Vape Cloud – What is it in Vaping?

Definition

A vape cloud is the visible plume of vapour exhaled after drawing on an electronic cigarette or vape device. Unlike cigarette smoke, which is a by-product of combustion, a vape cloud is created when Juice“>vape juice (e-liquid) is heated by a coil until it becomes an aerosol. The size and density of the cloud depend on the device’s power, the user’s inhalation style, and the e-liquid’s ratio of propylene glycol (PG) to vegetable glycerin (VG). High-VG liquids produce thicker, larger clouds, making them popular among “cloud chasers” who enjoy performing vape tricks or simply prefer a more visual vaping experience.

Technical Details

Vape clouds form when the device’s atomiser heats e-liquid to 180–250 °C, turning it into an aerosol of microscopic droplets. The mass of a typical cloud ranges from 5–50 mg, with particle sizes between 0.2–2 µm. Devices using Wattage (VW)”>Variable Wattage (VW) or Variable Voltage (VV) allow precise control: increasing wattage above 40 W on sub-ohm coils (<1.0 Ω) boosts vapour production but also drains battery faster and intensifies flavour. Airflow design—slot size, chimneydiameter, and coil placement—also dictates cloud density. Rebuildable Dripper Atomisers (RDAs) and mesh coils remain the go-to for maximum cloud volume, often reaching 100–200 ml of exhaled vapour per hit measured in controlled tests.

Usage & Tips

  • Maximise clouds: Choose 70 % VG or higher e-liquid, open airflow fully, and use a sub-ohm coil at 50–80 W.
  • Avoid spit-back: Don’t over-drip; ensure cotton is saturated but not drowning; pulse fire to evaporate excess.
  • Battery safety: High-wattage cloud chasing stresses batteries—use high-drain 18650/21700 cells rated ≥30 A, check wraps for tears, and never exceed the continuous discharge rating.
  • Stealth option: Restrict airflow, lower wattage to 10–15 W, and use 50/50 PG/VG juice for minimal cloud in public spaces.

History & Context

Cloud chasing emerged in the early 2010s when rebuildable atomisers and high-VG liquids became mainstream. By 2014, global “cloud comps” were drawing crowds, pushing manufacturers to develop 100-plus-watt devices and intricate coil builds. Today, cloud production remains a key marketing angle for Australian vape shops, though nicotine-containing products must comply with TGA prescription regulations.

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