Nic Shots and Salts: What’s the Difference?

If you’re new to vaping, you might feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of products on the market. When you’re not familiar with the vaping language, the whole thing can seem too complicated, meaning that you abandon the idea of quitting smoking altogether.

If it wasn’t enough to wrap your head around e-liquids, you’re then presented with the challenge of navigating nic shots and salts.

Once you’re familiar with the concept of nic salts vs nic shots (or AKA Freebase nicotine), you will no longer feel restricted in terms of flavours. As a result, you’ll be provided with a varied and enjoyable vaping experience, which will pave the way for a successful quit-smoking journey.

What is a nic shot?

Nic shots are vessels for nicotine that are both colourless and odourless, and they were developed in response to new regulations and rules from the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD). All e-liquid manufacturers are required to adhere to TPD regulations, as it’s this governing body that regulates the production and sale of vape products nationally.

One of the regulations that are enforced by the TPD is that manufacturers are required to test all nicotine-containing e-liquid. This testing is the most drawn-out section of the production process, as laboratory specialists and a whole lot of time are required.

It’s for this reason that nic shots were developed so that e-liquid manufacturers could get new no-nicotine e-liquid flavours on the shelves as soon as possible of which we call “shortfill” this is due to the bottles being short filled with space for a nic shot (or two depending on bottle size).

So, nic shots are available for purchase in 10ml bottles and are completely TPD compliant. They’re designed to work in conjunction with shortfills, which come in either 60ml or 120ml bottles containing 50ml or 100ml of e-liquid, respectively. The additional space in the bottle is to allow room for nicotine shots. Nic Shots are not to be vaped alone, and should always be mixed with a zero nicotine shortfill e-liquid.

How much nic shot do I use?

The amount of nicotine shot that you use will depend on your individual requirements; you don’t want to add so little that your nicotine cravings aren’t satisfied, but you don’t want to add so much that you’re left lightheaded. As a rule of thumb, vapers tend to add the amount of nic shot that’s allowed by the bottle.

Consequently, one 10ml nic shot is usually added to 50ml of shortfill e-liquid, and two 10ml nic shots are typically added to 100ml of shortfill e-liquid. This will make 3mg/ml e-liquid, which is an average amount of nicotine for sub-ohm vapers.

What is salt-based nicotine?

On the other side of the coin is salt-based nicotine, which is where a salt is added to the nicotine this is to balance the PH level, as free base nicotine is actually Alkaline and can cause a “harshness” on the back of your throat when vaped in high strengths.

Salt-based nicotine is more similar to how nicotine is found in tobacco leaves, meaning that this is the same feel of the nicotine that’s found in cigarettes.

This is all in the absence of the majority of harmful chemicals that are found in cigarettes, different types of “salt” such as benzoic acid or Salicylate acid is added to the nicotine in order to create a smooth throat hit by balancing the PH levels. As a result, the feeling of smoking a traditional cigarette is further replicated, creating a familiar feeling for ex-smokers to help them in their quit-smoking journey.

Nicotine Salt can be found in nic shot form, which are designed to be used in conjunction with shortfill e-liquids, and is also found in pre-mixed 10ml e-liquids, which already have flavour and are ready to vape straight out of the bottle.

How much nic salt do I use?

Understanding the nic salt shot calculator is unequivocally vital, as nic salts are so different to all the alternatives. This is predominantly because nic salts are available in various nicotine strengths, meaning it can be tricky to know just how strong you need them to be when you’re new to vaping. It may take some experimentation in the early stages, but there is a rule of thumb that can be followed as a guideline.

For instance, individuals who smoke fewer than 10 cigarettes daily are likely to feel satisfied by nic salts containing anywhere between 5mg and 10mg of nicotine. Those who smoke anywhere from 10 to 20 cigarettes daily tend to be comfortable with 10mg to 20mg of nicotine. Lastly, anyone smoking more than a packet of cigarettes in a day will most likely require 20mg of nicotine.

Why would I choose nic salt over freebase nicotine?

In simple terms, freebase nicotine differs from salt-based nicotine in the sense that it gives a harsher throat hit and takes longer for the user to feel the effects. Nic salts provide a smooth throat hit and the nicotine will hit the blood stream faster, satisfying cravings almost immediately.

Beginner vapers tend to prefer nic salts; this is because they’re absorbed into the bloodstream faster than distilled alternatives. As a result, cravings are satisfied at a quicker rate.

Some advantages of choosing nic salts over freebase alternatives include the following:

• Nic salts work well in conjunction with simple devices, meaning that beginner vapers aren’t required to learn how to use advanced equipment.
• With nic salts, vapers are able to experience a nicotine hit within six to seven seconds.
• Nic salts don’t contain the majority of harmful chemicals as cigarettes do, such as Tar and don’t produce the Carbon Monoxide.
• 50/50 pg/vg ratio Nic salts provide a mouth-to-lung (MTL) vape hit, which is reminiscent of the feeling of smoking a cigarette.

How do I use nic salts?

Transitioning smokers require a high level of nicotine more so than anyone else, which is why nic salts are often the preferred option. Getting started with nic salts is simple; all you have to do is place nic salts within a vape kit and get vaping. Fortunately, nic salts work best with low-powered devices, which starter vape kits tend to be. The only requirement for the use of nic salts in a 50/50 ratio, is that the coil is 0.6ohm or above in resistance and the coil is recommended for use at lower wattages.

Shop Nic Shots and Nic Salts Alike at Dispergo Vaping

Regardless of your nicotine needs, Dispergo Vaping is here to help. Be sure to browse our ranges of nic shots and nic salts to get started in your quit-smoking journey!