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WARNING: Vaping products contain Nicotine, a highly addictive chemical - Health Canada
WARNING: Vaping products contain Nicotine, a highly addictive chemical - Health Canada

How to Blow Thicker Vape Clouds

Author

Christopher Fournier

Date

Jun 24, 2023

Categories

U Vape Blog

How to Blow Thicker Vape Clouds

Summary of Key Points

  • Cloud chasing is the art of blowing large, thick vapour clouds. Start by using an e-liquid high in vegetable glycerin (VG)—aim for a VG/PG ratio of 70/30 or more (which will typically be freebase instead of salt nic e-juice), and avoid high nicotine levels, which can limit deep inhales.
  • The device you use also plays a role in the thickness of your vape clouds. Choose devices like box mods or advanced pod systems that offer high power output and customizable airflow settings.
  • Sub-ohm vaping is a technique for cloud chasing that involves using a vape device with a coil resistance of less than 1 ohm combined with higher wattage settings to produce larger and denser amounts of vapour. Make sure your device can handle the low resistance and high power to avoid overheating and malfunctions.
  • Practice deep and slow lung inhales to allow more vapour to fill your lungs and increase cloud size. Techniques like the "rip trippers" method and the "scottish roll" wicking method can further enhance cloud production.
  • Prioritize safety by understanding battery limits, avoiding overheating, and staying within recommended coil resistance and wattage ranges. Joining a vaping community or participating in competitions can provide opportunities to learn from experienced cloud chasers.

How to Blow Thicker Vape Clouds

We’ve all seen folks on the internet exhaling clouds of vapour so massive they’d put that dragon from The Hobbit to shame—but how can you do it? Is it all about equipment, or are there skills you can master to blow bigger, thicker vape clouds from pretty much any device?

The U Vape team has dedicated our careers to improving the vaping experience, so we know all about the vape devices and accessories (and techniques) involved in what’s commonly known as cloud chasing. Read on and bring your vape game to the next level.

Man engulfed in large vape cloud while cloud chasing

What is Cloud Chasing?

Cloud chasing is the act of producing thick, voluminous clouds of vapour while vaping—we’re talking vape clouds big enough to qualify as extreme weather events here. It's a popular practice in the vaping community, attracting hobbyists and competitive vapers alike.

The primary appeal of cloud chasing lies not only in the obvious visual spectacle it produces, but also in the technical skill and knowledge required to create larger clouds over and over again. Blowing the biggest and best clouds requires you to have specific vaping knowledge and employ particular techniques (we’ll get into that next).

Key Factors Affecting Vapour Production

Several factors influence the size and density of the vapour clouds you can produce. We’ll cover all these in detail below, but here they are at a glance:

  • E-Liquid Composition: The type of e-liquid you use plays a crucial role in cloud production. In particular, the ratio of propylene glycol (PG) to vegetable glycerin (VG) in your e-liquid can affect the thickness of your vape clouds.
  • Vape Device and Settings: Your device's power output, coil resistance, and airflow settings can significantly impact cloud production.
  • Inhalation Technique: How you inhale and exhale vapour often makes a noticeable difference in the size of your clouds. Advanced techniques can help maximize your cloud output.
Various e-liquids in containers

Choosing the Right E-Liquid

To blow bigger clouds, you'll want to use an e-liquid high in vegetable glycerin (VG). The best options for these will be freebase e-liquids as opposed to salt nic options. VG is a thick, sweet liquid that produces dense, voluminous vapour. When selecting high-quality e-liquids, consider the following tips:

  • Check the VG/PG ratio: Aim for a VG/PG ratio of 70/30 or more.
  • Consider the nicotine content: High nicotine levels can create harsher throat hits, which may limit your ability to take deep inhales necessary for larger clouds.
  • Choose reputable brands: High-quality e-liquids are more likely to provide consistent results and less likely to damage your device.

Choosing the Right Vape Device & Components

While skill is certainly involved in cloud chasing, your device selection is also crucial. Here are some types of vape devices best suited for this purpose:

  • Box Mods: These devices offer high power output and customizable settings, making them a popular choice for cloud chasers.
  • Mechanical Mods: These are unregulated devices that can deliver raw battery power for massive clouds, but require a thorough understanding of Ohm's law and battery safety—not what we’d suggest, especially if you’re starting out.
  • Pod Systems: While traditionally less associated with cloud chasing, some advanced pod systems have adjustable power and airflow settings that can be tweaked for better cloud production. We recommend checking out the SMOK Nord 5.

