Cloud chasing, the art of producing large, dense vapour clouds, is a popular aspect of vaping for many enthusiasts. To achieve impressive cloud production, the choice of e-liquid ingredients plays a crucial role. This guide explores the essential ingredients for cloud-chasing e-liquids, offers tips on how to optimize your e-liquid mix, and provides insights into the best practices for creating dense vapour clouds.

Understanding Cloud Chasing

Cloud chasing involves using vaping techniques and equipment to produce the biggest and densest vapour clouds possible. Enthusiasts, known as cloud chasers, often focus on creating large clouds for visual effect, performance, or competition. Achieving impressive cloud production requires a combination of high-quality equipment and the right e-liquid ingredients.

Key Factors for Cloud Chasing

1. E-Liquid Composition: The ratio of Propylene Glycol (PG) to Vegetable Glycerin (VG) in your e-liquid plays a significant role in vapour production.
2. Device and Coil Setup: The type of vaping device, coil resistance, and wattage settings influence vapour density and cloud size.
3. Airflow and Wicking: Proper airflow and wicking are essential for maximizing vapour production and preventing dry hits or burnt coils.

Essential E-Liquid Ingredients for Cloud Chasing

To produce the largest and densest vapour clouds, focusing on the right combination of ingredients in your e-liquid is crucial. The following components are essential for cloud-chasing e-liquids:

1. Vegetable Glycerin (VG)

Vegetable Glycerin (VG) is the primary ingredient responsible for creating large vapour clouds. It’s high viscosity and sweet flavour contribute to the density and volume of the vapour.

Why VG is Important for Cloud Chasing

• High Vapor Production: VG’s thick consistency allows for larger vapour clouds. When heated, VG produces dense, voluminous clouds that are ideal for cloud chasing.
• Smooth Vapor: VG adds a creamy texture to the vapour, enhancing the overall smoothness and reducing throat harshness.

VG Recommendations for Cloud Chasing

• High VG Ratio: For optimal cloud production, e-liquids with a high VG content, such as 70% VG or higher, are recommended. A 100% VG e-liquid can produce the largest clouds but may require a device with specific wicking capabilities.
• Quality VG: Use high-quality, food-grade VG to ensure smooth, clean vapour and avoid potential impurities that could affect flavour and vapour density.

2. Propylene Glycol (PG)

Propylene Glycol (PG) is a thinner liquid compared to VG and is primarily used to carry flavourings and provide a throat hit. While PG contributes less to vapour production, it still plays a role in the overall e-liquid composition.

Role of PG in Cloud Chasing

• Flavour Enhancement: PG effectively carries and enhances flavourings, ensuring a more pronounced taste experience. While it doesn’t contribute significantly to cloud size, the flavour is an important aspect of the vaping experience.
• Balanced Mix: A moderate amount of PG in the e-liquid blend can help balance flavour intensity with vapour production. A typical PG/VG ratio for cloud chasing might be 30% PG and 70% VG.

PG Recommendations for Cloud Chasing

• Moderate PG Ratio: Use a lower PG ratio to prioritize VG and maximize cloud production. E-liquids with 20-30% PG are often suitable for cloud chasing, providing a good balance between flavour and vapour density.
• Quality PG: Opt for pharmaceutical-grade PG to ensure purity and avoid potential contaminants that could affect flavour and performance.

3. Nicotine

Nicotine is an optional ingredient in e-liquids and can impact the throat hit and overall satisfaction. For cloud chasing, nicotine content should be considered carefully, as high levels can affect vapour density and throat harshness.

Nicotine Considerations for Cloud Chasing

• Low Nicotine Levels: To achieve the best cloud production, use e-liquids with lower nicotine concentrations, such as 0-3 mg/ml. High nicotine levels can produce a harsher throat hit and reduce the smoothness of the vapour.
• Nicotine Purity: Ensure that nicotine is of high purity to avoid any impurities that could affect the flavour and overall quality of the e-liquid.

