Vape Guide
Understanding Vape Juice: PG/VG Ratios Explained
Jul
One of the most crucial factors in e-liquid performance is the PG/VG ratio—the balance between propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG).
This guide will explain what PG and VG are, how different ratios affect your vaping experience, and which blend is best for your setup and preferences.
1. What Are PG and VG?
Propylene Glycol (PG)
- 🔹 Thinner consistency – Provides a stronger throat hit (similar to smoking).
- 🔹 More flavor intensity – Carries flavors better than VG.
- 🔹 Less vapor production – Creates smaller clouds.
- 🔹 May cause dryness – Some users experience throat irritation.
Best for: Mouth-to-lung (MTL) vapers and those who prefer a sharp throat hit.
Vegetable Glycerin (VG)
- 🔹 Thicker consistency – Produces dense vapor clouds.
- 🔹 Smoother hit – Less throat irritation, slightly sweet taste.
- 🔹 Muted flavors – Doesn’t carry flavor as strongly as PG.
- 🔹 Can gunk up coils faster – Due to its thickness.
Best for: Sub-ohm and direct-to-lung (DTL) vapers who love big clouds.
2. Common PG/VG Ratios & Their Uses
| Ratio (PG/VG) | Vaping Style | Best For | Device Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50/50 | MTL (tight draw) | Strong throat hit, pod systems | Pod vapes, beginner devices |
| 60/40 or 70/30 | Balanced MTL/DTL | Smooth hit with decent clouds | Mid-range mods & tanks |
| 30/70 or Max VG | DTL (cloud chasing) | Huge vapor production | Sub-ohm tanks, high-wattage mods |
3. How to Choose the Right Ratio?
🔹 For Pod Systems & Small Devices
Use 50/50 or 60/40 PG/VG – Thinner liquid wicks better in small coils.
🔹 For Sub-Ohm & High-Power Vaping
Use 70/30 or Max VG – Thicker juice prevents leaks and maximizes clouds.
🔹 For Throat Hit vs. Smoothness
Higher PG = Stronger throat hit (ex-smokers may prefer this).
Higher VG = Smoother, sweeter experience (ideal for cloud chasers).
4. PG/VG and Nicotine Strength
- High PG (50/50 or 60/40) works well with nicotine salts (smooth at high strengths).
- High VG (70/30 or Max VG) is better for freebase nicotine (used in sub-ohm vaping).
5. Potential Allergies & Sensitivity
- A small percentage of vapers may be sensitive to PG, experiencing dry mouth or throat irritation.
- If PG bothers you, try high-VG or 100% VG juices (though they may not work well in all devices).
Final Thoughts
The PG/VG ratio significantly impacts your vaping experience—whether you prioritize flavor, throat hit, or cloud production. Experimenting with different blends will help you find your perfect match.
What’s your favorite PG/VG ratio? Share your thoughts in the comments!
