Sub ohm vaping is a style of vaping that focuses on producing large clouds of vapour and intense flavour. It gets its name from the type of coil used in the device—a coil with a resistance of less than one ohm. This low resistance allows more power from the battery to flow through the coil, creating more heat and in turn producing bigger clouds and stronger throat hits.
While it might sound technical, the concept is fairly simple. Standard vaping coils typically have a resistance of one ohm or higher. Sub ohm coils drop below that threshold, often sitting between 0.1 and 0.5 ohms. This small number means more electricity can pass through the coil, which heats the e-liquid faster and more intensely. That’s why sub ohm vaping is often associated with direct-to-lung (DTL) inhaling, where vapour is drawn straight into the lungs rather than held in the mouth first.
How Sub Ohm Vaping Works
In sub ohm vaping, the combination of a low-resistance coil, a high-wattage device, and high-vegetable glycerine (VG) e-liquid is what delivers the signature clouds and flavour. Because the coil heats more rapidly, it vaporises more liquid in a shorter time. To keep up with this demand, vapers typically use high-VG e-liquids, which are thicker and designed to produce dense vapour without burning too quickly.
The airflow is also a key factor. Sub ohm tanks are built with wider airflow systems that allow more air to pass through the coil and out through the mouthpiece. This cools the vapour slightly, making it more comfortable to inhale directly into the lungs and supporting the massive cloud production sub ohm users often look for.
Who Is Sub Ohm Vaping For?
Sub ohm vaping is geared towards more experienced users who want a more intense and customised vaping experience. It’s popular among hobbyists who enjoy experimenting with different flavours, wattage settings and cloud chasing. The large vapour clouds and bold flavour profiles make it ideal for those who’ve moved beyond basic starter kits and want something more powerful.
Because of the higher wattage and larger coils involved, sub ohm devices are generally not recommended for beginners. They require a better understanding of device safety, battery handling, and coil maintenance. For those used to mouth-to-lung vaping, switching to sub ohm can be a noticeable adjustment—it’s a different technique and requires a different kind of device.
What Kind of E-Liquid Should You Use?
For sub ohm vaping, the best e-liquids are those with a higher ratio of vegetable glycerine, often 70 percent VG or more. These liquids are thicker, smoother, and designed for high-powered devices. They produce more vapour and are less likely to cause throat irritation at high temperatures.
Because of the intensity of vapour and the volume inhaled, nicotine strengths in sub ohm e-liquids are usually lower—commonly around 3mg or 6mg. Using high-nicotine liquids in a sub ohm device can deliver too much nicotine too quickly, leading to unpleasant side effects like dizziness or nausea.
Is Sub Ohm Vaping Safe?
When used correctly and with the right equipment, sub ohm vaping is safe. However, it places more demand on your batteries and device, so understanding proper battery safety and using regulated mods is important. Most modern sub ohm devices come with built-in protections to prevent overheating, short circuits and power surges, making them much safer than early versions of high-powered vapes.
Like any form of vaping, the quality of your device, your e-liquid and your maintenance routine all play a role in the overall safety and satisfaction of the experience.
Final Word
Sub ohm vaping is all about power, flavour and vapour. It uses low-resistance coils and high-wattage devices to deliver bigger clouds and a more intense hit than standard vaping. While it’s not the best fit for beginners, it offers a rich, satisfying experience for those looking to take their vape to the next level. With the right setup and a bit of understanding, sub ohm vaping can completely change how you enjoy your e-liquid—offering smoother flavour, stronger impact and serious cloud production.
