Vaping has become a popular choice for adults who want an alternative to smoking. But when you first start, one of the biggest questions is about nicotine strength.Β You see numbers, 5mg, 10mg, 20mg, and wonder what they refer to when you come across these figures on vape pods and bottles. What do these numbers mean? And how do you find the one thatβs right for you?
This is your simple guide to the world of nicotine strengths. Weβll also explore a pair of modern vape options in the form of the Crystal Prime 10K and the Crystal Prime Aura Bar 40K, both of which come with pre-filled pods and kits.
What is Nicotine Strength?
Nicotine strength indicates the amount of nicotine you receive in your e-liquid. It is typically expressed in milligrams per millilitre or percentage.
For example:
βΒ Β Β Β Β 10mg would refer to there being 10 milligrams of nicotine in every millilitre of liquid.
βΒ Β Β Β Β 20mg would be 20 milligrams per millilitre.
βΒ Β Β Β Β The bigger the number, the stronger the nicotine hit.
Why Nicotine Strength Matters
Itβs important to get the strength right. If itβs too strong for you, you might become lightheaded or dizzy, your throat might hurt, and in extreme cases, you may become ill. If it is too low, you may feel unsatisfied and have the urge to keep on vaping. The idea is to strike a balance. You want to have enough nicotine to be satisfying, without the sheer forcefulness of it being too harsh.
Nicotine Strengths for Different People
Everyone is unique, but this is a general guideline. If you used to smoke very heavily (15-20+ cigarettes a day), you may require a higher strength, such as 18mg or higher. If you smoked less than half a pack per day, perhaps 10mg or 12mg could satisfy you. And if you only take a few cigarettes a day, choose 3mg or 6mg. Non-smokers should not vape with nicotine. This is only a guide. Depending on how your body responds, some people may need to go up or down.
Freebase Nicotine vs Nicotine Salts
Nicotine in vape liquid comes in two types:
Freebase nicotine: This is harsher on the throat and is typically used at a lower strength. It provides a slower release of nicotine.
Nicotine salts (nic salts): Thereβs also a smoothness down the back of the throat, even at the stronger strengths. Thereβs a quicker hit of nicotine, more like smoking a cigarette.
Today, the stuff they use in most prefilled pods are nic salt, and the reason for that is they are smoother, and for people just switching to vaping, they tend to be better to use.
How to Select the Correct Dose
First, consider how many cigarettes you used to smoke. Match that with a nicotine level comparable to what youβre used to. Then, start on that strength and notice how your body feels. If the half-strength formula feels too intense, you can also drop down to a lower strength. If it feels too little resistance, move the chair up a notch. The point is to achieve comfort, not to beat the high score.
Crystal Prime 10K vs Crystal Prime Aura Bar 40K: Which is For You?
When speaking about nicotine strength, the type of device you use also matters. Two of 2025βs popular choices are the Crystal Prime 10K and the Crystal Prime Aura Bar 40K, and both of them are compatible with prefilled pods with smooth nic salt e-liquids but are designed for different users to use.
The Crystal Prime 10K is more compact and lighter, and lasts up to 10,000 puffs. Itβs ideal for anyone who is looking for something that is easy to take with you and easy to operate daily. The pods come with a pre-filled cartridge, itβs rechargeable, and the design is pocket-friendly. If you are new to vaping or you like a light touch, this one is more comfortable.
The Crystal Prime Aura Bar 40K, meanwhile, is for heavy users who desire maximum puff count. It lasts longer, so it doesnβt need to be replaced. With a pod that delivers up to 40,000 puffs, it lasts. It has an accompanying larger battery, a beautiful design and is available in a larger variety of colours/flavours. For those who crave something with more power and longevity, you should opt for Aura Bar 40K.
So ultimately itβs down to your style: if youβre about compact and lightness, then you should go with the Prime 10K, but for you hard hitters who value durability and power most, the Aura Bar 40K would be more your style.
Conclusion
Nicotine level may seem confusing, but if you understand how the numbers work, it's very easy to wrap your head around. High numbers are associated with stronger nicotine, while low numbers are associated with lighter nicotine. Choosing the right strength of e-cigarette is about knowing how much you used to smoke and what feels right for your body. Vaping couldnβt be simpler than with the Crystal Prime 10K and the Crystal Prime Aura Bar 40K: both operate on prefilled pods, so thereβs no mess or fuss. They are rechargeable and will last you a long time, making them great for adults who would like to experience smooth vaping.