Getting a harsh hit from your vape can be annoying and sometimes even painful. Instead of the smooth and flavorful experience you expected, you're left coughing or wincing after each puff. The good news is that this problem is usually easy to fix once you understand what might be causing it. Whether you're new to vaping or just ran into a sudden issue, this guide will walk you through the most common causes and simple solutions.
Common Reasons Your Vape Feels Harsh
The Coil Is Dry or Burnt
One of the most common reasons for a harsh hit is a dry coil. Your vape coil has a cotton wick that needs to be fully soaked with e-liquid. If the cotton is dry when the coil heats up, it burns instead of vaporizes. This creates a burnt taste and a sharp throat hit.
Even if your tank has liquid, an old or clogged coil can produce the same effect. Over time, residue builds up and causes uneven heating.
How to fix it:
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Make sure your tank or pod is always at least one-third full
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Let a new coil soak for 5 to 10 minutes before you start vaping
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Replace the coil if it still tastes burnt or if you have used it for over a week
Wattage Is Too High
Vaping at a power level that is too high causes the coil to heat up quickly and excessively. This makes the vapor hotter and can scorch the wick if the juice cannot keep up with the demand.
How to fix it:
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Check the recommended wattage printed on the coil
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Start at the lower end of the range and slowly increase power until the vapor feels smooth
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If your device has temperature control, try enabling it for more consistent results
Nicotine Strength Is Too High
High nicotine levels can create a rough and peppery throat hit, especially with freebase nicotine. Many users who switch from cigarettes choose a high strength without realizing it may feel harsh in a vape.
How to fix it:
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Try a lower nicotine strength if you are using a sub-ohm device
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Consider switching to nicotine salt e-liquid, which is designed to feel smoother even at higher strengths
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If you are unsure, test a juice with 3 mg or 6 mg nicotine and see how it feels
E-Liquid Has Too Much PG
E-liquid contains a mix of PG (propylene glycol) and VG (vegetable glycerin). PG carries flavor and gives a stronger throat hit. VG creates smoother vapor. A blend with too much PG can make your vape feel sharp or irritating.
How to fix it:
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Use an e-liquid with more VG in the mix
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Try a 70 VG and 30 PG blend if you are using a sub-ohm device
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Pod users can try a balanced 50-50 mix if the flavor is still important to them
Airflow Is Too Tight
When your vape’s airflow is restricted, the vapor becomes hotter and denser. That extra heat can lead to harshness and discomfort.
How to fix it:
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Open the airflow ring or slider on your device to allow more air in
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Take slow and relaxed puffs instead of quick hard draws
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Check the air pathway for any blockages or juice buildup
Puffing Too Often or Too Hard
If you take multiple puffs quickly or inhale too forcefully, the coil may not have enough time to soak up more juice between hits. This leads to dry hits and harshness.
How to fix it:
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Leave 5 to 10 seconds between puffs
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Take smoother and more controlled draws
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Let the coil rest occasionally to reabsorb liquid
Quick Steps To Smooth Out Your Vape
Here’s a checklist to help fix harsh hits fast:
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Top off your tank or pod
Never let the juice get too low. Refill before it drops below one third. -
Prime your coil
Put a few drops of juice directly on the coil cotton, then let it soak for 10 minutes after installing it. -
Lower the wattage
Start at the low end of your coil's suggested range and increase only if needed. -
Open the airflow
Letting more air in cools the vapor and reduces throat irritation. -
Switch to smoother juice
Look for high VG blends or try nicotine salts if you need higher strength with less harshness. -
Replace the coil
If none of the above helps, and your coil is over a week old or tastes burnt, swap it for a new one.
When To Replace Parts Or Upgrade Your Device
Not every setup is built to handle every style of vaping. If your harsh hits keep coming back, your hardware may be limiting you.
Replace your coil if:
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You notice a burnt or bitter taste
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You see black buildup on the coil
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The coil is older than 10 days with frequent use
Consider upgrading your device if:
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It doesn’t allow you to adjust wattage or airflow
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You want to use thicker liquids or lower nicotine but the current setup isn’t compatible
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You’re constantly replacing pods or getting inconsistent performance
Habits That Help Prevent Harsh Hits
Once your vape feels smooth again, here are habits to keep it that way:
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Always prime a new coil before using it
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Keep your tank filled to avoid dry hits
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Give the coil a few seconds between puffs
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Stay within the coil's wattage limits
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Match your e-liquid to your device and coil design
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Clean the tank and airflow holes during coil changes
Today’s Flavor Pick: OLIT Hookalit 40K
If you’re looking to purchase popular e-cigarette flavors, be sure to check out our website. We carry a wide range of the most popular e-cigarette brands on the market, offering something for every type of vaper. Whether you prefer bold fruit blends, refreshing mints, creamy desserts, or icy cool hits, you’ll find a flavor that suits your taste.
Today’s featured flavor device is the OLIT Hookalit 40K Disposable E-Hookah Device. Known for its massive 40,000 puff capacity and rich vapor production, this device comes pre-loaded with a variety of fan-favorite flavors such as:
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Blue Razz Ice – a tangy berry blend with a frosty finish
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Peach Mango Watermelon – sweet, juicy, and perfectly balanced
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Strawberry Banana – a creamy, smooth fruit fusion
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Cool Mint – crisp and refreshing for all-day vaping
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Grape Ice – bold grape flavor with a chilling twist
Whether you're after sweet, fruity, or icy, OLIT Hookalit 40K delivers consistent flavor and satisfaction with every puff. Visit our site today and explore the full selection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when my coil is burnt?
It tastes like burnt toast, the vapor feels rough, and nothing improves the hit even at low power. The cotton may also look dark or crispy.
Are some flavors naturally harsher?
Yes. Menthol, cinnamon, citrus, and sour blends can feel sharper than dessert or fruit flavors.
What PG/VG ratio is smoothest?
For sub-ohm vaping, 70 VG and 30 PG is usually ideal. For pods, 50-50 offers a good balance of smoothness and flavor.
Do nicotine salts reduce harshness?
Yes. Nic salts are smoother on the throat compared to freebase nicotine. They work especially well in low-wattage devices.
Why did my vape turn harsh overnight?
Possible reasons include an empty tank, worn coil, blocked airflow, or power settings that were accidentally changed.
Conclusion
If your vape is hitting harsh, it’s usually caused by one of a few common issues like a dry coil, high wattage, strong nicotine, or poor airflow. You can solve most problems with small adjustments. Try one fix at a time, and you’ll be back to a smooth and satisfying experience in no time.
More Reading: How do I avoid dry hits when vaping?
