What is Sub-Ohm Vaping?

As more and more new products in the vape industry are geared toward Sub-Ohm vaping, many new and existing customers have the same question: What exactly is Sub-ohm Vaping?

What is Sub-ohm Vaping?

As the name implies, sub-ohm vaping deals with electricity, and this is not a subject that should be taken lightly. A traditional tank atomizer or cartomizer has a range of about 1.5 to 2.8 ohms. With sub-ohm vaping, atomizer coils or series of coils, with a total measurable resistance that is less than 1.0 ohm, are used. According to the laws of science (Ohm’s Law), a non-variable voltage source (like the battery in a Mechanical Mod) can produce more power (wattage) by lowering the resistance (ohms) of a circuit. So, using a lower ohm atomizer coil will result in bigger clouds, hotter vapor, and an intensified flavor.

Previously, to vape at sub ohm levels you would have to use a rebuildable atomizer to build your own coils. Now that sub-ohm tanks have arrived to market, consumers can now vape at sub ohm levels without having to resort to DIY. The basic concept behind sub-ohm tanks is to attempt to duplicate the effects of rebuildable dripping atomizer without all the hassle.

The Pros and Cons

Pros

• Bigger clouds

Not everyone has the urge to blow massive plumes of vapor that are bigger and thicker than their neighbor’s, but if cloud chasing is something that you’re into, sub-ohm technology might be something worth trying.

• Hotter vapor

The higher wattage creates a warmer, hotter vapor. This hotter vapor is why the RDA’s, RBA’s, and sub-ohm tanks have the airflow controls that cool the e-juice slightly so that it won’t burn the lips of the user. Many vapers prefer the hotter vapor because it simulates the effects of smoking traditional tobacco cigarettes.

• More intense flavor

Steeping e-juices takes a great deal of time, in most cases. And leaving those tiny bottles lying around in closets and refrigerator shelves is very dangerous, especially for homes with small children. Because the e-liquids burn hotter, they also taste fuller, richer, and more intense. Many vapers who try sub-ohm methods often say that they will never again go back to the high-resistance, ceramic fiber clearomizers ever again.

Cons

• Mouth-to-Lung Hitters

Sub-ohm vaping tends to give the user a massive lung hit of vapor. This extra “kick” is a feature than many sub-ohm enthusiasts simply love. Others in the vaping community call these people “Mouth-to-lungers.” Newbies to the technology might be a bit surprised at first.

• Hard to Hide

The massive plumes of smoke and intense aroma produced from sub-ohm tanks draws a lot of extra attention from those around you. If you are trying to sneak a vape at the office, it’s going to be much tougher to hide. For the stealthier vaper, this might not be the best choice of tank.

• Juice Monsters

It takes a lot of juice to make those massive clouds. For those just entering the world of sub-ohm vaping, don’t be surprised if you start going through e-juice like crazy. If you are vaping-on-a-budget, then this technique may not be your best choice. On a more positive note, vapers who use sub-ohm technology also tend to prefer lower nicotine levels in their e-liquids of perhaps 6mg or less, which can save you a little money. Some even opt for the zero-nic options. The bigger blast of vapor means a bigger blast of nicotine.

Methods of Sub-Ohm Vaping

• RDA or Rebuildable Dripping Atomizer:

Before the release of the Aspire Atlantis and other sub-ohm tanks, RDA’s were the only method available to sub-ohm vape. RDA’s are also
called drippers, and we can use them with almost any Mechanical or Box Mod. Drippers are usually smaller than tank atomizers and include a deck for building the coil that we then attach by using a screwdriver. We then wick the coil with cotton. Users then drip a tiny amount of e-liquid on the coil and wick, re-dripping once every few puffs.

• RBA, RTA, or Rebuildable Tank Atomizer:

This method is for people who want to avoid dripping completely but who still want to build their own coils. RBA’s are basically clearomizers that require the user to build the coil or coils inside. The great thing about this option is that users can custom design any coil imaginable to produce the precise vaping experience that they want. Not all RBA’s are for sub-ohm vaping though. So be careful. Some do not have the appropriate airflow controls and insulation required for sub ohm vaping. Without proper airflow an RTA can create a very hot vapor that may burn your lips.

• Sub-Ohm Tanks:

This method is likely the perfect choice for first-timer sub-ohm vapers. They work very much like an RBA, but these use pre-made, disposable coils that can be purchased from the manufacturer. Some sub ohm tanks have optional RBA heads so users can choose to either build their own coils or use pre-built coil heads. This technology is the basis of the Kanger Subtank Mini , Aspire Atlantis V2 , the TFV4, among many others.