Vape Juice 101: Understanding PG/VG Ratios and Their Impact
When selecting e-liquids (or vape juice), one of the most important factors to consider is the PG/VG ratio. The ratio of propylene glycol (PG) to vegetable glycerin (VG) in your e-liquid directly impacts the flavor, vapor production, and overall vaping experience.
What Are PG and VG?
- Propylene Glycol (PG) is a thinner liquid that provides a stronger throat hit, similar to smoking. It’s also responsible for carrying flavor in e-liquids.
- Vegetable Glycerin (VG) is a thicker liquid that produces large vapor clouds. It’s sweeter in taste and provides a smoother vaping experience.
How Do PG/VG Ratios Affect Your Vaping Experience?
1. Throat Hit and Flavor
If you’re looking for a stronger throat hit that closely resembles smoking, e-liquids with a higher PG content are ideal. Higher PG e-liquids deliver a more pronounced throat hit and are better for flavor. However, too much PG can make the vape harsh, especially for those with sensitive throats.
2. Vapor Production
VG, on the other hand, is responsible for vapor production. E-liquids with a higher VG content produce larger vapor clouds, which is ideal for cloud chasers and direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping. High-VG e-liquids tend to be smoother and are often favored by those who want a more relaxed vaping experience with less throat hit.
3. Nicotine Absorption
Nicotine absorption varies depending on the PG/VG ratio. High-PG e-liquids absorb nicotine more quickly, while high-VG e-liquids provide a slower, more subtle nicotine hit. Beginners may prefer a higher PG content for a quicker and more noticeable hit.
Common PG/VG Ratios and Their Uses
- 50/50: The most balanced ratio, providing a good mix of throat hit and vapor production. It’s suitable for mouth-to-lung (MTL) vapers who want a bit of both.
- 70/30 (VG/PG): Great for cloud chasers who want larger vapor production. This ratio is ideal for direct-to-lung (DTL) vapers.
- 80/20 (VG/PG): Ideal for sub-ohm vapers who are after massive clouds of vapor. It’s perfect for those who don’t mind a milder throat hit and prefer smoother vaping.
Which PG/VG Ratio Should You Choose?
If you’re new to vaping or transitioning from smoking, you may want to start with a 50/50 ratio. This balanced mix will give you a smooth throat hit and reasonable vapor production. As you gain experience, you may want to experiment with higher VG ratios for cloud chasing or stronger throat hits.