4. Flavorings

Flavourings are added to e-liquids to enhance taste and create diverse flavour profiles. While flavourings themselves do not directly affect cloud production, their concentration and quality can impact the overall vaping experience.

Flavoring Tips for Cloud Chasing

• Flavour Concentrates: Use high-quality flavour concentrates that are compatible with high VG e-liquids. Concentrates should be food-grade and designed for use in vaping products.
• Moderate Flavor Concentration: Excessive flavouring can affect vapour density. Aim for a balanced flavour concentration that complements the VG base without overwhelming it. Typical flavouring concentrations range from 5-15% of the total e-liquid volume.

Best Practices for Creating Cloud Chasing E-Liquids

To maximize vapour production and achieve impressive cloud sizes, follow these best practices when creating your e-liquid:

1. Use the Right Equipment

• Sub-Ohm Tanks: Use sub-ohm tanks or rebuildable atomizers (RDA/RTA) that are designed for high VG e-liquids and capable of handling high wattages.
• Coil Builds: Opt for low-resistance coils (sub-ohm coils) that can handle higher wattages and produce more vapour. Coil materials such as stainless steel, kanthal, or nichrome are commonly used for cloud chasing.

2. Optimize Your Device Settings

• Wattage: Adjust the wattage settings on your device to match the coil and e-liquid combination. Higher wattages generally produce more vapour, but ensure your device and coils can handle the increased power.
• Temperature Control: Some devices offer temperature control settings, which can help prevent dry hits and optimize vapour production. Experiment with different temperature settings to find the best balance for your e-liquid.

3. Ensure Proper Wicking and Airflow

• Wicking: Use appropriate wicking materials, such as high-quality cotton, to ensure adequate e-liquid absorption and prevent dry hits. Proper wicking is essential for maintaining consistent vapour production and flavour.
• Airflow: Adjust the airflow settings on your device to allow for maximum air intake. More airflow can help produce larger vapour clouds and enhance the overall vaping experience.

4. Experiment and Adjust

• Test Different Ratios: Experiment with various PG/VG ratios to find the optimal blend for your cloud-chasing needs. Start with a standard ratio, such as 70% VG and 30% PG, and adjust based on your preferences and equipment.
• Monitor Performance: Continuously monitor the performance of your e-liquid and device. Make adjustments to the e-liquid composition, coil builds, and device settings as needed to achieve the best results.

Safety and Maintenance

When engaging in cloud chasing, it’s important to prioritize safety and proper maintenance to ensure a safe and enjoyable vaping experience.

1. Safety Considerations

• Handle Nicotine with Care: Nicotine is toxic at high concentrations. Use gloves and avoid direct contact with nicotine. Store nicotine in child-proof containers and keep it out of reach of children and pets.
• Follow Device Instructions: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your vaping device, including recommended wattages and coil specifications.

2. Device Maintenance

• Regular Cleaning: Clean your vaping device, coils, and tanks regularly to prevent residue buildup and maintain optimal performance. Rinse and dry components thoroughly before reassembly.
• Check for Leaks: Inspect your device and e-liquid containers for leaks or damage. Address any issues promptly to avoid potential hazards.

Conclusion

Creating e-liquids for cloud chasing requires a careful balance of ingredients and equipment to achieve the best vapour production and cloud density. By focusing on high VG content, optimizing your device settings, and using the right equipment, you can enhance your cloud-chasing experience and enjoy impressive vapour clouds.

Understanding the roles of VG, PG, nicotine, and flavourings in your e-liquid will help you create a blend that maximizes vapour production while maintaining a satisfying flavour and throat hit. Follow best practices for mixing, device maintenance, and safety to ensure a rewarding and enjoyable cloud-chasing experience.

With this comprehensive guide, you are well-equipped to craft e-liquids tailored for cloud chasing, allowing you to achieve the perfect balance of vapour density and flavour. Happy cloud chasing!