Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What is Vegetable Glycerin (VG)?
- Defining High VG Ratios
- How High VG Affects Vapor Production
- The Impact on Throat Hit and Smoothness
- Flavor Performance in High VG E-Liquids
- Hardware Compatibility: Can Your Device Handle It?
- Coil Longevity and Maintenance
- Battery Safety for High VG Vaping
- Proper Storage of High VG E-Liquid
- Why Quality Matters: The Vapor Authority Standard
- Summary of High VG Benefits and Trade-offs
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Choosing the right e-liquid is the most important decision a vaper makes after selecting their device. When you browse the massive selection of flavors at Vapor Authority, you will notice various ratios listed on the bottles, such as 70/30 or 80/20. These numbers refer to the balance of Vegetable Glycerin (VG) and Propylene Glycol (PG). Understanding what high VG means is essential for getting the performance you expect from your hardware, and our high VG e-liquids collection is a good place to start.
Whether you want massive clouds or a smooth experience, the VG content dictates how your vape feels and tastes. This choice affects everything from how long your coils last to how much of a "throat hit" you feel during a puff. We aim to clarify these technical details so you can shop with confidence.
Introduction
The term "high VG" refers to e-liquids that contain a higher percentage of Vegetable Glycerin than Propylene Glycol. In the modern vaping market, any liquid with 70% VG or higher is generally considered a high VG juice. These liquids are thicker, sweeter, and produce significantly more vapor than their high PG counterparts. While they offer a distinct experience, they also require specific types of hardware to function correctly without burning out your coils prematurely.
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.
What is Vegetable Glycerin (VG)?
Vegetable Glycerin is a natural chemical derived from vegetable oils, typically palm, soy, or coconut oil. It is a clear, odorless liquid with a very thick, syrup-like consistency. In the vaping industry, we use USP-grade Vegetable Glycerin, which is 99.7% pure and safe for consumption. Because of its viscous nature, it plays a specific role in how an e-liquid behaves when heated by a coil.
The Characteristics of VG
VG is inherently sweet, which can slightly alter the flavor profile of your e-juice. It is also much thicker than Propylene Glycol. This thickness, or viscosity, is why high VG juices produce thick, dense clouds of vapor. Because it is a more stable and heavier molecule, it requires more heat to reach its boiling point compared to PG. This is why high VG liquids are almost always paired with high-powered devices rather than small, low-wattage pens, especially on box mods.
Defining High VG Ratios
When you look at a bottle of e-liquid, the ratio is usually written as VG/PG. A "standard" blend for many years was 50/50, providing an even balance of flavor and vapor. However, as hardware evolved, high VG blends became the industry standard for most sub-ohm enthusiasts.
70/30 VG/PG
This is the most common ratio for high VG e-liquids found at Vapor Authority. It is widely considered the "sweet spot" for performance. It provides excellent vapor production while remaining thin enough to wick effectively in most modern sub-ohm tanks. A sub-ohm tank is a vape tank that uses atomizer heads with a resistance of less than 1.0 ohm.
80/20 and 90/10 VG/PG
These ratios are significantly thicker and are designed for vapers who prioritize cloud production above all else. These liquids are best suited for Rebuildable Dripping Atomizers (RDAs). An RDA is a type of atomizer where the user manually drips liquid onto the coils and cotton. Because there is no tank chimney to travel through, the thickness of the liquid is less likely to cause wicking issues, and setups like the Vandy Vape Mesh BF RDA are built for that style of use.
Max VG
"Max VG" does not necessarily mean 100% VG. It means the manufacturer has used the maximum amount of VG possible while still including flavorings and nicotine. Most flavor concentrates are suspended in Propylene Glycol. Therefore, a Max VG juice usually ends up being around 85% to 95% VG. Truly 100% VG liquids are rare because they often lack the flavor depth that PG-based concentrates provide.
How High VG Affects Vapor Production
The primary reason vapers choose high VG juice is the vapor volume. If you enjoy "cloud chasing" or simply prefer a visible, dense exhale, high VG is the only way to achieve it. The thickness of the glycerin allows the vapor to hold its shape longer in the air, creating those large plumes associated with high-wattage vaping.
Density and Texture
Beyond just the amount of vapor, high VG changes the texture of the inhale. It feels "heavier" and "fuller" in the mouth. Many vapers describe this as a "creamy" mouthfeel. If you find that standard e-liquids feel too thin or "wispy," switching to a higher VG ratio can provide a more substantial and satisfying physical sensation during the draw.
