What Wattage for Nic Salts?

So, you've embraced the smoother experience of nicotine salts and have your pod kit at the ready. If your device boasts adjustable wattage, you're probably wondering how to dial it in for the best possible vaping experience. How do you ensure maximum flavour, a satisfying throat hit, and effective nicotine delivery?

Understanding the interplay between wattage and nic salts is key to a truly satisfying vape. Finding that sweet spot means achieving the ideal balance of these three crucial factors, free from any harshness or overwhelming intensity.

In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know to pinpoint the ideal wattage for your nic salts and get the most out of your setup.

What Are Nic Salts?

Nicotine salts (often just called nic salts) are a type of nicotine that’s smoother and more easily absorbed into the bloodstream than traditional freebase nicotine.

Originally used in low-power devices like pod systems, nic salts became popular for their ability to deliver a satisfying hit without the harsh throat feel sometimes associated with high-strength freebase nicotine e-liquids.

Here’s why vapers love them:

• They provide a smooth inhale even at higher nicotine strengths.
• They offer fast-acting nicotine delivery - particularly appealing to ex-smokers.
• They are great for mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping.

Typical nic salt e-liquids come in 10mg or 20mg strengths in the UK due to TPD regulations, but they pack a punch, making correct wattage settings all the more important.

Why Wattage Matters for Nic Salts

The wattage you set on your vape device directly controls how much power is delivered to the coil, and this plays a crucial role in shaping your overall vaping experience. Higher wattage increases the coil’s temperature, which affects how quickly and efficiently the e-liquid is vaporised.

This not only influences the amount of vapour produced (typically resulting in thicker clouds) but also impacts the intensity of the throat hit, which can become noticeably harsher at elevated power levels. Wattage also determines how rapidly nicotine is delivered, with higher settings accelerating the absorption rate.

In short, wattage influences every part of your vaping experience, so getting it right is essential. Vaping nic salts at too high a wattage can lead to:

• An overly harsh throat hit
• Nicotine overload (which can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, or other nicotine-related side effects)
• Burnt or damaged coils - particularly with thinner nic salt liquids
• Hot vapour that can irritate your throat or cause coughing
• Faster battery drain

Vaping them at too low a wattage, on the other hand, can result in:

• Muted flavour
• Low vapour production
• Inconsistent nicotine delivery
• Gurgling or spitting
• Coil flooding due to uneven e-liquid heating

This is why it’s so important to find the sweet spot - not too much, not too little.

Best Wattage Range for Nic Salts

So, what’s the ideal wattage range?

Nic salts are best enjoyed at moderate wattages, typically between 10W and 30W.

This range delivers enough power to properly vaporise the liquid while maintaining a smooth draw, solid flavour, and satisfying nicotine hit, all without overwhelming your throat or senses.

This window pairs perfectly with MTL vape kits, which are designed to replicate the sensation of smoking. These kits typically use higher-resistance coils and lower power settings - ideal conditions for nic salts.

While it is technically possible to vape nic salts at wattages higher than 30W, it is generally discouraged as it can result in an overly harsh throat hit and deliver too much nicotine too quickly, especially when using higher-strength e-liquids.

Choosing the Right Device for Nic Salts

To get the most out of nic salts, it’s important to pair them with a device that matches their needs. Look for a device that:

• Has a lower power output, ideally within the 10–30W range
• Offers adjustable wattage or preset power levels, so you can fine-tune your vape to match your e-liquid strength and coil.
• Uses high-resistance coils (around 0.8Ω to 1.2Ω), which are efficient at lower wattages and provide a tighter draw.

You’ll usually find these features in pod systems or pen-style vapes - ideal for beginners or anyone switching from pre-filled kits.

And don’t worry if your device is capable of more than 30W. As long as you’re using a compatible coil and keeping the power within the 10-30W range, the device's upper limit won’t be an issue.

Coil Resistance and Wattage: How They Work Together

To fine-tune your nic salt experience, it helps to understand how coil resistance and wattage work together. Generally:

• Higher resistance coils = Lower wattage
• Lower resistance coils = Higher wattage

For nic salts, higher-resistance coils (typically 1.0Ω+) are an excellent match. These coils perform optimally in the range of 10-15W, delivering the smooth, lower vapour output ideal for MTL vaping that many nic salt users prefer.

Mid-range coils (around 0.8Ω) can also be used with nic salts, comfortably handling wattages up to 20-25W. This can provide a slightly warmer vape and increased vapour production, but it's important to monitor for potential harshness.

Lower-resistance coils (below 0.8Ω) are generally not ideal for high-strength nic salts. While they can handle wattages of 25-30W or more, this higher power output can lead to an overwhelming nicotine hit and a less enjoyable experience with typical nic salt strengths. If you do use sub-ohm coils with nic salts, it's crucial to opt for significantly lower nicotine concentrations.

Crucially, always consult the manufacturer's recommended wattage range printed on your coil or its packaging. Staying within this range is vital for preventing coil burnout and ensuring optimal flavour.

How to Adjust Wattage for Nic Salts

If your vape device allows wattage adjustment, here’s how to get it right for nic salts:

1. Check your coil resistance: this gives you a starting point for your ideal wattage range.
2. Start low: begin at the bottom of the recommended wattage range printed on your coil or device.
3. Gradually increase: raise the wattage in small increments (e.g., 1-2W) until you find the sweet spot: smooth inhale, good flavour, and no harshness.
4. Listen to your vape: if you hear gurgling, it's likely too low, and if the hit is harsh or tastes burnt, it’s probably too high.
5. Make notes: once you find a comfortable setting, remember it for next time or for when you change your coil.

A little trial and error is perfectly normal here, just be sure to keep adjustments gradual and stay within the coil’s safe zone.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the relationship between wattage and your nicotine salts is key to a truly enjoyable vaping experience.

By keeping your wattage within the generally recommended 10-30W range, prioritising MTL setups with higher-resistance coils, and carefully adjusting your settings, you’ll unlock the full potential of your nic salts.

Ready to find the perfect flavour and strength for your setup? Be sure to check out our full range of nic salts here.