Sub ohm vaping isn't some weird industry secret, the only thing that makes it different from regular vaping is the type of kit you will use. You'll have probably seen a sub ohm vape kit already, they're the ones that produce a lot of vapour and are generally a bit bigger than a standard device. They also use coils below 1.0 Ohm - hence "sub ohm" (make sure you check out our beginner's guide to coils for more information on Ohms and types of coil). The lower resistance of these sub ohm coils means that they require more power to heat up, and at the same time they run hotter and can turn e-liquid into vapour at a faster rate. This combination allows your sub ohm vape kit to create larger amounts of vapour.
In order to compensate for the large amount of vapour a sub ohm kit makes you will probably have to change how you inhale. Most people smoke a cigarette with an MTL (Mouth To Lung) inhale - where you draw vapour into your mouth and then inhale it deeper into your lungs before exhaling. For a sub ohm kit, you'll need to try a DTL (Direct To Lung) inhale instead, which is where you inhale vapour straight into your lungs without holding it in your mouth first.
MTL vaping feels more like a cigarette. A Mouth To Lung inhale is when you inhale vapour into your mouth, breathe it into your lungs, and then exhale.
DTL vaping is used with kits that produce a lot of vapour. A Direct To Lung inhale is when you inhale vapour straight into your lungs, without holding it in your mouth, and then exhale.
Sub ohm vaping (like any other kind of vaping) is only ever recommended for adult smokers who are looking to either cut down or quit smoking. A lot of people pick these kits as they feel more comfortable with a DTL inhale as it's a longer, slower way to vape. It also gives you the opportunity to pick a lower strength e-liquid and still satisfy cravings, because you'll be inhaling more vapour. In effect, a low strength e-liquid and a sub ohm kit produces the same effect as a high strength e-liquid and an MTL kit.
For sub ohm vaping the two most important things to consider will be the VG/PG concentration and nicotine strength of your e-liquid. We recommend a 70% VG e-liquid or higher for sub ohm vaping, as these thicker e-liquids produce more vapour for an authentic sub ohm vape. E-liquids with more PG than VG are too thin and can spit when used with a sub ohm vape, they also create a harsher throat hit.
With your nicotine strength, you'll probably need to go for a lower strength than you're used to, otherwise the throat hit you'll experience will be too strong. We recommend a 3mg e-liquid or, if you really need something stronger, a 6mg e-liquid at most. You might find that your sub ohm kit gets through e-liquid quite quickly, shortfill e-liquids can help. These larger bottles of e-liquid contain zero nicotine, but have room for you to add 10ml nic shots to create a 3mg e-liquid.
There are a lot of different sub ohm kits available, with manufacturers from across the world creating their own version of "the perfect kit". As a bare minimum, your kit will need to use coils below 1.0 Ohm and deliver more than 30W of power in order for you to experience a genuine sub ohm vape. You might already have a mod that delivers this kind of power, in which case all you'll need to do is buy a sub ohm tank to get started. If you're looking for a full upgrade, here are some of the most popular types of sub ohm vape:
Sub ohm pod kits are the bigger cousins of the standard pod vapes you might be used to. They can be as easy to use as the smaller MTL variants, while at the same time boasting a high wattage output along with a pocket-friendly build. You'll also find a wide range of pods that offer the option of both MTL and DTL coils, so you can switch between the two styles whenever you want.
Similarly, sub ohm vape pens are larger versions of the traditional pen vapes that also boast a higher power output. They will mostly feature only one button and a set power output; this combination means you can start vaping at the click of a button, while at the same time you won't have to worry about selecting the correct wattage. They're also one of the most cost-effective options as you'll only ever have to change the coils.
If you're looking for a classic option, you can't go wrong with a box mod kit. Yes, they're chunkier than a pod or a pen, but in return for less pocket space you'll experience a longer battery life and a very high power output for larger amounts of vapour. Box mod vapes are also the most likely to feature a variety of output modes for a deeper level of customisation - for a vape that better suits you.
Some sub ohm vapes will have what we call "output modes". When selected, you can use these modes to change how powerful your vape is or what temperature your coils can reach, and more. These modes are a major selling point for sub ohm kits, they allow you to customise the kit's performance and find a vape that suits your needs. Here's a breakdown of some of the most common modes, but this isn't a comprehensive list:
Found in a wide range of vapes, Variable Wattage Mode is the most common and arguably the most popular. It allows you to directly select a power level to match the resistance of your coils, but Variable Wattage Mode also gives you the opportunity to experiment with different levels of vapour production and find a vape that's perfect for you.
A more advanced option, Temperature Control Mode allows you to select a max temperature your coils can reach rather than a wattage. This mode can help you unlock different flavours notes in your e-liquid and helps your coils last longer by stopping them from burning out. In this mode, you'll also be able to use different types of coil including Nickel, Titanium and Stainless Steel.
Bypass Mode works a little bit differently and it's the perfect choice if you're looking to experience a hard-hitting vape. In this mode, your kit will draw maximum power from your batteries, depending on their charge level, and use it to heat your coils. The wattage level in this mode is dictated by both coil resistance and how much charge your batteries have. So, low resistance coils and freshly charged batteries mean a very high power output.
Variable Power Curve (VPC) is a little bit like Variable Wattage mode, but instead of selecting one power level, you'll select up to five. You'll vape with your kit as normal, and as you inhale the kit will reach the different power levels one after another. This means you can try a vape that slowly increases in strength, one that starts strong and gets lighter, or even something in between. The power curve allows you to experience an inhale that's entirely unique to you.
At the end of the day, sub ohm vaping isn't for everyone. Aside from the fact that you might prefer an MTL inhale, this style of vaping has its pros and cons like any other:
As you can see, sub ohm is the ideal option for a lot of vapers, not just for increased vapour production but because of all the different e-liquid and kit choices it brings with it. If you're looking for more help picking the kit that suits you best, check out our Top Ten Sub Ohm Kits Guide. Alternatively, our customer service team is on hand to make direct suggestions.
