Understanding Dry Hits in Vaping: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Whether you’re a vaping enthusiast or a beginner, you may have experienced the unpleasant taste of a dry hit, where your vape emits a burnt cotton flavor and produces little to no vapor. Dry hits are a common issue for vapers, but the good news is they can be avoided. In this guide, we’ll dive into the causes of dry hits, how to recognize them, and most importantly, how to prevent them to enhance your vaping experience.
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why is my vape giving me dry hits?”, “What are dry hits in vaping?”, or “How can I fix dry hits on my vape?”, you’re in the right place. Join us as we explore all these questions and more.
What is a Dry Hit in Vaping?
A dry hit refers to an unpleasant experience when vaping, where the coil doesn’t receive enough e-liquid to saturate the wick. As a result, the coil overheats and burns the cotton, creating a harsh, burnt taste. This typically happens when the e-liquid level is too low or the wick isn’t properly saturated. Although rare, dry hits can be very uncomfortable.
What Does a Dry Hit Taste Like?
When you experience a dry hit, you’ll notice it immediately. The taste is not of your regular e-liquid but instead a bitter, burnt cotton flavor. The vapor is hot, and your mouth and throat may feel irritated. The vapor production is also minimal.
How Can You Tell If You’re Getting a Dry Hit?
A dry hit is characterized by a strong burnt taste that overpowers the flavor of your e-liquid, along with very little vapor. It happens when the e-liquid in the tank or pod isn’t enough to properly saturate the wick inside the coil.
Why Does My Vape Taste Burnt?
A burnt taste when vaping usually means that there isn’t enough e-liquid in the tank to properly saturate the coil. As a result, the coil overheats and burns the cotton wick. This not only affects flavor but can also damage the coil and reduce its lifespan.
Is a Dry Hit Harmful?
When you experience a dry hit, it’s a sign that something isn’t right, and you should stop vaping immediately to inspect your device. While occasional dry hits aren’t likely to cause long-term harm, repeatedly inhaling burnt cotton and the resulting chemicals can be harmful to your health.
Difference Between a Dry Hit and Throat Hit
- Dry Hit: A dry hit occurs when the coil heats up without enough e-liquid, causing the cotton to burn, which produces a harsh, burnt taste.
- Throat Hit: This refers to the sensation felt at the back of the throat when inhaling vapor. A strong throat hit feels similar to smoking a traditional cigarette and is often sought after by ex-smokers. If you prefer a smoother throat hit, choose e-liquids with lower nicotine content or use nic salts for a more gentle experience.
Why Do Dry Hits Happen in Vaping?
There are several reasons why dry hits occur:
- Insufficient E-liquid: If there’s not enough e-liquid in your tank or pod, the wick won’t be properly saturated, leading to a dry hit.
- Improper Coil Priming: When installing a new coil, if it hasn’t been properly primed with e-liquid, you’re likely to get a dry hit.
- Wrong E-liquid Type: Using the wrong type of e-liquid for your coil can cause dry hits. High VG e-liquids are thicker and may not wick well in some coils.
- Power Settings Too High: If your device’s wattage is set too high, it can cause the coil to overheat, leading to dry hits.
- Chain Vaping: Taking multiple puffs in quick succession doesn’t give the wick enough time to re-saturate, causing dry hits.
How to Avoid Dry Hits
- Keep E-liquid Levels Topped Up: Regularly refill your tank or pod to ensure there’s enough e-liquid to saturate the wick.
- Prime Your Coil Properly: When installing a new coil, make sure to let it sit in e-liquid for a few minutes before vaping. You can also add a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the wick to speed up the process.
- Use the Right E-liquid: Choose e-liquids that match your coil’s resistance. High VG liquids are best for low-resistance coils, while high PG liquids work better with high-resistance coils.
- Adjust Power Settings: Don’t set your wattage too high, as this can cause the coil to overheat and burn the wick. Always stay within the recommended wattage range for your coil.
- Avoid Chain Vaping: Give your device a break between puffs to allow the wick to re-saturate with e-liquid.
Can Dry Hits Damage the Coil?
Yes, dry hits can damage the coil. When the wick is not properly saturated, the coil can overheat and burn the cotton inside. This can reduce the coil’s lifespan and cause a burnt taste. To avoid this, always ensure your wick is well-saturated with e-liquid.
By understanding these tips and tricks, you can prevent dry hits, extend the life of your coil, and ensure a smooth and enjoyable vaping experience every time.