Nicotine salts and freebase nicotine are common forms of nicotine found in eliquid juice that can satisfy the needs of different vapers. However, many users are often confused when it comes to choosing an e-liquid.
To do this, 30 experts in Vape Pen Zone with over 10 years of vaping experience tried both e-liquids in over 80 vape devices and recorded their vapour volume, throat hit, and safety.
Here are the top 8 differences between nicotine salt vs freebase:
- Nicotine Strength
- Throat Hit
- Vapour Quantity
- Flavour
- Absorption Rate
- Safety
- Device Compatibility
- Cost And Longevity
If you are transitioning from cigarettes to e-cigarettes, choosing the right e liquid will greatly enhance your vaping experience. Keep reading and you’ll have an easier time finding the right e-liquid for you.
What Is Nicotine Salt
Nicotine salts are the latest advancement in the field of vape juice New Zealand, a form of nicotine made by combining the free base nicotine with an acid, which is closest to the natural state of nicotine.
Nicotine salt E-Liquid is designed for low-powered vape devices, offering a smooth experience that closely mimics traditional cigarettes, making it ideal for those looking to quit or reduce tobacco use.
Pros
➕ Gentle throat hit
➕ Uses less vape juice
➕ Fast nicotine delivery
➕ User friendly
➕ Provides a realistic vaping sensation
Cons
➖ Low vapour production
➖ Fewer nicotine concentration options
➖ Not suitable for high-wattage DTL devices
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What Is Freebase Nicotine
Freebase nicotine is the purest form of nicotine in e-liquid and is typically used in high-powered vape devices.
When inhaled, it produces an intense throat-hit sensation, providing the closest feeling to vaping. Freebase nicotine e-liquid is especially suitable for vapers who are used to vaping and enjoy a strong throat hit.
Pros
➕ Wide selection of flavours
➕ More nicotine concentration options
➕ Larger smoke volume
➕ Fits most vape devices
Cons
➖ Intense throat hit can be harder on some vapers
➖ Slower nicotine delivery
➖ More e-liquid is needed
➖ Flavour may be muted by increased concentration
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Nicotine Salt Vs Freebase: Top 8 Comparisons
1. Nicotine Strength
| Nicotine Salt | Freebase |
| 5mg, 10mg, 20mg and 50mg | 0mg, 3mg, 6mg, 12mg and 18mg |
Nicotine salt does not offer zero nicotine concentration and is available in concentrations up to 50mg, while freebase offers more flexible concentration options and is limited to a maximum of 18mg.
For vapers with a higher nicotine demand and a desire for quick gratification, nicotine salt is better suited. Those who tend to be flexible in adjusting the concentration can try Freebase.
2. Throat Hit
| Nicotine Salt | Freebase |
| Gentle | Strong |
Nicotine salts significantly reduce the throat-hitting sensation during inhalation due to the addition of acidic ingredients such as benzoic acid or citric acid to lower the PH to a milder level.
Even at higher concentrations, they still provide a smooth and smoothing inhalation experience that greatly reduces throat discomfort.
In contrast, freebase nicotine contains no acidic components and has a higher PH value, presenting a more alkaline character. Inhalation produces a more pronounced throat irritation, and the higher the concentration, the stronger the throat hit.
3. Vapour Quantity
| Nicotine Salt | Freebase |
| Sparse/Few | Dense/Many |
The amount of vapour produced with freebase nicotine e-juice NZ is significantly higher than nicotine salt e-liquid.
The highly concentrated formulation of nicotine salts provides a quick response to nicotine demand without having to rely on large amounts of vapour.
In addition, it is commonly used in low-power devices, which have a smaller and more concentrated vapour output.
Freebase nicotine has a low concentration and requires a large amount of vapour to provide enough nicotine, so it is commonly used in high-powered devices. These devices can heat more E-juice and produce a richer vapour.
4. Flavour
| Nicotine Salt | Freebase |
| Smooth and gentle | Spicy and strong |
Nicotine salt vape liquid flavours NZ are smoother simply because the benzoic acid or citric acid in them activates the nicotine and enhances the taste, making the inhalation experience softer.
But freebase nicotine has a higher PH and usually produces a complex aroma and a spicy peppery flavour, and the taste is more intense compared to nicotine salt.
Additionally, the flavour of freebase nicotine becomes lighter as the nicotine concentration increases. The nicotine itself is more harsh and bitter at higher concentrations, masking the other flavour components and resulting in a lighter overall taste with less flavour consistency than nicotine salt.
