Shortfills

In the vast world of vaping, shortfill e-liquids have carved a significant niche for themselves. For those unfamiliar
with the term, shortfills are bottles of e-liquid sold nicotine-free, allowing vapers to add their own desired amount of
nicotine.

What Are Shortfills?

Short fill e-liquids, often simply referred to as shortfills, are nicotine free e-liquids sold in larger bottles,
typically not filled to the top. These e-liquids leave space for vapers to add nicotine shots, enabling them to reach
their desired nicotine strength.
A short fill bottle usually contains 50ml of nicotine-free e-liquid in a 60ml bottle. This leaves room for adding an 18mg nicotine shot, thus turning the
nicotine-free e-liquid into an e-liquid with the desired nicotine concentration.

Why the Popularity of Shortfill?

The emergence and popularity of shortfills are rooted in regulations, specifically the TPD (Tobacco Products Directive).
The directive capped the sale of nicotine-containing e-liquids to 10ml bottles. However, for vapers, especially those
using sub-ohm vape kits and high-powered devices, 10ml bottles were just not sufficient. They needed larger volumes.
Shortfills came as the answer. These larger bottles of e-liquid, often 50ml shortfills or 100ml shortfills, are sold
nicotine-free, thus skirting around the TPD restrictions. They allowed vapers to continue using larger bottle sizes
without the constraints of the 10ml nicotine-containing bottle limits.

How does it Work?

A common approach might be adding an 18mg nicotine shot to a 50ml short fill in a 60ml bottle. By doing this, the
resultant mixture would provide a nicotine strength of around 3mg. The VG/PG ratio of the short fill e-liquids, combined
with the nic shots, also plays a vital role in the vaping experience, especially for those using sub-ohm vape kits.
Moreover, the versatility of short fill e-liquids means you can choose to add as much or as little nicotine as you
desire. For instance, if you prefer a stronger nicotine concentration, adding an 18mg nicotine shot to the mix will give
you that kick. On the other hand, those preferring lighter concentrations can adjust the amount of nicotine shot they
add.

The Benefits of Using Shortfills

1. Flexibility in Nicotine Strength: By using shortfills, vapers have the freedom to customize
   their nicotine strength. By adding an 18mg nicotine shot to a 50ml shortfill, they can easily achieve their
   preferred strength.
2. Economic: Purchasing larger bottles of e-liquid, like the 50ml shortfills or 100ml
   shortfills, is often more economical than buying multiple 10ml bottles.
3. Variety in Flavors: The short fill e-liquids market is vast, offering vapers an array of
   flavors to explore and enjoy.
4. Perfect for Sub-Ohm Vapers: Those using sub-ohm vape kits or high-powered devices will find
   shortfills especially beneficial. The VG/PG ratios in these e-liquids suit sub-ohm vaping perfectly.

What type of flavour can i find in a shortfill?

Shortfills come in a vast array of flavors, catering to the varied palates of vapers worldwide. While the popularity of
specific flavors can vary depending on the region, time of year, and current trends, there are some flavors that have
remained consistently popular in the vaping community. Here are some of the most common flavors you might find in
shortfills:

Fruity Flavors: These remain a top choice among vapers.

• Berries: Blueberry, raspberry, strawberry, and mixed berry combinations.
• Tropical Fruits: Mango, pineapple, passion fruit, and coconut.
• Citrus: Lemon, lime, orange, and grapefruit.

Dessert Flavors: For those with a sweet tooth, these replicate some favorite treats.

• Custards & Creams: Vanilla custard, strawberry cream, and banana cream pie.
• Pastries: Donuts, cinnamon rolls, and apple pies.
• Chocolates & Caramels: Various types of chocolate blends, caramel, and toffee.

Menthol & Mint: These provide a cooling sensation and are especially popular in hotter climates or for those
transitioning from menthol cigarettes.

• Pure Menthol: Icy and refreshing.
• Mixed: Fruit and menthol blends, such as blueberry menthol or mango ice.

Beverage Flavors: Replicating popular drinks, they can be both refreshing and comforting.

• Coffees & Teas: From cappuccino to green tea flavors.
• Sodas: Cola, root beer, and fizzy orange.
• Cocktails: Mojito, piña colada, and margarita.

