Which PG/VG ratio to choose?
Choosing the PG/VG (propylene glycol / vegetable glycerin) ratio of your e-liquid is essential to optimise your vaping experience. The ratio influences various aspects, such as flavour, throat hit, vapour and compatibility with your hardware. Here is a detailed guide to help you choose the right PG/VG ratio:
The 50/50 ratio
- Profile: Balanced
- Throat hit: Moderate
- Flavour: Good
- Vapour: Medium
- Use: Ideal for beginners and those using standard or MTL (mouth-to-lung) e-cigarettes.
- Advantages: Versatile, works well with a wide range of devices, from pods to box mods.
- Disadvantages: May not be the best choice for sub-ohm or DTL (direct-to-lung) devices that require thicker e-liquids.
The 70/30 ratio (70% PG / 30% VG)
- Profile: More PG
- Throat hit: Pronounced
- Flavour: Very good
- Vapour: Light
- Use: Suitable for those looking for a sensation similar to traditional cigarettes, often used in MTL devices.
- Advantages: Excellent flavour reproduction, more intense throat hit.
- Disadvantages: Less abundant vapour, can dry out the throat with prolonged use.
The 30/70 ratio (30% PG / 70% VG)
- Profile: More VG
- Throat hit: Light
- Flavour: Less intense
- Vapour: Abundant
- Use: Ideal for sub-ohm and DTL devices, lovers of dense vapour.
- Advantages: Smoother on the throat, large vapour clouds.
- Disadvantages: Less accurate flavour reproduction, may slightly clog low-resistance atomisers.
The 20/80 ratio (20% PG / 80% VG) or higher
- Profile: Very high VG
- Throat hit: Very light
- Flavour: Less intense
- Vapour: Very abundant
- Use: Made for cloud-chasing enthusiasts and high-power sub-ohm devices.
- Advantages: Maximum vapour production, very smooth vape.
- Disadvantages: Can be too thick for some atomisers, less pronounced flavour reproduction.
How to choose your ratio?
Take into account your hardware:
- Standard and MTL devices: Use 50/50 or 70/30 ratios for an experience similar to traditional cigarettes.
- Sub-ohm and DTL devices: Opt for 30/70 or 20/80 ratios for an abundant vapour-rich vape.
Take into account your preferences:
- Throat hit: If you like a strong throat hit, choose a higher PG content (70/30).
- Flavour: For accurate flavour reproduction, a higher PG (70/30) is recommended.
- Vapour: For lots of vapour, opt for a higher VG ratio (30/70 or 20/80).
Take into account your tolerance:
- PG sensitivity: If you experience throat irritation or other side effects with PG, opt for a higher VG e-liquid.
- VG sensitivity: VG allergies are rare, but possible. In this case, favour a higher PG content.
Specific recommendations
- Beginners: A 50/50 ratio is often recommended for getting started, offering a good balance between flavour, throat hit and vapour.
- Former smokers: A 70/30 ratio for an experience close to that of traditional cigarettes, with a pronounced throat hit.
- Cloud-chasing enthusiasts: A 20/80 or even higher VG ratio for maximum vapour production.
- Flavour enthusiasts: A 70/30 ratio for accurate and intense reproduction of e-liquid flavours.
Tips for choosing
1. Test different ratios: Don't hesitate to try different PG/VG ratios to find what suits you best. Many brands offer their e-liquids in various ratios.
2. Listen to your body: Pay attention to your sensations. If a ratio doesn't suit you (irritation, lack of flavour, too much vapour, etc.), try another one.
3. Consult experts: Vape shop staff and online forums can offer valuable advice based on your specific needs and preferences.
Conclusion
Choosing the right PG/VG ratio is essential for an optimal vaping experience. By considering your hardware, your preferences and your tolerances, you can find the ratio that perfectly suits your needs. Whether you prefer a strong throat hit, an intense flavour or dense vapour, there is a PG/VG ratio for everyone. Take the time to explore and experiment to find the ratio that brings you the most satisfaction in your vape.