What Nic Shot Do I Need? How do I use Nic Shots?
|
|
Time to read 3 min
-
Shop
-
Guides
-
Vaper Level
WHAT'S YOUR VAPER LEVEL?
Our Vaper Level system makes it easier for you to find the right vape products for you. Each product page is tagged with a recommended experience level which is colour coded and easily recognisable. View out full guide to find out what level you are!
Beginner
Absolute beginners looking for a simple device to make the switch from smoking.
Intermediate
Moderate experience with vaping, confidence: changing coils and requiring adjustable settings.
Advanced
Experienced and knowledgeable vapers needing advanced features or rebuildables.
-
Beginner's Guides
-
Advanced Guides
-
Blogs
-
Vaper Level
-
Wholesale
Trending Vape Brands:
Guide Contents:
What Nic Shot Do I Need? A Masterclass in Mixing
Mixing your own e-liquid sounds like a chore, but it is actually a simple science. Because of UK laws, large bottles of juice are sold without nicotine. To get your "fix," you simply add a 10ml nicotine booster, known as a nic shot, to the flavoured juice. If you are a beginner wondering what nic shot do i need, do not panic. It is less about chemistry and more about following a simple recipe to avoid a mediocre vape.
The Simple Answer
The vast majority of vapers want a 3mg nicotine strength. This is the "standard" for sub-ohm vaping. If you have a 50ml shortfill, you need one 18mg nic shot. If you have a 100ml shortfill, you need two 18mg nic shots. It really is that straightforward. Quality is king here, so always ensure you are buying from a reputable source to keep your inhale smooth and your coils clean.
When asking what nic shot do i need, you also need to choose between two styles: Freebase and Salt. Freebase nicotine provides a "throat hit" similar to a cigarette. Nicotine Salts are much smoother and enter your system faster. Most beginners starting with large sub-ohm kits prefer 3mg freebase, but if you find 3mg too harsh on your throat, switching to nicotine salts is the perfect solution for a silkier experience.
How to Mix Like a Pro
Once you have decided what nic shot you need, the actual mixing process takes less than a minute. You do not need any special equipment—just your bottles and a bit of arm strength. Precision is vital, so make sure you are adding the full 10ml shot to get the correct final strength.
- Remove the Cap: Pop off the nib of your large shortfill bottle.
- Add the Shot: Squeeze the entire contents of your nic shot into the bottle. Then re-seal the shortfill.
- Shake It: This is the most important part. Shake the bottle vigorously for at least 60 seconds. If the nicotine isn't mixed properly, you will get "hot spots" that taste peppery.
Remember, the best vape starts with the right ingredients. After shaking, let the liquid settle for a few minutes so the air bubbles can disappear. You are now ready to vape your custom-mixed creation!
VG/PG Ratios for 100ml Shortfills
The thickness of your liquid (the VG/PG ratio) matters for your device. Use this table to see the result of adding two 10ml shots to a 100ml bottle. This will help you finalise your decision on what nic shot you need for your specific tank.
| 100ml Base Liquid | Nic Shot Ratio | Final 120ml Result |
|---|---|---|
| 70/30 (Standard) | 50/50 Shot | 67/33 |
| 70/30 (Standard) | 70/30 Shot | 70/30 |
| 70/30 (Standard) | 80/20 Shot | 72/28 |
| 50/50 (Pod Juice) | 50/50 Shot | 50/50 |
| 50/50 (Pod Juice) | 70/30 Shot | 53/47 |
| 50/50 (Pod Juice) | 80/20 Shot | 55/45 |
| 80/20 (Cloud Chasing) | 50/50 Shot | 75/25 |
| 80/20 (Cloud Chasing) | 70/30 Shot | 78/22 |
| 80/20 (Cloud Chasing) | 80/20 Shot | 80/20 |
Common Beginner Questions
Can I use more than two shots? Usually, no. Shortfill bottles only have enough "headspace" for one or two shots. If you try to add more, you will overfill the bottle and dilute the flavour too much. If you need a very high nicotine strength (like 12mg or 20mg), shortfills aren't what you need — you should buy 10ml pre-mixed bottles instead.
Why is my juice cloudy? This is just air from your enthusiastic shaking! Let it sit for five minutes and it will go back to being clear. If you are still worried about what nic shot you need to prevent this, just ensure you are using high-quality, fresh nicotine boosters.
By following these steps, you avoid the mediocrity of poorly mixed juice. You are now the master of your own clouds. Just keep your ratios right, shake it well, and enjoy. Precision is the key to a perfect vape, so take that extra second to check your bottle sizes before you pour.
