If you’re a seasoned vaper, or a newbie browsing vape shop shelves for the first time, there is a term that it coming up a lot lately that can be confusing to some: Nic Salts.
The truth is that Nicotine Salt Liquids are a less recent phenomenon than you may think, and fill a market gap that traditional E-Liquids, made with freebase nicotine, can not cover.
But let’s back up a second. Before we can talk about Nic Salts, we need to talk about freebase nicotine as, chances are, that’s another term you are not used to hearing.
What is freebase nicotine?
Nicotine is a chemical compound found in the leaves of the tobacco plant, one that gives smokers the satisfaction, and endless cravings, that cigarettes are known for. As such, tobacco companies have spent decades researching ways to make their cigarettes stronger and more addictive in order to sell more of their product. One such innovation was freebase nicotine.
In short, nicotine on its own is not so easily absorbed by the body, tending to attach itself to other chemicals in tobacco leaves rather than being absorbed into the blood. By adding chemicals such as ammonia, cigarette companies were able to drastically increase the effective strength of the nicotine, as it is then more easily absorbed by the body. The product, Free-Base Nicotine, is highly pure.
Traditional E-Liquid Nicotine is produced in a similar way, using chemical reactions to extract the nicotine compound in a form that is easy to mix into a liquid, and easy for the body to absorb when vaped.
The downside to this is that freebase nicotine is an alkaline. This is why cheap E-Liquids, or E-Liquids with a high nicotine content, can be harsh on the back of the throat, causing a burning sensation. Plus, the amount of nicotine absorbed by the body is still lower than smoking tobacco. It’s hard to justify a burnt throat when you are left feeling unsatisfied.
What are nic salts?
Nicotine Salts, in contrast to Free-Base Nicotine, have a chemical composition much closer to the nicotine found in tobacco leaves. It is bound to other chemicals and forms a more stable, less alkaline compound.
That’s great and all, but wasn’t the entire point of freebasing nicotine to make it easier to absorb? That’s where the key difference between ‘natural’ nicotine and Nic Salts comes in: Benzoic Acid.
Left: Nicotine Right: Benzoic Acid
Benzoic Acid has special properties which make it perfect for vaping. It reduces the temperature needed to vaporise the liquid, and makes the nicotine more available for the body to absorb, all whilst reducing the burning sensations by giving the mixture a more neutral pH.
The upshot? Vapers can have liquids that contain higher levels of nicotine with less discomfort when inhaled, giving you a Nicotine hit that more closely mimics the near-instant gratification of smoking tobacco.
Who can benefit from using Nic Salts?
There are many reasons why a person may be looking for a stronger nicotine hit from vaping.
“I tried Vaping, but it just didn’t work for me. I still wanted to smoke”
If this is you, or someone you know, perhaps Nic Salts could provide a solution. By allowing higher nicotine levels to be smoked comfortably, it gives ex-smokers a chance to get away from smoke whilst satisfying their cravings, giving their willpower some valuable assistance as they make their first steps to quitting for good.
“I’m already a vaper, but sometimes I don’t want to be blowing huge clouds that may annoy others around me”
In this case, higher nicotine levels in your juice can let you vape less at a time, whilst still getting the hit you need to carry on with your day. This is perfect for people who perhaps want to vape indoors without clouding up the entire room!
“I LOVE vaping, but my sub-ohm rig is large, heavy, and would break if I dropped it”
If this is you, you’re not alone. The rise of nic salts has spawned a new wave of light, portable devices that can still satisfy. Which brings us on to:
Which devices are best for Nic Salts?
When you’re vaping Nic Salts, small, low power mouth to lung devices can be used instead of big sub-ohm rigs. It may feel like a step backwards for some, but technology has improved massively in the past couple of years, and in combination with Nic Salt liquids, you may be surprised as to just how enjoyable these little vapes can be!
MtL devices also have distinct advantages to someone who is simply looking for an effective nicotine delivery system:
- Higher resistance means less power is used when vaping, which means longer battery life and longer lasting coils. We’ve had staff members saying their MtL device batteries are lasting weeks between charges!
- The devices themselves can be smaller and lighter, without the need for hefty 18650s or other, larger cells.
- Less Liquid is used at a time, which means better bang for buck from a little 10ml bottle
- The exhaled vapor is thinner and less noticeable, perfect for situations where you don’t want huge clouds.
- The devices themselves are much easier to use, making them ideal for those intimidated by the idea of setting up kits, cleaning tanks, and changing coils in sub-ohm devices.
We’ve picked out four of our favourite MtL devices to help you get started on your Nic Salt adventure!
Mi-Pod
https://www.flawlessvapeshop.co.uk/products/mi-pod-by-smoking-vapor
With its fashionable design available in a range of colours and finishes, the Mi-Pod by Smoking Vapour is a excellent premium option for Mouth to Lung devices. It features draw activated firing, meaning you don’t even have to push a button to use it! Perfect for first time vapers. It’s pods include built in coils that produce an excellent amount of vapour!
Breeze 2
https://www.flawlessvapeshop.co.uk/products/aspire-breeze-2-kit
The Breeze 2 is a top of the line MtL device from well known and respected manufacturer Aspire. Featuring interchangeable coils, a convenient charging dock, and adjustable airflow, the Breeze 2 is perfect for the experienced vaper looking for a MtL device with outstanding flavour production.
Minifit
https://www.flawlessvapeshop.co.uk/products/just-fog-minifit-vape-kit
The smallest of our pick here, the Minifit by Justfog is about the size of a USB Pen drive! But don’t let its size fool you, this little guy packs a punch! With an outstanding, long lasting battery that’s quick to charge, as well as great airflow, this is a great option for those looking for an ultra-portable vape system.
Exceed Edge
https://www.flawlessvapeshop.co.uk/products/joyetech-exceed-edge-vape-starter-kit
Rounding out our collection is the stylish Exceed Edge by Joyetech. The most ergonomic of our pick, this device feels great in the hand, and looks great too! The coils are replaceable separate from the pods, and the flavour is fantastic. This is a great value little vape.
What sort of Nic Salt juices can I get?
I’m glad you asked!
Here at Flawless we, or rather the white coat wearing folks at Flawless Vape Labs have been hard at work creating Flawless Nic Salt liquids with a wide variety of delicious flavours! If you’re looking to switch from a traditional E-Liquid, we’ve got a flavour for you!
Flawless Nic Salt liquids are available in the following flavours:
Flawless Nic Salt is also available as an unflavoured nicotine shot, to give your shortfills that Nic Salt kick! All Flawless Nic Salt Liquids have a nicotine strength of 20mg.
We also stock Canadian Nic Salt brand Salt Nix in French Vanilla, Neon Berries, Northern Tobacco, and Spring Mint varieties (all 18mg strength), as well as UK brand Dinner Lady’s Nic Salt variant of their classic Lemon Tart juice in 20mg strength for the first time!
Still have questions about Nic Salts? Aching to give them a try? Pop by our retail locations in Hamilton and Leicester City Centre. Can’t make it? Don’t worry! Our entire Flawless Nic Salt range is available online at www.flawlessvapeshop.co.uk
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