Why Do Some Vapes Hit Harder Than Others? Understanding Nicotine Strength, Coils, Airflow, Voltage, and PG/VG Ratios

A full breakdown of why some vapes hit harder than others, explaining how nicotine strength, coil style, airflow, voltage, and PG/VG ratios affect throat hit, vapor density, and overall experience.

Vapers talk about “the hit” more than almost anything else, and for good reason. Whether someone wants a sharper throat hit, a smoother inhale, or something in between, the way a vape hits can completely change the experience. Many people notice that two disposables with the same flavor and the same nicotine amount can still feel totally different. Others switch to a refillable device and wonder why it hits softer or stronger than the disposable they used last week. These differences aren’t random — they’re the result of several key factors that determine vapor density, throat hit, flavor intensity, and overall performance.

As vaping continues evolving in 2025, more consumers want to understand what makes one vape feel bold and powerful while another feels silky and smooth. The answer lies in the science behind nicotine strength, coil technology, airflow design, voltage output, and the PG/VG ratios in the e-liquid. Once you understand how each factor works, it becomes much easier to choose a vape that delivers exactly the hit you’re looking for.

Nicotine strength is one of the most noticeable reasons some vapes hit harder than others. Higher nicotine levels naturally produce a stronger throat hit, especially in salt nicotine formulations commonly used in disposables. A 50 mg disposable will generally hit harder than a 20 mg device because the body feels the nicotine more intensely and more quickly. However, the sensation doesn’t depend on nicotine alone. A lower-strength liquid with certain coil or airflow settings can actually feel stronger than a higher-strength liquid in a smoother device. Nicotine is important, but it’s only one piece of the equation.

Coil type has just as much impact on the intensity of a vape hit. Modern disposables often use mesh coils, which heat faster and more evenly than traditional wire coils. This increases both vapor production and flavor strength, which naturally creates a fuller and sometimes harsher hit. Mesh coils also generate warmer vapor, and warmth contributes to the perception of strength. If someone switches from a mesh-coil disposable to a standard pod system with a small round-wire coil, the hit can feel significantly weaker even if the nicotine strength stays the same. Coil surface area, resistance level, and heating style all influence how forcefully the vapor reaches your throat.

Airflow design is another huge factor people often overlook. Tight airflow — also known as MTL (mouth-to-lung) airflow — produces a denser, more concentrated hit. When airflow is restricted, the vapor is more compact and warmer, which feels stronger. On the other hand, wide airflow creates an airy, smoother cloud with less throat impact. This is why two disposables with identical specs can still feel different depending on how open or tight the airflow ring is. A restricted airflow system pushes more flavor and vapor directly to the throat, which increases intensity even at lower wattage or lower nicotine levels.

Voltage and wattage output also play major roles in determining how hard a vape hits. Devices that push higher wattage heat the coil faster and hotter, producing dense vapor with a powerful throat hit. Many disposables include boost chips that raise wattage when the battery is low, giving them a consistent strong hit throughout their life. Refillable devices allow users to customize wattage settings, meaning the same coil and liquid can hit softly at 12 watts or sharply at 20 watts. Heat fundamentally changes the vaping experience because it affects vapor temperature, flavor concentration, and throat sensation simultaneously.

The PG/VG ratio in the e-liquid is another source of major differences in how a vape hits. Propylene glycol (PG) is thinner and carries flavor more strongly, but it also produces a sharper, more noticeable throat hit. Vegetable glycerin (VG) is thicker and produces smooth, dense clouds without much harshness. If a vape uses a high-PG formula, it will hit harder even at lower wattage or lower nicotine levels. Many pod and disposable manufacturers use higher PG content to create a satisfying throat hit in small, low-power devices. Meanwhile, sub-ohm and high-cloud systems use high VG blends for a smooth inhale. Understanding PG/VG balance helps explain why some vape juices feel like a punch while others feel like a cushion.

When all these factors come together — nicotine strength, coil technology, airflow restriction, voltage levels, and PG/VG ratios — the final hit of a vape becomes very individualized. One device might feel soft and cloud-heavy because of high VG liquid and open airflow, while another feels sharp and intense because of mesh coils, tight airflow, and high salt nicotine. This is why people often describe disposables as hitting “stronger,” since most combine high nicotine with mesh coils and restricted airflow. Meanwhile, pod systems may feel smoother or gentler if they use lower nicotine and open airflow.

Understanding how these variables work empowers vapers to tailor their experience rather than feel confused when switching devices. Someone wanting a stronger hit can choose higher nicotine levels, a mesh-coil disposable, a tighter airflow setting, or a device with higher wattage output. Someone wanting a smoother hit can lower nicotine strength, select juices with more VG, open their airflow, or use a cooler coil. The versatility of modern vaping in 2025 makes it easier than ever to dial in the perfect sensation.

Ultimately, how hard a vape hits comes down to design, formulation, and personal preference. As the vape market continues to expand, manufacturers keep refining these elements to create devices that appeal to both those who want a bold impact and those who prefer a smooth, subtle inhale. Understanding these factors doesn’t just help users find the right device — it also demystifies why vaping experiences vary so widely across brands and styles. Whether someone wants a disposable that hits like a cigarette or a smooth pod system they can use all day, the key is knowing what makes a vape hit the way it does.