What is sub ohm vaping?
Sub ohm vaping, also known as sub-ohming, is a style of vaping that produces large clouds of vapor. Sub ohm devices utilize low-resistance coils that are less than one ohm, hence the name sub ohm. They also provide enough airflow suitable for direct lung inhalation. Sub-ohming typically requires vape mods capable of putting out a minimum of 40 watts, but the higher levels can reach and exceed 200 watts.
Around 2014, sub ohm tanks began to dominate the market. Sub ohm vaping became the default standard for most new vapers until around mid-2016, with MTL coming back in style. Now the market is more diverse, with a broader range of vapes for every style of vaping.
The term sub ohm has evolved over the years with the technology. It typically refers to direct lung devices with coils that are 0.5 ohms or lower. Today, there are also sub ohm coils featured in certain pod vapes and even disposables. They provide a similar experience to sub ohm tanks but typically utilize less power than a mod since they are smaller in size and battery capacity.
Learn more about sub ohm vaping and cloud chasing in the guide below.
Advantages of sub ohm vaping
Aside from just big clouds, there are many other advantages of sub ohming over other styles of vaping.
- Intense flavor: Sub ohm coils are capable of vaporizing a lot of e-liquid at a time, so your taste buds get hit with tons of flavor with each puff.
- Warmer vape: Some vapers enjoy a warmer vape, which is easy to attain with sub ohm vaping, especially with high-wattages and low-ohm coils.
- More airflow: Sub ohm vaping goes best with a direct lung inhale and unrestricted airflow. More airflow is necessary for cooling down the higher heat produced by the coils.
- Big clouds: Blowing clouds appeal to many vapers. For the biggest cloud production, sub ohm vaping is a must. Sub ohm devices are a prerequisite for becoming a competitive vaper.
What is cloud chasing?
Cloud chasing is the act of blowing huge clouds with a vape. Cloud chasers are constantly trying to invent new ways to produce the biggest clouds of vapor. That means lower ohm coils, higher wattages, and tons of airflow. Cloud chasing requires knowledge and experience in order to be done safely and properly, and it's always a sub ohm vape.
But not all sub ohm vapers are necessarily cloud chasers. A sub ohm vape is the only way to achieve such voluminous cloud production. Cloud chasing has become more accessible today with the popularity of sub ohm vape tanks because it doesn’t require as much knowledge as before.
Still, safety is extremely important! That means having a good understanding of Ohm’s law and vape battery safety. Cloud chasing can be fun and enjoyable if done properly and respectfully.
Best cloud chasing vapes
The easiest and safest way to start vaping and cloud chasing is to get a sub ohm vape pen or box mod kit with an internal battery. They come with a tank and a powerful battery all in one and are very easy to use, even for beginners. They make it very simple to get started right away, without having a ton of knowledge.
If you want something more advanced, the best combo for clouds is a high-wattage box mod paired with a rebuildable atomizer, preferably a dual-coil dripper (RDA). There are also rebuildable tanks (RTAs) that are geared for sub ohming and some great sub ohm tanks that don’t require a ton of experience to use. Many modern subtanks use multiple mesh coils, which enable high wattages and rich, dense clouds.
How to get bigger clouds of vapor
Use appropriate batteries: Shop for batteries with high amp ratings, suitable for high wattages.
Keep airflow all the way open: Most sub ohm devices come with adjustable airflow. Generally speaking, the airflow should be at its most open setting to achieve the biggest clouds for the atomizer you're using.
Use max VG vape juice: While PG and VG both make vapor, the higher the content of VG in your juice will allow for the biggest clouds. Consider it high-octane fuel for your tank!
Use a mod with power above 40 watts: When sub ohming, you will want a lot of headroom for power. You likely won't use it all, but being able to go up an additional 10 watts or so can make a big difference in your vapor volume.
Purging: A technique is used for cloud chasing and vape tricks where you exhale into the vape before inhaling. It forces air into the coils to prime them to produce bigger clouds. Make sure the airflow holes aren't directed into your eyes or face before using this method.
Use a somewhat forceful and fast draw: Along with using unrestricted airflow, the speed and forcefulness of the drag will increase cloud production. A bigger and faster draw will also aid in keeping the coils cooler.
Use coils rated below 0.5 ohms: Low resistance coils that are 0.5 ohms and below can handle more wattage and generally produce bigger clouds.
Best coil builds for clouds
Originally, cloud chasing was done almost exclusively with low-ohm coils on a mech mod. Eventually, builders realized they could use two strands of wire to create an ultra-low resistance coil, with tons of surface area, which eventually gave way to twisted and parallel dual coil builds.
Cloud chasing has advanced with the popularity of powerful regulated mods and exotic coils. Cloud chasers no longer need to build to their devices' specifications. Now they can just chuck big, beefy coils on any regulated high-wattage mod, giving them more freedom than ever before.
Dual coils are standard for clouds, but many vapers have taken that to the next level with triple and even quadruple coil configurations. This cuts the resistance down and greatly increases surface area. Fused claptons, aliens, and other exotic builds are also very popular these days for cloud chasing.
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