Choosing the right nicotine strength is one of the most important decisions you'll make when you start vaping — and one of the easiest to get wrong. Too high and you'll feel dizzy or nauseous. Too low and you'll find yourself chain-vaping without ever feeling satisfied, or worse, reaching for a cigarette.
The good news is that picking the right level isn't complicated once you understand a few basics about your own habits and what each strength actually feels like.
Why Nicotine Strength Matters
Nicotine strength determines how much nicotine you absorb per puff. Get it right and vaping feels natural — satisfying enough to keep cravings at bay without being overwhelming. Get it wrong and the experience is either underwhelming or unpleasant, which is one of the biggest reasons new vapers give up early.
With salt nicotine e-liquids — the type used in pod systems and most compact vape devices — the two most common strengths are 35MG and 50MG. These numbers refer to milligrams of nicotine per millilitre of liquid.
Both are significantly higher than what you'd see in freebase e-liquids, but salt nicotine's smoother formulation means these strengths are comfortable to inhale without the harsh throat hit you'd get from freebase at the same levels.
Start with Your Smoking Habits
Your current or recent cigarette consumption is the most reliable starting point. There's no exact formula — bodies metabolize nicotine differently — but here's a practical guideline:
If you smoke a pack a day or more, or if you smoke strong, full-flavour cigarettes, 50MG is generally the better starting point. The higher concentration delivers a faster, more noticeable nicotine hit that closely mirrors the satisfaction of lighting up. Most heavy smokers who start too low end up frustrated and go back to cigarettes.
If you smoke half a pack a day or fewer, or you smoke lighter cigarettes, 35MG is usually a comfortable fit. You'll still get solid nicotine satisfaction without the intensity that heavier users need. Social smokers who only smoke a few cigarettes a day also tend to find 35MG more than sufficient.
If you're already vaping and switching from freebase to salt nicotine, start with 35MG. You're already accustomed to getting nicotine through vapour, and salt nicotine absorbs faster than freebase — so a lower number on the label can feel stronger than expected.
Consider Your Device
Nicotine strength and device type go hand in hand. Salt nicotine e-liquids at 35MG and 50MG are designed for low-wattage pod systems and mouth-to-lung (MTL) devices. These devices produce less vapour per puff, which is why the nicotine concentration needs to be higher to deliver enough nicotine in each draw.
If you're using a pod device — which is what most vapers in Pakistan use for daily carry — both 35MG and 50MG will work well. The device's low output naturally balances the high nicotine content.
Never use 35MG or 50MG salt nicotine in a high-wattage sub-ohm device. Sub-ohm tanks produce far more vapour per puff, which means you'd be inhaling a dangerously high amount of nicotine with every draw. High-strength salt nicotine is exclusively for low-power devices.
Think About How You Vape
Your vaping style also plays a role.
Quick, short puffs throughout the day — the way most smokers smoke — pairs well with 50MG. You take a few draws, put the device down, and you're satisfied. This mimics the cigarette break pattern.
Longer, more frequent sessions — where you sit and vape continuously for 10 to 15 minutes at a time — work better with 35MG. Since you're taking more puffs per session, a slightly lower strength prevents you from overdoing it.
If you find yourself getting lightheaded, experiencing hiccups, or feeling mildly nauseous after vaping, those are clear signs that your nicotine strength is too high. Drop down to 35MG. These symptoms are harmless but uncomfortable, and they almost always resolve by lowering the concentration.
Can You Switch Between Strengths?
Absolutely. Many vapers start at 50MG and eventually move down to 35MG as their body adjusts and their cravings become more manageable. This is a natural progression and is one of the advantages of vaping over cigarettes — you can control and gradually reduce your nicotine intake at your own pace.
There's no timeline for when or whether you should step down. Some people are perfectly comfortable staying at 50MG indefinitely. Others find that after a few months, 35MG gives them everything they need.
ELUX Nicotine Strengths
Every ELUX salt nicotine e-liquid is available in both 35MG and 50MG across our full range of 19 flavours. Whether you go with a fruity blend like Pineapple Ice or a richer profile like Turkish Tobacco, you can get your preferred flavour in the strength that suits you.
All ELUX bottles are 30ML, designed for easy refilling in pod devices. If you're unsure which strength to start with, here's the simplest advice: if you're coming straight from cigarettes, start at 50MG. If you're already vaping or you smoke lightly, go with 35MG. You can always adjust from there.
Quick Reference
50MG — best for: heavy smokers (pack a day or more), people transitioning directly from cigarettes, short and infrequent vaping sessions.
35MG — best for: light to moderate smokers, existing vapers switching to salt nicotine, longer vaping sessions, anyone who finds 50MG too intense.
The right strength is the one that keeps you away from cigarettes without making you uncomfortable. Start where your habits point you, pay attention to how your body responds, and adjust if needed.
Warning: this product contains nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive chemical. Only for adults. Vaping products are off-limits to those under 18.