The Impact on Throat Hit and Smoothness
"Throat hit" is the tingling or slightly harsh sensation in the back of the throat during an inhale. While some vapers enjoy this because it mimics the sensation of traditional combustible products, others find it irritating.
A Smoother Inhale
Vegetable Glycerin is much smoother on the throat than Propylene Glycol. As the VG percentage increases, the throat hit decreases. This makes high VG e-liquids ideal for vapers who want to take large, Direct-to-Lung (DTL) hits. A DTL hit involves inhaling the vapor directly into the lungs, similar to taking a deep breath. Because high VG is so smooth, it allows you to inhale a large volume of vapor without coughing or experiencing throat irritation.
Nicotine Considerations
Because high VG is so smooth, it is often paired with lower nicotine strengths. You will typically find these juices in 0mg, 3mg, and 6mg strengths. Attempting to vape high-strength nicotine (like 18mg or 50mg nicotine salts) in a high VG, high-wattage setup would be extremely unpleasant and provide far too much nicotine at once. If you prefer smaller devices, nicotine salt e-liquids are a better fit.
Flavor Performance in High VG E-Liquids
While VG is excellent for vapor, it is a less effective flavor carrier than Propylene Glycol. This is a common trade-off that vapers must understand.
Muting Effects
The natural sweetness of VG can sometimes mask the subtle notes of complex flavors. To combat this, premium US-made e-juice brands often use higher concentrations of flavorings in their high VG lines. However, if you are looking for a sharp, crisp flavor—especially in tobacco or menthol profiles—you might find that a 50/50 ratio provides more "pop" than an 80/20 blend.
Steeping Requirements
High VG liquids often require more "steeping" time. Steeping is the process of letting the e-liquid sit and age to allow the flavors to bond with the base liquids. Because VG is so thick, it takes longer for the flavor molecules to distribute evenly throughout the bottle. At Vapor Authority, we ensure our stocked juices are fresh, but vapers often find that high VG juices taste even better after sitting in a cool, dark place for a week or two.
Hardware Compatibility: Can Your Device Handle It?
You cannot use high VG e-liquid in every device. The thickness of the liquid is a major hurdle for smaller, low-powered hardware.
Sub-Ohm Tanks and High VG
Sub-ohm tanks are designed specifically for high VG juice. These tanks feature large "wicking ports"—the holes in the side of the atomizer head where the liquid meets the cotton. Because VG is thick, it needs these large openings to soak into the cotton fast enough to keep up with the heat of the coil. If the liquid cannot enter the coil fast enough, you will experience a "dry hit," which is the unpleasant taste of burning cotton.
Pod Systems and Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) Devices
Most compact pod systems and MTL devices are not built for high VG. These devices use small coils with tiny wicking ports. A 70/30 or 80/20 liquid is often too thick to penetrate these small holes quickly. This leads to burnt coils and a poor experience. For these devices, we generally recommend a 50/50 ratio or nicotine salts, which are thinner and flow more easily.
The Power Requirement
High VG requires more power (wattage) to vaporize effectively. If you try to use an 80% VG liquid at 10 watts, the coil will likely struggle to turn the thick liquid into vapor. Instead, it may just "spit" hot liquid into your mouth or gunk up the coil. Most high VG vapers use regulated box mods capable of 40 watts to 100 watts or more, such as the Vaporesso Gen 200 220W Box Mod.
Coil Longevity and Maintenance
One downside to high VG vaping is that it can be harder on your equipment. Because VG is thick and sweet, it tends to leave more residue on the coils.
Coil Gunk
The sugars in the VG and the flavorings can caramelize on the heating element over time. This creates a black, crusty buildup known as "coil gunk." This buildup reduces flavor quality and eventually causes the coil to fail. If you use very high VG juice, you should expect to change your atomizer heads more frequently than someone using a high PG blend, so it helps to keep replacement coils on hand.
Temperature Sensitivity
VG is highly sensitive to temperature. In cold weather, high VG e-liquid becomes even thicker, almost like honey. If you are vaping outdoors in the winter, you may need to give your device more time between puffs to allow the liquid to thin out and wick properly. Conversely, in very hot environments, the liquid will thin out, which can sometimes lead to leaking in certain tanks.
