Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What is Longfill Vape Juice?
- Essential Components for Mixing
- Step-by-Step Mixing Guide
- Understanding Nicotine Strengths and Ratios
- The Importance of Steeping
- Hardware Compatibility
- Battery Safety for Device Users
- Storage and Handling
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Introduction
Understanding how to use longfill vape juice is a practical skill for vapers looking for maximum control over their experience. Unlike standard pre-mixed bottles, longfills offer a customizable way to manage nicotine strength and flavor intensity. At Vapor Authority, we believe that providing clear, technical guidance helps our customers get the most out of their equipment and e-liquids. This format is particularly popular among those who want larger volumes of liquid without sacrificing the ability to use higher nicotine concentrations.
Warning: This content is intended for adults of legal vaping age only. Vaping products contain nicotine, which is an addictive chemical. These products are not intended for use by minors, non-smokers, pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with heart conditions, high blood pressure, or asthma. Consult a physician if you have concerns about whether vaping products are appropriate for you.
This guide will explain exactly how to mix, steep, and enjoy longfill e-liquids while ensuring you achieve the perfect ratio every time.
What is Longfill Vape Juice?
A longfill is a bottle of e-liquid that contains only a small amount of highly concentrated flavor. Typically, you will find 10ml to 20ml of flavor concentrate inside a 60ml bottle. The rest of the bottle is empty space. This design is intentional. It allows the user to add their own nicotine shots and base liquids to fill the remaining volume.
Longfills differ significantly from "shortfills." A shortfill usually contains 50ml of nicotine-free liquid in a 60ml bottle, leaving only enough room for one nicotine shot. This limits shortfills to a maximum nicotine strength of approximately 3mg. Because longfills have much more empty space, you can add multiple nicotine shots. This makes it possible to reach strengths of 6mg, 9mg, or even 12mg in a large-format bottle.
The liquid inside the longfill is not ready to vape on its own. It is a potent concentrate mixed with Propylene Glycol (PG). Attempting to vape it without diluting it would result in an overwhelming, unpleasant taste and potential damage to your coil. We offer a wide variety of these concentrates at Vapor Authority, ensuring that every product meets our strict standards for quality and authenticity.
Essential Components for Mixing
To successfully prepare a longfill, you need more than just the bottle of concentrate. You must have the correct supplies on hand to ensure the final product is balanced and safe to use.
The Flavor Concentrate
This is the longfill bottle itself. It contains the specific recipe of food-grade flavorings. It is usually suspended in PG because PG is an excellent carrier for flavor.
Nicotine Shots
Nicotine shots, or "nic shots," are 10ml bottles of flavorless e-liquid containing nicotine. These are available in different types:
- Freebase Nicotine: Known for providing a stronger "throat hit" (the sensation in the back of the throat).
- Nicotine Salts: Formulated to be smoother at higher strengths and absorbed more quickly by the body. For low-output devices, nicotine salt e-liquids are a common option.
Vegetable Glycerin (VG) and Propylene Glycol (PG)
If you are not filling the entire bottle with nicotine shots, you will need "base" liquid.
- Vegetable Glycerin (VG): A thick, sweet liquid responsible for vapor production. High VG ratios result in larger clouds.
- Propylene Glycol (PG): A thinner liquid that carries flavor and provides the throat hit.
Measuring Tools (Optional)
Most longfills are designed so you can simply pour the components in. However, if you are aiming for a very specific ratio, a small plastic syringe or a graduated cylinder can help with precision.
Step-by-Step Mixing Guide
Mixing your own liquid may seem technical, but it is a straightforward process once you understand the sequence. Follow these steps to ensure a consistent blend.
1. Open the Longfill Bottle
Most 60ml bottles have a child-proof cap and a removable nib or "dripper" tip. You will need to pop this tip off to access the wide mouth of the bottle. You can usually do this with your fingernails or a small e-liquid bottle opener tool.
2. Add Your Nicotine Shots
Determine your desired nicotine strength before you start pouring. If you want a 6mg strength in a 60ml bottle, you will typically add two 10ml shots of 18mg nicotine. Pour these directly into the bottle on top of the concentrate.
3. Add the Base Liquid (VG/PG)
Once the nicotine is added, there will still be empty space in the bottle. Fill the remainder of the bottle with your VG or PG base. Most vapers prefer a final ratio of 70% VG and 30% PG for sub-ohm replacement coils. If you are using a smaller pod system, you might aim for a 50/50 ratio. Fill the bottle until it reaches the "shoulder" or the base of the neck. Do not overfill, as you need a small pocket of air to allow the liquids to mix when shaken.
4. Replace the Tip and Cap
Firmly press the dripper tip back onto the bottle. Ensure it clicks into place. If the tip is loose, it could fly off while you are filling your tank, causing a significant mess. Screw the outer cap on tightly.
5. Shake Vigorously
This is the most important step. Because VG is very thick, it does not naturally mix with the thinner PG concentrate. Shake the bottle hard for at least two to three minutes. You should see thousands of tiny bubbles forming inside the liquid. This indicates that the molecules are beginning to bond.
Understanding Nicotine Strengths and Ratios
The primary advantage of longfills is the ability to customize. However, you must understand the math to ensure you are not creating a liquid that is too strong or too weak.
For a standard 60ml longfill containing 20ml of concentrate, use the following guide for 18mg/ml nicotine shots:
- 3mg Strength: Add 1 nicotine shot (10ml) and 30ml of nicotine-free base.
