If you’ve ever wondered why a 12 mg freebase liquid can feel like a fiery pepper hit while a 20 mg nic-salt pod glides down almost unnoticed, you’re in the right place. This sensation is called “throat hit”.
What is “throat hit”?
Vapers use the term “troat hit” to describe the scratchy, tingling sensation at the back of the throat when inhaling vapour. A strong hit can mimic the first drag of a cigarette; a mild hit glides down almost unnoticed. Three levers control it:
- Nicotine form & pH: the biggest factor (covered below).
- Device power: hotter coils vaporise more liquid and intensify the hit.
- PG/VG ratio & flavours: high-PG and menthols add punch.
pH: the science behind harsh vs smooth
| Aspect | Freebase | Nic Salt |
|---|---|---|
| Typical pH | 8 – 9 (alkaline) | 5 – 6 (mildly acidic) |
| Resulting sensation | Peppery, stinging “kick” even at 12 mg | Silky-smooth up to 20–50 mg |
| Why | Un-protonated nicotine irritates receptors | Acid (benzoic, lactic) protonates nicotine and calms irritation |
Lower pH liquids are less irritating on mucous membranes, letting brands formulate 20 mg+ juices that feel gentle.
Beyond chemistry: other throat-hit boosters
- Wattage & coil design – a 60 W sub-ohm tank turns even 6 mg freebase into a chest-thumper; the same juice at 12 W mouth-to-lung (MTL) feels mild.
- PG/VG ratio – propylene glycol carries flavour and bite; vegetable glycerine mutes it. A 50/50 nic-salt hits harder than a 70 VG blend.
- Flavourings & coolants – menthol or citrus amplify the “bite”, regardless of nic type.
These variables mean you can tune throat hit even within a given nicotine form.
Pros & cons of a strong vs smooth inhale
| Preference | Choose freebase when… | Choose nic salt when… |
|---|---|---|
| You want “real-cig” kick | Pro: Sharp sensory feedback helps curb cravings. | Con: Nic-salt feels too gentle; you keep puffing. |
| You have a sensitive throat | Con: Higher nic, even at 12 mg, may sting. | Pro: Low-pH salts stay comfortable. |
| You vape at high wattage | Pro: Low-strength (≤ 6 mg) freebase balances hit and clouds. | Con: High-strength salts become overpowering. |
| You stealth-vape on pods | Con: 6–12 mg freebase can require many puffs. | Pro: 20 mg salt satisfies fast with minimal vapour. |
Quick myths debunked
- “More throat hit = more nicotine.” Not always. A 3 mg freebase at 60 W can feel harsher than a 20 mg salt at 12 W.
- “Nic salts have salt in them.” They’re called “salts” because of the acid-base bond, not table salt—sodium levels are negligible.
- “Smooth equals safe.” Smoothness simply masks irritation; you can still consume large nicotine doses quickly.
Final verdict
- Nic-salts excel when you need a silky, high-strength hit in a low-power pod.
- Freebase rules for punch in sub-ohm setups or when you want that cigarette-like rasp.
Explore the full breakdown of chemistry, absorption speed and costs in our nic salt and freebase nicotine comparison.
