Nic salts suit small, low-power devices and give a smoother hit at higher strengths. Freebase nicotine suits larger, higher-power devices and is the traditional choice for big clouds. Both work with longfill, and the right one depends on the device you vape on and how you like the throat hit to feel.
This article is for adults aged 18 and over. Nicotine is addictive.
What is freebase nicotine?
Freebase nicotine is the original form used in vape juice. It gives a sharper throat hit, and that hit gets harsher as the strength goes up. Because of this, freebase is usually used at lower strengths, in devices that produce more vapour.
What are nic salts?
Nic salts are nicotine combined with an acid, which makes the hit feel smoother. That smoothness is why nic salts are common in compact pod devices and low-power vapes, where a small amount of vapour has to do the job.
Nic salts vs freebase at a glance
| Freebase nicotine | Nic salts | |
|---|---|---|
| Throat hit | Sharper, more noticeable as strength rises | Smoother |
| Typical device | Higher-power kits, sub-ohm tanks | Pod systems, low-power devices |
| Vapour | Bigger clouds | Smaller, more discreet |
| Often chosen by | Cloud and flavour chasers | Vapers moving over from cigarettes, and pod users |
How to use them with longfill
Vapology longfill is nicotine-free and formatted for easy top-ups with either type. The method is the same for both:
- Check the bottle for how many nicotine shots it takes to reach your target strength.
- Open the bottle and add the shots.
- Close it, shake well, and let it rest for a few minutes before use.
The label is your guide. Strength depends on the bottle size, the shots you add and any base liquid, so do not guess.
How to choose
- Using a pod or small device? Start with nic salts.
- Using a sub-ohm tank or high-power kit? Start with freebase.
- Not sure? Ask your local vape shop what suits your device. A good stockist will have both on the shelf.
Tips for vape shops
- Keep nic salt shots and freebase shots side by side, with a shelf tag naming the device type each suits.
- Recommend the pairing at the till. Customers who buy longfill without nicotine often come back confused.
- Make sure staff can explain the difference in two sentences, using the table above.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use nic salts in any device? They work best in low-power devices. High-power devices can make nic salts feel harsh, so match the type to the device.
Does one type taste better? Flavour is mostly down to the juice. The nicotine type changes how the hit feels, not the flavour.
Is longfill ready to vape? Longfill is sold nicotine-free. You can vape it as it is, or top it up with nicotine.
Next step
Explore Vapology’s 60ml longfill range and pick your flavour, then add the nicotine type that suits your device.