Beginner’s Guide to Sub-Ohm Vaping
Beginner’s Guide to Sub-Ohm Vaping: What It Is, How It Works & Why It’s Popular
Sub-ohm vaping has become a go-to choice for vapers who want bigger clouds, bolder flavours, and a more powerful vape experience. But what exactly is sub-ohm vaping, and is it right for you? In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know—from how sub-ohm vaping works to the best devices and e-liquids to get started.
What Is Sub-Ohm Vaping?
Sub-ohm vaping refers to the use of vape coils with a resistance below 1.0 ohm. The lower the resistance, the more power (wattage) the coil can handle, which results in more heat and, therefore, more vapour. Sub-ohm setups are typically designed for Direct-to-Lung (DTL) inhalation—meaning you inhale straight into your lungs, just like taking a deep breath.
This is different from Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) vaping, where you draw vapour into your mouth first before inhaling, which is more similar to smoking a traditional cigarette.
How Does Sub-Ohm Vaping Work?
Sub-ohm devices use low-resistance coils that heat up faster and generate more vapour. To safely support this, they require:
- A powerful battery capable of high wattage
- Adjustable airflow to cool the coil
- A tank or pod that supports high VG e-liquid
As you vape, the increased airflow and wattage produce large clouds and intense flavour. This setup is best for experienced users who want to maximise vapour production.
Devices That Support Sub-Ohm Vaping
You’ll need a device that supports high wattage and uses compatible coils. Some popular sub-ohm vape devices include:
VooPoo Argus Pro 2 Vape Kit
The Argus Pro 2 is a sleek and powerful sub-ohm vape kit with up to 80W output and a long-lasting 3000mAh battery. Powered by the advanced Gene.TT 2.0 chipset, it offers fast performance and intelligent vaping modes for a tailored experience.
- USB-C fast charging
- Built-in 3000mAh battery
- Max output: 80W
- Smart, RBA & Turbo modes
- Compatible with PnP X mesh coils
- Magnetic leak-resistant top-fill pod
- Rugged metal and leather design
VooPoo Drag 4 Vape Kit
The VooPoo Drag 4 is a high-performance sub-ohm vape kit built for serious vapers. Powered by dual 18650 batteries (sold separately) and the Gene. The TT 2.0 chipset delivers up to 177W of adjustable power with ultra-fast response and multiple vaping modes.
- Up to 177W output
- Requires 2x 18650 batteries (not included)
- Gene.TT 2.0 chip for smart, RBA, ECO, and TC modes
- UFORCE-L tank with top airflow & mesh coil compatibility
- 0.96″ colour display
- Solid zinc alloy & wood/resin finish
- USB-C fast charging
GeekVape L200 Classic Vape Kit
The GeekVape L200 Classic (Aegis Legend 2 Classic) is a powerhouse sub-ohm kit designed for durability and extreme performance. Compatible with dual 21700 or 18650 batteries, it delivers up to 200W of output and features GeekVape’s iconic tri-proof protection against water, dust, and shock.
- Max output: 200W
- Dual 21700 or 18650 batteries (adapters included)
- Z Max Tank with top airflow & leak-proof design
- Supports GeekVape M Series coils
- AS 3.0 chipset with multiple vaping modes
- IP68-rated waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof
- USB-C fast charging & 1.08″ colour screen
Smok X-Priv Solo Vape Kit
The Smok X-Priv Solo is a stylish and high-performance sub-ohm vape kit delivering up to 100W of power from a single 18650 battery (sold separately). It features a vibrant 2.0″ colour screen, an intuitive interface, and precise wattage control for a smooth, custom vape.
- Up to 100W output
- Powered by 1x 18650 battery (sold separately)
- 2.0″ full-colour HD display
- TFV12 Prince tank with top-fill design
- Adjustable airflow and mesh coil compatibility
- Compact yet powerful single-battery setup
- USB charging support
These devices typically feature:
- Adjustable wattage
- Mesh and/or low-resistance coils
- USB-C fast charging
- DTL tanks or refillable pod systems
Vape Modes on Sub-Ohm Kits
Most advanced sub-ohm vape kits come with multiple modes that let you customise your vaping experience:
- Variable Wattage (VW): The most commonly used mode. It allows you to adjust the power output to match your coil and vaping style. Higher wattage generally means warmer vapour and bigger clouds.
- Temperature Control (TC): Lets you set a specific temperature limit for your coil. This prevents overheating and dry hits, especially useful when using stainless steel, nickel, or titanium coils.
- Bypass Mode: Mimics the feel of a mechanical mod by delivering power based on your battery’s voltage and coil resistance. Great for experienced users who want a raw, unregulated vape.
- Variable Power Curve (VPC): Allows you to customise a wattage curve throughout your puff. You can start strong and taper off, or vice versa, to fine-tune vapour production and flavour delivery.
These modes give you greater control and a more personalised vaping experience once you’re comfortable with the basics.
