What are the best e-liquids for creating clouds?
Cloud chasing is one of the many aspects of vaping that goes overlooked.
Not only can vapers experiment with different flavours, brands and ratios, but they can also control vapour production. All you need is the right juices, and you’re ready to go!
If you’re interested, stick with Juicemate as we tell you how to dip your toes in the world of cloud chasing.
What is cloud chasing?
In the vaping community, there exists a subgroup of vapers who like to hone their ‘cloud chasing’ skills. But what does this involve?
‘Cloud chasing’ is about producing the largest, densest, most impressive vapour cloud. The practice has evolved beyond being a hobby and has become a means of artistic expression in the vaping subculture.
First originating from the West Coast of the US in 2012, cloud chasing has become a global phenomenon.
Competitions, sometimes called "cloud comps," see participants competing to produce the most substantial vapour clouds, often judged based on their size, density and, generally, how good they look!
However, cloud chasing isn’t all about aesthetics. It’s actually rather technical and requires intricate knowledge of vaping equipment, the science behind cloud production and what e-liquids will maximise their chances of vapour-making.
What vaping equipment do you need for cloud chasing?
Cloud chasing isn’t just an art; it’s a science!
The equipment and e-liquids you choose significantly impact your vapour output. Cloud chasers often make costly investments in their vaping devices and e-liquids to perfect their passion.
While still heavily rooted in skill, cloud chasing is also heavily reliant on the type of gear you’re using. So, what specific vaping equipment do you need for cloud chasing?
1. Coils
Coils are responsible for heating an e-liquid and turning it into vapour. For cloud chasing, coil choice is paramount.
Sub-Ohm coils
These coils have a resistance of less than 1 ohm and allow for a larger current flow from the battery.
This results in faster heating and, as a result, more significant vapour production. Sub-ohm vaping has become synonymous with cloud chasing due to the dense clouds it produces.
Coil builds
Advanced cloud chasers often opt for custom coil builds, using materials like Kanthal, Nickel, and Stainless Steel. The design of the coil, such as twisted, Clapton, or alien coils, can also influence your vapour due to their increased surface area.
Wicking
The material used to wick the coil plays a role in cloud production. Organic cotton is a favoured choice due to its excellent e-liquid absorption properties. It ensures the coil remains saturated and produces consistent clouds.
2. Adjustable airflow
For cloud chasing, vapers must be able to manipulate airflow, and this requires more advanced devices.
Increased airflow
A more open airflow allows for a cooler vape and larger cloud production. However, it's a balancing act; too much airflow can dilute the vapour, making it less dense.
Airflow Position
The position and design of the airflow slots can influence cloud production. Bottom airflow, for instance, tends to produce denser clouds as the air travels directly over the coil.
3. Battery power
An e-cigarette battery determines how much energy is delivered to the coil, influencing heat and vapour production.
High wattage
Cloud chasers tend to prefer devices that deliver higher wattages. More power means the coil can heat the e-liquid in a shorter time and deliver greater clouds.
What are the best e-liquids for cloud chasing?
Your vape is one part of the puzzle, and the e-liquid you choose is equally important.
1. 70 VG / 30 PG e-liquids
E-liquids with a 70/30 VG/PG ratio are renowned in the cloud-chasing community for producing voluminous and dense vapour clouds.
VG, or Vegetable Glycerin, is known for its capability to produce thick, substantial vapour, while PG, Propylene Glycol, is recognised for delivering a throat hit and carrying flavour.
A 70/30 ratio provides a balanced vaping experience, offering large, satisfying clouds without compromising too much on taste and throat hit.
2. Shortfills
Shortfills are larger bottles of e-liquid that aren't filled to the top. This clever design leaves space for vapers to add nicotine if they want.
The concept behind shortfills is to allow vapers the flexibility to customise their nicotine strength while enjoying high VG e-liquids that are optimal for cloud production.
Typically, shortfills come with a high VG to PG ratio, often around 80:20 or even 90:10. This high VG content ensures that the e-liquid can produce the thick, dense clouds that cloud chasers aim for.
Additionally, the absence of nicotine in shortfills means there's no compromise on the size or quality of the vapour due to nicotine's potential to thin out the e-liquid.
Purchase cloud-chasing equipment with Juicemate!
If you’re ready to start your cloud-chasing journey, do it with Juicemate! We have a wide range of e-liquids and advanced vape equipment to get you started. All you have to do is choose the right flavour and PG/VG ratio.