What Is Sub Ohm Vaping? A Beginner’s Guide
Terri Adams
05/12/2025 • 5 min read
Thinking about switching up your vape game? Heard the term sub ohm vaping tossed around but not quite sure what it means? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Whether you're curious about cloud-chasing or simply want a richer flavour experience, this beginner’s guide breaks it all down in a way that makes sense.
Introduction to Vaping
Vaping has quickly become a go-to alternative for those looking to move away from traditional smoking, offering a huge range of devices, e-liquids, and styles to suit every preference. At its core, vaping is all about heating a liquid (usually called e-liquid or vape juice) to create vapour, which you then inhale. The appeal? You get to enjoy a variety of flavours, control your nicotine intake, and experience everything from subtle puffs to clouds of vapour that fill the room.
One of the most exciting developments in the vaping world is sub ohm vaping. This style uses low resistance coils (measured in ohms) to produce large clouds and deliver intense flavour with every puff. Whether you’re after a smooth vape or want to chase those thick clouds, sub-ohm vaping opens up a whole new world of possibilities. With so many liquids and devices available, there’s a perfect setup for every vaper, whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your flavour and vapour production to the next level.
What Does Ohm Mean in Vaping?
Let’s start with the basics. “Ohm” (Ω) is a unit that measures resistance in your vape coil. Here’s the simple bit:
- Higher ohms = more resistance → gentler vape, less power.
- Lower ohms = less resistance → more power, bigger clouds.
When you use higher ohm coils, you’re typically vaping in a mouth-to-lung (MTL) style, where you draw vapour into your mouth first, then inhale it into your lungs. MTL vaping is commonly associated with traditional e-cigarette devices and MTL devices, which are designed to mimic the draw of a cigarette.
Sub ohm means you’re using a coil with resistance below 1.0Ω. That’s where it gets interesting —more vapour, more flavour, and more satisfaction. With sub ohm vaping, you inhale vapour directly into your lungs (DL or DTL vaping). This is also known as direct lung or direct lung vaping, and is sometimes referred to as a dl vape or lung vaping style.
We covered the basics of MTL, RTL, DTL here.
Vaping Styles: MTL vs. Sub-Ohm
When it comes to vaping, your style can make all the difference in your overall experience. The two main approaches are mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping and sub-ohm vaping. MTL vaping is similar to how you’d smoke a cigarette: you draw the vapour into your mouth first, then inhale it into your lungs. This method uses higher resistance coils and often higher PG e-liquids, resulting in a more discreet vape with less vapour and a tighter draw. It's the perfect method for those who prefer a classic feel.
Sub-ohm vaping, on the other hand, is all about inhaling vapour directly into your lungs (DL or DTL vaping). This style uses low resistance coils (typically below 1 ohm) and high VG e-liquids to create massive clouds and deliver a more intense flavour experience. The result is a smoother vape with so much vapour and a bold, satisfying hit. Whether you’re after a subtle mouth to lung vape or want to experience the full power of sub ohm vapes, understanding these styles helps you choose the right coils, liquids, and devices for your ideal vaping experience.
Sub-Ohm Vaping Meaning
Sub-ohm vaping is all about using low-resistance coils to create bigger clouds and deeper flavour. Sub ohm vaping is often preferred by the experienced vaper looking for a more advanced setup. It’s typically used with direct-to-lung (DTL) inhaling, which gives you a bold, warm draw that’s very different from the subtle puffs of standard kits. The nicotine hit is typically smoother and less harsh compared to traditional vaping, contributing to a unique vape experience. Perfect for vapers who want more intensity from each puff.
What Is a Sub-Ohm Coil?
These coils are designed to handle higher power outputs and higher temperature settings and heat quickly. They’re often made with thicker wire and mesh for fast heating and improved flavour. Understanding ohm's law is important when using sub-ohm coils, especially in mechanical mod setups, to ensure safe and optimal performance. But keep in mind they burn through more e-liquid per puff.
That’s why sub ohm coils work best with high VG juices, which are smoother and thicker.
What Is Sub-Ohm Vape Juice?
