Finding the right e-liquid - A beginner's guide to Nic Salts

Finding the right e-liquid — A beginner's guide to nic salts

Many people spend a lot of time choosing their first device. They compare sizes, read reviews, watch videos. And then they just grab any e-liquid off the shelf — and wonder why the experience isn't quite right.

The device plays a role—but the e-liquid is at least half the equation. The wrong e-liquid can feel harsh, unsatisfying, or just not right. The right e-liquid, on the other hand, makes many things immediately click.

This guide explains what you really need to know: what nicotine strength means, how to choose the right one, why nic salts are often the better choice for pod systems — and what the PG/VG ratio actually does in the background.

Why the right e-liquid is so important

Imagine it like this: If you drink coffee for the first time and it's way too strong, you don't think, "Coffee isn't for me." You think, "That was too much." But many people who vape for the first time with the wrong nicotine strength draw exactly the wrong conclusion—that vaping isn't for them—when in reality they've just started with the wrong e-liquid.

Too high a nicotine strength can cause a harsh and overwhelming throat hit. Too low a strength might lack satisfaction, driving some people back to cigarettes. An incorrect PG/VG ratio can also prevent the e-liquid from vaporizing properly in your device, or the e-liquid might not vaporize correctly. Flavour remains flat.

It's not complicated at all if you know what to look for. It simply helps to understand what you're looking at before you buy.

What is nicotine strength — and what do the numbers mean?

The number on the bottle — 0 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg — indicates how much nicotine is contained per milliliter of e-liquid. A 20 mg/ml e-liquid therefore contains 20 milligrams of nicotine per milliliter.

In practice, more mg means more nicotine per puff. Fewer mg means less. This affects both the feeling of satisfaction and the throat hit.

In Germany and throughout the EU, nicotine-containing e-liquids are limited to 20 mg/ml according to the Tobacco Products Directive. This is the legal maximum — which is why you won't find anything stronger than 20 mg in any reputable shop.

Pod systems most commonly exhibit these two strengths:

0 mg/ml — Some e-liquids contain no nicotine at all. This option is interesting if you want to gradually reduce your nicotine intake or simply stop vaping because of the Flavourenjoys it without wanting nicotine.

10 mg/ml — Well suited for lighter users or people who have been vaping for a while and want to gradually reduce their nicotine intake.

20 mg/ml — The strength most often recommended as a starting point for people switching from cigarettes — especially in combination with Nic Salt liquids.

How strong should it be?

That depends more on your background than anything else.

If you switch from cigarettes — 20 mg/ml nicotine salt is the point at which it makes sense for most people to start. The nicotine delivery is usually efficient enough to replace what you were used to when smoking — making the switch more sustainable. Starting with a lower strength can leave some people lacking the feeling of satisfaction.

If you have never smoked before Or if you smoke very occasionally — 10 mg/ml is worth a try. There's no reason to go higher than what feels comfortable for you.

If you've been vaping for a while and if you want to reduce your nicotine intake — switching from 20 mg to 10 mg is the obvious next step.

If you want to quit nicotine completely — 0 mg/ml is an option worth trying — either as a step down from 10 mg/ml or as a way to maintain the habit without nicotine. Some find it works well; others realize that the satisfaction is missing without nicotine. It's worth a try if you're at that point.

If a strength feels too strong after a few days, that's usually a sign you should go lower. If you vape frequently without ever feeling satisfied, a higher strength might be beneficial. Most people find their optimal strength within one to two weeks.

Nic Salts vs. Freebase — What's the difference?

Both are forms of nicotine, but they behave very differently in practice.

Freebase nicotine This is the classic form—used for years in cigarettes and most e-liquids. It works well at low strengths, but at higher concentrations it can feel noticeably harsh in the throat. This makes it more difficult to use comfortably at the strengths that typically satisfy former smokers.

Nicotine salts Nic salts are a different chemical form of nicotine, more similar to the natural nicotine found in tobacco leaves. The key practical difference is that they tend to be absorbed more quickly and feel significantly smoother at higher concentrations. A 20 mg/ml nicotine salt e-liquid is generally much more pleasant to inhale than a 20 mg/ml freebase e-liquid.

For pod systems — which are designed for lower wattage and a tighter draw — nic salts are often the better choice. They deliver nicotine more efficiently at lower wattage, which is exactly how pod devices work.

What is PG/VG — and why is it important?

Every e-liquid consists of a base liquid — a mixture of two ingredients: Propylene glycol (PG) and Vegetable glycerin (VG). The relationship between the two influences the experience more than most people expect.

PG is thinner and transports the Flavour more efficient. It also produces a stronger throat hit — the sensation in the throat that cigarette smokers know.

VG It's thicker and produces more vapor. It softens the throat hit and adds a slight sweetness. Liquids with a high VG content are responsible for the dense vapor clouds seen with more powerful devices.

