Nothing dampens the excitement of a new vaping setup quite like weak, thin vapour when you were expecting thick, rolling clouds. If you’ve recently upgraded your device and still aren’t seeing the dense clouds you pictured, you’re not alone. Most beginners hit the same wall, and the good news is that it almost always comes down to a handful of fixable factors.
This guide explains exactly how to get bigger vape clouds, step by step, using the same principles our team at Cloud 9 Liquid relies on when advising customers new to cloud chasing. You’ll learn how VG and PG ratios affect vapour density, which devices and coils actually produce big clouds, how airflow and wattage work together, and how to do all of this safely under UK vaping regulations.
By the end, you’ll understand exactly what changes to make to your setup, your e-liquid, and your vaping habits to see a real difference, safely and confidently.
What Determines Vape Cloud Size?
Before adjusting anything, it helps to understand what actually creates a big cloud. Vapour production depends on three connected factors: the e-liquid’s VG/PG ratio, the power delivered to the coil, and the amount of air passing through the device. Change any one of these without adjusting the others, and you can end up with harsh hits, dry burns, or clouds that are smaller than expected.
Cloud size is essentially a balancing act. A high-VG liquid needs a coil built to handle thicker fluid, a device with enough wattage to vaporise it properly, and airflow that’s open enough to carry the vapour out smoothly. Get all three working together, and the difference in cloud size is immediate and noticeable.
This is also the most common reason beginners ask, “why am I not getting big vape clouds?” Usually, one part of that triangle is out of sync with the others, such as a high-VG juice paired with a low-wattage starter kit, or a sub-ohm coil running on a device that can’t supply enough power.
Does High VG Vape Juice Make Bigger Clouds?
Yes, and this is the single biggest factor in cloud production. VG (vegetable glycerin) is a thick, naturally sweet liquid that produces dense vapour when heated, while PG (propylene glycol) is thinner and carries flavour more efficiently but produces less visible vapour.
For anyone serious about cloud chasing for beginners, choosing the right ratio is the first practical step:
- 50/50 or 60/40 PG/VG – standard for mouth-to-lung vaping, better flavour, smaller clouds
- 70/30 VG/PG – a strong middle ground with noticeably bigger clouds and good flavour
- 80/20 VG/PG – built for sub-ohm devices, thick vapour, ideal for those chasing clouds
- Max VG (90%+) – used almost exclusively by experienced cloud chasers with high-wattage setups
At Cloud 9 Liquid, our high VG vape juice range is formulated specifically for smooth, dense vapour production without sacrificing flavour clarity. If your goal is genuinely bigger clouds, starting with a 70/30 or 80/20 blend is the most reliable and beginner-friendly place to begin, rather than jumping straight to max VG before your device and coil are ready for it.
Which Vape Device Is Best for Cloud Chasing?
Not every device is built for cloud production, and this is where a lot of beginners get stuck using the wrong setup. Devices designed for cloud chasing share a few key traits: sub-ohm coils, adjustable or high wattage output, and wide-bore drip tips that allow more airflow.
Look for these features when choosing a device suited to bigger clouds:
- Sub-ohm tank or pod system rated below 1.0 ohm
- Adjustable wattage, ideally 40W and above
- Removable or adjustable airflow control
- Wide-bore mouthpiece for a direct-lung draw
If you’re still using a basic mouth-to-lung starter kit designed for nicotine salts, it simply isn’t built for the airflow or power needed to produce large clouds, regardless of the e-liquid used. Upgrading to a proper sub-ohm device is usually the single most impactful change a beginner can make. Browse our range of cloud vape devices to find a setup matched to your experience level and budget.
What Coil and Wattage Produce the Biggest Vape Clouds?
Coil resistance and wattage work as a pair, and getting this combination right is essential for both cloud size and coil longevity.
