The liquid - What you need to know

Un e-liquide est essentiel au fonctionnement de la cigarette électronique puisque c’est lui qui permettra la diffusion de la vapeur. Il ne s’agit ni plus ni moins de l’essence de votre vapoteuse, sans lui, elle ne pourra pas s’actionner. Pour rappel, la vapeur diffusée est produite au fur et à mesure que le liquide chauffe. Ce système de chauffe est permis par l’alimentation de la résistance via la batterie de votre e-cigarette.

Four elements of varying proportions make up each e-liquid:

• Propylene glycol, or more commonly known as PG, is the dominant component of the e-liquid with a rate often set between 50 and 80%. This organic compound has the specificity of creating a light vapor while restoring the aromas as well as possible. In case of presence of nicotine, it is the dose of PG that will allow to perceive the sensation of a hit in the throat.
• Vegetable Glycerine or VG, is the ally of PG and refers to the food element that produces a thick steam. Its slightly sweet taste softens the pungent side of PG. These two compounds are systematically presented together in a PG/VG ratio.
• Food flavourings that are generally estimated to be between 3 and 15%. It is these flavors that give the desired flavor to the steam delivered by the electronic cigarette.
• The nicotine dosage. Even if some e-liquids are offered without nicotine, it is very common to see nicotine liquids with a certain dosage. This can vary depending on the product, ranging from 0 to 20 mg/ml. The greater the proportion of nicotine, the more the hit felt will have a strong presence in the throat.

It is also possible to find traces of demineralised water to fluidise the liquid if it has a high VG rate. Just as the presence of ethyl alcohol can be incorporated to enhance the flavor, promote the hit felt in the throat and fluidify the liquid.

An infinite range of flavours is offered to steamers by all the brands on the steam market. The tastes of each being different, you will have the choice between greedy, fruity, mentholated or even close to the taste of the original tobacco.

To choose an e-liquid that best suits your style of vaporization, it is important to take into account three criteria: the PG/VG ratio, the flavor and the nicotine dosage.

The ratio PG/VG

This ratio designates the basis of each e-liquid. Several proportions are subject to sale, all with their own positive and negative points. It is complicated to orient a vaporizer towards one ratio more than another, it all depends on your tastes, the material you use or the desired vapor density. To facilitate your choice, here are the virtues of the three dosages frequently proposed:

• 50 PG/ 50 VG: for a majority of steamers, this is a good compromise between satisfactory steam production, good flavour rendition and soft hit.
• 70 PG / 30 VG: this ratio is the most used by e-liquids. It guarantees a small volume of steam but with a very good restitution of flavours and a rather pronounced hit. This base is a good solution for beginners who are looking for tobacco-like aromas.
• 20 PG / 80 VG: the steam delivered will be extremely dense, the flavour rendering satisfactory and the hit felt very light. This is a good option for lovers of gourmet liquids.

It is necessary to note that the strong presence of VG in an e-liquid will give it a viscous consistency, thus causing fouling of the resistors.

The flavor of the e-liquid chosen

Like the PG/VG base, the choice of flavour will be made according to individual taste. To choose your e-liquid, you first need to question your personal desires; Sweet? Mentholated? Ultra-fresh? Or the taste of candy? Everything is possible for your palate. There are four families of flavours in e-liquids: gourmet, fruity, drinks and tobacco.

Beginners are advised to start with a "classic" tobacco-flavoured e-liquid. This type of liquid allows not to stray too far from the flavor of the traditional cigarette, and therefore to begin withdrawal without losing its marks. It is even possible to choose between a flavor similar to that of blond or dark cigarettes. Once the habit of the e-cigarette installed, it will be possible to gradually switch to liquids more greedy or fruity.

Nicotine levels

To estimate which dosage is best suited to your needs, it is necessary toevaluate your consumption in terms of number of cigarettes per day. The higher the nicotine dosage, the stronger the sensation of a hit in the throat.

