Freebase vs Nicotine Salts: The Difference Explained
When it comes to e-liquids, one of the most common questions asked by new users is "Freebase vs Nicotine Salts: what's the difference?" Discover the answer to this question and more in our latest guide.
As vaping continues to grow in popularity, vapers are demanding more and more in terms of innovation - a wider choice of e liquid flavours, better quality vaping kits and new ways to include nicotine.
One such advancement in vaping is the fast acting nicotine delivery system, nicotine salts. Here at Blackstone Labs we stock a wide range of nic salts from Juice Bar Salts, Zillions salts , Vape Simply Salts , Flavair Salts
Freebase Nicotine & Nicotine Salts
The vape liquids or E-Juice used in vape pens and other similar devices usually contain just propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerine (VG), a flavouring, and nicotine. There are different types and qualities of the first three ingredients, and it’s important to shop with a high-quality, trustworthy vendor to be certain you’re getting safe, high-quality ingredients.
What is the Difference Between Freebase Nicotine & Nicotine Salt?
The most important difference between these two types of nicotine, for the purposes of vaping, is that they are used in different types of devices. Nicotine salts are best used with the smaller, lower-powered devices such as a pod system; whereas freebase nicotine works best in the larger, more powerful box kits.
What are Nicotine Salts?
Nicotine salts are produced by by slightly altering freebase nicotine. In most cases, this alteration results in a smoother, less harsh vaping experience. This is due to the fact that it is used in less powerful devices that produce less heat, but it is also because nicotine salt is simply milder. This is somewhat counterintuitive since nicotine salts have more nicotine, but it is true nonetheless. Nicotine salts begin at around 10mg and go as high as 20mg nicotine content.
What is Freebase Nicotine?
Freebase nicotine is produced directly from the tobacco plant. It is purer and contains fewer additives than nicotine salt. In most cases, there is an alkaline imbalance with this type of nicotine which results in a harsher hit to the throat. For this reason, many users of the stronger box mod kits will tend to go with a lighter E-Juice with around 0mg to 3mg of nicotine content. This results in a milder, yet noticeable throat hit which many users enjoy. The hit becomes harsher around 6mg and higher. Most E-liquid manufacturers, including Juice Head e Liquids, tend to only produce freebase E-liquids with nicotine strengths of 0mg, 3mg, and 6mg ,11mg , 18mg in order to offer a more pleasant experience to a wider audience.
Freebase eLiquids and Sub-Ohm Devices
Freebase nicotine is generally the eJuice of choice for the larger mod-paired atomizers and sub-ohm devices. Because these devices put out more power and have larger coils, pairing them with freebase nicotine is generally the preferred choice. Users who enjoy large clouds with lower nicotine content will tend to go for this type of combination with an optimal vg to pg ratio. Freebase E-Juice can be used with a pod system for smaller clouds to vape more discretely. Most pod systems are not intended for use with freebase E-Juice since lower nicotine concentrations will not be fully atomized. These devices can be optimized for this type of use, but the user should know what he is looking for and request it- or be able to modify the device himself if he hopes to obtain the desired result.
Nicotine Salt and Vape Pod Systems
Nicotine salts are perfect for vape pod systems. With lower power output, higher resistance, and a smaller coil, this combination puts out smaller clouds with a higher concentration of atomized nicotine. This is ideal for the vaping enthusiast who flavours discretion but who also craves real nicotine hit rather than just producing an amusing visual effect. It is not generally advisable to use an E-Juice with a high concentration of nicotine with a pod system. This will cause an excessive level of nicotine absorption which will tend to cause unpleasant effects.
Should You Use Nicotine Salts?
Dmitris of SmokeFreeRadio was recently on a live show on YouTube where he was asked his opinion on nicotine salts. He said that he has absolutely no interest in using it because he doesn’t want to be a guinea pig. He also feels totally comfortable using the same liquid nicotine that we’ve been using safely for years, so why change?
Well, from what I’ve seen in the research, there doesn’t seem to be any reason to believe that nicotine salts are any more or less safe than freebase nicotine. The only major difference that you might notice is that it will react more quickly or slowly depending on the formula.
I personally wasn’t at all interested in trying nicotine salts.
Wrapping It Up
Thanks for reading our guide on Freebase Nicotine vs Nicotine Salts. We hope that this has cleared up any confusion about the different types of nicotine used in e liquids and how they are used.
Next time you're buying a bottle of E-juice, make sure to remember these quick tips:
Freebase nicotine e-liquids are generally E-liquids with 0mg-18mg nicotine strength
Nicotine Salt e-liquids are generally e-liquids with 10mg to 20mg nicotine strength
Freebase e-liquids are great for blowing big clouds and those who want to consume lower levels of nicotine
Nicotine Salt e-liquids offer a smoother, more flavourful, and discreet experience and will satisfy those seeking higher levels of nicotine
Higher power devices, such as box mods, are generally utilized for freebase nicotine e-liquids
Lower power devices, such as pod systems, are generally utilized for nicotine salt e-liquids
Find Your Next Bottle of E-juice at Blackstone Labs
Whether you're looking for a freebase nicotine E-juice or a salt nicotine E-juice, you'll find a great selection of high-quality options at Blackstone Labs E-liquids.
Shop online now and enjoy fast, free shipping on all orders within the US!
