Nic Salt vs Freebase E-Liquids: Effects, Benefits, and More!

Are you more of a salt nic or freebase nic kind of vaper? The reason we ask is because most of us have noticed how vaping continues to evolve, particularly with new enhancements and technology developing, in order to make the entire process more fulfilling, customizable, streamlined, and advanced than ever before. As we know, one of the biggest developments in recent years was salt-based nicotine, offering an alternative to the far more traditional freebase nicotine found in the original vaping products. Now, customers have a choice, as each type of nicotine has its pros and cons, as well as its unique compatibility with different vaping styles and equipment.

For all the newbie vapers out there then, you might have no idea whether or not you should be going with salt nic or freebase nic e-liquid, which’s why we gotta step in and help out – by comparing the two. That way, you get a better idea of what each nicotine type brings to the table, and what kind of equipment to use to get the most out of it.

A Quick Recap on E-Liquids

E-liquids, also known as vape juice or e-juice, are the liquid substances used in all types of vaping devices. They typically contain a mixture of propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), flavorings, and often nicotine. PG and VG are used as solvents to deliver the flavorings and nicotine in vapor form when heated. E-liquids come in a wide variety of flavors, nicotine strengths, and VG/PG ratios to suit different preferences and vaping systems. You can buy e-liquids packaged either in a bottle, disposable pods, or AIO (all-in-one) disposable vapes.

Matchup of the Vaping Century: Nic Salt vs. Freebase E-Liquids

Time to break down these types of nicotine in order to truly see which is the best to have.

Contender #1: Nic Salt E-Liquid

First up, we have nic salt e-liquid, and it was first developed by Pax Labs, the creators of the Juul e-cigarette, back in 2015. Nic salt goes by other names, too, including salt-based nicotine, salt nic, and nicotine salts.

Basically, nic salt is what happens when you combine pure nicotine concentrate with some type of acid, typically benzoic acid. You see, the high concentrations of nicotine are great for people who smoked a lot of cigs in the day, and even have a high tolerance to the effects of the tobacco compound. But the more nicotine in an e-liquid, the harsher the sensation on the throat, for one surprising reason: nicotine is highly alkaline. It’s the alkalinity of nicotine that causes that burning or otherwise uncomfortable sensation when you inhale it, and it passes through the throat.

Naturally, nicotine salt has a lower pH balance (higher acidity level) because an acid has been added to it. This is why the standard strength for nicotine salt e-liquids is 50mg, while you’ll rarely see freebase nic e-liquids go above 24mg, with even that amount being considered far too harsh for most vapers.

Pros & Cons of Nic Salt E-Liquid

Pros:

• • Nic salt allows high-tolerance nicotine consumers to get a higher concentration of nicotine per puff.
  • Nic salt is compatible with lower-wattage vaping systems, which are typically easier to operate and maintain, and smaller/more portable, such as disposable pod systems and other types of pod systems. The reason why nic salt is compatible with these types of devices is because the strength of the nicotine makes it so that you don’t need very high output levels to get the desired effects, and in fact, vaping salt nicotine at a very high wattage could burn it.
  • Nic salt produces a stronger throat hit, which is a sensation that feels more like dragging on a cigarette than freebase nic can provide.
  • Salt nic e-liquids come in just as many tempting flavors as freebase nicotine.
  • With salt nicotine, you can get more bang for your buck. Basically, because there’s a higher nicotine potency per puff, you need fewer puffs to find satisfaction.

Cons:

Nic salt is very potent, and this can be too much for some vapers, as high levels of nicotine combined with a below-average tolerance can lead to some side effects like nausea, anxiety, and dizziness.

• • Nic salt may not be ideal for higher-output mods like box mods, as the salt nicotine can burn due to the high wattage or temp levels.
  • Nic salt is less conducive to cloud-chasing (blowing gigantic, fluffy vape clouds), because the high strength of the nicotine weighs down the vapor, so to speak.
  • With nic salt, you’ll almost always find just one VG/PG ratio, which is 50/50.

MTL/DTL/RDL Vaping Styles

Now, for those who don’t know, there are three types of vaping styles:

1. 1. MTL (Mouth-To-Lung) Vaping: The closest to smoking a cigarette, and it’s the result of taking in less vapor, which is done with a lower wattage level. The vapor is drawn into the mouth before getting pulled into the lungs, with more of a draw resistance.
   2. DTL (Direct-To-Lung) Vaping: Also known as “DL”, this is how you inhale when you’re using a high output level that produces lots of vapor per hit. There’s so much vapor that the vaper has no choice but to draw it all deeply into the lungs as they’re pulling on the mouthpiece.
   3.   Sorta the middle between the two above, having only come about with the development of higher-wattage pod systems. It’s a vaping style that you’ll get from pod system configurations that permit for more vapor than low-wattage systems, but less vapor than box mod/sub-ohm setups.

