How to Choose Between Nicotine Salts and Freebase Liquids

Published
09/28/2024

Vaping has been widely used today as a more supposedly harmless alternative to smoking. With vaping, of course, comes new ways that people can consume nicotine-one of which includes nicotine salt. If you're a new vaper or just weighing your options, learning about the differences between nicotine salts and freebase nicotine makes all the difference in determining which one is right for you.

What Are Nicotine Salts?

Nicotine salt refers to a category or form of nicotine that intrinsically occurs in every tobacco leaf. Normally, natural nicotine is combined with other organic materials that serve to stabilize it and make it milder. In creating nicotine salts, a chemical treatment typically involves benzoic acid, which serves to easily reduce the pH, thus being able to be vaporized at lower temperatures and inhaled more comfortably.

This results in an overall more 'pleasant' nicotine experience, less irritating compared to freebase nicotine, especially at higher strengths. This makes nicotine salts ideal for vapers who need the high level of nicotine yet would avoid it due to a harsh throat hit that usually accompanies high-strength freebase nicotine e-liquids.

Freebase Nicotine Explained

On the other hand, freebase nicotine is the purest form of nicotine that is normally used in an e-liquid. It is chemically altered to take away impurities; thus, it results in a strong, faster-acting form of nicotine. Freebase nicotine had first been developed for use in cigarettes and until lately had become the standard for most e-liquids on the market.

Freebase nicotine, upon vaporization, is absorbed very quickly into the bloodstream and, therefore, acts almost immediately inside the human body. Freebase nicotine is more acidic in nature, having a higher pH level, and hence it tends to be quite harsh on the throat for the one consuming it in higher concentration. Most freebase nicotine e-liquids are, therefore, available at lower strengths of nicotine at 3mg or 6mg per milliliter.

How Devices Enhance the Experience

Another critical factor in determining which one is right for you-whether nicotine salts or freebase nicotine-relies on how your device delivers nicotine. There are devices, like the Level X Vape, that have been engineered specifically with the express purpose of working in conjunction with nicotine salts. This allows vapers to use much higher strengths while producing little harshness. 

With devices like the Level X pods, operating at very low wattages and refilling with a pod, they can allow nic salt e-liquids to vaporize at a low temperature, providing a soft inhale. These really bring out the best for nic salts by tempering the strong nicotine hit, making it not overwhelm the user. Paired with the nicotine salts, Level X Vape will be much more satisfying in fewer puffs for former smokers or those requiring a high concentration of nicotine to suppress their cravings. This is efficient and, therefore, more economical in the long run.

Which One Should You Choose?

It all comes to your vaping style and how you like to get your nicotine. If you're a former smoker who requires a higher concentration of nicotine and a more subtle vape, then this may be the better choice. Their smoothness and potency make it possible to attain a more satisfying nicotine fix without the throat hit.

If you prefer low nicotine strength and like creating large vapor clouds with strong flavor sensations, you probably need freebase nicotine. Freebase Nicotine e-liquids also open more options when it comes to devices that can be used, allowing vapers to fine-tune their experience even more.

Conclusion

Nicotine salt and freebase nicotine each boast a number of advantages, making either of them more suitable for certain types of vapers. Nicotine salt is much smoother and a more efficient way to experience nicotine, while freebase nic is absorbed into the body much quicker, allowing for a far more intense flavor profile. This will make the choice much easier once you get a better idea of these things, whether nicotine salts or freebase nicotine-what type of e-liquid fits your preference best for vaping. Whether it is smooth, with flavor, or more hitting, there is a solution out there for everyone.