What's the difference?
Freebase is lower strength and made for bigger devices with sub-ohm coils. Nicotine salt is higher strength and made for small pod systems with higher-resistance coils.
| Freebase | Nicotine salt | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical strengths | 0 to 12mg/mL | 20 to 50mg/mL |
| Device | Box mods, sub-ohm tanks, some pod mods | Pod systems, low-power pod mods |
| Coil | Usually below 1.0Ω | Usually 1.0Ω and above |
| Draw | Direct-to-lung | Mouth-to-lung |
| Throat hit at high strength | Harsh | Smoother |
| Usual VG/PG | Higher VG (70/30) | Often 50/50 |
Which is better for your device?
Nicotine salt is made by adding an acid to the nicotine, which makes higher strengths feel smoother. That is why it suits small, low-power pods. Put high-strength salt nic in a sub-ohm tank and you get far more nicotine per puff than you expect, and a very harsh hit. Put low-strength freebase in a small pod system and it can feel weak and thin.
Is one healthier than the other?
We cannot tell you that one is healthier or safer, and neither can anyone selling vapes: no vapor product has FDA authorization to make that claim. Both contain nicotine, which is addictive. Talk to a doctor about your health.
Switching from salt nic to freebase (or back)
- You will need a different coil, and probably a different device.
- Strengths do not convert one-to-one, because freebase is used in devices that vaporize much more liquid per puff.
- Bring your device in and staff will set it up for the liquid you want.
Salt nic and freebase questions
Is salt nic stronger than freebase?
It is usually sold at higher strengths, often 20 to 50mg/mL versus 0 to 12mg/mL for freebase, and is used in devices that vaporize less liquid per puff.
Can I use salt nic in a box mod?
Not at high strengths in a sub-ohm tank. It will be very harsh. Use freebase, or a low-power mouth-to-lung setup.
Can I use freebase in a pod system?
You can, but it often feels weak. Pod systems are designed around salt nic.