What is Sub-Ohm Vaping?

One of the reasons many people love vaping is producing massive clouds that look like smoke coming out of a fog machine. This is called "cloud chasing" and for many, it is fun and provides the satisfaction they are often looking for, of course, besides the flavours and the throat hits.

If you are new to vaping, you have probably also seen vapes that don't produce such big clouds, and you are wondering, what is the difference? Well, not all devices will have you “chucking” huge clouds. That style of vaping uses sub-ohm devices and is also called sub-ohm vaping. If you want to try it out, here is everything you need to know.

What is Sub-Ohm Vaping?

To understand what sub-ohm really is, let’s first define the word ohm. You probably already know Ohms as a unit to measure electrical resistance. It almost has the same meaning when it comes to sub-ohm vaping, only that this time it is used to measure how much resistance the coil in your vape tank has.

Sub, in sub-ohm, means ‘below’, so sub-ohm vaping means using a coil that has a resistance of below 1 sub-ohm. This lower resistance allows more electricity to flow through the coil, heating up the coil faster, which in turn produces more vapour, creates bigger clouds, and provides a richer flavour

How it Works

Sub-ohm vaping has different features from basic or standard vaping. We have already talked about the low-resistance coil, which allows more electricity, so as to produce more vapour, flavour, and bigger, denser clouds.

Another feature that sets it apart is the vaping style. Many people already know about mouth-to-lung vaping (MTL), which is especially more common with beginners. With MTL, you first inhale the vapour into your mouth, then into your lungs. It has the same feeling as smoking a cigarette.

Sub-Ohm uses a vaping style called Direct to Lung (DTL). How it works is that instead of inhaling the vapour into your mouth first, you inhale it directly into your lungs. You breathe in deeply, just like when you take a big breath of air, allowing the vapour to go straight into your lungs.

To make DTL even easier and more efficient, sub-ohm tanks usually have big airflow holes, allowing more air to mix with the vapour, so you can breathe it in more easily. Most devices allow you to adjust airflow to your perfect setting.

When it comes to vape juice, sub-ohm vaping uses a thicker e-liquid, called high VG juice (vegetable glycerin) and a lower nicotine strength. This helps you inhale more vapour, and also helps make the thick clouds. If you use high-nicotine juice with sub-ohm vaping, it would feel too harsh, make you cough, and you most likely won't enjoy it.

Why More Vapers Love Sub-Ohm Vaping

Most people, especially those who love chasing clouds and just doing it for fun and pleasure, love sub-ohm vaping for many reasons. For starters, let’s talk about the big clouds. This not only makes you feel and look cool, but also gives you more satisfaction. You can also play many vape tricks with bigger cloud production, such as rings and dragons.

If you love tasting the rich flavours of your vape juice, then sub-ohm is the perfect choice. Because it burns more juice, the flavour is strong with each puff. It is also smooth and hits your throat very gently. This is especially because sub-ohm vaping uses low-nicotine e-liquid, usually 3mg or 6mg, and the bigger clouds help balance out the hit.

Another benefit is that you get the satisfaction you want with less nicotine. This makes it perfect for people who don't like to use a lot of nicotine, those trying to reduce their nicotine intake, and those who don't want a strong or harsh throat hit that comes from nicotine, while still satisfying their cravings. 

The Downsides of Sub-Ohm Vaping

While sub-ohm vaping is fun and satisfying, it is not for everybody. Like anything else, some people may find certain features and characteristics of it unappealing. Here are some of the downsides you should know about before you get started;

The first thing that might be a disadvantage is that sub-ohm vaping may not be suitable for beginners. This style of vaping might feel too technical or even too overwhelming at first, and can lead to a lot of coughing or even make you feel dizzy. You may need a little practice before you can truly enjoy it. Not to mention that people who are transitioning from smoking might want a higher nicotine level.

If you have never vaped before and this is your first time, a simple vaping style like mouth-to-lung might be more accommodating. You can always switch to sub-ohm as you get used to it and learn more about vaping devices, vape juices, and settings like adjusting airflow.

Another thing some people might find a disadvantage is that sub-ohm uses more e-liquid. To create more vapour, the coil burns faster every time you take a puff, burning through more juice each time. If you vape frequently, it means refilling your tank multiple times a day, which requires more juice. On the plus side, you can always purchase your vape juice in bulk, which can make it more cost-effective in the long run.

Sub-ohm also uses more power, which means your batteries tend to drain faster. This means you need to carry spare batteries whenever you are out and about. If your device has an inbuilt battery, you will need to charge it a couple of times a day, especially if you vape a lot.

Is Sub-Ohm Vaping Safe?

Generally, sub-ohm vaping is safe. As long as you know what you are doing and follow all the safety guidelines, you shouldn't have any problems. Some of the things that make sub-ohm vaping go wrong include misusing the batteries, using the wrong vape juice, using the wrong nicotine levels, and just overall pushing your device too far. Otherwise, sub-ohm vaping is mostly for everyone.

To stay safe;

• Always use the right batteries and handle them with care.

• Avoid charging your device with cheap or unknown chargers.

• Don’t use damaged coils or mods.

• Read your device's manual to understand how it works.

• Unless you are an expert, use regulated mods.

Sub-ohm vaping is best for:

• Experienced vapers who want bigger clouds

• People who enjoy strong flavours

• Vapers who are cutting down on nicotine

• Anyone who wants a smoother, gentler experience

It may not be ideal for:

• Total beginners

• People who need high nicotine

• Vapers who want subtle clouds (clouds are huge)

• People looking for something light and simple

Conclusion

Like everything else, sub-ohm vaping can be fun, but it also comes with its own downsides. If you want to try this style of vaping, you are most likely going to like it, especially if you have already been vaping for a while now.

However, to make the most of your experience, first learn the dos and don'ts as explained in this blog. Know the advantages and disadvantages, and learn more about it, such as the best vape juice. Don't forget to also invest in high-quality sub-ohm vapes.