Did you know that there are two different types of nicotine used in vaping? If this is news to you, then it’s time you read on and learn all there is to know about these two types of nicotine. Both of these types of nicotine come from tobacco leaves, so how different can they be? It turns out, quite different. If you’ve been using a pod kit, vape pen, or any mouth-to-lung device at all, chances are you’ve also been using either 50/50 freebase nicotine or nic salts. But if you don’t know what’s what, then there’s a chance you might not be getting the vaping experience that you so long for.
Whether you’re a smoker looking to switch to vaping or you’re new to the vaping scene completely, you may have heard about nic salt e-liquid. But what is it? And is it better than freebase nicotine? In this blog post, we’ll answer those questions and more. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the differences between nic salt and freebase e-liquids.
What is freebase nicotine?
Freebase nicotine is the longest-standing and most commonly found type of nicotine as it is what is in cigarettes. It is also the type of nicotine that is found in nicotine replacement products such as nicotine gums and patches.
It originates from the 1960s when research found that making nicotine undergo freebasing produced a much purer and more potent product. “But what does freebasing mean?” I hear you ask. In simple terms, freebasing involves altering the state of nicotine from its natural salt formulation to its purest form. Hence, freebase nicotine.
What are the benefits of freebase nicotine?
Freebase nicotine is found in 10ml bottles and is often referred to as 50/50 e-liquid because of the equal ratio of VG and PG. One major benefit of 50/50 freebase e-liquid is that it carries maximum flavour, and the range of flavours is a huge reason many choose to vape in the first place.
Now, the next mention could be seen as a benefit or drawback depending on personal preference – freebase nicotine offers a harsher throat hit at higher doses, which many ex-smokers enjoy. However, for new vapers 50/50 freebase e-liquid with a high nicotine concentration might present a harsh throat hit and be a very unpleasant experience. For those who enjoy this sensation it can often be just what they’re looking for and often find that they’re missing something when using nic salt e-liquid.
Lastly, freebase 50/50 e-liquid is often available in a wider range of different nicotine concentrations including 3mg, 6mg, 10mg, 12mg and 18mg. Freebase juices are not made with 20mg of nicotine due to the throat hit being too harsh.
What are nic salts?
Nicotine salt, more commonly referred to as nic salts, is the natural state that nicotine is found in the tobacco leaves. Also used primarily by mouth-to-lung vapers, these vape juices come in 10ml bottles and contain 50/50 VG/PG ratios – much the same as freebase.
In order for it to be able to be vaped, the nicotine salt is mixed with benzoic acid which lowers the pH level and reduces its alkalinity. This chemical reaction greatly reduced the throat hit allowing nic salt e-liquid to be vaped at higher nicotine levels without being too harsh and unpleasant.
What are the benefits of nic salts?
In contrast to freebase nicotine, nic salts allow for a smoother inhale with less of a throat hit. This makes nic salt e-juice a popular choice for smokers looking to switch to vaping. Nic salt e-liquids are also available in higher nicotine strengths, making them ideal for smokers who find it difficult to get enough nicotine from other types of e-liquid.
Nicotine salts can also be a great choice for ex-smokers too, as they deliver a quicker nicotine rush than freebase. Nic salts are absorbed in the bloodstream really quickly in around just 6 seconds after inhaling which can help to curb nicotine cravings faster and more effectively.
Is freebase nicotine or nicotine salt best for me?
Now we’ve looked at the benefits for both of these types of e-liquid, it’s time to decide what one is best for you. First of all, it’s important to note that both of these vape juices come in 10ml bottles, as TPD regulations state that e-liquid with nicotine in it can not be sold in bottles bigger than this.
Both nic salts and freebase e-liquids should be used with MTL vape devices such as pod kits. They require low-powered devices in order to vaporise them, which is why they create discreet, low levels of vapour, as opposed to the clouds that you may see when using a sub-ohm kit. Using these e-liquids with sub-ohm devices will create a very unpleasant experience as too much e-juice will be vaporised as you inhale and at too high of a temperature. Even if you’re someone who enjoys a harsher throat hit, we assure you that this will be far too much.
The main difference between these two juices is that if you were to vape each e-liquid with 18mg of nicotine, the nicotine salt would provide a smooth vape whereas the freebase would offer a much more scratchy throat hit as you inhale. If you’re an ex-smoker and/or someone who enjoys a throat hit, be it a harsh or subtle, freebase is the way to go. However, if you want a complete smooth vaping experience the nicotine salts are for you.
Our top freebase and nic salt picks
When it comes to freebase e-liquids and nicotine salt e-liquids, we stock an excellent range of choices here at Legion of Vapers. Here are just a few of our bestsellers, but feel free to explore our full range of e-liquids here.
Vampire Vape
We can’t talk about freebase e-juice without mentioning Vampire Vape. The Vampire Vape 50/50 e-liquids pack a tonne of flavour. These e-liquids may be small but they’re certainly mighty, as these 10ml bottles have won a range of awards, and no flavour has won more than their famous Heisenberg juice.
Heisenberg is a mix of red berries with a cooling menthol twist for a flavour combo that will blow your mind – there’s a reason that this e-juice has so many accolades under its belt. We stock this juice in three different nicotine strengths so there’s a choice for every vaper.
Riot Squad Punx
Riot Squad are known for creating some amazing flavour combinations, and few are more delicious than the Punx Nicotine Salts range. Enjoy flavours including Guava, Passionfruit & Pineapple for a sweet juice bursting with tart and tropical flavours. Another favourite is the Raspberry Grenade for an explosion of juicy raspberry flavour. Delivering a smooth throat hit along with great flavour, Riot Squad have mastered the art of nic salt e-liquid.
Dinner Lady
Dinner Lady nic salts are available in both 10mg and 20mg to ensure that no vaper has to miss out. There is an enormous range of flavours to choose from in this selection from Mango Ice for a sweet, but icy chill and the famous Lemon Tart juice that is loved by so many. This nicotine salt e-liquid from Dinner Lady is a fan favourite for a reason, and with so much choice, there is guaranteed to be one for you.
In summary
In conclusion, both freebase nicotine and nicotine salt have their own benefits that can appeal to different types of vapers. Freebase nicotine is known for its throat hit and stronger flavour, while nicotine salt has a smoother throat hit and is less harsh on the lungs. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference as to which type of nicotine is best for each individual vaper.
If you’re still unsure about which type of nicotine would be better for you, feel free to contact us and our team of experts will be happy to handle any of your vape-related questions.
