3 min read
Nic salt vs freebase
What the difference means for throat hit, strength, and how much you get through.
01The same nicotine, prepared differently
Freebase is the traditional form of nicotine used in e-liquid. Nicotine salt is the same nicotine with an acid — usually benzoic acid — added, which lowers the pH.
The practical effect is on throat sensation. At the same strength, nic salt feels noticeably smoother than freebase. That is why nic salts are sold at 10mg and 20mg, strengths that would be harsh as freebase.
02Which strength to pick
UK law caps nicotine-containing e-liquid at 20mg/ml and bottles at 10ml, so the ceiling is the same either way.
As a rough guide: 20mg nic salt suits a heavier previous smoker using a low-power pod kit. 10mg suits a lighter smoker, or anyone finding 20mg too much. Freebase at 3mg or 6mg suits higher-power direct-to-lung setups, where you inhale far more vapour per puff and a high strength would be overwhelming.
03Match the liquid to the device
Nic salts belong in low-power, high-resistance pod kits. Freebase shortfills belong in sub-ohm tanks and mods.
Get this pairing right and almost every other complaint — harshness, burnt taste, going through liquid too quickly — tends to resolve itself.