PG/VG Question from a Noobie

[09-20I]

Hi folks sorry if this is a dunce like question but I'm still a little fuzzy on what the ratio of PG/VG does for the final product. I understand what PG/VG stands for but how does it affect the taste/vape? Knowing that taste is subjective is one 80/20 ratio (for example) going to give me a better taste or a smoother taste than say a 60/40. This is all so confusing when you are just starting out and I really appreciate everyone's help, I guess what I am trying to avoid is having to purchase all sorts of different ratios then letting them steep etc etc to find out that (again for example) that it is common knowledge that yeah everyone already knows that 80/20 is more commonly appreciated than say a 60/40. Again just throwing these numbers out since they really mean little to me so far. Again thanks!

 

[Hulamoon]

Welcome 09-20I! More PG accentuates flavor and throat hit while more VG creates more vapor and smoother hit. A lot of folk are able to tolerate PG and VG well, but occasionally some find that either PG or VG gives them a harsh coughing and raw throat, or a heavy feeling in the throat and chest. So i'd start with some SAMPLE sizes of vendor's suggested or default ratios, and see if they work out good for you. Then you can in most cases change the mix ratio to suit yourself.

 

[IMFire3605]

PG transports flavor better and combined with nic level more throat hit
VG produces more vapor and smooths and some liquids sweetens the taste up

Depending on what flavor I am using makes what PG/VG I like.

Some tobaccos I prefer an 80/20 as the tobacco flavor is already somewhat muted and less throat hit.
My ADV I prefer a 50/50, decent taste, mellow throat hit, nice vapor production
One of my Backup ADVs, a Halo Tribecca clone I like in a 60/40
All my fruit flavors I like a 40/60 or 50/50 mix.

I'm not a big fan of throat hit, like just enough to let my throat and lungs feel something similar to old analog smoke is getting in, other than that I am more interested in, especially complex flavors, tasting each tone come to life when they are supposed to, a decent vapor cloud, but the big thing, getting my Nic fix =). Juices are all subjective to the individual vaper

 

[09-20I]

Yes thank you guys this is the feed back I was looking for just something to give me an idea of what to try to change or keep when a vape feels like this and it's enjoyable as opposed to my throat is raw (which is the case right now with the 60/40 I just bought). I understand that the road to finding the right mix/flavors is different for everyone but if you don't have a clue where to start changing you just end up making uninformed purchases and hoping for the best.

Two weeks analog free with zero desire to light up an analog so it's working I just need to "tweak" it a bit. Can't tell you guys how much this has helped and everyone's help sooo appreciated.

 

[Hulamoon]

Nicotine can cause a raw throat - but generally the culprit is too much PG. Either try a sampler size in 100% VG. Alternatively, you can buy VG as good ol' plain "USP glycerin" in CVS/Walgreens/Wally World in the first aid or baby section. Costs $3 a bottle - just put a little of that naked in the tank or drip on the atty (no nicotine, no flavorings, no PG) and see if you have any reactions to that. If you do then it could be VG that's causing the problem or even the flavorings within the e-juice you're using. Still, go with the most suspicious character and eliminate PG as a possible cause. You may be able to do a 40/60 PG/VG or go with 100% VG. And Drink Lots of Water. Both PG and VG are de-humectants and a dry throat can easily become a raw throat along with other problems of dehydration. Only commit to the smallest sampler bottles of vendor juices till you find the best balance for yourself. Let us know!

 

[potmilkz]

all vg here..

 

[di11igaf]

If you wanna quickly try a 100% all VG mix with flavor blu's cartos sold at Walgreen's are kinda pricey but the tobacco flavor is not bad. They will work with most 510 connections, every once in a while I'll break out a blu tobacco on a twist. Just something to try to see how an all VG mix works for you.

 

[Hulamoon]

Me too Potmilkz! Good idea di11igaf.

 

[09-20I]

Is it possible that my throat is reacting negatively to VG? I just noticed that one of the flavors I didn't care for but didn't irritate my throat I believe is 100% PG.

 

[09-20I]

Di11igaf great idea thanks Ill give it a try tonight

 

[Nermal]

I just today tried a 20/80 pg/vg mix today in a tobacco/menthol flavor. It feels like it's leaving a coating on the roof of my mouth and I'm assuming it's due to the high vg content. I had to put it aside.

 

[Bill's Magic Vapor]

A totally subjective question, but a 60/40 PG/VG mix is a good place to start. You like what you like, and only experience will be your best guide ultimately. Start with smaller sampler size variations of the same flavor and you'll figure it out very quickly. Good luck to you! the irritated throat is likely either the nic level or PG. Again, experimentation will be your best guide. We're all different, and thus the reason there were so many analog choices as well. Jump in! Good luck and Vape On!

 

[Hulamoon]

Sure, VG can upset some vapers in similar ways. Of the flavors you refer to, were they the same in nicotine content and were they both from the same vendor? Sometimes its the flavorings or too high nic as Bill mentions. Check to see if the flavor that didn't upset you really is 100% PG and let us know.

Is it possible that my throat is reacting negatively to VG? I just noticed that one of the flavors I didn't care for but didn't irritate my throat I believe is 100% PG.

 

[09-20I]

All yhe same nic levels but now that you mentioned it the suspect fluids were all from the same vendor. Perhaps that's it! Thanks again and Ill report back after further testing.

 

[Nyght]

Another thing to consider... some flavors are just harsh to some people.

For instance, I have a hard time with strawberry... it tends to just tickle somewhere in my throat and make me cough (over three different vendors, but it could be all the same flavorant (say Loranns, I don't know.)

Nicotine level is a big culprit, PG as well... and dryness as has all been mentioned in the thread.

Sure there's a chance you may have a reaction to VG as well, but a great easy method to rule that out as was suggested was picking up some usp glycerine and try that directly. It's a cheap easy answer.

Also not all vendors have pure pg/vg mixtures. Some add alcohol, or some dyes within flavors etc. Try and insure you are with a good healthy vendor, who lists their ingredients (tests have been performed by some vendors I believe) That is important for your health too, as well as your comfort.

The other benefit to getting some VG is you can alter your premade juices to help reduce the PG content (if it's PG or Nic strength.) However that as well reduces the flavor too. Of course, if you are sensitive to VG then you will want to of course avoid it and go stronger PG mixtures (you will be in luck, it's easier to get PG 100% than VG from what I've found. LOL)

I personally use high VG and low to zero PG because I have a reaction to it. (sadly, as I said, there's many times I am looking longingly at a flavor I just can't risk cause it's PG is too high :/ I am trying a 50/50 mix right now to see how my own body will hack that.. but I'm not overly hopeful :/)

Best of luck to you! You will figure this out and then it's all yummy goodness and vape clouds from there on out.