Nic Salts vs Shortfills: Which Is Better?
Nic Salts vs Shortfills: Which Is Better?
The Complete UK Guide — Expert Advice from Vapin Loud
⭐ Quick Answer
- 👍 Use nic salts if: You have a pod kit, you're quitting smoking, or you want a smooth high-nicotine hit
- 👍 Use shortfills if: You have a sub-ohm or high-power device and want large clouds and bold flavour at low nicotine
- 💡 Not sure? If you're a beginner or using a pod kit — nic salts every time
📊 Head-to-Head Comparison Table
| Feature | Nic Salts | Shortfills |
|---|---|---|
| Best for beginners | ✅ | ❌ |
| Smooth throat hit | ✅ | ❌ |
| High nicotine strength (10–20mg) | ✅ | ❌ |
| Best for pod kits | ✅ | ❌ |
| Best for quitting smoking | ✅ | ❌ |
| High power / sub-ohm kits | ❌ | ✅ |
| Large clouds | ❌ | ✅ |
| Cost per ml | Higher | Lower |
| Bottle size (UK TPD) | 10ml | 50ml–100ml |
| Nicotine included | Yes — ready to vape | No — add nic shot |
🔬 What Are Nic Salts?
Nicotine salts (nic salts) are a form of nicotine that occurs naturally in tobacco leaves. Unlike freebase nicotine, nic salts are smoother to inhale at higher strengths and are absorbed into the bloodstream faster — giving you quicker, more satisfying nicotine delivery. They come in 10ml TPD-compliant bottles in the UK at strengths of 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg.
Nic Salts — Key Facts
- VG/PG ratio: Usually 50/50 — thin enough to wick well in pod systems
- Nicotine strengths: 5mg, 10mg, 20mg (UK legal maximum)
- Bottle size: 10ml (TPD compliant)
- Best devices: Pod kits, starter kits, MTL tanks (10–25W)
- Throat hit: Smooth even at 20mg — no harshness
- Nicotine absorption: Fast — similar to a cigarette
💡 Best for: Beginners, smokers switching to vaping, pod kit users, anyone who wants high nicotine without a harsh throat hit.
🔬 What Are Shortfills?
Shortfills are large bottles of e-liquid (typically 50ml or 100ml) that contain no nicotine. They're filled to 80–83% capacity, leaving room to add one or two nicotine shots to reach your desired strength (usually 3mg or 6mg). They're designed for sub-ohm and high-power devices that produce large clouds.
Shortfills — Key Facts
- VG/PG ratio: Usually 70/30 or 80/20 — thick, high-VG for big clouds
- Nicotine: None included — add a nic shot to reach 3mg or 6mg
- Bottle size: 50ml or 100ml
- Best devices: Sub-ohm tanks, high-power mods (40W+)
- Throat hit: Smoother at low nicotine, but can be harsh if nic shot ratio is off
- Cost per ml: Much cheaper than nic salts
💡 Best for: Experienced vapers with sub-ohm devices who want large clouds, bold flavour, and lower cost per ml at low nicotine strengths.
🎯 Who Should Use Each?
✅ Choose Nic Salts if you are:
- A beginner or new to vaping
- Switching from cigarettes
- Using a pod kit or starter kit
- Wanting high nicotine (10mg or 20mg)
- Preferring a discreet, low-vapour experience
- Vaping on the go or in public
✅ Choose Shortfills if you are:
- An experienced vaper with a sub-ohm device
- Already on low nicotine (3mg or 6mg)
- A cloud chaser who wants big vapour production
- Looking for better value per ml
- Wanting larger bottle sizes to reduce how often you buy
- Using a high-wattage mod (40W+)
⚠️ Important: Never use shortfills in a pod kit. High-VG shortfill e-liquids are too thick to wick properly in pod systems and will cause dry hits, burnt taste, and rapid coil damage. Always use 50/50 nic salts in pod kits.