Speaking of juice, if you’re going sub-ohm, you’ll want e-liquid with at least 70% VG (vegetable glycerin); VG e-liquid is the preferred choice for sub-ohm vaping. It’s what gives you those dense clouds and smooth hits. The best e-liquids for sub-ohm vaping are high in VG and low in propylene glycol, which reduces the intensity of the throat hit and enhances vapour production.
Sub-ohm vape juice usually comes in lower nicotine strengths (0–6mg), as you inhale more vapour with each puff. Nic salts are generally not recommended for sub-ohm vaping due to their high nicotine concentration and reduced throat hit.
What Are Sub-Ohm Devices?
A sub-ohm device is a powerful kit built for performance. Sub-ohm devices offer adjustable wattage, temperature control, and longer battery life, often with external batteries like 18650s. Many also feature a smart mode, which automatically optimises settings such as temperature, wattage, and airflow for convenience and safety.
They’re not your average starter pen. Think of them as the “sports car” of the vaping world: Thrilling, customisable, and designed for those who want more. Although sub-ohm vape is popular among advanced users for their large vapour production and enhanced flavour, there are also starter kits available for those new to this style.
Best Sub-Ohm Vape Kit for Beginners
New to this style? No stress. A sub-ohm kit or ohm kit for beginners comes with safety features, easy coil swaps, and intuitive settings. Our top picks, which are popular choices among many vapers starting with sub-ohm vaping, include:
Explore these and more on FREESMO’s Sub-Ohm Vape Kits shop.
What Are Sub-Ohm Tanks?
A sub-ohm tank is made for performance. Expect wide airflow, mesh coils, and refillable chambers to handle thick VG liquids with ease. Sub-ohm tanks are where flavour meets functionality.
Battery Safety Considerations
Battery safety is absolutely crucial, especially when you’re using sub-ohm devices that demand more power to produce those impressive clouds. Sub-ohm vaping puts extra strain on your batteries, so it’s important to use high-quality batteries designed for vaping and to follow a few simple safety rules. Always check your batteries for any signs of damage, use a proper battery case when carrying spares, and avoid overcharging or leaving your device plugged in overnight.
Understanding Ohm’s Law is also key for anyone getting into sub-ohm vaping. It helps you match your coil resistance with the right power output, ensuring your device runs safely and efficiently. By respecting battery safety and knowing how your ohm vape kit works, you can enjoy all the benefits of sub ohm vaping (more power! bigger clouds!) without any unnecessary risks.
Pros & Cons of Sub-Ohm Vaping
Pros:
- Huge clouds
- Stronger, fuller flavour
- Warmer, more satisfying hits
Cons:
- Higher e-liquid use
- Bigger devices (not very discreet)
Sub-ohm vaping works by using low resistance coils and high power to deliver bigger clouds and more intense flavour.
It’s a trade-off, but many users find it’s well worth it.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even the best sub-ohm vapes can run into the occasional hiccup, but most problems are easy to fix with a little know-how. If you’re dealing with a leaking tank, check the seals and make sure everything is assembled correctly. Sometimes a simple adjustment is all it takes. Clogged coils can lead to less vapour and muted flavour, so try cleaning your coil or swapping it out for a fresh one to restore your vaping experience.
Battery drain is another common issue, especially with sub-ohm kits that use more power. If you notice your battery life dropping, try lowering your wattage or consider upgrading to a device with a larger battery capacity. Staying on top of these small maintenance tasks ensures your sub-ohm vaping stays smooth, satisfying, and safe. By understanding how your ohm vapes work and keeping an eye on your coils, battery, and power settings, you’ll get the most out of every puff, no matter where you are on your vaping journey.
Is Sub Ohm Vaping Legal in the UK?
Yes, absolutely. Sub-ohm vaping is perfectly legal under UK TPD regulations. Just remember: Tanks are limited to 2ml capacity and nicotine strength to 20mg/ml (though most sub-ohm vapers use far less).
Ready to Level Up?
Sub-ohm vaping opens the door to a whole new experience. We're talking bigger clouds, richer taste, and loads of customisation options. If you're ready to take the next step, we'll help you find the kit that’s right for you. And if you are unsure, start with FREESMO's quick and easy smoke-free questionnaire to help you get started.
