As you enter the world of vaping, you will come across a slew of vaping lingo that is not immediately clear. One of the phrases you will most likely encounter and see used quite often is “sub-ohm and sub-ohm vaping”. It’s a phrase you’ve most probably happened across already. But what does it mean exactly, and why is sub-ohm vaping such an important term in vaping?
By definition, sub-ohm vaping refers to vaping with an e-cig device that makes use of vape coils with a resistance of less than one ohm – that is, 1.0 Ω and below (aka below ohm). Most regular vape devices have a resistance range of 1.5 to 3 ohms, which is “above ohm”. When the coil resistance exceeds 1.0 ohm like with these said devices, it is said to be on the higher side. This is why you’ll also find regular vaporizers and their coils being labeled high-resistance devices/coils.
Sub-ohm vaping, for their part, include low-resistance devices as their below-ohm coils offer reduced resistance when an electrical current is applied. This is in fact where the term ‘sub ohm’ comes from. Lower resistance is obtained by employing thicker wires, thanks to a large surface area which allows for more room for current to flow.
Sub-ohm devices are often paired with thicker juices that are high in VG e-liquids content. These high VG e-liquids are simply known as sub-ohm e-liquids or sub-ohm tanks. These sub-ohm tanks are only compatible with low-resistance tanks or devices.
In sub-ohm vaping, the first benefit has to do with the high quantities of vapors produced by this type of vaping. If a large number of clouds appeal to you, you will love sub-ohm vaping
Sub-ohm vaping also promises a smooth vape experience, which is a result of several factors, most probably the reliance on high VG e-liquids, as well as low-nicotine juices.
Yes, sub-ohm juices are typically low in nicotine content due to the high-powered 18650 batteries, sub-ohm coils nature of these devices would result in a harsh throat hit where the nicotine content to be anything above 6mg/ml, which tends to be the nicotine ceiling for sub-ohm juices. For the most part.
While high VG e-liquids, which make a larger portion of sub-ohm juices, may not be a good carrier of flavor like PG, the fact that you are inhaling large quantities of vapor (warmer vapor for that matter) at any one time means the flavors tend to be more intense. Sub-ohm coils can vaporize lots of juice at a go, so every single draw comes bursting and full of flavor.
This is the actual power being produced. The higher the wattage, the more heat the device produces. In turn, the more the vapor and the more intense the flavor. In other words, bumping up your wattage level will produce more heat, which will consequently result in more clouds and more flavor. On the downside, high-wattage vaping is costly as you will use up your e-liquid more quickly.
Another determining factor in sub-ohm vaping. Coils that boast a large surface area conduct more current as a result of their low resistance. Since wattage output and resistance are inversely proportional, the effect will be the opposite in the case of thinner coils as compared to sub-ohm coils
Voltage is the power being generated by your vape battery. The higher the voltage the battery generates, the higher the wattage – bar instances when resistance is also increased. The most popular battery in sub-ohm vaping is a 18650 battery. You should also always know that when to change the 18650 battery. Truth be told, sub-ohm vaping is a bag of chips. It promises loads of fun what with the immense clouds and the high VG e-liquids.
For example, an aspect we love about sub ohm high VG e-liquids is that they also come in zero-nicotine variants. This could be either in the standard 10ml sub-ohm bottles or as shortfills. Read more about short fill e-liquids here. Online vape stores have the best guides regarding sub-ohm vaping. You can also find some of the best sub-ohm pods and best juices for sub-ohm vaping on the best online vape shops in the UK
You can also check wizvape, for some best sub-ohm pods and sub-ohm vaping juices.
Sub-ohm vaping uses coils with resistance below 1.0Ω (typically 0.15-0.8Ω) at high wattage (40-200W+) for massive vapor production. Named for sub-1Ω resistance, it involves direct-to-lung inhaling creating large clouds, requiring high VG e-liquids and low nicotine (3-6mg) due to intense vapor volume.
Sub-ohm vaping works by: low resistance coils allowing more current flow, higher wattage heating larger coil surface area, vaporizing more e-liquid per puff, producing massive clouds inhaled directly to lungs. More power + larger coils + airflow = dramatic vapor production and intense flavor.
