Part of our Vape Juice Complete Guide series
Choosing vape juice can be overwhelming with all the options available. This guide simplifies the process with clear recommendations based on your device and preferences.
Step 1: Know Your Device
Your device determines what vape juice will work best.
Pod Systems (Juul, Vuse, etc.)
- PG/VG: 50/50
- Nicotine: Nic salts, 25-50mg
- Bottle size: Usually pre-filled pods or 30ml
Refillable Pod Mods
- PG/VG: 50/50 to 70/30
- Nicotine: Nic salts 25-35mg or freebase 12mg
- More flexibility than closed systems
Sub-Ohm Tanks
- PG/VG: 70/30 or higher VG
- Nicotine: Freebase only, 3-6mg
- Never use high-strength nic salts!
RDAs/Rebuildables
- PG/VG: Max VG or 80/20
- Nicotine: 0-3mg freebase
- Best flavor experience
Step 2: Choose Nicotine Strength
If You Currently Smoke
| Smoking Amount | Pod/MTL | Sub-Ohm |
|---|---|---|
| Few cigarettes/day | 25mg salt | 3mg freebase |
| Half pack/day | 35mg salt | 6mg freebase |
| Pack/day+ | 50mg salt | 6mg freebase |
If You Don't Smoke
Consider 0mg nicotine-free options. There's no reason to start using nicotine.
Step 3: Pick a Flavor Profile
For Beginners
Start with familiar flavors:
- Fruits you enjoy eating
- Simple, single-note flavors
- Menthol if you smoked menthols
For Former Smokers
- Tobacco flavors can ease transition
- RY4 (tobacco + vanilla + caramel) is popular
- Many eventually move to fruit/dessert
Step 4: Consider Bottle Size
- 30ml: Good for trying new flavors
- 60ml: Value size if you like the flavor
- 100-120ml: Best value for all-day vapes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using nic salts in sub-ohm devices (dangerous)
- Buying large bottles before testing flavors
- Choosing wrong PG/VG ratio for your device
- Ignoring nicotine strength recommendations
Quick Reference Chart
| Device Type | PG/VG | Nicotine Type | Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Closed pod | 50/50 | Salt | 25-50mg |
| Open pod/MTL | 50/50-60/40 | Salt or freebase | 12-35mg |
| Sub-ohm | 70/30+ | Freebase only | 3-6mg |
| RDA | Max VG | Freebase only | 0-3mg |