The Art of Sub-Ohm Vaping

Sub-ohm vaping involves using a vape device with a coil that has a resistance of less than 1 ohm. This lower resistance, combined with higher wattage settings, can produce larger and denser clouds. However, sub-ohm vaping requires high-performance batteries and optimal airflow adjustments to work effectively and safely.

Safety should always come first when you’re sub-ohm vaping—ensure your device can handle the low resistance and high power associated with this style. Overheating and device malfunctions can occur if your vape isn't properly configured.

Man practicing inhalation technique for cloud chasing

Perfecting Your Inhalation Technique

How you inhale and exhale vapour plays a significant role in cloud chasing. Here are some techniques to practice:

  • Deep and Slow Lung Inhales: By taking a deep and slow inhale, you allow more vapour to fill your lungs, which can then be exhaled as a larger cloud.
  • Proper Exhaling Techniques: When exhaling, keep your mouth wide and release the vapour slowly. This can help maintain the density and size of your cloud.
  • Advanced Techniques: Techniques like the "rip trippers" method and the "scottish roll" wicking method can further enhance your cloud production. The "rip trippers" method involves a two-part inhale, where you first draw vapour into your mouth and then into your lungs. The "scottish roll" is a wicking technique that allows the coil to hold more e-liquid, resulting in denser clouds.

General Safety Tips for Cloud Chasing

Cloud chasing can be a fun and rewarding hobby, but it's essential to prioritize safety. Here are some precautions to keep in mind:/p>

  • Understanding Battery Safety: Using high-drain batteries and understanding their limits is crucial. Always use a battery that can handle the wattage and coil resistance you're planning to use.
  • Avoiding Chain-Vaping and Other Kinds of Overuse: Drawing too often from your device in quick succession can cause it to overheat, potentially leading to coil burnout and other mechanical issues. Regularly check your device for any signs of overheating. If your device feels hot, give it a chance to cool down before using it again. Some devices also come with safety features that limit the number of draws you can take in a given period.
  • Staying within Safe Limits of Coil Resistance and Wattage: Pushing your device beyond its limits can damage it or even create a safety hazard. Always stay within the manufacturer's recommended coil resistance and wattage ranges.

Learning from the Pros at Vaping Communities & Competitions

Joining a vaping community can be a great way to learn from experienced cloud chasers and stay up-to-date on the latest techniques and technologies. There are numerous local and online communities where you can share tips and experiences with like-minded enthusiasts.

If you’re looking for something a bit more hardcore, competitions offer a platform to showcase your cloud-chasing skills and learn from others. Canada hosts several popular vaping events and cloud chasing competitions each year—like Canada’s Vape Expo, which visits different cities across the country. Participating in these events not only allows you to test your skills but also provides an opportunity to connect with the larger vaping community.

Ultimately, successful cloud chasing is a blend of the right tools, techniques, and a strong understanding of safety. With practice and patience, you too can become a proficient cloud chaser, impressing your peers and adding a new dimension to your vaping experience. Browse our new arrivals here to make sure you’ve got a device that’s up to the challenge—then stay safe, and happy vaping!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does cloud chasing have any risks?

Improper techniques or device configurations can lead to overheating, coil burnout, or even battery explosions in rare cases. It's vital to follow safety guidelines and be well-informed about your equipment.

Can I use any e-cigarette or vaping device for cloud chasing?

Not all devices are well-suited for cloud chasing. While some devices, like box mods and sub-ohm devices, are designed for large cloud production, others may not offer the power or customization options you need.

What’s the difference between freebase and nic salt e-liquids?

Freebase e-liquids typically have a higher VG content suitable for cloud chasing, while salt nic options are more geared towards replicating the sensation of traditional cigarettes.

What are the best coils for cloud chasing?

Coils for cloud chasing often have lower resistances (sub-ohm). It's important to match your coil with a device that can handle its resistance and power requirements safely.

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