Because the wrong juice in the wrong kit is a recipe for burnt coils and bad vibes.
If your vape tastes off, your coils keep burning out, or you’re just not getting the hit you want — there’s a good chance your e-liquid and device aren’t vibing.
It’s one of the most common issues we help with in the shop: someone comes in thinking their vape’s broken, but all it takes is switching up their juice to get everything running smooth again.
Let’s clear the fog. Here’s how to pick the right e-liquid for your vape — whether you’re using a pod system, sub-ohm kit, or something in between.
💡 First, Know Your Vape Type
Before you even look at the bottle, ask: what kind of vape are you using?
This makes a massive difference in what e-liquid works best.
🔹 Pod Kits (like the OXVA Xlim, Uwell Caliburn, Vaporesso Luxe Q)
- Lower power (10–25W)
- Smaller coils and tighter airflow
- Best with nic salts or 50/50 freebase e-liquids
🔹 Sub-Ohm Kits (big tanks, box mods, cloud machines)
- Higher power (40W+)
- Big coils, lots of vapour
- Best with high VG shortfills (70VG/30PG) and low nicotine
🔹 Disposable-Style Refillables (Elfliq-compatible kits, bar salt users)
- Mimic the disposable feel
- Still best with nic salts or bar salt-style e-liquids
If you’re using bar salts in a sub-ohm tank — that’s why your coil hates you.
🧃 PG vs VG: What’s the Deal?
Most e-liquids are a mix of:
- PG (Propylene Glycol) – thinner, more throat hit, carries flavour
- VG (Vegetable Glycerine) – thicker, smoother, more vapour
Here’s a quick guide:
| Ratio | Best For | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| 50/50 | Pod kits / MTL | Good flavour, tight draw |
| 70VG/30PG | Sub-ohm / DTL kits | Big clouds, smooth hit |
| High PG | Starter kits / strong throat hit | Sharper, more intense |
| High VG | Cloud chasers / soft hit | Dense vapour, less throat hit |
If you’re coughing a lot or struggling with leaking, your PG/VG ratio might be the issue.
⚠️ Match Nicotine Strength to Your Style
Pod Kits (MTL / tighter draw):
- Nic salts: 5mg, 10mg or 20mg
- Freebase 50/50: 3mg to 12mg
Great for a smooth hit and fast nicotine delivery.
Sub-Ohm Kits (DTL / airy draw):
- Shortfills (0mg) + nic shot = 1.5mg to 3mg
Too much nic in a sub-ohm? You’ll get dizzy — fast.
❌ Common Mistakes We See in the Shop
- Using 70VG juice in a pod system = dry hits and leaking
- Using 20mg nic salts in a high-wattage device = harsh, overwhelming throat hit
- Vaping 50/50 in a big sub-ohm tank = thin vapour, weird flavour
- Buying juice for the flavour alone without checking the ratio = regret
✅ E-Liquid Recommendations Based on Device
| Device Type | Best Juice Type | Example Brands |
|---|---|---|
| Pod Kits | 50/50 or Nic Salts | Mejusa Bar Salt V2, Riot Bar EDTN, IVG Salts |
| Disposable-Style Pod Kits | Nic Salts (Bar-style) | Elfliq, Bar Juice 5000, Doozy Bar Salts |
| Sub-Ohm Kits | 70VG Shortfills | Soda King Shortfills, Treat Spot, Double Brew |
👃 Don't Forget Flavour Preferences
You might love a flavour in one kit but hate it in another. Why?
- Pods often deliver stronger throat hit, good for fruits and ice
- Sub-ohm tanks smooth things out, ideal for desserts, custards, sweet vapes
- High-powered kits can mute subtle flavours if not matched correctly
I once tried a creamy vanilla custard in my pod kit — thought it was boring. Switched to my sub-ohm tank and bam — dessert heaven.
Final Thoughts from the Counter
If you’ve been struggling with flavour, getting dry hits, or just feel like your vape experience is a bit meh — it might not be your kit. It might be your juice.
Matching your e-liquid to your device can completely change how you vape: smoother, tastier, more satisfying.
Still confused? Pop in, give us a shout, or DM us. We’ll help you match your device to the perfect juice without the guesswork.