Walk into any vape shop and you’ll be confronted with a bewildering array of e-liquid options. Pre-filled vapes, nic salts, shortfills, and freebase liquids all compete for shelf space. For new vapers especially, choosing between formats can feel overwhelming.If you’re using a refillable vape kit, the most important decision is understanding the difference between IVG vapes (pre-filled or designed for nic salts) and shortfills. These two formats serve different purposes, and choosing the wrong one can lead to poor performance, damaged coils, or wasted money.This guide breaks down each format and helps you decide which is right for your setup.
Understanding vape Liquids (Nic Salts)
vape liquids, often called “nic salts,” are specifically formulated for small refillable devices. They use a specialized form of nicotine that’s designed to absorb quickly into the bloodstream, providing a faster nicotine hit than traditional freebase liquids.
Key Characteristics:
• Low power requirement: vape liquids work best in devices running 6-15W• High nicotine strength: Typically 10mg or 20mg per ml• Quick nicotine hit: Satisfying effect mimics the sensation of smoking• Smooth throat hit: Despite high nicotine, nic salts deliver smooth inhales• Bottle size: Usually 10ml bottles, sometimes 20ml
Best For:
• Smokers switching to vaping (the high nicotine satisfies cravings)• Vapers using refillable vape kits• All-day vaping in small doses• Portability and discretion
Where They Work Best:
Refillable vape systems like IVG vapes are optimized for nic salt liquids. The coils and chamber design in these devices are calibrated for the nicotine salt formulation. When you use nic salts in a vape kit, you get maximum flavor and optimal coil life.
Understanding Shortfills
Shortfills represent the opposite end of the e-liquid spectrum. These are large bottles (usually 50ml or 100ml) filled three-quarters of the way with 0mg nicotine e-liquid. The empty quarter is designed for vapers to add nicotine shots, customizing strength to their preference.
Key Characteristics:
• High VG content: Typically 70/30 VG/PG ratio (high vegetable glycerin)• Zero nicotine: Requires adding nic shots to create nicotine content• Large bottle sizes: 50ml, 100ml, or larger• Lower cost per ml: Significantly cheaper than pre-made nic salts once mixed• Designed for power: Works best in devices running 30W+
Best For:
• Experienced vapers with box mods or advanced tanks• Cloud chasers• Budget-conscious long-term vapers• Experimenting with flavor layering and blending
Where They Work Best:
Shortfills require sub-ohm devices—powerful vape mods with advanced tanks that can handle high-VG liquid and sustained heating. They’re not designed for small refillable vapes.
Why You Can’t Always Mix and Match
This is the critical point many new vapers miss: using shortfills in a vape kit will damage your device.Here’s why:
Coil Incompatibility
vape coils are engineered for low-VG liquids (50/50 PG/VG ratio, typical of nic salts). High-VG shortfills are thick and viscous. When you force thick shortfill liquid through a vape coil designed for thin liquid, the coil becomes flooded. Liquid can’t vaporize properly, resulting in burnt, unpleasant hits and premature coil death.
Power Mismatch
Nic salts are formulated to work at low power (6-15W). Shortfills need higher power (30W+) to produce adequate vapor and flavor. A vape kit simply can’t deliver this power, leaving you with weak, unsatisfying hits.
Nicotine Issues
If you add nic shots to a shortfill and use it in a vape, you’ll likely overshoot your desired nicotine level. Nic shots are concentrated; vapes designed for 10-20mg won’t handle custom mixes well, potentially delivering nicotine hits that are too harsh.
Choosing the Right Format for Your Device
If You’re Using a Refillable vape Kit
Stick exclusively with nic salt e-liquids or liquids specifically labeled as compatible with your vape system. IVG vapes work perfectly with nic salt formulations, offering consistent performance and flavor. Expect to pay £2-£4 per 10ml bottle, and plan to refill every 5-7 days.
If You’re Using a Box Mod or Advanced Tank
Shortfills are ideal. You’ll get more liquid per purchase, better flavor in high-power applications, and the ability to customize nicotine levels. A 100ml shortfill might cost £8-£12, then another £2-£3 for nic shots, bringing the total nicotine-adjusted cost well below nic salt pricing.
Hybrid Approach: Best of Both Worlds
Many experienced vapers use both formats. They might carry a refillable vape kit with nic salts during the day for convenience and discretion, then switch to a box mod with shortfills at home for flavor and cloud production.This approach gives you options without forcing you to choose one format exclusively.
Making Your Decision
Ask yourself these questions:1. What device am I using? (This is the deciding factor)2. How much am I willing to spend? (Nic salts cost more per ml but are easier; shortfills cost less but require more setup)3. What’s my vaping style? (Portable and discreet vs. cloud-focused and experimental)4. How important is flavor? (Both formats deliver great flavor; nic salts in vapes, shortfills in advanced devices)
Final Recommendation
If you own a refillable vape kit, there’s no debate: use nic salts formulated for vapes. When you’re ready to explore other devices, shortfills become relevant. Until then, save yourself the cost of replacing burnt coils and stick with formats designed for your device.Quality retailers stock both formats. When shopping for IVG vapes and e-liquids, ensure you’re buying the right format for your specific device. Most retailers clearly label which products are compatible with refillable vape systems and which require advanced equipment.Choose correctly, and you’ll enjoy consistent performance, better flavor, and longer coil life.