Coil Resistance Guide
- 0.6–1.0 ohm coils – good entry point for sub-ohm vaping, moderate clouds
- 0.15–0.5 ohm coils – lower resistance, higher vapour output, requires more wattage
- Mesh coils – heat more evenly, produce smoother, denser vapour with less risk of dry hits
Recommended Wattage by Coil
- 0.6 ohm coil: roughly 40–60W
- 0.3 ohm coil: roughly 60–90W
- 0.15 ohm coil: roughly 80–120W (experienced users only)
Always start at the lower end of the recommended wattage range for your coil and increase gradually. Running a coil too hot too soon causes burnt hits and shortens its lifespan considerably. Most device and coil packaging lists a recommended wattage range directly on the coil head, and it’s worth checking this every time you switch to a new coil type.
How Does Airflow Affect Vape Clouds?
Airflow is the part of the equation beginners overlook most often, yet it has a direct impact on both cloud size and flavour. More open airflow allows more air to mix with the vapour, cooling it and helping it expand into a larger, denser cloud as it leaves the device.
Here’s how airflow adjustments typically affect your vape:
- Wide open airflow – bigger, cooler clouds, slightly muted flavour, best for direct-lung cloud chasing
- Restricted airflow – warmer vapour, more concentrated flavour, smaller clouds, closer to a mouth-to-lung feel
If your clouds seem thin despite using a high-VG liquid and a sub-ohm coil, try opening your airflow control fully before making any other changes. It’s often the fastest, simplest fix and costs nothing to test. Pairing wide airflow with a properly saturated coil and the right wattage is one of the most effective vape cloud tips for anyone starting out.
Common Beginner Mistakes That Cause Weak Vape Clouds
Several small errors are responsible for most beginner frustration with weak vapour. Recognising these early saves time, money, and unnecessary coil replacements.
- Using PG-heavy liquid in a sub-ohm device – always match your VG ratio to your setup
- Running too low a wattage for the coil – check the recommended range on the coil packaging
- Vaping on a dry or unprimed coil – always prime new coils before use to avoid burnt hits
- Keeping airflow restricted – open it up for genuine cloud production
- Ignoring low battery warnings – power output drops as batteries discharge
- Not letting the tank fill properly – air pockets around the coil cause dry hits and weak vapour
- Chain vaping – firing the device repeatedly without rest overheats the coil and reduces flavour and vapour quality
Addressing even two or three of these issues typically produces a noticeable improvement in vapour output within the same session.
How Often Should You Change Your Coil for Maximum Vapour?
Coil lifespan directly affects vapour quality, and a worn coil is one of the most common causes of suddenly weaker clouds. On average, most sub-ohm coils last between one and three weeks with regular use, though this varies depending on VG content, wattage, and how often the device is used.
Signs it’s time to replace your coil:
- A burnt or muted flavour compared to when the coil was new
- Gurgling or crackling sounds during use
- Reduced vapour production despite correct wattage and airflow
- Visible discolouration on the coil head
To extend coil life while still producing dense vapour, prime each new coil thoroughly, avoid chain vaping, keep your tank topped up so the wicking material stays saturated, and stick to the wattage range recommended for that specific coil. Using consistently high-quality e-liquid also reduces the residue buildup that shortens coil lifespan, which is why ingredient quality matters just as much as VG percentage.
Does Battery Charge Affect Vape Cloud Production?
Yes, significantly. As a battery discharges, most devices reduce their maximum wattage output to protect the cell, which directly reduces vapour production even if every other setting stays the same. This is a common reason vapers notice their clouds getting progressively smaller throughout the day.
To maintain consistent cloud size:
- Keep your device charged above 20% where possible
- Use high-drain, device-appropriate batteries in mod devices that use removable cells
- Replace batteries that no longer hold a full charge, as ageing cells lose peak output capacity over time
If you’ve noticed your vapour getting weaker as the day goes on despite an unchanged setup, checking battery level should be one of the first things you test.
Is Cloud Chasing Safe for Beginners?
Cloud chasing can be enjoyable and safe when approached with the right knowledge, though it does require more attention than standard vaping. Sub-ohm devices draw more power and produce more vapour per puff, so a few extra precautions matter.
