Vaping Dry Hits: Causes & Solutions
Dry Hits When Vaping? Causes and Solutions You Need to Know
There’s nothing more frustrating than the unpleasant sting of a dry hit while vaping. Aside from the discomfort, it can ruin the vaping experience for even the most seasoned enthusiast. Whether you’re a beginner or a long-time vaper, understanding dry hits and knowing how to prevent them is crucial to elevating your vape sessions.
This guide dives deep into the world of dry hits, unpacking the common causes, practical prevention methods, and advanced troubleshooting techniques. By the end, you'll have all the tools you need to ensure every puff is smooth and flavorful.
What Are Dry Hits?
A dry hit occurs when you take a puff from your vape but instead of the usual flavorful vapor, you’re greeted with a harsh, burnt taste. This unpleasant experience is caused by a lack of e-liquid reaching the coil and wick, which results in the coil heating up dry or unevenly. Without proper saturation, the wick burns, producing that unsavory burnt flavor.
These hits are not only unpleasant but can also damage your device and shorten the lifespan of your coils.
Why Do Dry Hits Happen?
Dry hits happen when the delicate balance of your vaping setup—coil, wick, and e-liquid flow—is disrupted. The next section will highlight several common culprits behind dry hits.
Common Causes of Dry Hits
Avoiding dry hits starts with identifying the triggers. Below are some of the most common reasons they occur:
1. Low E-Liquid Levels
Running your tank too low on juice is one of the most frequent mistakes. When the e-liquid isn’t sufficient, the wick isn’t properly saturated, leading to burnt hits.
2. High Wattage
Cranking up your wattage beyond what your coil can handle can easily burn it out. High wattage forces the coil to heat too quickly, drying out the wick faster than it can absorb e-liquid.
3. Improper Wick Placement
Poorly positioned or compacted wicks may restrict e-liquid flow. If the wick isn’t able to soak up fluid correctly, dry hits are likely.
4. Overused or Damaged Coils
A coil past its prime won’t perform at its best. Old, overused coils are less efficient at vaporizing e-liquid and can result in dry spots, leading to dry hits.
5. Chain Vaping
Taking multiple rapid puffs without giving the wick enough time to re-saturate can leave it dry, causing that harsh burnt taste.
Once you recognize these causes, preventing dry hits becomes much easier.
How to Prevent Dry Hits
Prevention is always better than cure, and the good news is that dry hits are avoidable with a few simple habits.
1. Keep Your Tank Full
Always monitor your e-liquid levels. Ensure your tank never falls below the minimum fill line to keep the wick saturated.
2. Prime Your Coils
Priming is the process of pre-saturating your new coil with e-liquid before using it. Apply a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the coil and allow it to soak for a few minutes before taking your first puff.
3. Adjust Your Wattage
Stay within the recommended wattage range for your coil. Pushing your wattage above its limit might seem tempting for bigger clouds, but it significantly increases the risk of dry hits.
4. Monitor Airflow
Ensure your device’s airflow is set correctly. Blocked airflow can cause coils to overheat and burn the wick.
5. Pace Your Puffs
Avoid chain vaping or puffing too frequently. Give your device a moment to re-saturate the wick between hits.
6. Choose High-Quality E-Liquids
Opt for e-liquids with balanced VG/PG ratios suitable for your device. Thicker or thinner liquids can affect wicking efficiency, depending on your setup.
By integrating these steps, you can enjoy a dry hit-free vaping experience and preserve the life of your coils.
Essential Maintenance Tips for Your Vape
Proper maintenance goes a long way in enhancing your vape’s performance and preventing dry hits.
Regular Cleaning
Clean Your Tank Weekly: Empty your tank, disassemble it, and rinse all parts with warm water. Dry thoroughly before reassembling.
Clean Your Coils (if reusable): Rinse your coil gently with warm water to remove residue and debris.
Replace Coils Regularly
Don’t push your coil beyond its lifespan. Depending on usage, consider replacing it every 1–2 weeks.
Check for Leaks
Regularly inspect your device for juice leaks or poor seals that could disrupt performance.
By keeping your vaping gear well-maintained, you’ll reduce the chances of unpleasant surprises like dry hits.
Advanced Troubleshooting for Persistent Dry Hits
If you’ve followed all the prevention steps and still encounter dry hits, it may be time to troubleshoot further.
1. Examine Your Tank and Coils
Ensure you’re using the right coil for your device and that it’s installed correctly. Check for signs of wear, damage, or improper fit.
2. Experiment with E-Liquids
Swap your current flavor for one with a different VG/PG ratio. A thicker liquid may require a coil designed specifically for high VG e-liquids.
3. Test Your Wattage Settings
If you experience dry hits on a specific wattage, gradually lower your settings until you find the sweet spot that works for your setup.
4. Consider Upgrading Your Device
Older devices or tanks might lack the advanced wicking systems found in newer models. Investing in upgraded equipment can improve your overall experience and eliminate ongoing issues.
Knowing when to retire certain components and make an upgrade can save time, frustration, and money down the line.
Enjoy a Smooth, Burn-Free Vaping Experience
There’s nothing worse than a burnt, unpleasant hit ruining your vape session. By understanding the causes of dry hits, incorporating practical prevention tips, and performing regular maintenance, you can greatly reduce (or eliminate) the risk of dry hits.
For persistent issues, advanced troubleshooting and minor tweaks to your setup can make a significant difference. Remember, proper care isn’t just about avoiding dry hits—it’s about enhancing every puff for a consistently satisfying experience.
Want to learn more? Explore our full range of premium vaping gear and expert resources to take your sessions to the next level. Stay informed, stay prepared, and vape without compromise.