The ratio on the label—50/50, 70/30, etc.—indicates the balance between the two components. A 50/50 e-liquid has equal parts of both. A 70/30 e-liquid consists of 70% VG and 30% PG.

Why 50/50 is the sweet spot for pod systems

Pod systems operate at lower wattage and use smaller, denser coils than higher-powered devices. This is crucial for the e-liquid you use.

High-VG e-liquids—anything over 60% VG—are generally too viscous to flow properly through the narrow channels of most pod coils. The coil can't absorb the liquid quickly enough, resulting in dry hits. puffsn, a burnt Flavour and can lead to a shorter coil lifespan.

A 50/50 liquid is thin enough to flow efficiently through the coil — this means more even e-liquid flow. Flavour over the entire lifespan of the pod. It also strikes a reasonable balance between throat hit and vapor production — neither too dry nor too intense.

For most pod system users, 50/50 works well — and many feel no need to change it once they've found it.

It's also helpful to know that the ideal mixing ratio and nicotine strength depend on your vaping style. A tight, classic MTL (mouth-to-lung) draw is a perfect match for a 50/50 blend with 10 or 20 mg/ml, as you inhale less vapor and the concentration delivers the full flavor. Flavour This is important. If you prefer a more open RDL (Restricted Direct Lung) or DTL (Direct Lung) draw, you inhale more vapor, which is why lower nicotine strengths and a higher VG content usually have a more balanced effect. For most beginners, however, 50/50 remains the gold standard that simply works – a reliable base that allows you to fully concentrate on the experience instead of worrying about technical details.

ELFLIQ Nic Salts — Where to start

ELFLIQ e-Liquids are nicotine salt liquids with a 50/50 PG/VG ratio — a natural complement to pod systems and a convenient starting point for anyone new to vaping.

Two nicotine strengths are available: 10 mg/ml and 20 mg/ml. If you're switching from cigarettes, 20 mg/ml is generally the recommended starting point—it usually delivers enough nicotine to feel satisfying, and the nic salt formula ensures a smooth rather than harsh hit. If you're a lighter user or want to reduce your nicotine intake in the long term, 10 mg/ml is the natural next step.

The ELFLIQThe selection includes a good range of Flavours — Peach IceWatermelon, Blueberry, Mixed Berries, Apple Peach, Sour Apple, Cherry, Kiwi Passion Fruit Guava, Blackberry Lemon, and Spearmint are among the flavors. Most people try a few before finding the one they keep coming back to—and that's perfectly normal.

Concluding thoughts

Finding the right e-liquid isn't complicated, but it makes a real difference. The wrong strength or ratio is one of the most common reasons why people don't get along with vaping right away—not the device, not the habit, simply the liquid.

Start with what makes sense for your background. If you're switching from cigarettes, 20 mg/ml nicotine salt at 50/50 is a commonly recommended starting point. If you prefer a lighter vape or are simply curious, 10 mg/ml gives you some leeway without adding more nicotine than necessary.

From there, the main focus is on... Flavour Finding someone you really like. And that's at least the fun part.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What nicotine strength should I start with?

   For most people switching from cigarettes, 20 mg/ml nicotine salt is a good starting point.It usually delivers enough nicotine to feel satisfying while remaining pleasant on the draw. If you're a light or occasional smoker, 10 mg/ml is worth a try.

2. Why is 50/50 PG/VG good for pod systems?

   Pod coils are small and compact, which is why they need a thinner e-liquid to flow well. E-liquids with a high VG content can be too thick for most pod coils and result in a dry e-liquid. puffs or uneven Flavour cause. A 50/50 ratio flows well and tends to deliver consistent results in pod devices.

3. Can I use e-liquid with a high VG content in a pod system?

   This is generally not recommended. Liquids with a high VG content don't flow as efficiently through pod coils, which can lead to dry vaping. puffsThis can lead to inconsistent coil performance and a shorter coil lifespan. A 50/50 mix will generally give you a more consistent result.

4. Is 20 mg/ml too strong for beginners?

   Not necessarily, if you're using nicotine salts in a pod system. Nic salts are mild enough that 20 mg/ml is manageable for many people—and for those switching from cigarettes, it's often the strength that feels satisfying. If it starts to feel too strong after a few days, switching to 10 mg/ml is easy enough.

5. What happens if I choose the wrong nicotine strength?

Too high and you might notice a hard lump in your throat or feel lightheaded—signs that there's more nicotine than your body is used to. Too low and you might not feel satisfied, which can make it harder to quit smoking. Neither of these things is permanent—adjusting the strength is easy, and most people find their optimal level within one to two weeks.

References

1. EUR-Lex — Tobacco Products Directive (TPD), Article 20
   https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/DE/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32014L0040