I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had someone walk into the shop and say, “I bought this juice online, but it just doesn’t hit right. Did I get the wrong one?” Most of the time, the issue comes down to one thing: they’re using nic salts in a setup meant for freebase nicotine — or vice versa.
Choosing between nicotine salts and freebase nicotine isn’t just about strength — it’s about how you vape, what you’re using, and the kind of hit you’re after.
If you’ve ever stood in front of a wall of e-liquid bottles wondering which one’s right for you, this guide should clear things up. Let’s dive into the differences — and figure out which is right for your vape style.
What Is Freebase Nicotine?
Let’s start with the OG.
Freebase nicotine is the original form used in most traditional e-liquids. It’s been around since the early days of vaping and gives that classic throat hit smokers often look for.
🔹 Key features:
- Stronger throat hit (especially at higher strengths)
- Slower nicotine absorption
- Usually available in 3mg, 6mg, 12mg, and 18mg
- Found in 50/50 e-liquids or high-VG shortfills with nic shots
What Are Nicotine Salts?
Nic salts are a newer formulation of nicotine, made to be smoother and faster-acting. They're perfect if you want a quick fix without the harshness.
Originally developed for pod systems, they’ve exploded in popularity thanks to disposables and bar-style nic salts.
🔸 Key features:
- Smoother throat hit, even at higher strengths (10mg or 20mg)
- Faster nicotine delivery (more satisfying for cravings)
- Ideal for low-powered pod systems
- Often comes in flavours inspired by disposables
👉 Check out our nic salt ranges like Soda King Bar Salts or Elfliq by Elf Bar
Nic Salts vs Freebase: Side-by-Side
Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide at a glance:
| Feature | Nic Salts | Freebase Nicotine |
|---|---|---|
| Throat Hit | Smooth | Stronger |
| Absorption Speed | Fast | Moderate |
| Flavour Intensity | Slightly muted | Sharper |
| Best for | Low-wattage pod kits | Pen mods, sub-ohm tanks |
| Nic Strengths | 10mg, 20mg | 3mg, 6mg, 12mg, 18mg |
| Ideal User | Ex-disposable or heavy smokers | Light smokers or hobbyists |
| Best Devices | MTL pod kits | MTL kits & sub-ohm mods |
Choosing Based on Your Vape Style
Let’s break it down by how you vape.
💨 If You’re a Heavy Smoker Switching to Vaping:
- Start with nic salts (10mg or 20mg)
- You’ll get a faster, smoother hit without needing a high-power device
- Try a refillable pod kit like the Caliburn A3
🧑💻 If You Use Disposables and Want to Switch:
- Use bar salt nic salts in a pod system (same flavours, cheaper in the long run)
- Ideal for people stepping away from Elf Bars, Lost Mary, etc.
☕ If You’re a Casual Vaper or Social Smoker:
- Freebase 6mg or 12mg is usually enough
- A 50/50 juice in a small MTL kit works great for occasional puffs
🔧 If You’re a Cloud Chaser or Sub-Ohm Vaper:
- Stick with freebase 3mg in shortfills
- Nic salts are too strong for high-wattage devices and can hit like a truck if misused!
What If You Want to Quit Nicotine Altogether?
Nic salts and freebase both come in 0mg options, though they’re more common in shortfills. If you're gradually reducing your nicotine, you might:
- Start with 20mg nic salts, drop to 10mg, then move to freebase 6mg
- Eventually transition to 0mg shortfills or non-nicotine alternatives
I've helped loads of customers work their way down this path — it’s a great goal, and the variety of e-liquids makes it more doable than ever.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced vapers make these from time to time:
- Using nic salts in a high-power sub-ohm device = massive throat hit, possible nausea
- Using freebase in a low-powered pod = weak hit, unsatisfying
- Not matching your coil to your juice – 1.0 ohm or higher = salts; below 0.6 ohm = freebase
When in doubt? Ask your vape shop (I’m always happy to help!).
At the end of the day, there’s no “one-size-fits-all” answer — it’s all about how and why you vape.
If you want a smooth, high-nicotine experience, nic salts are the way to go.
If you prefer a stronger throat hit or more vapour, stick with freebase.
Try both if you’re unsure — you might find you prefer nic salts during the day and a 3mg shortfill in the evening. Loads of my customers mix and match depending on where they are or what they’re doing.
Still not sure? Pop in for a chat or drop me a message — I’ll help you find your perfect match.