Tobacco: Aimed mainly at those transitioning from smoking, they replicate the taste of various tobacco
products.

• Pure Tobacco: Trying to mimic specific brands or types of tobacco.
• Mixed: Tobacco blended with other flavors like caramel, vanilla, or even fruits.

Candies & Sweets:

• Flavors that replicate popular candies.
• Gummy Bears, Hard Candy, Bubblegum, and more.

Unique Blends:

Many brands try to differentiate themselves by creating unique flavor combinations that might not fit neatly into the
categories above. These can be a mix of various flavors to produce something entirely new and intriguing.

What is PG & VG? What do i need to think about?

Navigating the world of vaping can sometimes be a complex endeavor, especially when it comes to understanding the
technicalities like PG/VG ratios. If you’re a vaping enthusiast or a newcomer trying to grasp these terms, you’re in the
right place. This deep dive will elucidate what PG and VG are, and their significance in the vaping world.

What are PG and VG?

PG (Propylene Glycol) and VG (Vegetable Glycerin) are the foundational ingredients in the majority of e-liquids and vape
juices. They serve as carriers for both the nicotine and the flavorings and play a pivotal role in determining the
overall vaping experience.

Propylene Glycol (PG):

• Origins: PG is a synthetic organic compound. It’s a colorless, odorless liquid used in various industries, from food and pharmaceutical to cosmetics and beyond.
• Throat Hit: PG is known for providing a sharper, more pronounced throat hit, akin to what smokers experience with traditional cigarettes. This characteristic often makes it suitable for those switching to vaping.
• Flavor Carrier: PG tends to be a better carrier for flavorings, which is why it’s often foundin higher ratios in e-liquids where flavor clarity is paramount.
• Consistency: PG is thinner in consistency compared to VG, making it less likely to leave
  residues in the vaporizer and making wicking easier.

Vegetable Glycerin (VG):

• Origins: VG is a natural organic compound derived from vegetable oils. It’s thicker and
  slightly sweet, which can sometimes influence an e-liquid’s flavor profile.
• Vapor Production: VG is behind those impressive, dense vapor clouds many vapers love. If
  cloud chasing is your thing, look for e-liquids with higher VG ratios.
• Smoothness: VG provides a smoother sensation on the throat, making it ideal for sub-ohm
  vapers and those who prefer a less harsh inhale.
• Sweetness: As mentioned, VG has a slightly sweet undertone, which can subtly influence and
  sweeten certain e-liquid flavors.

Why Does the PG/VG Ratio Matter?

The PG/VG ratio in e-liquids significantly impacts the vaping experience. Depending on the ratio:

• Flavor and Throat Hit: A higher PG ratio emphasizes flavor clarity and delivers a more pronounced throat hit.
• Cloud Production: A higher VG content will produce denser, more voluminous vapor clouds.
• Device Compatibility: The consistency of the e-liquid, based on its PG/VG mix, can influence
  which devices and coil types it’s best suited for. For example, thicker, high-VG juices might not wick as
  efficiently in certain pod systems or older tank designs.

Final Thoughts about PG / VG

Understanding PG and VG is crucial for any vaper. Whether you’re trying to replicate the sensation of smoking, chasing
the most flavorful vape, or simply wanting to produce massive vapor clouds, the PG/VG ratio plays a defining role. By
acquainting yourself with these components, you can better tailor your vaping experience to your preferences and make
informed decisions about the e-liquids you choose.

What type of vape kit should i vape shortfills in?

Shortfills are typically higher in VG (Vegetable Glycerin) content, which means they’re designed to produce dense vapor
clouds. Therefore, when considering the best vape kit to use with shortfills, one should gravitate towards kits that can
handle thicker e-liquids and are geared towards direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping. Here’s a guide to selecting the right vape
kit for shortfills:

