The world of vaping sometimes feels like it has a language all of its own, from PG and VG to ‘wicking’ and ‘sub-ohm’ - there are plenty of terms you might not yet be familiar with. The differences between nic salts vs freebase nicotine is one such topic that can be confusing.
Whilst all e-liquids are designed to carry flavour and create the vapour you enjoy, there are a number of different types. Which one to choose depends on the vape experience that you want - be that a strong throat hit or fast nicotine satisfaction. This guide explains what nic salts and freebase nicotine are, and which one might work best for you.
Contents
1. Freebase vs Nic Salts: A Comparison
2. What is Freebase Nicotine?
✓ Why Do People Choose Freebase Nicotine?
✓ The Drawbacks of Freebase Nicotine
3. What Are Nicotine Salts?
✓ Why Do People Choose Nicotine Salts?
✓ The Drawbacks of Nicotine Salts
4. Should You Choose Nicotine Salts or Freebase?
Key Takeaways:
→ Freebase nicotine is the traditional form of nicotine found in tobacco leaves in its alkaloid form
→ Nic salts are a chemically modified form of nicotine, produced by combining nicotine with benzoic acid
→ Freebase nicotine provides a stronger throat hit, slower nicotine absorption and is best for sub-ohm vaping
→ Nic salts offer rapid nicotine satisfaction, gentler throat hits, and are compatible with easy-to-use pod systems or vape pens
→ You should choose nic salts if you’re new to vaping, want a smooth hit, need fast craving relief, or use pod style vape kits
→ You should choose freebase if you’re an experienced vaper, and prefer throat hits and vapour clouds from high-wattage, sub-ohm devices
Comparing Freebase vs Nic Salts
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of nic salts vs freebase to help you weigh them up against each other
| Compare | Freebase Nicotine | Nicotine Salts |
|---|---|---|
| Throat Hit | Harsh | Smooth |
| Nicotine Absorption | Slow | Fast |
| Nicotine Strength | 0mg - 18mg | 0mg - 20mg |
| Ideal Device Type | Sub-ohm tanks | Pod systems |
| Vaping Experience | Bigger clouds and a stronger hit | Smooth, cigarette-like sensation |
What Is Freebase Nicotine?
Freebase nicotine is the original and most traditional form of nicotine and is naturally found in tobacco leaves in its alkaloid form. To produce freebase nicotine, it is extracted from the tobacco leaves and then refined through a purification process. An alkaline agent, such as ammonia, is used to raise the PH of the freebase nicotine. This higher pH level gives freebase nicotine the intensity and signature throat hit it is known for.
Key characteristics of freebase nicotine:
→ Strong throat hit
→ Slower nicotine absorptions
→ Choice of nicotine strengths from 3mg to 18mg
→ Good for producing large clouds
Why Do People Choose Freebase Nicotine?
When vaped, the alkalinity of freebase nicotine creates a sensation in the throat that many smokers equate to the feeling of inhaling cigarette smoke. This can be particularly beneficial for those transitioning from smoking cigarettes. There are also several other reasons people might choose freebase nicotine, including:
A Choice of Nicotine Strengths
Freebase nicotine generally allows for a wider range of nicotine strengths, from 3mg up to around 18mg. This gives vapers more flexibility in tailoring their nicotine intake, and is useful for anyone trying to reduce their nicotine consumption.
Flavour Experience
Freebase nicotine has fewer chemical alterations when compared to nic salts. Many vapers find that their e-liquids taste more vibrant and nuanced when using freebase nicotine.
Device Compatibility
Freebase nicotine performs well in a wide array of vaping devices, from basic starter kits to advanced sub-ohm setups. Vapers who enjoy experimenting with different hardware configurations enjoy this level of versatility.
The Drawbacks of Freebase Nicotine
Not everyone is a fan of freebase. Some vapers may prefer to avoid it for any of the following reasons:
Harsh Throat Hit
While some vapers love a stronger throat hit, others find it uncomfortable and irritating, and prefer the smoothness of nic salts.
