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Nicotine salts

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Nic Salts vs Freebase: Which Nicotine E-liquid is Right for You?

March 07, 2024

In the ever-evolving world of e-cigarettes, e-liquids, and vaping trends, choices abound. Pod Kit or Advanced Vape Kits? High-VG or High-PG vape liquid? DTL (direct-to-lung) or MTL (mouth-to-lung)? How you vape and what type of device you use to enjoy great flavour, rich vapour and relief from cravings can soon spin out into a blizzard of options, often requiring a great deal of experimentation until your find the perfect set up for your needs. For us vapers, that variety is one of the things we love about the hobby. Fortunately, though, some decisions are more binary and straightforward, such as ‘which is best: Nic Salts vs Freebase?’

That relatively simple question asks what form of nicotine you prefer your e-liquid to contain yet understanding the difference between these two popular forms of nicotine – nic salts and freebase nicotine – is not just a matter of preference, but also key to enhancing your vaping experience. Your choice can affect everything from throat hit to how quickly the nicotine is absorbed into your bloodstream? Here we take a closer look at both these nicotine types, helping you make an informed choice to get the very best out of your vape.

So, are you Team Nic Salts or Team Freebase? Let’s find out!

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Understanding Nicotine in Vaping

Nicotine is a naturally occurring compound found in tobacco plants. Historically, this natural stimulant has been consumed in various forms, most notoriously in tobacco products like cigarettes. But with the advent of vaping, nicotine found a new home suspended in a liquid solution of food-grade ingredients like vegetable glycerin (VG), propylene glycol (PG) and flavourings. Vape kits heat this ‘E-liquid’ producing a vapour that is inhaled, giving the vaper a deliciously flavoured puff of smooth vapour to savour while the nicotine gently relieves any cravings they may have.

In the early days of the vaping revolution, e-liquids used what we now call freebase nicotine, a form that’s been around since the mid-20th century when tobacco companies discovered that by freeing nicotine from its natural state, they could increase its potency. This innovation laid the groundwork for the nicotine used in the first generation of e-liquids. As vaping technology evolved, so did the types of nicotine used, leading to the development of nicotine salts, a game-changer for many vapers seeking a different kind of experience.

What are Freebase Nicotine E-liquids?

Freebase nicotine has been a core ingredient of e-liquids since vaping began. This type of nicotine is created by adding ammonia to nicotine, stripping it of its protons, and thereby increasing its bioavailability. This process makes freebase nicotine more potent when heated and inhaled, offering a strong and satisfying throat hit that many vapers crave. Freebase nicotine e-liquids are typically available in strengths ranging from 3mg up to 12mg and caters to those who prefer a more intense sensation and clarity of flavour.

The throat hit from freebase nicotine is more tactile and pronounced, especially at higher strengths, which is why it’s great in e-liquid for vapers who enjoy the sensation similar to that of smoking. At higher nicotine strengths (18mg-24mg), however, e-liquids with freebase e-liquids can become almost intolerably harsh to vape.

Vape liquids that contain freebase nicotine are compatible with the vast majority of vape devices, including high-powered advanced vape kits and mods, which are generally incompatible with nicotine salt-based eliquids.

What are Nicotine Salts?

Nicotine salts, commonly known as Nic Salts, are a relatively newer form of nicotine in the vaping world and first emerged towards the end of the 2010s. They are formed by adding benzoic acid to freebase nicotine, resulting in a compound that’s closer to the natural lower PH state of nicotine found in tobacco leaves. This process not only alters the chemical composition of nicotine but also adds uniquely interesting vaping characteristics.

Nic salts’ unique chemical formulation means that they are absorbed into the body faster than freebase nicotine, offering a quicker and more tangible nicotine hit, similar to smoking a traditional cigarette. One of the biggest advantages of nic salts, however, is the remarkably smoother throat hit they provide, even at the highest nicotine strengths, which is 20mg in countries like the UK which abides by EU TPD regulations. This makes them a go-to choice for those who want a strong nicotine dose but without the harshness found in freebase nicotine.

Nic salts offer the best nicotine for vaping with low-powered, mouth-to-lung devices, and are ideal for vapers who prefer discretion and portability. Their rise in popularity reflects the diverse needs of the vaping community, offering a more comfortable and potentially more satisfying nicotine experience, especially for those new to vaping or looking to make the switch from smoking.

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Nic Salts vs Freebase: Which Nicotine E-liquid is Right for You?

Comparing Nic Salts vs Freebase Nicotine

Understanding the difference between nic salts and freebase nicotine is important as each offers unique characteristics that can affect your vaping experience. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand which might be right for you:

Freebase E-Liquid

Pros:

Wider range of flavour experiences
Slightly slower nicotine absorption may not satisfy cravings quickly.
Higher vapour production, less discreet.

Cons:

Stronger throat hit might be harsh for some vapers.
Slightly slower nicotine absorption may not satisfy cravings quickly.
Higher vapour production, less discreet.

Nicotine Salts E-Liquid

Pros:

Quicker satisfaction, similar to traditional smoking.
Less irritation, smoother on the throat.
Suitable for stealth vaping due to less vapour production.

Cons:

Limited flavour profile due to higher nicotine levels.
Not suitable for cloud chasing or high-powered DTL devices.
Potentially too intense for light smokers or beginners.