Question: Which type of vaping style is most compatible with salt-based nicotine? Well, you really won’t get DTL vaping with salt nic, because once again, you cannot use this type of nicotine with very high output levels, without the risk of burning the liquid. So, you will find that nic salt is ideal for MTL and DTL vape styles, with the former being the closest to the feeling of smoking an analog.

What Nic Salt is Like in…

Nic salt vape juice comes in bottles just like freebase nic vape juice, hence you’re free to pour it into any atomizer you like. At the same time, disposable vapes largely use salt nicotine as opposed to freebase, because of the lower wattage levels. Let’s see then how nic salt performs in each of the most popular types of vape systems listed below:

• • Traditional Pen-Style Disposables: These are super simple, and very low-wattage devices. Producing little vapor, they’re cheap and not made to last very long. Salt nic works in these devices, because it can still give you a nice hit of nicotine at a very low output level.
  • Disposable Vapes/Disposable Pod Systems: Almost always use salt nic e-liquid, again because the lower output levels would probably produce hits that’re too weak if you were using freebase nicotine.
  • Open Pod Systems: These are pod systems that use refillable pod cartridges, but typically use very simple hardware that operates at a fixed wattage and can’t be customized in any other way. Again, the low wattage ranges of open pod systems make salt nic a great choice.
  • Open Pod Mods: Refer to more advanced pod systems that have adjustable output levels, higher output ranges, and other more high-tech features, like airflow control, temp control, etc. These are almost always compatible with both salt nic and freebase nic juices, as you can adjust the output and coil to accommodate different vaping styles.
  • Box/Pen-Style Mods: We don’t recommend using nic salt with box mod/pen-style mods, again because the high output levels can burn the salt-based nicotine and make it too harsh.
  • Mech Mods: The same applies to highly advanced mech mods – they probably won’t do your nicotine salt juices any justice.

Bottled Nic Salt or Pre-Filled Nic Salt: Which is Better?

Choosing between bottled nicotine salt e-liquid and pre-filled nicotine salt e-liquid depends on a few factors like convenience, cost, variety, and personal preference:

1. 1. Convenience: AIO disposable vapes and pre-filled pods are very convenient as they can be used immediately, especially with the pre-filled pods being compatible with certain devices. Both are also typically mess-free and are quite travel-friendly. Plus, disposable vapes are portable and discreet, and some are even rechargeable now. On the other hand, bottled nicotine salt e-liquids require you to manually fill your device, which can be less convenient but still offers more control over how much e-liquid you use.
   2. Cost: Initially, buying bottled nicotine salt e-liquid might seem more expensive, but it usually offers more e-liquid per dollar compared to the pre-filled options. If you vape frequently, bottled e-liquids in general can be more economical in the long run. Keep in mind though, as disposable vapes continue to get more advanced, specifically in terms of technology, battery capacity, coil types, and internal cart volumes, the puff counts then continue to increase. For example, we’re seeing puff counts go as high as an estimated 30,000 puffs!
   3. Flexibility and Variety: Bottled e-liquids generally come in a wider range of flavors and nicotine strengths. This allows you to experiment more with different tastes and adjust the nicotine level to your liking. Pre-filled pods tend to have a more limited selection but are improving in variety. However, over the last few years, we’ve witnessed disposable vapes catchup in the flavors department by rolling out a wider range of flavors per device being made. This in turn, allows for more flavor options for vapers to try.
   4. Device Compatibility: Pre-filled pods are made for specific devices, and also is the nic salt e-juice within a disposable vape (you cannot take it out and put it in another device), so you have to make sure they are compatible with your vaping device. Bottled e-liquids can be used in a variety of refillable vaping devices, giving you more flexibility in hardware choice.
   5. Environmental Impact: For anyone who is eco conscious, using bottled e-liquid with refillable devices is generally more environmentally friendly compared to using pre-filled pods, and some disposables, which adds to electronic waste.

Contender #2: Freebase E-Liquid

Next, we have freebase nicotine – the more traditional of the two. This is nicotine type has been used exclusively in vaping products since the dawn of vaping… until salt-based nicotine was developed. It’s also the type of nicotine you will find in cigarettes, being a purified form of the nicotine alkaloid naturally present in tobacco. Freebase nicotine does its job just fine in cigs, but the complaint from the beginning of the vaping industry has been that it’s not compatible with all vapers.

Like we said earlier, freebase nicotine gets quite harsh at high concentrations due to its alkalinity. So, vapers who had just quit smoking, and wanted to enjoy high strengths of nicotine while vaping, found that choosing a vape juice with a high nicotine milligram level caused irritation along the throat.

Now, does that mean that freebase nicotine is bad? Obviously not. Freebase nicotine in  low strengths is fantastic for box mods, mech mods, and other hardware that reaches immensely high output levels, and freebase nicotine is the best for cloud-chasing due to its ability to handle high output levels when kept in low concentrations. It’s still insanely popular, even as salt-based nicotine has become a massive trend in our industry.