Battery Safety for High VG Vaping
Since high VG e-liquids are almost always used with high-powered box mods and sub-ohm tanks, battery safety is a critical topic. These devices pull more current from the batteries than simple starter kits.
Essential Battery Tips
When using external batteries like 18650s or 21700s in your mod, follow these safety protocols:
- Inspect Wraps: Never use a battery with a torn or peeling plastic wrap. This can cause a short circuit against the metal body of your mod.
- Use a Dedicated Charger: While many mods allow for USB charging, using an external smart charger is safer and extends the life of your batteries.
- Don't Carry Loose Batteries: Always store spare batteries in a plastic case. Never put loose batteries in your pocket with keys or coins, as this can cause the battery to vent.
- Match Your Pairs: If your device uses two batteries, keep them as a "married" pair. Charge them together and use them together to ensure they discharge at the same rate.
Proper Storage of High VG E-Liquid
To maintain the quality of your high VG juice, proper storage is vital. Light and heat are the enemies of e-liquid. They can cause the nicotine to oxidize and the VG to break down, which ruins the flavor.
Always store your bottles in a cool, dark place, such as a cupboard or drawer. Keep them away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children and pets. Because high VG juices are thick, they can sometimes separate if left sitting for too long. Always give your bottle a good shake before filling your tank to ensure the nicotine and flavorings are perfectly blended.
Why Quality Matters: The Vapor Authority Standard
At Vapor Authority, we understand that the quality of your e-liquid ingredients makes a massive difference in your vaping experience. Every e-liquid we carry is manufactured in the USA using food-grade and pharmaceutical-grade ingredients. We never sell clones or counterfeit liquids.
When you buy a high VG juice from us, you are getting a product that has been tested for consistency and safety. Whether you are choosing a famous brand like Naked 100 or a boutique line like Five Pawns, you can trust that the VG/PG ratio listed on the bottle is accurate and the ingredients are pure. Learn more about our standards on the About Us page.
Summary of High VG Benefits and Trade-offs
High VG vaping is a choice of style and preference. It isn't "better" than high PG; it simply serves a different purpose.
- Pros: Massive vapor production, very smooth throat hit, thick and satisfying mouthfeel, naturally sweet.
- Cons: Mutes complex flavors slightly, requires high-powered hardware, uses more battery life, can gunk up coils faster, not suitable for small pod kits.
If you have a high-wattage mod and a sub-ohm tank, high VG is likely the best choice for you. If you prefer a discreet vape with a strong throat hit, you may want to stick to higher PG ratios.
Conclusion
Understanding what high VG means in vape juice allows you to tailor your experience to your specific needs. It is the key to achieving those dense clouds and the smooth, irritation-free inhale that many vapers crave. By matching your high VG liquid with the right sub-ohm hardware, you ensure a consistent and enjoyable session every time.
- High VG (70%+) is designed for cloud production and smoothness.
- It requires sub-ohm tanks or RDAs with large wicking ports.
- Lower nicotine strengths (3mg-6mg) are best for high VG setups.
- Always use high-quality, US-made liquids to protect your hardware and ensure flavor purity.
Ready to find your next favorite flavor? Explore our extensive collection of premium, high VG e-liquids at Vapor Authority and experience the difference that quality ingredients make. All orders are shipped directly from our San Diego warehouse, subject to state regulations.
FAQ
Does high VG juice work in all vape pens?
No, high VG juice is usually too thick for standard vape pens and small pod systems. These devices often have small wicking holes that cannot absorb thick glycerin fast enough, leading to dry hits and burnt coils. It is best to use 50/50 liquids for those devices.
Is high VG e-liquid sweeter than high PG?
Yes, Vegetable Glycerin has a natural mild sweetness. This can enhance dessert and fruit flavors but may slightly mute the sharpness of tobacco or complex herbal notes compared to Propylene Glycol, which is flavorless.
Why does my high VG juice look cloudy or thick?
VG is naturally very viscous and can appear "cloudy" if it is cold. This is normal and does not mean the juice is bad. If the liquid is too thick to flow, gently warming the bottle in your hands and shaking it will return it to a more fluid state.
Can I mix high VG juice with high PG juice?
Yes, you can mix different ratios to create your own custom blend. However, ensure the nicotine strengths are compatible so you don't accidentally create a liquid that is too strong for your high-wattage device. Always shake the bottle thoroughly after mixing.