Best E-Liquids for Sub-Ohm Vaping
Sub-ohm setups work best with High VG (Vegetable Glycerine) e-liquids. VG is thicker and produces more vapour, making it perfect for DTL vaping.
Key Features:
- 70/30 or 80/20 VG/PG ratios
- Freebase nicotine (not nic salts)
- Lower nicotine strength (0mg–6mg), with 3mg being the most popular
Top Recommended Brands:
Doozy Seriously E-Liquids
Get serious about flavour with the Doozy Seriously 100ml shortfill range—crafted for sub-ohm vapers who want maximum clouds and bold, fruity flavour. These high VG e-liquids come in large-format bottles with space for two nic shots, offering unbeatable value and smooth performance in DTL kits.
Choose from flavour-packed ranges like Seriously Fruity, Seriously Nice, Seriously Donuts, and Seriously Soda—perfect for all-day vaping.
- Made in the UK by Doozy Vape Co – TPD compliant & nicotine-free
- 70/30 VG/PG ratio – perfect for sub-ohm devices
- 100ml of e-liquid in a 120ml shortfill bottle
- Add 2x 10ml nic shots to make 120ml at 3mg
- Huge cloud production & rich, layered flavour
- Ideal for mesh coils and high-wattage vaping
Yeti E-Liquids
Brace yourself for a flavour freeze with Yeti E-Liquids—a high VG range made for vapers who love bold fruit blends with an icy twist. Each 100ml shortfill delivers ultra-smooth vapour and frosty satisfaction in every puff, perfect for sub-ohm setups and mesh coils.
Yeti brings that chill factor from cool berries to frozen tropicals without sacrificing flavour intensity.
- 70/30 VG/PG ratio – ideal for sub-ohm kits
- 100ml shortfill in a 120ml bottle
- Add 2x 10ml nic shots to make 120ml at 3mg
- Fruity flavour blends with a cool menthol kick
- Big clouds, smooth inhale, icy exhale
- UK-made, TPD compliant & nicotine-free (0mg)
AISU E-Liquids
Inspired by Japanese kakigori (shaved ice desserts), AISU E-Liquids bring a unique mix of authentic fruit flavours with a cool menthol twist. Perfect for sub-ohm vapers, these 50ml shortfills deliver a smooth, icy inhale and dense clouds with every puff.
From Aloe Vera to Cucumber to Dragonfruit, AISU is a go-to for vapers who want something refreshing and different.
- 70/30 VG/PG ratio – DTL/sub-ohm compatible
- 50ml shortfill in a 60ml bottle
- Add 1x 10ml nic shot to make 60ml at 3mg
- Cool, clean flavours with icy finishes
- Unique fruit combos not found anywhere else
- Made in the UK, TPD compliant & 0mg nicotine
IVG E-Liquids
Get ready for bold, satisfying flavour with IVG 100ml shortfills—crafted for sub-ohm vapers who want serious vapour and taste that lingers. From fizzy soda fusions to juicy fruits and classic sweets, IVG offers something for every flavour chaser.
Perfect for high-powered vape kits and mesh coil tanks, these e-liquids deliver dense clouds and smooth, consistent performance all day long.
- 70/30 VG/PG ratio – perfect for sub-ohm vaping
- 100ml shortfill in a 120ml bottle
- Add 2x 10ml nic shots for 3mg strength
- Wide range of flavour profiles: fruity, fizzy, sweet, and cool
- UK-made, premium quality, TPD compliant & nicotine-free (0mg)
- Ideal for DTL tanks, mods, and cloud chasers
These shortfill e-liquids often come in 60ml or 120ml bottles with space for a one or two 10ml nicotine shot to customise your strength, which means that the nicotine-free e-liquid content will be 50ml or 100ml.
Who Is Sub-Ohm Vaping For?
Sub-ohm vaping is great for:
- Vapers who want massive clouds
- Flavour chasers looking for richer taste
- Users who are comfortable with higher wattage devices
- Those who prefer low nicotine levels
It’s not ideal for:
- Beginners switching from smoking
- People who want a strong throat hit
- Stealth vaping or use in public spaces
Things to Know Before You Start Sub-Ohm Vaping
- Battery Safety: Use regulated mods and follow battery guidelines
- E-Liquid Use: You’ll go through juice faster than with MTL devices
- Coil Life: Coils may burn out quicker due to high heat
- Cost: More e-liquid, bigger coils, and higher power usage can add up
Final Thoughts: Should You Try Sub-Ohm Vaping?
If you’re looking to upgrade from a basic vape setup and want to experience intense flavour, bigger clouds, and a more customisable vape, sub-ohm could be your perfect next step.
Make sure to pair the right device with high VG e-liquids, start with lower wattage settings, and always prioritise safety.
Explore our full range of sub-ohm vape kits and high VG e-liquids to find your ideal setup today.
All our products are fully TPD compliant.
Check what our customers say about us on our Trust Pilot review page
