Kick – What is it in Vaping?

Definition

Kick is the colloquial term for the sharp, satisfying throat-hit that a vaper feels when inhaling vapour—especially with higher-nicotine or high-propylene-glycol (PG) e-liquids. Often compared to the “bite” of a traditional cigarette, the kick signals efficient nicotine delivery and contributes to the overall “Hit“>throat hit” experience. Beginners chasing a cigarette-like sensation, as well as transitioning smokers, frequently seek this feedback because it confirms that the device is working and that cravings are being satisfied. While subjective, kick is influenced by nicotine strength, PG/VG ratio, atomiser design, power settings, and even airflow. A pronounced kick can enhance flavour clarity for some, yet too much can cause harshness or coughing.

Technical Details

Kick is governed by multiple interacting factors:

  • Nicotine concentration: Each millilitre of 18 mg e-liquid delivers roughly 1.8% nicotine by volume; doubling the strength almost linearly increases perceived kick.
  • PG content: PG carries flavour and provides the “scratchy” sensation on the throat. A 70 PG / 30 VG blend will feel sharper than a 30 PG / 70 VG juice.
  • Power & coil mass: Higher wattage (within coil limits) vaporises more liquid per puff, condensing nicotine and PG into a denser cloud, thereby intensifying kick. Low-resistance Wire“>Kanthal wire coils, for example, heat faster and can boost throat hit at 20-40 W compared to standard 1.0-1.8 Ω coils at 8-12 W.
  • Atomiser design: Tight-draw mouth-to-lung (MTL) tanks such as Kayfun clones funnel vapour directly to the throat, amplifying sensation, whereas wide-open Kennedy RDA-style airflow diffuses vapour and softens kick.
  • Temperature: Warmer vapour (200-250 °C on the coil surface) irritates mucous membranes more than cooler vapour, so temperature-control or restricted airflow increases perceived kick.

Some advanced “kick modules” or firmware settings (e.g., Evolv DNA’s “punch” feature) briefly spike voltage at puff onset to deliver an immediate throat hit before settling to the user’s set wattage.

Usage & Tips

  • Adjust nicotine gradually: If kick is too harsh, drop one nicotine level (e.g., 12 mg → 6 mg) or swap to a 50/50 PG/VG juice instead of high-PG.
  • Balance airflow: Closing off one airflow hole on your tank tightens draw and increases throat hit; opening it wide reduces kick.
  • Prime coils: A dry cotton hit multiplies harshness. Always saturate new Kanthal coils and wait five minutes before first use.
  • Hydrate: PG is hygroscopic; drink water to avoid dehydration that can make kick feel scratchier.
  • Check power limits: Exceeding the recommended wattage printed on coil heads can scorch wicks, producing an unpleasant, peppery kick and unsafe formaldehyde levels.
  • Travel tip: High-nicotine nic-salt pods deliver strong kick at low power—ideal for discrete MTL vaping without carrying bulky kits.

History & Industry Context

Early cig-a-like models of 2008-2010 struggled to deliver noticeable throat hit because 3.7 V batteries and tiny coils produced cool, weak vapour. The 2011 arrival of variable-voltage Ego Twist batteries let vapers increase voltage to 4.8 V, giving birth to the term “kick” in Aussie vaping forums. When high-wattage box mods and sub-ohm Kanthal wire became mainstream (2013-2015), manufacturers re-engineered atomisers—tightening Kayfun-style chimneys and introducing airflow control—to preserve cigarette-like kick even at 30-50 W. Today, nicotine-salt formulations and low-wattage pod kits continue the evolution, offering strong, smooth kick without excessive vapour or power.

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