Pros & Cons of Freebase E-Liquid

Pros:

• • Freebase nicotine is very much compatible with high-wattage devices like box mods, mech mods, and pen mods.
  • Freebase nicotine is conducive to cloud-chasing, when kept in relatively low concentrations.
  • With freebase nicotine, you have a wider variety of strengths to choose from.
  • Freebase nicotine allows you to choose a VG/PG ratio that works for your vaping preferences.
  • Freebase nicotine in below-average strengths is less likely to cause any side effects associated with consuming too much nicotine in a short period of time.

Cons:

• • Freebase nicotine doesn’t offer the same throat hit sensation as nicotine salt.
  • Freebase nicotine is typically compatible with larger devices, which aren’t as portable or discreet as pod systems.
  • Freebase nicotine, in high strengths, can be very harsh and lead to throat irritation, due to its high alkalinity.

MTL/DTL/RDL Vaping Styles

We already discussed how salt-based nicotine interacts with MTL, DTL, and RDL vaping styles. So, what about freebase? Well, freebase nicotine is very much compatible with DTL vaping, as once more, it’s used with setups that produce thick, fluffy clouds of vapor. In addition, it can work with RDL vaping too, since RDL is somewhere between MTL and DTL vaping styles.

What Freebase Nicotine is Like in…

Let’s see how freebase nicotine e-liquids hold up in the most popular types of vaping setups listed below:

• • Traditional Pen-Style Disposables: When the vaping industry first got started, you’d find only freebase nic in these types of devices, and the result could be disappointing as there was very little vapor and nicotine satisfaction. Now, most companies stick to nic salt.
  • Disposable Pod Systems: Disposable pod systems almost only use nic salt for their e-liquids, because again, the low output levels won’t do much to satisfy you with freebase nic.
  • Open Pod Systems: Open pod systems use nic salt rather than freebase nic, due to high coil resistance levels and low wattage levels.
  • Open Pod Mod Systems: Most open pod mod systems are compatible with both types of e-liquid, depending on the wattage you have the device set to, and the coil you have installed. Rememver, these devices still don’t offer wattage levels as high as box mod systems, so you won’t get enormous clouds like you can with more advanced, high-powered mods. 
  • Box/Pen-Style Mods: You really don’t want to use nic salt with these types of devices, so freebase is the way to go. With a low nic concentration, freebase nicotine e-liquids can offer massive clouds without burning due to the high wattages.
  • Mech Mods: The same goes for mech mods, as they’re really meant for freebase nicotine, as they are designed to give you enormous clouds.

Why Freebase E-Liquid is Better For Dripping?

“Dripping” is a method used by some vapers to enhance the vapor and flavor of their vaping experience. It works by simply doing the following:

1. 1. Direct Application: Instead of filling a tank or cartridge, users manually drip a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the exposed heating coil and wicking material of their vaping device.
   2. Immediate Use: After dripping the e-liquid onto the coil, the user immediately vapes it. This process can produce a more intense flavor and a larger amount of vapor.
   3. Repeated Application: This is not a “set it and forget it” method. Users need to frequently reapply the e-liquid after a few puffs since the device does not hold much liquid at a time.

Dripping is typically done using rebuildable dripping atomizers (RDAs), which’re designed for this type of use. Vapers who prefer dripping often do so because they believe it provides a superior flavor and vapor production. However, it requires more active involvement and can be messier than using a regular tank system. Plus, it demands a higher level of understanding of the mechanics of vaping devices for safety reasons.

With all that being said, freebase e-liquid is generally considered better than salt-based nicotine e-liquid for dripping, due to the following:

1. 1. Higher Viscosity: Freebase e-liquids often have a higher vegetable glycerin (VG) content, making them thicker and more suitable for dripping. This thicker consistency produces denser vapor clouds, which is a major appeal of dripping.
   2. Lower Nicotine Strength: Dripping typically involves inhaling a larger volume of vapor. Freebase e-liquids usually have lower nicotine concentrations, which makes them safer and more enjoyable for use in high-volume vaping. Salt-based nicotine e-liquids, however, usually have higher nicotine levels and are designed for quick, small hits to satisfy nicotine cravings efficiently.
   3. Smoothness and Flavor: Freebase nicotine tends to provide a smoother throat hit at lower nicotine concentrations, which is preferable when vaping at high temperatures as is common in dripping. It also tends to carry flavors more robustly, enhancing the overall vaping experience when used with complex flavor profiles.
   4. Customization: Freebase e-liquids allow more flexibility in terms of mixing and matching flavors and nicotine strengths, which is ideal for enthusiasts who like to experiment with different setups and flavor combinations.

Which Type of Nicotine Could Meet Your Vaping Needs?

Here’s the thing: vapers all have their preferences when it comes to things like cloud size, flavor, throat hit, nicotine strength, and the equipment that they use. What this means is that both freebase nicotine and nic salt have their place in the industry, accommodating different vaping needs for each individual. At Vape Society Supply, you can find both types of nicotine in all kinds of fantastic options.