Essential sub-ohm gear: powerful mod (40-200W capability), sub-ohm tank with coils below 1.0Ω, high-drain 18650/21700 batteries (if removable), external battery charger, high VG e-liquid (70/30 or Max VG), and low nicotine (3-6mg freebase). Initial investment £60-150 before e-liquid.
Sub-ohm vaping is safe with proper precautions: use regulated mods with safety features (short circuit, overheat protection), quality high-drain batteries from reputable brands (Samsung, Sony, LG), stay within battery amp limits, inspect batteries for damage, and use appropriate coils. Never use mechanical mods without Ohm's law knowledge.
Sub-ohm requires: high VG ratio (70/30, 80/20, or Max VG) for smooth clouds, low nicotine freebase (3-6mg) as high power intensifies throat hit, premium flavors (flavor quality matters more with cloud production), and avoid nic salts—20mg at high wattage causes extreme harshness and nicotine overdose.
Sub-ohm: below 1.0Ω resistance, 40-200W power, direct-to-lung inhale, massive clouds, low nicotine (3-6mg), high VG liquids, larger devices. MTL: 0.8-1.8Ω resistance, 10-20W power, mouth-to-lung inhale, minimal vapor, high nicotine (10-20mg), 50/50 liquids, compact devices—completely different experiences.
Sub-ohm advantages: massive satisfying clouds, intense flavor from large coil surface area, warm dense vapor, impressive visual appeal, hobby/enthusiast aspect, customization options, and relaxing experience. Best for cloud chasers, flavor enthusiasts, and experienced vapers wanting dramatic performance.
Sub-ohm drawbacks: high e-liquid consumption (10-20ml+ daily), expensive running costs, not discreet or portable, requires understanding of battery safety, shorter battery life, higher heat production, not suitable for high nicotine, learning curve for beginners, and maintenance intensive.
Wattage depends on coil resistance: 0.15-0.2Ω coils 60-100W, 0.3-0.5Ω coils 40-70W, 0.6-0.8Ω coils 25-45W. Always follow manufacturer's recommended range printed on coil. Start low and increase gradually until reaching optimal flavor/vapor without burnt taste or harshness.
Not recommended—sub-ohm demands: battery safety knowledge, understanding Ohm's law, higher costs, and experience with vaping technique. Beginners should start with MTL pod systems, master basics, then progress to sub-ohm after several months. Starting sub-ohm risks expensive mistakes and safety issues.
Sub-ohm consumes 10-20ml+ daily versus 2-4ml for MTL—300-500% more. High wattage vaporizes liquid rapidly, large clouds use substantial volume, and constant vaping drains tanks quickly. Factor consumption into costs: 50ml shortfill lasts 2-5 days requiring frequent refills.
Use high-drain batteries: Samsung 25R/30Q, Sony VTC5/VTC6, LG HG2 (brown), or Molicel P26A/P28A with continuous discharge rating 20A+ for safety at high wattages. Never use cheap batteries, rewraps, or damaged cells—battery failure causes fires and explosions. Buy from authorized vendors only.
Top sub-ohm tanks: Vaporesso iTank 2 (excellent flavor), SMOK TFV18 (massive clouds), Uwell Valyrian 3 (premium performance), GeekVape Zeus Sub-Ohm (leak-resistant), and Horizontech Falcon King (mesh excellence)—all offering exceptional vapor production, flavor, and coil longevity.
Sub-ohm maintenance: replace coils every 1-2 weeks when flavor diminishes, clean tank weekly (disassemble, rinse warm water, dry thoroughly), check o-rings for wear, inspect batteries for damage, clean mod contacts, update firmware if applicable, and store properly. Regular care ensures optimal performance and safety.
Never use high-strength nic salts (20mg) in sub-ohm—the combination causes: extreme harshness making vaping unpleasant, nicotine overdose symptoms (nausea, dizziness, rapid heartbeat), wasted e-liquid from inability to vape it. Some low-strength nic salts (3-6mg) work acceptably but freebase nicotine is optimal.
Buy quality sub-ohm gear at WizVape, offering powerful mods from Vaporesso, SMOK, and GeekVape, premium sub-ohm tanks, authentic high-drain batteries, 70/30 shortfill e-liquids, replacement mesh coils, expert safety guidance, and fast UK delivery for advanced cloud-chasing performance.
