I’ll never forget the first time I tried a 20mg nic salt in a pod kit. One puff, and boom — instant head rush. I actually had to sit down. It hit that hard. The thing is, I’d just switched from a basic 6mg freebase juice and didn’t realise how strong nic salts could be, especially in a low-powered kit.
If you’re new to nic salts (or vaping in general), picking the right strength can feel like guesswork — but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re switching from smoking, moving off disposables, or trying nic salts for the first time, this guide will help you figure out the right strength without overdoing it.
What Are Nic Salts?
Let’s start with the basics.
Nicotine salts (or nic salts) are a type of nicotine formulated to absorb quickly into the bloodstream, giving you a faster, smoother hit compared to traditional (freebase) nicotine. They’re ideal for:
- Curbing cravings fast
- Mimicking the nicotine delivery of a cigarette
- Use in low-wattage, MTL pod systems
They come in strengths like:
- 20mg/ml – the legal maximum in the UK
- 10mg/ml
- Occasionally 5mg/ml (less common, but growing in popularity)
Think of them like espresso: small, strong, and effective — but take too much, and you’ll feel it.
Why Picking the Right Strength Matters
Nic salts are powerful — and using a strength that’s too high can leave you feeling:
- Light-headed
- Dizzy or nauseous
- Over-satisfied (yes, that’s a thing!)
- Like you want to vape less, not more
On the other hand, go too low and you might:
- Struggle with cravings
- End up vaping more often to compensate
- Feel like it’s “not working”
So, let’s match your vape style to the right nic salt strength.
Step 1: Know Your Smoking or Vaping History
Here’s what I ask customers when they’re choosing nic salt strength:
🔹 Were you a heavy smoker?
If you smoked 15+ cigarettes a day, you’ll likely need 20mg to start with. It mimics the hit you’re used to — fast and satisfying.
🔸 Smoked lightly or socially?
If you were a social smoker or under 10 a day, 10mg nic salts will probably do the job without being too much.
🔹 Switching from disposables?
Most disposables (like Lost Mary, Elf Bar, SKE Crystal) contain 20mg nic salts, so if you’re used to those and moving to a pod kit, you can stick with 20mg — or drop to 10mg if you want to reduce intake.
I’ve had customers come in saying “I can’t vape disposables all day anymore, it’s too much.” That’s a big clue you’re ready to step down.
Step 2: Match the Nic Salt to Your Device
Nic salts work best in low-powered, mouth-to-lung (MTL) kits, but even then — the wattage and coil resistance matter.
✅ Ideal setup for 20mg:
- Pod kit with 1.0 ohm or higher coil
- Low wattage (under 15W)
- E.g., Uwell Caliburn A3S, Vaporesso XROS 3 Mini
⚠️ Avoid 20mg in:
- Sub-ohm kits (coils under 0.6 ohm)
- High-wattage devices — they’ll make 20mg feel overwhelming
If your device produces bigger clouds or runs higher power, opt for 10mg or even 5mg to avoid overdoing it.
Step 3: Think About Your Vaping Habits
How often do you reach for your vape? If you:
- Chain vape or use it all day, 10mg is usually enough
- Take just a few puffs at a time, you might want 20mg
It's all about how quickly and how often you want to satisfy your cravings. Some people even keep two different strengths — one for quick hits, one for lighter all-day use.
Step 4: Listen to Your Body
Your body will tell you if the strength’s not quite right.
Signs your nic salt is too strong:
- Light-headedness
- Nausea
- Tight chest or coughing
- You feel “off” after vaping
Signs it’s too weak:
- Cravings soon after vaping
- Constantly reaching for your vape
- No “satisfaction” from puffs
If you’re unsure, start with 10mg — it gives a good middle ground without being overwhelming. You can always go up or down after a few days.
Bonus: What About 5mg Nic Salts?
These are still relatively new in the UK, but they’re perfect if you:
- Have already stepped down from 10mg
- Vape frequently but want to lower your intake
- Prefer longer sessions without the hit of 10mg+
Brands like Bar Juice 5000 and Soda King Bar Salts are starting to offer 5mg options — worth a try if you’re looking to gradually reduce nicotine.
Final Thoughts from the Shop Floor
Picking the right nic salt strength isn’t about being “hardcore” — it’s about finding the sweet spot that keeps cravings away without making you feel rough.
Here’s my usual advice:
- Start with 10mg if you’re unsure
- Match your strength to your device and your habitsm
- Listen to your body and adjust if needed
- Don’t be afraid to experiment — everyone’s different
And remember: if you need help choosing, your local vape shop is always here to guide you (no pressure, no judgement).