How to Make a Vape Hit Harder: A Complete Guide?

For many vaping enthusiasts, achieving a satisfying “hit” is just as important as flavor or convenience. Some vapers want smoother clouds, while others crave a stronger throat hit, denser vapor, or a more intense nicotine delivery. If your vape feels weak or underwhelming, you might be wondering how to make it hit harder.

The good news is that there are multiple ways to enhance your vaping experience. From choosing the right device and e-liquid to tweaking your technique, understanding how each factor works together will help you maximize performance. In this article, we’ll break down the main strategies for making your vape hit harder—while keeping safety in mind.

1. Understand What “Hit” Really Means

Before diving into tips, it’s important to define what makes a vape hit “hard.” Generally, vapers refer to three main sensations:

• Throat hit: The punchy feeling in your throat when inhaling, similar to smoking traditional cigarettes. Stronger nicotine levels, certain flavors, and higher PG ratios can intensify this.

• Vapor density: The thickness and volume of clouds produced. Bigger clouds often feel like a harder hit, even if nicotine levels stay the same.

• Nicotine satisfaction: The actual delivery of nicotine to your system. A vape that satisfies cravings quickly will usually feel more powerful.

Which type of hit you’re looking for will determine the best adjustments to make.

2. Adjust Your Nicotine Strength

Nicotine is the biggest factor in throat hit and satisfaction.

• Higher nicotine = stronger hit: If your vape feels too light, try increasing your nicotine strength. For example, moving from 3mg to 6mg can significantly enhance throat hit.

• Nicotine salts vs. freebase nicotine: Nicotine salts offer smoother hits even at higher concentrations, while freebase nicotine provides a sharper throat hit. Choosing the right type depends on whether you prefer smoothness or punch.

• Be cautious: Increasing nicotine too much can cause harshness, dizziness, or nausea. Always make gradual changes to avoid discomfort.

3. Change Your PG/VG Ratio

E-liquids are made from propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG), and the ratio impacts both flavor and throat hit.

• Higher PG (e.g., 70PG/30VG): Stronger throat hit, sharper flavors, less vapor.

• Higher VG (e.g., 70VG/30PG): Smoother inhale, bigger clouds, softer throat hit.

If you want more punch, choose a juice with higher PG. If you want denser vapor that feels heavy when inhaled, go for higher VG. Some users even experiment with a balanced 50/50 ratio to get the best of both worlds.

4. Optimize Your Device Settings

Not all devices are created equal, and the way you set yours up can make a huge difference.

• Wattage and power output: Increasing wattage will heat your coil faster, producing more vapor and stronger hits. But don’t exceed your coil’s recommended range or you risk burnt flavors.

• Airflow control: Closing down airflow increases warmth and intensity, delivering a harder throat hit. Wider airflow makes the hit smoother and cooler, better for cloud chasing.

• Coil resistance: Lower resistance (sub-ohm coils under 1.0Ω) produces bigger clouds and more intense hits. Higher resistance coils (above 1.0Ω) are better for mouth-to-lung vaping with a cigarette-like feel.

Fine-tuning wattage, airflow, and coil type is one of the most effective ways to customize the strength of your vape.

5. Upgrade Your Coil and Tank

The coil is the heart of your vape, and its performance directly affects your hit.

• Sub-ohm coils (0.5Ω or lower) create massive vapor and intense flavor delivery, perfect for direct-to-lung vaping.

• Mesh coils heat more evenly than traditional wire coils, producing richer vapor and smoother yet more powerful hits.

• Regular coil replacement: Old, burnt, or clogged coils will always weaken your vape. Replace coils regularly to maintain intensity.

Pairing your coil with a high-quality tank also matters. Tanks with larger wicking ports and efficient airflow systems can dramatically enhance performance.

6. Master Your Inhaling Technique

Sometimes the secret isn’t in the device—it’s in how you use it.

• Mouth-to-lung (MTL): Similar to smoking, you pull vapor into your mouth before inhaling into your lungs. This gives a more noticeable throat hit with less vapor.

• Direct-to-lung (DTL): You inhale vapor directly into your lungs, producing massive clouds and a heavier, fuller sensation.

If your hits feel weak, switching to DTL can make your vape feel much stronger—provided your device is designed for it.

7. Choose the Right Flavors

Believe it or not, flavors can impact how hard your vape feels.

• Menthol and mint flavors create a cooling sensation that feels sharp and intense.

• Citrus and spice flavors (like cinnamon) naturally deliver a stronger throat hit.

• Creamy or dessert flavors usually feel smoother and less punchy.

If your vape feels too soft, switching to menthol or bold fruit flavors can make a noticeable difference without changing nicotine strength.

8. Maintain Your Device Regularly

A poorly maintained vape won’t hit as hard, no matter how powerful it is. Common issues include:

• Dirty coils: Carbon buildup reduces vapor output.

• Clogged airflow: Dust or condensation restricts airflow and weakens performance.

• Low battery power: A nearly drained battery can’t deliver consistent wattage, leading to weaker hits.

Cleaning your tank, replacing coils, and keeping your device fully charged can restore power and consistency.

9. Try Preheating or Priming Techniques

Some devices allow preheating, which boosts coil performance before you inhale. This creates a warmer, denser first hit.

Additionally, always prime new coils by saturating the cotton with e-liquid before use. Failing to do so can cause dry hits, weak flavor, and reduced vapor production.

10. Balance Power with Safety

While chasing harder hits can be exciting, it’s important not to push your vape beyond its safe limits. Overheating coils, using too high nicotine, or modifying devices improperly can cause:

• Burnt flavors and damaged coils.

• Excessive nicotine intake, leading to dizziness or nausea.

• Potential safety hazards like overheating or battery strain.

Always follow your device’s recommended settings, and make adjustments gradually.

11. The Role of Disposable Vapes

For users who prefer convenience, disposable vapes offer varying levels of hit strength. Some brands are designed for smooth satisfaction, while others deliver a strong throat hit similar to cigarettes.

If your disposable feels weak, try:

• Choosing a higher nicotine strength version.

• Opting for menthol or bold flavors.

• Taking slower, deeper pulls rather than short puffs.

While disposables don’t offer customization like mods or pod systems, selecting the right brand and style can still give you a stronger hit.

12. Experiment Until You Find Your Sweet Spot

Every vaper has unique preferences. What feels like a perfect hit to one person might feel harsh to another. The key is experimenting with:

• Nicotine strength.

• PG/VG ratio.

• Airflow and wattage.

• Flavor choices.

• Inhaling style.

Through trial and error, you’ll discover the setup that delivers the exact kind of hit you’re looking for.

Making your vape hit harder isn’t just about cranking up the power—it’s about understanding the interplay between nicotine, airflow, coils, and technique. Sometimes, a simple switch in e-liquid ratio or flavor can make a world of difference. Other times, upgrading your coil or adjusting wattage is the solution.

The most important thing to remember is balance. Push your device enough to get satisfying hits, but always stay within safe limits to protect your hardware—and your health.

By experimenting with different approaches and keeping your vape well-maintained, you’ll not only get stronger hits but also enjoy a more consistent, enjoyable, and personalized vaping experience.