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Throat Hit 101: Master The Itch!
Rachel Domanchich·22 June 2018·Updated 13 June 2026·7 min read·Guides & Tutorials
A satisfying throat hit is one of the main reasons smokers stick with vaping. Here is how it works, and how to dial it in to feel just right.
Throat hit is that little kick or scratch you feel at the back of your throat when you inhale. For smokers it is a big part of what makes a cigarette feel satisfying, so getting it right is often the difference between a vape that helps you quit and one that leaves you reaching for the pack.
The good news is that throat hit is easy to control once you know the four things that drive it.
What Is Throat Hit?
Throat hit is the physical sensation that nicotine and propylene glycol (PG) create as you inhale. Too little and a vape feels flat and unsatisfying; too much and it can make you cough. The sweet spot is personal, and the whole point of this guide is to help you find yours.
What Affects Your Throat Hit?
Four factors do most of the work. Turn any of them up for a stronger hit, or down for a smoother one.
| Factor | More throat hit | Less throat hit |
|---|---|---|
| Nicotine strength | Higher (12mg to 18mg) | Lower (3mg to 6mg) |
| Nicotine type | Freebase | Nic salt |
| PG/VG ratio | Higher PG (50/50) | Higher VG (70/30 or more) |
| Draw style | Tight mouth-to-lung (MTL) | Loose direct-to-lung (DTL) |
How to Turn Your Throat Hit Up or Down
Nicotine strength and type
The simplest lever is nicotine. Higher strengths hit harder, but you do not need to overdo it. The bigger choice is the type: freebase nicotine gives a sharper, stronger throat hit, while nic salts stay smooth even at 20mg, which is why most recent ex-smokers prefer them. For a satisfying hit without the harshness, a 20mg nic salt is the sweet spot.
PG/VG ratio
PG carries throat hit, VG makes vapour. A 50/50 e-liquid (half PG, half VG) gives a pronounced throat hit and suits pod kits. High-VG shortfills (70/30 and above) are much smoother and made for bigger sub-ohm devices.
Your device and draw
A tight mouth-to-lung draw on a pod kit concentrates the hit, just like a cigarette. A loose direct-to-lung draw on a sub-ohm device spreads it out for big, smooth clouds with less throat hit. If you are chasing a cigarette-like feel, mouth-to-lung is the way to go.
Our Picks for a Satisfying Throat Hit
Three easy choices, from smooth to sharp.
Summary: Ditch the Sticks and Scratch the Itch
You can get a perfectly satisfying throat hit from vaping, you just need to match the nicotine, the e-liquid and the device to what you are after. For most people leaving cigarettes behind, a 20mg nic salt in a tight-draw pod kit nails it: smooth, strong and satisfying.
Explore our full range of nic salt e-liquids and pod kits to find your perfect match, and say goodbye to the sticks for good.
Rachel Domanchich
A self-proclaimed American Weird Girl in London, Rachel is a writer with 10 years of vaping experience. In 2021, she severed her decade-long love affair with Marlboro Reds using a pod vape and hasn't looked back since. Armed with degrees in creative writing and media, she's a passionate proponent of THR and helping smokers quit. Outside of writing, Rachel is a multi-instrumental musician, singer, wife, and mother of two black cats.