Slower Nicotine Absorption
Compared to nicotine salts, freebase nicotine takes longer to be absorbed into the bloodstream. For vapers who like a more rapid nicotine sensation, this slower absorption can be off putting.
Shorter Shelf Life
When exposed to factors like air and light, freebase can degrade faster over time, potentially leading to a less potent e-liquid and a more muted flavour.
What Are Nicotine Salts?
Nicotine salts, often called ‘nic salts,’ are a chemically modified form of nicotine. Nicotine salts are produced by combining nicotine with an acid - most often benzoic acid. This lowers the pH level, and results in a smoother, more comfortable vaping experience. The addition of benzoic acid also makes nic salts more bioavailable, allowing them to be absorbed into the bloodstream more quickly for faster relief from nicotine cravings. Nic salts are available in several strengths from nicotine free to 20mg.
Key characteristics of nicotine salts:
→ Smooth throat hit
→ Faster nicotine absorption
→ Less likely to create large clouds
→ Available in a choice of strengths
Why Do People Choose Nicotine Salts?
Nicotine salts are perfect if you want a satisfying nicotine hit without irritation, especially if you’re a former smoker looking for a cigarette-like experience. Even at higher nicotine strengths, the throat hit is much smoother than with freebase. That’s not the only reason people opt for nic salts:
Faster Nicotine Absorption
Nicotine salts are absorbed into the bloodstream more quickly due to their lower pH and altered chemical structure. This faster absorption helps vapers feel the associated nicotine sensations sooner and manage cravings more effectively.
Longer Shelf Life
Nic salts degrade more slowly than freebase nicotine when exposed to air and light, and so nic salt e-liquids typically last longer when stored properly.
Device Compatibility
Nic salts are perfect for low-wattage devices like pod systems and mouth-to-lung (MTL) vapes, which are simple to use and ideal for new vapers, anyone who values convenience or people who just prefer a discreet vaping experience.
The Drawbacks of Nicotine Salts
Reduced Flavour
The chemical process of creating nic salts can subtly alter how flavour compounds are perceived, and so some users say nic salts have a slightly muted flavour compared to freebase nicotine. Though this is only anecdotal.
Device Restrictions
Nic salts are not suitable for Nic salts for high-power, sub-ohm setups. Using them in incompatible devices can produce a harsh, unpleasant experience and could damage your vape or cause leaking.
Over Consumption
Whilst unlikely, the smooth and efficient nicotine delivery from nic salts make it easy to vape more often or at higher strengths than intended,which can result in an increased nicotine intake.
Should You Choose Nicotine Salts or Freebase?
Ultimately deciding whether to choose nic salts or freebase e-liquids comes down to your personal vaping preferences.
Choose nic salts if:
✓ You’re new to vaping or are quitting smoking
✓ You like a smooth throat hit even at higher nicotine strengths and don’t like a harsh feeling when inhaling
✓ You want rapid nicotine satisfaction to help deal with cravings quickly
✓ You typically use more simple vape kits and want a discreet and convenient vaping experience
Choose freebase e-liquids if:
✓ You’re an experienced vaper who enjoys a stronger throat hit
✓ You like your flavours to be potent
✓ You prefer a gradual nicotine delivery that releases slowly
✓ You use powerful devices, like sub‑ohm kits and enjoy big vapour clouds
Nic Salts and More from Riot
Riot has an extensive range of bold flavours designed especially for nic salt lovers. Our UK made nic salt e-liquids debunk the myth that freebase has more flavour. Riot has produced a stand-out range of e-liquids that let flavour lead the way, from exotic tropical tastes to zingy citrus mash-ups and tongue-tingling ice blasts. Dive into BLCK EDTN nic salts where e-liquid meets artistry, or RIOT X for amplified flavours you’ve never experienced before. Join us now and discover a whole new way to do nic salts.
