Nic salts are a relatively new phenomenon, arriving only a couple of years ago. However, these days it feels like they’re pretty much everywhere and for many vapers salt is now their go-to type of nicotine.
Salt nicotine is also the preferred nicotine for disposable vape manufacturers, and with well over 50 per cent of all vapers now using single-use kits, that’s a lot of people vaping nic salts.
So what are the main benefits of nic salts and why have they suddenly appeared out of nowhere to sky-rocket in popularity? Let’s find out…
Smoother Throat Hit
Without a doubt, the number one reason nic salts have become so popular since they first arrived on the scene is their smoother inhalation. Without getting too technical on you, nic salts have a lower pH level than standard freebase nicotine, which means they’re less harsh on the throat, even at higher strengths.
This is what makes them so popular among beginner vapers, because those who have recently quit smoking require a hefty hit of nicotine to help keep their cravings at bay.
However, a high-strength liquid made with freebase nicotine would usually be too harsh for someone who isn’t accustomed to vaping, so nic salts offer the best of both worlds: high strength nicotine with a smooth throat hit.
Rapid Nicotine Delivery
Another area where nic salts come out on top is the time it takes for the nicotine to start working. With its rapid nicotine delivery, nicotine salts are absorbed into the bloodstream much quicker than freebase nicotine.
So when those pesky cravings are in full flow after a long and stressful day, if you want that nicotine fix and you want it fast, nic salts are hands down the superior choice.
Enhanced Flavour
Let’s face it, we all love the delicious flavours we get from our vape. And this is another reason why nic salts have ballooned in popularity, as salt nicotine juices tend to have a more intense flavour profile than freebase nicotine.
This is also one of the reasons you’ll find nic salts in most disposable vapes, as those who tend to go for single-use kits are looking for two things: convenience and flavour. The no-button, no charge nature of disposables ticks the first box, while the nic salts take care of the latter!
Reduced Vapour
Nic salts tend to produce less vapour than freebase liquids, mainly due to the fact they come in 50/50 or high-PG ratios. This makes them great for flavour, but with a higher proportion of propylene glycol, nic salt juices won’t create the type of clouds you’d get from a high-VG juice.
Depending on your vaping style and preferences, you may or may not see this as an advantage. If you’re a cloud-chaser in hot pursuit of the biggest, densest clouds, then nic salts probably won’t be the best choice for you.
However, if you’re more of a discreet vaper who likes to keep things on the down-low then you might prefer the low-key vaping experience they offer.
Longer Shelf Life
Are you the type of vaper who buys multiple flavours, then gets hooked on one juice and leaves the rest to gather dust at the back of the cupboard? Well, depending on how long they’re left there, you might find that once you return to your abandoned juices, they don’t have quite the same vigour they once did!
This is because, over time, e-liquid can start to degrade and when left standing long enough the flavour will gradually become weaker. Do this enough times and it can start to become a serious waste of money!
Thankfully, nic salts come with a longer shelf life than freebase, due to the fact that salt nicotine is more chemically stable, so it degrades at a much slower rate.
Now that doesn’t mean you can neglect your vape juices for years at a time and expect them to be as flavoursome as ever. But you should be able to leave them for a while, ready for you to enjoy when you fancy a change of flavour.
So those are the main benefits of nic salts. As you can see, these benefits don’t suit everyone. If you’re a cloud-chaser looking for thick plumes or you’re looking for the cheapest options on the market then nic salts might not not be the best choice for you. However, if it’s great flavour, rapid delivery and a smooth throat hit you want, nic salts might be ideal!
