Harsh Hit – What is it in Vaping?

Definition

A harsh hit is the unpleasant, scratchy or burning sensation felt in the throat when inhaling vapour that is too hot, too dry, or chemically imbalanced. Unlike the smooth, flavourful hit most vapers seek, a harsh hit causes immediate throat irritation, coughing, and can ruin the overall vaping experience. It is not a device feature but rather a symptom of incorrect settings, poor maintenance, or incompatible e-liquid composition. Recognising and eliminating harsh hits is essential for enjoyable vaping, especially for Australian users transitioning from smoking who expect a gentle throat feel rather than a sharp sting.

Technical Details

Harshness originates when vapour temperature exceeds 250–300 °C, propylene glycol (PG) ratio is too high, or nicotine strength is above the user’s tolerance. Hot spots in the coil create localized overheating, superheating pockets of e-liquid that burst into acrid vapour. High VG juices (≥70 % VG) can exacerbate harshness if wicking is slow, leading to dry puffs. Hybrid-connection mechanical mods can compound the issue by delivering instantaneous high power without regulation. Coil mass, airflow, and chamber size all influence vapour cooling; insufficient heatsink surfaces or blocked airflow channels reduce heat dissipation, raising vapour temperature at the moment of inhalation.

Usage & Tips

To avoid harsh hits, prime new coils thoroughly and start at the manufacturer’s recommended Wattage Range”>wattage range. Reduce nicotine strength or switch to nicotine salts for smoother delivery. Increase airflow to cool vapour, or fit a drip-tip with a wider bore. If using high VG liquid, ensure coil ports are large enough to prevent dry hits. Clean top caps and drip-tips weekly to remove residual heat and condensation. Should harshness persist, inspect for hot spots while pulsing the coil at low wattage; evenly space wraps or replace the coil. Always allow 5–10 minutes of wicking time after filling to prevent burning cotton.

History & Context

Early 2010s cartomisers produced mild vapour, but the sub-ohm revolution of 2014 pushed power levels past 30 W, introducing harsh hits to many first-timers. Australian import restrictions on nicotine have led vapers to mix higher-strength DIY solutions, inadvertently increasing harshness. Manufacturers now market “smooth” nicotine-salt pods and temperature-control mods to counter the problem, reflecting the industry’s shift toward user-friendly devices.