1. Sub-Ohm Devices: These devices are optimized for thicker, high-VG e-liquids, like those found
   in shortfills. They often come with powerful coils that are below 1.0 ohms (hence “sub-ohm”) and are capable of
   producing large vapor clouds.
2. Box Mods: A box mod is a
   versatile choice. These are typically paired with sub-ohm tanks, and the combination is ideal for vaping
   shortfills. Their adjustable power settings allow you to tailor your vaping experience, from flavor intensity to
   vapor production.
3. Advanced Pod Systems:
   While traditional pod systems might struggle with thick e-liquids, many modern and advanced pod systems come
   with sub-ohm coil options and larger wicking ports, making them suitable for shortfills.
4. RTAs and RDAs: Rebuildable Tank Atomizers (RTAs) and Rebuildable Dripping Atomizers (RDAs)
   are for more experienced vapers. These devices allow you to build your own coils, which means you can tailor
   your setup to handle thicker e-liquids. An RDA, in particular, is great for those who prioritize flavor, while
   RTAs offer the convenience of a tank.
5. Adjustable Airflow: Whatever device or tank you choose, it’s beneficial to have adjustable
   airflow. More airflow usually complements DTL vaping and high-VG e-liquids, letting you find the right balance
   between flavor and cloud production.

Things to Consider:

• Coil Resistance: As mentioned, lower resistance coils (sub-ohm) are ideal for shortfills.
  They heat up faster and can vaporize thicker e-liquids more efficiently.
• Wicking: Ensure the device or tank you choose can wick thicker e-liquids well. This usually
  means larger wicking ports in pre-made coils or using the right amount of cotton in rebuildables.
• Nicotine: Shortfills are generally nicotine-free, with space left in the bottle to add a
  nicotine shot if desired. When mixing, ensure you shake well for even nicotine distribution.

In conclusion, while many devices can handle shortfills, for the best experience, it’s advisable to opt for a device
designed for direct-to-lung vaping and thicker e-liquids.
Remember, personal preference plays a significant role, so consider what aspects of vaping are most important to you
(e.g., flavor, cloud production, throat hit) when selecting a kit.

Final conclusion about shortfill

The vaping world is continually evolving, with innovations like shortfills paving the way for a more tailored vaping
experience. Whether you’re a cloud chaser using high-powered devices or someone who enjoys a flavorful hit from sub-ohm
vape kits, short fill e-liquids offer the flexibility and variety to elevate your vaping journey.
Remember, while the initial process of adding nicotine to
a short fill e-liquid might seem daunting, the versatility and cost-effectiveness of short fills make them a favorite
choice for many in the vaping community. So, next time you’re considering purchasing e-liquids, explore the myriad of
flavors and conveniences that shortfills bring to the table.

Simple Shortfill Guide: Mixing with 18mg Nicotine

Mixing a e-liquid with an 18mg nicotine shot might sound complex, but it’s pretty straightforward. Here’s a simple guide
to help you get the desired nicotine strength in your vape juice:
Before starting, you should know the nicotine strength you’re aiming for. Common strengths vapers aim for with
shortfills include:

• 3mg
• 6mg

Shortfills commonly come in:

• 50ml e-liquid in a 60ml bottle
• 100ml e-liquid in a 120ml bottle

For a 50ml (Mixing For 3mg Strength) Shortfill:

• Using your 60ml bottle filled with 50ml of nicotine-free e-liquid
• Add 1 x 10ml 18mg nicotine shot.
• This will give you 60ml of 3mg nicotine e-liquid.

For a 100ml Shortfill:

• Using your 120ml bottle filled with 100ml of nicotine-free e-liquid:
• Add 2 x 10ml 18mg nicotine shots.
• This results in 120ml of 3mg nicotine e-liquid.

For a 50ml (Mixing For 6mg Strength) Shortfill:

• This is trickier due to the limited space in the bottle. You’d have to decant some of the e-liquid.
• Add 2 x 10ml 18mg nicotine shots to the shortfill bottle.
• This will give you a little over 60ml of 6mg nicotine e-liquid.

For a 100ml Shortfill:

• Add 4 x 10ml 18mg nicotine shots.
• This results in 140ml of 6mg nicotine e-liquid (note that you’ll need a larger bottle to accommodate this).

Shake and steep:
Once you’ve added the nicotine shots:

• Close the bottle and shake vigorously for a couple of minutes.
• It’s advisable to let the e-liquid steep for a day or two, allowing the flavors to meld and the nicotine to mix evenly.
• Store in a cool, dark place during this time.

And that’s it! You’ve successfully mixed your shortfill with 18mg nicotine. Happy vaping!