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Which Nicotine Should You Choose?

Choose Nicotine Salts E-liquids If You:

Are a Heavy Smoker: You require fast absorption and a quick nicotine hit similar to smoking cigarettes.
Prefer a Smoother Throat Hit: Sensitive to harsh throat hits and prefer a smoother sensation, even at higher nicotine strengths.
Are a New Vaper or Recent Smoker: We often recommend nic salt e-liquids for beginners or those recently transitioned from smoking, looking for an experience closer to smoking.
Use Low-Power Devices: Prefer using low-wattage, mouth-to-lung starter kit and pod kit devices, which are more compatible with nic salts.
Seek Discretion in Vaping: Looking for less vapour production, ideal for discreet vaping in public spaces.
Want Higher Nicotine Strengths: Require or prefer higher nicotine concentrations, up to 50mg, for a more satisfying experience.
Enjoy Simpler or more Pronounced Flavours: Enjoy simpler or more robust flavour profiles, as nic salts can slightly mute complex flavour blends.

Choose Nicotine E-liquids If You:

Prefer a Strong Throat Hit: Enjoy the sensation of a strong throat hit similar to traditional cigarettes.
Are an Experienced Vaper: Familiar with various vaping devices and prefer customizing your vaping experience.
Enjoy Cloud Chasing: Prefer producing larger vapour clouds, suitable for sub-ohm devices.
Like Experimenting with Flavours: Enjoy exploring a wide range of complex and subtle flavour profiles, as freebase nicotine provides enhanced flavour clarity.
Are Gradually Reducing Nicotine Intake: Looking to decrease your nicotine usage over time, with strengths ranging from 18mg down to 0mg.
Use Advanced Vaping Devices: Prefer using high-powered,sub-ohmvaping devices for a more intense experience.
Want a Prolonged Nicotine Effect: Looking for a slower, more sustained nicotine release during extended vaping sessions.

How to Choose Freebase Nicotine E-liquids

As freebase is by far the most common form of nicotine used in e-liquids, it stands to reason that it can be found across almost categories of vape juice. These include:

50/50 E-liquids:

These e-liquids have an equal ratio of PG (Propylene Glycol) and VG (Vegetable Glycerin), offering a balance between flavour clarity and vapour production, suitable for a wide range of vaping devices.

High-PG E-liquids:

High-PG or ‘classic’ e-liquids have a greater proportion of Propylene Glycol, leading to a stronger throat hit and more pronounced flavours, ideal for mouth-to-lung vaping with a classic vape pen, and for those who prefer intensity over vapour volume.

High-VG/Sub-Ohm E-liquids:

High vg e liquid contains a higher percentage of Vegetable Glycerin, producing larger and denser clouds of vapour with a gentle throat sensation, perfect for direct-to-lung vaping and vapers who enjoy ‘cloud chasing’. They are available in either 10ml bottles or larger 50ml or 100ml Shortfill bottles that you can add 10ml nicotine shots to control the nicotine strength.

How to Choose Nic Salt E-liquids

Nic Salts fall under their own category, and are available as 10ml e liquids of either 10mg or 20mg nic strengths. At Vapestore, you can explore an enormous range of Nic Salt e-juice from the best brands in the business, with many incredible offers to save you money on your favourite flavours.

Like freebase e-liquids, most Nic Salts now offer a 50VG/50PG ratio for a great balance of flavour, throat hit and discreet cloud production. New vape trends have seen special new categories emerge such asBar Salts,which mimic the intense flavours found in the most popular disposable vape devices.

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Pukka Juice Blue Pear Ice 10ml 50/50 E-Liquid

A sweet, fruity blend of tangy Blueberries, juicy Pear and crushed Ice

Vapouriz Premium Millionaires Menthol E-Liquid 10ml

Deliciously crisp, cool and refreshing Menthol flavour with an icy bite

Double Drip Raspberry Sherbet Short Fill E-Liquid 50ml

Perfectly-ripe raspberries meets fizzy rai

Double Drip Nic Salts Strawberry Burst

Sweet, succulent summer Strawberries blend together in a super-smooth Nic Salt formulation

Just Juice Blackcurrant & Lime Ice 10ml Nic Salt

A refreshingly sweet blend of juicy Blackcurrant, zesty Lime and cool Menthol

Riot Squad Cherry Cola Nic Salt

The classic taste of Sweet and tangy Cola laced with rich, dark Cherries

Conclusion

In the dynamic world of vaping, the choice between nicotine salt vs freebase nicotine e-liquids can significantly shape your vaping experience. While freebase nicotine offers a stronger throat hit and a wide flavour spectrum, nic salts provide a smoother hit with quicker nicotine absorption.

Ultimately, the best way to discover what works for you is to try vaping both nicotine types. Each types of e liquids meet different preferences and needs, and exploring them can be a thrilling journey in itself. We invite you to explore our extensive range of both Vapestore nic salt and Vapestore freebase e-liquids to find what works for you. We stock the best freebase nicotine e-liquid in the UK, as well as the best nicotine e-liquid UK that contain Nic Salt, with thousands of delicious flavours to choose from.

Need help choosing? Our friendly Customer Service Team is here to guide you through all the options and answer any questions you might have.

Find your perfect match and enjoy your best vape-life at Vapestore today!

Happy Vaping!