Nicotine salts are used in e-liquids to provide better and more satisfying experiences to nicotine users, especially those who are transitioning from traditional cigarettes to vaping. As nicotine salts resemble the natural nicotine found in tobacco leaves, usage of nicotine salts provides higher nicotine concentrations in e-liquids without treating your throat with a harsh hit which is often associated with freebase nicotine. Also, as it provides a better experience for many users, this makes vaping a more effective and preferred tool for quitting smoking.

Smoothness and speed are the two primary differences in nicotine delivery between nicotine salts (nic salts) and freebase nicotine.

These are the main differences:

Smoothness: being less harsh on the throat, it mimics the sensation of smoking traditional cigarettes.

Speed of absorption: Compared to freebase nicotine, nic salts are absorbed into the bloodstream more quickly and promptly.

Higher nicotine concentrations: Nicotine salts provide higher concentrations of nicotine in e-liquids without experiencing the unpleasant throat hit, which is basically associated with freebase nicotine.

Low-wattage and pod-style vaping devices are best suited for nicotine salts. In fact, these devices are designed to work with higher nicotine concentrations and can provide a smooth and satisfying vaping experience with nic salts. All-in-one (AIO) devices, pen-style vapes, and pod systems are commonly used for vaping nicotine salts. These devices have high-resistance coils, which are less powerful.  Such devices are ideal for the higher nicotine levels found in nic salt e-liquids.

Depending on the individual’s nicotine tolerance and vaping goals, the recommended nicotine strength for nic salt e-liquids varies commonly, ranging from 5mg (milligrams) to 20mg.

General guidelines are as follows:

Heavy smokers (more than a pack a day): Start with a higher nicotine strength, such as 20mg, to effectively satisfy your nicotine cravings.

Moderate smokers (around half a pack a day): a nicotine strength of 10mg to 20mg may be suitable.

Light smokers and beginners: You may begin vaping with lower nicotine strengths, around 5mg to 20mg or even much lower. This will help you minimise the risk of overconsumption of nicotine and harsh throat hits.

Gradual reduction: To gradually reduce nicotine intake over a period of time, many vapers use nic salts. You can start with a higher strength and gradually decrease it as you become accustomed to vaping, thus reducing nicotine dependency.

No, it is not recommended to use nic salts in sub-ohm devices. Sub-ohm devices are designed for use with low-nicotine, high-VG (vegetable glycerine) e-liquids. Using high-strength nicotine salt e-liquids in a sub-ohm setup can result in an extremely high nicotine intake. This may lead to overconsumption of nicotine, harsh throat hits, and an uncomfortable vaping experience.

Low-wattage, mouth-to-lung (MTL) devices like pod systems and vape pens are better suited for nicotine salts. These devices are designed to work with higher-nicotine e-liquids and provide a smoother, more satisfying experience. It is suggested for users looking to satisfy their nicotine cravings without the need for high wattages.

Yes, there are side effects and risks associated with vaping nicotine salts. Some of these are:

Nicotine dependence: Nicotine salts can be highly addictive to individuals who were not previously smokers. Regular and continuous use may lead to nicotine dependence or addiction.

Nicotine overconsumption: Vaping high-strength nicotine salt e-liquids in excessive amounts can lead to overconsumption of nicotine. Symptoms include headaches, nausea, dizziness, and an increased heart rate.

Throat and lung irritation: While using high-nicotine salts in sub-ohm devices or vaping at excessively high temperatures, some users may experience throat and lung irritation. 

Potential for dual use: Nicotine salts may be tempting to smokers trying to quit smoking, but there’s a risk of dual use, where individuals continue to smoke traditional cigarettes while simultaneously vaping.

Lack of long-term research: As vaping and nicotine salts are relatively new things, the long-term health effects are not fully researched and known. More research is required to know the potential long-term risks.

Depending on individual preferences and goals, nicotine salts can be suitable for both beginners and experienced vapers.

For beginners: Those beginners who are looking to quit smoking nicotine salts are often recommended to them. They provide a smoother throat hit and faster nicotine delivery, which mimic traditional cigarettes. Beginners can start with lower nicotine strengths and gradually adjust based on their needs and preferences.

Experienced vapers: Experienced vapers who prefer a more concentrated nicotine hit without the harshness associated with high-nicotine freebase e-liquids may also enjoy nicotine salts. Nicotine salts offer versatility to vapers who want to customise their vaping experience to their desired nicotine levels.

