Best Ways to Make Your Vape Hit Smoother

For many vape users, one of the most important aspects of the experience is how smooth the hit feels. A harsh throat hit, burnt taste, or rough inhale can take away from the pleasure of vaping and even discourage beginners. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to fine-tune your device, e-liquid, and technique to achieve smoother hits. Whether you use a disposable, a refillable pod system, or a more advanced mod, this guide will cover the best methods to make your vape hit smoother.

Understanding Why a Vape Might Feel Harsh

Before diving into solutions, it’s important to understand why your vape may not feel smooth. Several factors contribute to harshness:

• Nicotine strength – Higher nicotine levels create a stronger throat hit, which some users may find harsh.

• E-liquid composition – The balance between propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG) affects smoothness. High-PG liquids tend to be sharper, while high-VG liquids are smoother.

• Device settings – Wattage, voltage, and airflow play a big role in how vapor is produced.

• Coil quality – An old or burnt coil produces a rough and unpleasant hit.

• Inhalation technique – Pulling too hard or inhaling incorrectly can make a vape feel harsher.

Once you know the cause, you can adjust your approach to create a smoother vaping experience.

1. Adjust Your Nicotine Strength

One of the most common reasons for a harsh vape is using e-liquid with too much nicotine. If you’re experiencing a sharp throat hit, consider lowering your nicotine strength.

• For beginners: Start with a moderate level (e.g., 6–12 mg for freebase nicotine or 20–30 mg for nicotine salts) and adjust based on comfort.

• For smoother hits: Try lowering your nicotine strength gradually until you find the sweet spot where the cravings are satisfied without discomfort.

• Nicotine salts vs. freebase: Nicotine salts are known for delivering smoother hits compared to freebase nicotine at the same strength. If freebase feels too harsh, salts may be a better option.

2. Choose the Right PG/VG Ratio

E-liquids are made from a mix of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG), and the ratio affects smoothness.

• High-PG liquids (e.g., 70% PG / 30% VG) deliver stronger throat hits and carry flavor well but can feel harsh.

• High-VG liquids (e.g., 70% VG / 30% PG) are smoother, producing denser vapor with less throat hit.

• Balanced liquids (50/50) provide a middle ground, often suitable for pod systems.

If you want a smoother experience, switching to a high-VG e-liquid is one of the easiest solutions.

3. Optimize Your Wattage and Voltage

Running your vape at the wrong wattage or voltage can cause harsh hits. If your device is too hot, it burns the e-liquid and creates an unpleasant sensation.

• Check coil recommendations: Most coils list a recommended wattage range. Staying within that range ensures smooth vapor production.

• Lower your wattage: If you’re experiencing harshness, try decreasing the wattage by 5–10 watts and test the difference.

• Avoid “dry hits”: High wattage with insufficient e-liquid saturation burns the cotton, leading to a burnt, rough taste.

Finding the right power setting for your coil and liquid combination is key to a smoother hit.

4. Replace or Maintain Your Coil Regularly

A worn-out coil is one of the biggest culprits behind harsh vaping. Over time, residue builds up on the cotton and wire, leading to burnt flavors and rough hits.

• Signs your coil needs replacing: Burnt taste, gurgling sounds, weak vapor production, or darkened e-liquid.

• Replacement frequency: Coils typically last 1–2 weeks depending on usage and e-liquid type.

• Prime your coil: Always prime a new coil by letting it soak in e-liquid for several minutes before use to prevent burning.

Keeping your coil fresh ensures that vapor production stays smooth and consistent.

5. Master Your Inhalation Technique

Sometimes, harshness comes down to how you inhale. Unlike cigarettes, vaping requires a slightly different technique.

• Mouth-to-lung (MTL): Best for smaller devices and higher nicotine. Draw vapor into your mouth first, then inhale into your lungs—similar to smoking a cigarette. This method often feels smoother.

• Direct-to-lung (DTL): Best for sub-ohm devices and low nicotine. Inhale vapor directly into your lungs, similar to taking a deep breath. This produces more vapor but can feel harsh if the device isn’t optimized.

• Don’t pull too hard: Let the device do the work. Drawing too forcefully can flood the coil or overheat the vapor.

Experimenting with your inhalation style can make a big difference in smoothness.

6. Adjust Airflow Settings

Many modern devices include adjustable airflow to customize your vape.

• More airflow = cooler, smoother vapor with less throat hit.

• Less airflow = warmer vapor and stronger throat hit.

If your vape feels too harsh, try opening the airflow for a smoother, airier draw. Conversely, closing the airflow slightly can help if you prefer a bit of throat sensation.

7. Stay Hydrated and Take Breaks

Believe it or not, dehydration can make vaping feel harsher. Both PG and VG are humectants, which means they can absorb moisture from your mouth and throat.

• Drink water regularly: Staying hydrated helps keep your throat comfortable.

• Take breaks: Chain vaping (taking many puffs in a row) can overheat the coil and irritate your throat. Giving your device and throat a rest keeps the experience smoother.

8. Try Different E-Liquid Flavors

Some flavors naturally feel smoother than others. For example, menthol and mint can create a cooling sensation that eases harshness, while dessert or fruit flavors may feel softer compared to strong tobacco blends.

If one flavor feels too sharp, experiment with alternatives until you find one that suits your preferences.

9. Keep Your Device Clean

Residue buildup inside your tank, pod, or drip tip can contribute to a harsh or inconsistent vape. Regular cleaning prevents contamination and ensures smoother hits.

• How to clean: Rinse your tank or pod with warm water, let it dry completely, and replace coils as needed.

• Frequency: Clean every 1–2 weeks or whenever you switch e-liquid flavors.

A clean device not only improves flavor but also enhances smoothness.

10. Consider Device Type

Not all devices are designed for the same experience. If smoothness is your top priority, consider the following:

• Pod systems: Typically provide smoother, more controlled hits with higher nicotine salts.

• Sub-ohm mods: Produce larger clouds and can feel harsher if not set up properly.

• Disposables: Convenient and often pre-tuned for smoother hits, though quality varies by brand.

Choosing the right type of device for your vaping style can eliminate harshness altogether.

A smooth vape hit is the result of balancing nicotine strength, e-liquid composition, device settings, coil maintenance, and inhalation technique. While some trial and error is normal, implementing the strategies above can significantly improve your experience.

To recap, the best ways to make your vape hit smoother include:

• Lowering your nicotine strength or switching to nicotine salts

• Using higher-VG e-liquids

• Adjusting wattage and airflow for comfort

• Replacing coils regularly

• Improving your inhalation style

• Staying hydrated and cleaning your device

By making these adjustments, you can transform a harsh vape into a smooth, enjoyable experience tailored to your preferences.