Safe cloud chasing practices include:
- Only using batteries rated for the wattage your device requires
- Never exceeding the wattage range printed on your coil packaging
- Allowing coils to rest for a few seconds between puffs to prevent overheating
- Storing e-liquids and spare batteries away from direct heat or sunlight
- Buying coils, tanks, and batteries from reputable retailers to ensure genuine, correctly rated components
- Following UK nicotine strength regulations, which cap e-liquid nicotine content at 20mg/ml for retail sale
At Cloud 9 Liquid, every product we stock complies fully with UK vaping regulations, including TPD-compliant packaging, nicotine limits, and tank capacity rules. Responsible vaping means enjoying bigger clouds without cutting corners on safety, and that balance is something we build into every product recommendation we make.
Key Takeaways
- Cloud size depends on VG ratio, wattage, coil resistance, and airflow working together
- High VG vape juice (70/30 or 80/20) is the most effective starting point for bigger clouds
- Sub-ohm devices with adjustable wattage and open airflow are essential for real cloud chasing
- Mesh and low-resistance coils paired with correct wattage produce denser vapour
- Fully open airflow cools and expands vapour into larger clouds
- Fresh coils, charged batteries, and quality e-liquid all directly affect vapour output
- Safe cloud chasing means respecting wattage limits, battery ratings, and UK regulations
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get bigger vape clouds as a beginner?
Use a high-VG e-liquid, a sub-ohm device with adjustable wattage, a low-resistance or mesh coil, and fully open airflow. Increasing wattage gradually within your coil’s recommended range also helps.
Why am I not getting big vape clouds?
The most common causes are using a PG-heavy liquid in a sub-ohm device, running too low a wattage, restricted airflow, or vaping on a worn or unprimed coil.
Does high VG vape juice make bigger clouds?
Yes. VG is thicker and produces significantly more visible vapour than PG when heated, making it the best vape liquid for clouds when paired with a suitable device.
What wattage produces the biggest vape clouds?
This depends on coil resistance. As a general guide, 0.6 ohm coils perform well between 40-60W, 0.3 ohm coils between 60-90W, and 0.15 ohm coils between 80-120W for experienced users.
Which vape device is best for cloud chasing?
A sub-ohm device with adjustable wattage, wide-bore airflow, and compatibility with low-resistance or mesh coils is best suited to cloud chasing.
How does airflow affect vape clouds?
Wider airflow cools vapour as it exits the device, allowing it to expand into bigger, denser clouds. Restricted airflow produces warmer, smaller clouds with more concentrated flavour.
What coil is best for bigger vape clouds?
Mesh coils and low-resistance sub-ohm coils generally produce the densest vapour, provided they’re matched to the correct wattage range.
Is cloud chasing safe for beginners?
Yes, provided beginners use correctly rated batteries, stay within recommended wattage limits, use genuine components, and follow UK vaping regulations regarding nicotine strength and device compliance.
What causes weak vape clouds?
Common causes include low VG e-liquid, insufficient wattage, restricted airflow, a worn or unprimed coil, or a low battery reducing power output.
How often should I change my coil for maximum vapour?
Most sub-ohm coils need replacing every one to three weeks, depending on usage and VG content. Reduced vapour, burnt flavour, or crackling sounds indicate it’s time for a new one.
Does battery charge affect vape cloud production?
Yes. As batteries discharge, most devices reduce maximum wattage output, which directly lowers vapour production even with the same coil and e-liquid.
Can beginners produce large vape clouds safely?
Yes, by starting with a 70/30 or 80/20 VG e-liquid, a sub-ohm device rated for their coil, correct wattage, and adherence to basic battery and coil safety practices.
Ready to Build Bigger, Better Clouds?
Getting bigger vape clouds isn’t about guesswork. It comes down to matching the right e-liquid, device, coil, and airflow settings, then maintaining that setup properly. Once those elements work together, the improvement in vapour density is immediate and easy to repeat every time you vape.
Cloud 9 Liquid stocks a full range of high VG vape juice, sub-ohm-ready e-liquids, and beginner-friendly cloud vape essentials, all fully compliant with UK vaping regulations. Whether you’re picking your first sub-ohm-ready liquid or fine-tuning flavour and vapour density, our range and expertise are built to help you get there safely and confidently.
Explore Cloud 9 Liquid’s premium e-liquid collection today and find the perfect high-VG blend to start producing the bigger, denser vapecloud you’ve been aiming for.