Cloud Chasing – What is it in Vaping?

Definition

Cloud Chasing is the practice of vaping with the deliberate goal of exhaling the largest, densest possible plumes of vapour. Unlike casual vaping that prioritises nicotine delivery or flavour, Cloud Chasing turns vapour production into a competitive art form. Enthusiasts—often called “cloud chasers”—modify their devices, rebuild their Coil configurations and tailor e-liquid choices to maximise visible output. The purpose is recreation, social sharing and, at organised events, prize-winning performance. While it may appear purely aesthetic, successful Cloud Chasing hinges on precise control of airflow, temperature, wicking material such as Cotton and low-resistance builds like Clapton Coil set-ups.

Technical Details

Cloud Chasing relies on maximising vapourisation rate: more e-liquid must be heated instantly without burning the Cotton. This is achieved through sub-ohm builds—typically 0.15 Ω–0.3 Ω—driven by high-discharge 25 A–35 A batteries at 80 W–200 W. Airflow is opened fully to cool the coil and condense vapour droplets, while vegetable glycerine (VG) heavy juice (70 %–90 % VG) provides the dense base. Chasers often install staggered or multi-core Clapton Coil structures that increase surface area, paired with wide-bore drip tips and low-profile top caps to minimise restriction. Some advanced rigs use Ceramic Coil platforms for faster wicking and reduced dry-hit risk. In competitions, judges measure cloud density with laser grids or simply compare visual size across a 6 m lane.

Usage & Tips

Start with a regulated dual-battery mod that can safely fire below 0.2 Ω; confirm your batteries are authentic 18650/21700 cells rated ≥30 A. Prime your Cotton generously but avoid oversaturating—drips should disappear within two seconds. Inhale directly to lung in one rapid motion, then exhale slowly through pursed lips to keep the cloud cohesive. If you taste burning, stop immediately: either the Coil is too hot or your Cartridge/Cotton is starving for juice. Australian vapers should remember outdoor cloud tricks can still attract smoking bans in public spaces; discretion preserves access for everyone.

History & Context

Cloud Chasing emerged in Southern California circa 2012 when rebuildable atomisers and mechanical mods first hit online forums. By 2014, vape expos from Melbourne to Birmingham featured formal “cloud comps,” cementing the pursuit as a subculture within the global vaping community and driving innovation in high-wattage devices and max-VG e-liquids.