• 0 mg/ml: for light cigarette smokers who are not addicted to nicotine.
• 3 mg/ml: suitable for an occasional smoker consuming less than 6 cigarettes per day. The flavours delivered will be sustained despite a very soft throat hit.
• 6 mg/ml : ideal dosage for a consumption of more than 6 cigarettes per day, rather extra light. The flavor rendering will be privileged compared to the rather weak hit sensation.
• 11-12 mg/ml: average amount of nicotine recommended for small and medium smokers consuming less than 13 light cigarettes per day.
• 16-18 mg/ml: optimal amount for regular smokers of about 20 cigarettes per day and lovers of normal or strong cigarettes.
• 19.6 mg/ml: very high dosage of nicotine, particularly suitable for heavy smokers who smoke more than one pack of strong or unfiltered cigarettes a day.

It is very important to start your vaporization experience with a nicotine level perfectly adapted to your consumption. Otherwise, you will have a too strong nicotine deficiency or a too strong hit compared to your habits.

En plus du ratio PG/VG, du taux de nicotine ou de la saveur choisie, il est essentiel de choisir un e-liquide qui sera parfaitement compatible avec votre clearomiseur. Pour vous aider dans votre processus d’achat, voici quelques conseils précieux.

It is the resistance of the clearomizer that will determine what type of liquid can be accommodated in its tank. The ability of the wick to absorb will depend on its supply of e-liquid. Most resistors on the market accept a consistent e-liquid with a PG/VG ratio of 40/60 maximum.

But depending on the complexity of your clearomizer, it will be advisable to consider some e-liquids more than others.

• For a so-called "simple" clearomizer: the fluid e-liquids will be more adapted to guarantee an optimal supply of the resistance cotton. This type of clearomizer is provided with rather tight air inlets to facilitate indirect inhalation, ideal for a soft steam. By opting for greasier e-liquids (more than 60% VG), you risk the dry hit that can harm your equipment.
• For a Sub-Ohm type clearomizer: unlike the simple clearomizer, this one will be ideally suited for fatty liquids. You will be able to take advantage of a dense steam accompanied by important air intakes. No dry hit problems are to be expected thanks to the large openings and the cotton that can be easily soaked. When using liquids with more than 60% of PG, you may encounter significant leaks in the air inlets.

It is therefore necessary to be familiar with the nature of your equipment in order to make the best choice of your e-liquid. By not being vigilant on this point, you risk not taking full advantage of a quality steam and encountering dry hit problems.

A l’instar du clearomiseur, les drippers et atomiseurs reconstructibles nécessitent eux aussi des e-liquides particuliers pour optimiser au mieux leur fonctionnement.

When choosing your e-liquid, the advantage with this type of material is that you don't have to worry about its consistency. Whether it is fluid or thick, you will be able to adapt your assembly to your liking so that it can tolerate the desired liquid.

The reconstructible atomizers thus allow you to manage as you wish the food as the resistance is mounted by your own care. It will therefore be possible toopt for extremely thick liquids of 100% VG without risk of dry hit. And conversely, you can easily consume fluid e-liquids by adjusting your assembly and the amount of cotton required. Or the promise to vary the desired flavours as you wish.

As far as the dripper, or commonly known as the RDA (Reduildable Dripping Atomizer), is concerned, its main difference lies in the fact that it has no tank. The liquid must therefore be added to the wicks of the resistance to allow a fluid and efficient feeding.

The importance of the PG/AG ratio

When purchasing the e-liquid, the ratio PG/VG should be chosen with care. Propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin are two essential ingredients in the composition. They will allow the e-liquid to define the steam and the rendering of flavors delivered at the time of steaming. The reconstructible material brings the privilege of choosing any type of dosage, but depending on taste, it will be recommended to turn to certain types of ratio more than others. By definition, the VG will result in a thick and rather fatty e-liquid, while the PG will conversely result in a much more fluid e-liquid. Depending on your desire to vaporize, you can choose a mix that best suits your profile.

If you have any doubts about the most optimal liquid for your reconstructible material, remember thatan e-liquid with a PG/VG ratio of 50/50 will always be perfectly compatible with your material. Also make sure to always read all the descriptions of each of your products to vaporize with complete peace of mind.

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