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How to Choose Between Nic Salts, 50/50 and Shortfills
Choosing the right e-liquid depends on your preferred nicotine formulation, VG/PG ratio and vape device. Nic salts, 50/50 e-liquids and shortfills each have different characteristics, making it important to understand how they compare.
Whether you are exploring nicotine salts, traditional freebase e-liquids or larger shortfill bottles, this guide explains their key differences and helps you understand device compatibility.
Nic Salts vs 50/50 vs Shortfills: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Nic Salts | 50/50 E-Liquids | Shortfills |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main difference | Nicotine formulation | VG/PG ratio | Bottle format |
| Nicotine type | Nicotine salts | Usually freebase | Usually nicotine-free |
| Common strengths | 10mg, 20mg | 3mg, 6mg, 12mg | 0mg before adding a shot |
| VG/PG ratio | Usually 50/50 | 50/50 | Often 70/30 |
| Bottle size | Usually 10ml | Usually 10ml | Commonly 50ml or 100ml |
| Typical device | MTL pod kits | MTL kits and compatible pods | Compatible sub-ohm kits |
Quick answer: Nic salts use a nicotine salt formulation, 50/50 describes an equal VG/PG ratio, and shortfills are larger e-liquid bottles with space for a nicotine shot. These categories are not mutually exclusive, as nic salts can also have a 50/50 ratio.
1. What Are Nic Salts?
Nicotine salts, commonly called nic salts, use a different nicotine formulation from traditional freebase e-liquids. They are generally associated with a smoother throat sensation at higher nicotine strengths.
Typically available in 10mg and 20mg strengths, nic salts commonly use a 50/50 VG/PG ratio and are designed for compatible low-powered mouth-to-lung (MTL) vape kits and pod systems.
Key features:
- Available in different nicotine strengths.
- Generally smoother throat sensation.
- Commonly formulated with a 50/50 VG/PG ratio.
- Suitable for compatible low-powered pod kits.
Explore our Nicotine Salts Collection to discover available flavours.
2. What Are 50/50 E-Liquids?
50/50 e-liquids contain equal proportions of vegetable glycerine (VG) and propylene glycol (PG). VG contributes to vapour production, while PG helps carry flavour and contributes to throat sensation.
Many 50/50 e-liquids contain freebase nicotine and are available in strengths such as 3mg, 6mg and 12mg. They are commonly used with compatible MTL vape kits and pod systems.
Key features:
- Equal 50% VG and 50% PG.
- Commonly available with freebase nicotine.
- Balanced flavour delivery and vapour production.
- Suitable for many compatible MTL devices.
Browse our 50/50 E-Liquid Collection for available options.
3. What Are Shortfill E-Liquids?
Shortfills are larger bottles of e-liquid, usually supplied without nicotine and with additional space for a separately purchased nicotine shot.
For example, a 50ml shortfill in a 60ml bottle leaves approximately 10ml of space for a compatible nicotine shot. Many shortfills use higher-VG formulations, such as 70VG/30PG, making them suitable for compatible sub-ohm vape kits.
Key features:
- Commonly available in 50ml and 100ml formats.
- Usually supplied at 0mg nicotine.
- Space for a compatible nicotine shot.
- Often available in higher-VG formulations.
- Suitable for compatible sub-ohm devices.
Discover our Shortfill E-Liquid Collection for more options.
4. Which E-Liquid Is Compatible With Your Vape Kit?
Choosing an e-liquid also means checking whether its formulation is suitable for your device.
- Nic Salts: Generally designed for low-powered MTL pod kits with compatible coils.
- 50/50 E-Liquids: Commonly used in MTL vape kits, pod systems and compatible starter devices.
- Shortfills: Many higher-VG shortfills are designed for compatible sub-ohm kits.
Always check the recommended VG/PG ratio, coil resistance and nicotine compatibility specified by your vape kit manufacturer before choosing an e-liquid.
Final Thoughts
Nic salts, 50/50 e-liquids and shortfills offer different formulations and formats. Understanding their nicotine content, VG/PG ratios and device compatibility makes it easier to compare available options.
Explore the Tidal Vape E-Liquids Collection to browse different e-liquid types and flavours.
Responsible use: Nicotine is addictive. Vaping products are intended for adult smokers and existing adult vapers, not non-smokers or under-18s. Follow product instructions and applicable UK regulations.
