PG vs. VG – What’s The Difference and How to Choose VG/PG Ratio?

Navigation

1. What Should You Know About Propylene Glycol (PG) in Vaping?
2. What Should You Know About Vegetable Glycerin (VG) in Vaping?
3. What Are the Key Differences Between PG and VG in Vaping?
4. How to Find Your Perfect PG/VG Ratio
5. How to Preserve Your E-Juice
6. Finding Your Ideal Vaping Experience

When it comes to vaping, one of the most important decisions is choosing the right propylene glycol (PG) to vegetable glycerin (VG) ratio in your e-liquid. The PG/VG ratio directly impacts your overall vaping experience - from the throat hit and vapor production to the flavor and wicking efficiency. Finding the optimal blend for your needs and preferences is key to getting the most satisfaction out of vaping. In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about PG and VG, their key differences, and how to pick the perfect ratio for you.

What Should You Know About Propylene Glycol (PG) in Vaping?

What is Propylene Glycol?

Propylene glycol (PG) is one of the main base ingredients in e-liquids. It is a petroleum byproduct that is odorless, colorless, and less viscous than VG.

Key Functions and Properties

• Acts as an emulsifier to prevent separation of ingredients
• Carries flavors and nicotine effectively as a solvent
• Provides a harsher throat sensation or "throat hit"
• Prevents drying out and has antimicrobial properties
• Extends shelf life of e-liquids

Safety and Usage

PG is considered safe for human consumption as a food additive. It is widely used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food/beverages. Most vapers do not have issues inhaling or ingesting it.

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What Should You Know About Vegetable Glycerin (VG) in Vaping?

What is Vegetable Glycerin?

Vegetable glycerin (VG) is the other main base ingredient in e-liquids besides PG. It is a thicker, odorless, slightly sweet liquid derived from vegetable oils.

Key Functions and Properties

• Produces visible vapor clouds when vaping
• Creates more vapor volume compared to PG
• Acts as an emulsifier, humectant, and sweetener

Safety and Usage

VG is considered non-toxic even in high doses. It has been safely used for years in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food products.

Viscosity Considerations

The thick viscosity of 100% VG e-liquids requires high-power sub-ohm devices. Blending with PG creates an ideal balance for most vaping setups.

What Are the Key Differences Between PG and VG in Vaping?

1. Throat Hit

PG provides a harsher, scratchier throat hit that closely mimics the feeling of smoking traditional cigarettes. The stimulating throat sensation makes PG appealing for smokers transitioning away from combustibles.

In contrast, VG has a much smoother throat hit that is less irritating and cough-inducing. For those who want a gentle vaping experience or dislike the harshness of PG, VG is a better choice. The smoothness of high VG liquids can help reduce throat irritation.

2. Vapor Production

The high viscosity of VG results in the dense, thick clouds of vapor that many vapers desire. For vape trick enthusiasts and cloud chasers, high VG liquids are essential for producing huge, visually impressive vapor.

On the other hand, the thinner consistency of PG leads to less vapor density and volume. For discreet vaping where massive clouds are inappropriate, PG's reduced vapor output is advantageous. The thinner mouthfeel may also appeal to vapers who dislike the thickness of high VG vapor.

3. Wicking Efficiency

PG's low viscosity allows it to wick quickly and efficiently into atomizers and coils. There's consistent flow from the wick to the coil between puffs. This results in good wicking that prevents dry or burnt hits.

VG is slower to wick due to its thickness. In certain atomizer setups, the high VG content can lead to insufficient juice flow, causing dry, unpleasant hits. Thinner PG liquids significantly improve wicking speed and consistency.

4. Flavor Carrying

PG does an excellent job of carrying flavorings and allowing their intended nuances to shine through. It adds little interference or muting to e-liquid flavors. For clear, crisp flavor recreation, PG is the better carrier option.

VG has a slightly sweet taste that, while pleasant, can subtly dull or mask some flavors in e-liquids. Complex dessert or beverage flavors may get lost with VG. To compensate, some flavor concentrations may need to be increased in high VG blends.

5. Allergies and Sensitivities

A minority of vapers have a sensitivity to PG that leads to symptoms like throat irritation, coughing, headaches, and general discomfort. For these vapers, switching to a high VG liquid alleviates issues.

Most vapers tolerate both PG and VG without problems. But VG is considered hypoallergenic and does not cause reactions for those with PG allergy or intolerance. High VG liquids provide an irritation-free vaping experience for sensitive users.

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How to Find Your Perfect PG/VG Ratio

Start by considering your priorities. Do you want big, dense clouds or enhanced flavor delivery? Are you looking for a strong throat hit or a smoother draw? Understanding your vaping goals helps narrow your preferred ratio range.

Here are some suggested PG/VG ratios to experiment with for different vaping purposes:

• For maximum flavor: For maximum flavor intensity, go with a high PG ratio like 70PG/30VG. The PG efficiently carries nuances of complex flavors and provides a strong throat hit. This is great for vapers who prioritize taste over clouds.
• For potent throat hit: If you want to replicate the feel of smoking, 50PG/50VG or 60PG/40VG gives a satisfying throat hit while still producing moderate vapor. The higher PG content mimics the sensation of combustibles.
• For dense, thick clouds: For sub-ohm tanks and high-wattage direct-lung inhales, a ratio like 20PG/80VG works well. The high VG provides dense vapor for huge rips without compromising coils.
• For sub-Ohm vaping: Stealth vaping requires higher PG ratios like 80PG/20VG to minimize clouds. The lower vapor production doesn't draw unwanted attention when vaping discreetly.
• For pod systems/MTL: For pod systems and mouth-to-lung devices, a balanced 50/50 or 60/40 PG/VG ratio prevents dry hits and mutes flavors less. The PG still allows good flavor transmission.
• For an all-rounder vape: If you have no specific priorities and want a versatile ratio, sticking to 50/50 is a safe bet. It offers a bit of everything without going to either extreme.

Experimenting with different ratios for different setups and vaping needs allows you to customize the experience. Just match the ratio purposefully with your goals and equipment. For example, the IGET GOAT 5000 puffs disposable vape has 3 adjustable settings for vapor output, which allows you to customize the cloud density and throat hit to your preferences.

How to Preserve Your E-Juice

To get the most life and best taste from e-liquids, be sure to:

• Store in a cool, dark place away from heat and sunlight
• Use bottles that block light to prevent oxidation
• Keep exposure to air and extreme temps minimal
• Don't leave e-juice in vape tanks when not in use
• Check expiration dates and discard old e-liquid
• Shake the bottle well before each use for even distribution
• Use the proper PG/VG ratio recommended for your device

Following these simple guidelines will prevent your vape juice from drying out or losing its intended flavor and potency.

Finding Your Ideal Vaping Experience

Understanding the differences between PG and VG is the first step toward an enjoyable vaping experience. Focus on choosing the right ratio for your needs and preferences. And don't be afraid to experiment until you find your perfect combination!

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