- 6mg Strength: Add 2 nicotine shots (20ml) and 20ml of nicotine-free base.
- 9mg Strength: Add 3 nicotine shots (30ml) and 10ml of nicotine-free base.
- 12mg Strength: Add 4 nicotine shots (40ml). No additional base is needed.
The final viscosity (thickness) of your juice is also important. If you are using a sub-ohm tank—one that uses coils with a resistance below 1.0 ohms—you want a thicker liquid. Use a 100% VG base to fill the bottle. If you use a pod system with higher-resistance coils, use a 50/50 base to ensure the liquid is thin enough to wick properly.
The Importance of Steeping
Steeping is the process of letting the e-liquid sit over time to allow the flavors to develop fully. When you first mix a longfill, the flavor may taste "sharp" or "perfumey." This is because the flavor volatiles have not yet fully homogenized with the base liquids.
Why Steep?
During steeping, oxygen interacts with the liquid, and the various ingredients bond at a molecular level. This rounds out the flavor profile. Creamy or dessert-based flavors often require more time to reach their peak. Fruit flavors, on the other hand, are usually ready to vape much sooner.
How to Steep Properly
Keep your mixed longfill in a cool, dark place, such as a cupboard or a drawer. Avoid direct sunlight, as UV rays can degrade the nicotine and darken the flavor.
- Fruit Flavors: Usually require 24 to 48 hours.
- Dessert/Tobacco Flavors: May require 1 to 2 weeks for the best results.
Give the bottle a quick shake once a day during the steeping process to keep the ingredients moving.
Hardware Compatibility
Longfills can be used with almost any device, provided you mix them to the correct thickness.
Sub-Ohm Mods and Tanks
If you use a high-wattage box mod, you likely prefer Direct-to-Lung (DTL) vaping. This involves inhaling the vapor directly into the lungs. For these devices, a thicker liquid (70% VG or higher) is best. It produces thick clouds and prevents the tank from leaking.
Pod Systems and Pen Kits
These devices are typically designed for Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) vaping, which mimics the sensation of a traditional cigarette. Because these devices use smaller coils with tighter wicking ports, they require thinner liquid. A 50/50 VG/PG ratio is ideal here. If the liquid is too thick, the coil will not saturate fast enough, leading to "dry hits" or burnt coils. For more compact setups, pod starter kits are a natural fit.
Battery Safety for Device Users
Since many users who prefer longfills use advanced box mods, it is essential to practice proper battery safety. Most high-powered devices use external lithium-ion batteries, such as 18650 or 21700 cells.
Inspect Your Batteries
Always check the plastic "wrap" around your battery. If there are any tears, nicks, or holes in the wrap, do not use the battery. A damaged wrap can cause a short circuit against the metal body of your mod.
Use a Dedicated Charger
While many mods have a USB port, we recommend using an external battery charger. External chargers are more efficient and provide a more balanced charge, which extends the overall lifespan of your batteries.
Proper Storage
Never carry loose batteries in your pocket or bag. If they come into contact with metal objects like keys or coins, they can discharge and cause a fire. Always store spare batteries in a dedicated plastic battery case.
Storage and Handling
Proper storage is key to maintaining the quality of your e-liquid. E-liquid has three main enemies: heat, light, and oxygen.
Store your bottles in a cool, dry place. A kitchen cabinet away from the stove is a good option. Ensure the caps are always screwed on tightly to limit oxygen exposure. Over time, oxygen will cause the nicotine to oxidize, which can result in a peppery taste and a darker color.
Always keep your e-liquids and mixing supplies out of reach of children and pets. Nicotine is toxic if swallowed or absorbed through the skin in high concentrations. If you spill e-liquid on your skin, wash it off immediately with soap and water.
Conclusion
Using longfill vape juice is an excellent way to customize your vaping experience while enjoying the value of larger bottles. By following the correct mixing ratios and allowing the liquid time to steep, you can achieve a professional-quality result tailored to your specific preferences. Whether you prefer a smooth nicotine salt blend for a pod system or a high-VG freebase mix for a sub-ohm mod, the longfill format provides the flexibility you need.
Key Takeaways:
- Longfills contain flavor concentrate and require the addition of nicotine shots and base liquid.
- Unlike shortfills, longfills allow for higher nicotine strengths (up to 12mg).
- Shaking and steeping are essential steps to ensure the flavor is fully developed.
- Always match your VG/PG ratio to the specific requirements of your hardware.
Ready to start your mixing journey? Browse our extensive selection of authentic, US-made e-liquids, best sellers, and high-quality nicotine shots. If you want to learn more about the company behind the shop, visit our About Us page.
FAQ
How many nicotine shots do I need for a longfill?
The number of shots depends on the bottle size and your desired strength. For a 60ml bottle with 20ml of concentrate, adding two 10ml (18mg) shots will result in a 6mg nicotine strength. Adding one shot will result in 3mg.
Can I vape longfill juice immediately after mixing?
While you can vape it immediately, it is not recommended. The ingredients need time to homogenize through shaking and steeping. Vaping immediately often results in an uneven flavor and a harsh experience.
Do longfills come with nicotine?
No, longfills are sold as nicotine-free concentrates. This allows them to be sold in larger bottles while remaining compliant with various regulations. You must purchase nicotine shots separately to add to the concentrate.
What happens if I don't fill the longfill bottle all the way?
If you do not fill the bottle to its intended volume (usually 60ml), the flavor will be extremely concentrated and likely unpleasant. The recipes are designed to be diluted to the full volume of the bottle for the intended taste.