5. Absorption Rate
| Nicotine Salt | Freebase |
| Fast | Slow |
A well-known study published in the Journal of Nicotine and Tobacco Research experimented with participants by having them use both nicotine salts and freebase nicotine e-liquids. The results showed that nicotine salt was absorbed about 30-40% faster than freebase nicotine. Below is a table comparing the nicotine absorption rates of the two at the same time:
| Time (min) | Nicotine Salt | Freebase |
| 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 5 | +20% | +10% |
| 10 | peak value | +15% |
| 15 | -10% | +5% |
| 20 | -20% | 0 |
Nicotine salts are biocompatible and release nicotine in 6 to 7 seconds, providing quick satisfaction to vapers.
In contrast, freebase takes longer to achieve the same effect as nicotine salts, which not only results in users needing to use vapes more frequently, which detracts from the experience but also increases nicotine dependence.
6. Safety
Theoretically, nicotine salts and freebase nicotine have comparable safety profiles.
However, nicotine salts typically have a higher concentration of nicotine compared to free base, which may lead to an increased intake of nicotine, thereby raising the risk of addiction and cardiovascular disease.
In addition, nicotine salts are less irritating to the throat, but their acidic content may cause stomach irritation, leading to discomfort such as stomach pain, nausea and vomiting, so special care is needed when using them.
7. Device Compatibility
| Nicotine Salt | Freebase | |
| Devices | Low Power Devices | High Power Devices |
| Examples | Vape Pod System, Small Vape Pens | Sub-ohm Tanks, Mods (Vaporesso Gen 200 Mod) |
Nicotine salt is better suited for low-power devices than freebase. It is very easily absorbed by the body, and even at lower power levels, users can get enough nicotine to satisfy their needs.
Freebase is typically used in high-power devices because low-power devices are heated at lower temperatures and are unable to fully atomize the highly concentrated freebase nicotine liquid, which reduces absorption.
In addition, nicotine salts remain stable at lower temperatures, ensuring the consistency and flavour of e-liquids, whereas Freebase is not stable enough at low temperatures, which may affect taste and use.
8. Cost And Longevity
| Nicotine Salt E-liquid | Freebase Vape Juice | |
| Price Range | $19.98-$35.00 | $22.50-$55.00 |
| Initial Cost | Relatively High | Relatively Low |
| Lifespan | 1-2 Years | 0.5-1 Year |
| Comprehensive Cost | Relatively Low | Relatively High |
Freebase oxidizes faster and typically has an expiration date of 6 months to 1 year, while nicotine salt lasts 1 to 2 years.
Although nicotine salt has a higher initial cost, it is more economical to use due to its slower oxidation rate and longer shelf life. Freebase has a higher overall cost than nicotine salt because it oxidizes more quickly and needs to be refilled more frequently.
Which Is Better For You: Salt Nic Or Freebase
Nicotine salts and freebase nicotine each have their own unique advantages. We have made a detailed comparison of these two products in various aspects and hope that it will provide you with a strong reference for your purchasing decision.
| Aspect | Nicotine Salt | Freebase |
| Nicotine Form | Organic | Pure |
| Additives | Benzoic, Acetylpropionic or Citric Acid | No Additives |
| Nicotine Strength | 5mg, 10mg, 20mg, 50mg | 0mg, 3mg, 6mg, 12mg, 18mg |
| Throat Hit | Gentle | Intense |
| Absorption Rate | Fast | Slow |
| Compatible Devices | Low Power Devices | High Power Devices |
| Vapour Quantity | Sparse | Dense |
| Kit Type | MTL | RDL |
| PH Value | Neutral | Alkaline |
| Flavour | Smooth And Gentle | Spicy And Strong |
| Oxidation Rate | Slow | Fast |
| Requires E-liquid | Less | More |
| Addiction Potential | Higher | Relatively Low |
| Usability | Poor | Widely Used |
| Price | $19.98 – $35.00 | $22.50 – $55.00 |
With the top 8 comparisons of nicotine salt vs freebase, we know that each of them has its advantages and suitability, and you can make your choice based on the summary below. Free shipping over $50 at Vape Pen Zone wholesale buy eliquid.
Nicotine Salt：
Freebase：
Conclusions
Above is nicotine salt vs freebase, we compare in detail the differences between the two in terms of nicotine strength, throat irritation, flavour, vapour volume, safety, absorption rate, device compatibility, and cost life.
If you’re looking for a smoother inhalation experience and are new to e-cigarettes or use a small pod system device, nicotine salts are an ideal choice. Whereas, if you prefer a strong flavour and big vapour, free base nicotine will better meet your needs.
If you’re not sure which is right for you, why not contact our team at Vape Pen Zone Online NZ we’ll provide you with personalized advice to ensure you find the best e-liquid to enhance your vaping experience.
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