What is sub-ohm vaping? Simply put it is vaping on a device whose atomizer coils have a resistance of less than one ohm. The reason some advanced vapers “sub-ohm” is to increase the power output of fixed voltage devices like mechanical vape mods and non-variable regulated devices to create more vapor or flavor. Although it might sound simple it’s actually a complex and often controversial topic within the vaping community. The goal of this guide is to make sure you have accurate information so you can decide if sub-ohm vaping is right for you.
How Does Sub-Ohm Vaping Work?
All mechanical mods, VV/VW regulated mods and e-cigarettes are electrical devices powered by a battery. Sub-ohm vaping utilizes the principles of Ohm’s and Joule’s laws of electricity. For our purposes this means, a non-variable voltage source like for instance the battery in a mechanical vape mod will increase the overall power output (wattage) of your device when you decrease the resistance (ohms) of your coils. It is absolutely crucial that sub-ohm vaping must be done safely. As you decrease your resistance you will increase the amperage your device uses to supply the current needed. This increases the strain on the battery and also increases heat that the battery and coils generate. For this reason you must ensure that you never exceed the amperage limit of your battery or it could fail causing possible fire or explosion.
Is sub-ohm vaping dangerous? The honest answer is yes and no. When some basic safety rules are followed sub-ohm vaping is quite safe. If these safety rules are not followed your battery or device can fail resulting in injury or property damage from fire or explosion.
E-liquid, Nicotine and Sub-Ohm Vaping
When vaping using sub-ohm coils a substantial amount of vapor is produced compared to using coils above 1ohm on the same device. Typically sub-ohm vapers take lung hits meaning they inhale straight to their lungs increasing the vapor they can inhale each puff. Those who vape sub-ohm usually favor e-liquid with a higher percentage of vegetable glycerin than propylene glycol. The reason for this is that the vegetable glycerin creates larger clouds and denser vapor production. This is because VG has reduced throat hit compared to PG which helps to accommodate for the increased amount of vapor inhaled. Usually those vaping sub-ohm will also use lower nicotine strengths (typically 6mg/ml and under) compare to those vaping above 1ohm also because of the additional vapor produced and inhaled each pull.
Sub-Ohm Vaping with VV/VW Devices.
Although it has become quite popular for people to use variable voltage/wattage devices for sub-ohm vaping it is actually unnecessary. Sub-ohm vaping evolved as a way to increase power to the coils beyond what the safe capacity of regulated devices available at the time. Today high power regulated devices are widely available can deliver a consistent amount of power to the coils allowing you to use the resistance of your choosing and the ability to adjust it to your liking while potentially out performing the capacity of even a sub-ohm build on a mechanical vape mod. While low power regulated devices remain best suited for resistances above 1ohm.
Sub-Ohm Safety: Mechanical Mods
To ensure safe performance you will want to always make sure you keep your mechanical vape mod clean. This includes all threads, vent holes, contacts, and the switch. If using a spring loaded switch be sure to take notice of how stiff it feels, if over time your spring seems to be getting softer or feels easier to press it is beginning to “sag” or wear out and needs replaced before