “slower” than nic salts. These liquids also require a higher temperature to be vaporised inside a coil. Wondering what salt nicotine does to your body? Well, in a nutshell, it’s more rapidly acting than freebase nicotine.
Here's a quick rundown of the main differences between nic salt and freebase:
It’s not really about which is better—it’s more about what works best for you.
For example, if you’re an ex heavy-smoker, nic salts are typically a better fit than standard vape liquid. These nic salts provide a quicker, smoother, and a more powerful nicotine hit, which is why so many people use nic salts to make the switch to vaping.
But, if you’re more into cloud-chasing or just a more pleasant vaping experience, freebase nicotine liquids could be a better pick for you. Freebase e-liquids give you far more flexibility in terms of flavour and vapour production because they work better with more powerful, advanced vape devices like sub ohm kits and DTL vape kits.
In traditional freebase nicotine e-liquids alike, VG and PG are combined to create the base of the e-liquid.
The answer is no. Nic salts are designed to be used in low-wattage pod systems, not high-power mods. If you try to vape salt nic juice on a high-wattage device, you’ll likely end up with a very unpleasant experience because they are often considered “too potent” for more powerful vape devices.
Mixing the two could lead to inconsistent nicotine delivery and might affect the flavour and smoothness of your vape. This could also burns through coils/pods more rapidly–costing you more money in turn!
Nic salts can have side effects if they are incorrectly used or heavily abused. Common side effects of vaping salt nicotine include dizziness, nausea, and headaches. If you’re new to vaping, it’s best to start with a lower strength and work your way up if needed.
Nic salts are especially useful for those who can’t vape frequently throughout the day, as the effects last longer compared to freebase e-liquids. Plus, because they work well with pod systems, they’re a budget-friendly option that’s easy to use on the go.