Nicotine salts can be suitable for both beginners and experienced vapers, but the choice ultimately depends on individual preferences and goals.

Yes, you can mix nicotine salts with regular e-liquids. However, it should be done cautiously after considering the following factors: 

Nicotine strength: Nicotine salts come in higher concentrations compared to freebase nicotine e-liquids. While mixing, ensure not to exceed the total nicotine strength to avoid harsh throat hits or overconsumption of nicotine.

Flavour and ratio: Mixing nic salts with regular e-liquids can alter the flavour. Thus, different flavour combinations and ratios can be experimented with to achieve the desired taste.

Device compatibility: Ensure that your vaping device is suitable for the final nicotine strength and e-liquid viscosity.

Nicotine absorption: Nic salts are designed for faster and smoother nicotine absorption. Mixing them with regular e-liquids may affect the nicotine delivery experience.

Safety precautions: Always handle nicotine products with care. Wear protective gear if necessary, and keep it out of reach of children and pets.

Yes, nicotine salts can be used by individuals looking to quit smoking. Some advantages are listed below:

Mimics smoking sensation: As nicotine salts provide a smoother throat hit and faster nicotine absorption, it mimics the sensation of smoking traditional cigarettes. This can make the transition from smoking to vaping more comfortable for many people.

Higher nicotine concentrations: Nicotine salts can hold higher nicotine concentrations in e-liquids without offering the harshness that is associated with freebase nicotine. Especially for heavy smokers, this can help satisfy nicotine cravings more effectively.

Gradual nicotine reduction: Many smokers also use nicotine salts to reduce their nicotine intake over a period of time. Normally, they start with a higher nicotine strength and then decrease it gradually once they become more accustomed to vaping.

Reduced harm: Though vaping nicotine salts is not completely risk-free, it is considered to be less harmful compared to smoking tobacco cigarettes. Basically, this is because vaping eliminates many of the harmful byproducts of combustion.

The frequency at which you should change your nicotine salt coil depends on your vaping habits and the type of device you’re using. But the following can be used as a general guideline:

Vaping frequency: Frequent vaping throughout the day may need coil replacement more often as heavy use lead to faster coil deterioration.

E-liquid type: Dark and sweet e-liquids can make the coils greasy faster as compared to clear and less sweet ones. Therefore, if you are using e-liquids with a lot of sweeteners, you may need to replace your coil more frequently.

Device type: Pod systems and lower-powered devices require frequent replacement as compared to high-powered sub-ohm devices.

Maintenance: Proper maintenance and regular cleaning of the tank and changing of e-liquids can help prevent build-up on the coil, resulting in extending its life.

However, in normal conditions, i.e. for moderate users, the nicotine salt coil replacement is required every 1 to 2 weeks. However, if you notice a decreased flavour quality or a burnt taste, it’s a sign that the coil needs a change.

Along with all the above-mentioned factors, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for coil replacement and adjust it as per your personal vaping habits and the performance of your device.

The best nicotine salt (nic salt) flavours are highly subjective. It also depends on individual taste preferences; for example, what one person may enjoy, another may not. Popular nic salt flavours include:

Tobacco blends: Many former smokers prefer tobacco-flavoured nic salts as they closely resemble the taste of traditional cigarettes. The flavours can range from mild tobacco to strong, earthy ones.

Fruit flavours: Fruity nic salt flavours such as strawberry, mango, watermelon, and citrus blends are favourites among vapers because of their refreshing and sweet flavours.

Menthol and mint: Menthol and mint nic salts offer a cool mint based vaping experience as they are popular for their throat-soothing qualities.

Dessert and bakery: Dessert and bakery-themed nic salt flavours such as vanilla custard, caramel or pastry-based flavours are popular among vapers with a sweet tooth.

Beverage flavours: Coffee, tea, and beverage-flavoured nic salts can provide a unique vaping experience. Coffee-flavoured nic salts are preferred by coffee lovers, whereas tea lovers opt for chai or green tea flavours. 

Candy and sweets: Nic salt flavours ranging from fruity candies to chocolate and caramel treats are also available.

Unique and exotic blends: Exotic or unique nic salt flavours, such as floral, spice, or complex flavours are preferred by some vapers.