🛒 Recommended Nic Salts
Our best-selling nic salt e-liquids — all available in store and online:
⭐ Lost Mary Nic Salt E-liquid
One of the UK's most popular nic salt ranges — inspired by the iconic Lost Mary disposable flavours. Available in 5mg, 10mg and 20mg. Exceptional flavour accuracy and smooth delivery.
Pukka Juice Nic Salt — Blaze
A bold, fruity nic salt with a warm finish. Great all-day vape for fruit lovers.
🛒 Shop NowPukka Juice Nic Salt — Tropical
A refreshing tropical blend — smooth, sweet and perfect for summer vaping.
🛒 Shop NowDoozy Mix Salts — Bubblegum
A fun, sweet bubblegum nic salt that's a firm customer favourite. Smooth and satisfying.
🛒 Shop NowPod Salt Nexus — Strawberry Banana Rhubarb
A complex, layered fruit nic salt from Pod Salt's premium Nexus range.
🛒 Shop Now🛒 Recommended Shortfills
Our best-selling shortfill e-liquids for sub-ohm and high-power devices:
⭐ Doozy Infinity 70/30 100ml Shortfill
A premium 100ml shortfill in a 70/30 VG/PG ratio — perfect balance of cloud production and flavour. One of our top-selling shortfills.
🛒 Shop NowDrifter Bar Juice — Mad Blue 100ml
Bar-inspired flavour in a 100ml shortfill. Huge flavour, great value.
🛒 Shop NowCloud Nurdz — Sour Watermelon Strawberry 100ml
A tangy, refreshing shortfill with bold fruit flavour and excellent cloud production.
🛒 Shop NowTwist Juice — Strawberry Lemonade 100ml
A classic fruity shortfill — sweet, tangy and incredibly refreshing.
🛒 Shop NowWick Liquor — Miyako Yoghurt 100ml
A premium, complex shortfill from Wick Liquor — creamy, smooth and unique.
🛒 Shop Now❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What are nic salts?
Nic salts are a form of nicotine that's smoother to inhale at high strengths than freebase nicotine. They come in 10ml bottles at 5mg, 10mg, or 20mg and are designed for pod kits and MTL devices. They deliver nicotine faster than freebase, making them ideal for smokers switching to vaping.
Should I use nic salts or shortfills?
If you have a pod kit or are new to vaping, use nic salts. If you have a sub-ohm or high-power device and want large clouds at low nicotine, use shortfills. Never use shortfills in a pod kit — the high-VG liquid is too thick and will damage your coil.
What is the best e-liquid for a pod kit?
Nicotine salt e-liquids in a 50/50 VG/PG ratio are the best e-liquid for pod kits. They wick efficiently, deliver smooth nicotine, and won't damage your coils. Avoid high-VG shortfills in pod kits.
Are nic salts stronger than shortfills?
Yes — nic salts are available at up to 20mg nicotine, while shortfills (once a nic shot is added) typically reach 3mg or 6mg. Nic salts also absorb faster, so the nicotine hit feels stronger and more immediate even at the same mg level.
Can I use nic salts in a sub-ohm device?
We don't recommend it. At high wattages, 20mg nic salts would deliver an extremely harsh and overwhelming nicotine hit. Sub-ohm devices are designed for low-nicotine shortfills (3mg–6mg). Stick to nic salts in pod kits and shortfills in sub-ohm devices.
How do I add a nic shot to a shortfill?
Squeeze a small amount of e-liquid out of the shortfill bottle to make room, then pour in your nicotine shot. Replace the cap, shake well, and leave for a few minutes before vaping. A single 10ml nic shot added to a 50ml shortfill gives approximately 3mg nicotine.
Where can I buy nic salts and shortfills near me?
Both are available at all 5 Vapin Loud stores across South East London and Kent — Plumstead, Eltham, Welling, Crayford and Rochester. Find your nearest store →
🛒 Not Sure Which to Choose?
Visit any Vapin Loud store and our team will recommend the right e-liquid for your device and nicotine needs.
📍 Find Your Nearest Store →⚠️ Warning: These products contain nicotine, which is a highly addictive substance. Not suitable for non-smokers, pregnant women, or individuals under 18 years of age.
