TL;DR: The Quick Fixes

If your 20mg feels weak:

• ↑ Increase wattage by 1-2W
• → Switch to lower resistance coil (0.8Ω instead of 1.2Ω)
• → Try Riot Squad Hybrid Pink Grenade (€3.79) for stronger hit
• ↓ Reduce airflow by 30-50%

If your 20mg feels too harsh:

• ↓ Decrease wattage by 2-3W
• → Switch to higher resistance coil (1.2Ω instead of 0.8Ω)
• → Use smoother brands (Dinner Lady Bar Salts Lemon Tart €4.49 or Pod Salt Core Fresh Mint)
• ↑ Open airflow slightly

Read on for exactly how to implement these fixes for your specific device.

Why 20mg Works Differently for Everyone

Same liquid. Same strength. Completely different experience.

You’ve seen it in EU vaping forums: “20mg is too weak for me” and “20mg is way too harsh” posted about the same product. Both are right because nicotine salt satisfaction depends on five adjustable variables most vapers never optimize.

The problem isn’t the liquid. It’s the setup.

What This Guide Does: Shows you exactly which levers to adjust and how, with copy-paste settings for popular devices. No guessing, no trial-and-error wasting expensive liquids.

The Five Levers: Your Control Panel

Think of your vaping setup like a sound equalizer. Five sliders control your experience:

Lever 1: Coil Resistance (Ω)

What it does: Lower resistance = more vapor = more nicotine per puff

The Sweet Spots:

• 0.6-0.8Ω: Strong hit, more vapor, faster satisfaction
• 0.9-1.0Ω: Balanced (most versatile)
• 1.2-1.6Ω: Smooth, gentle, cigarette-like draw

When to adjust:

• Feels weak → Go lower (1.2Ω → 0.8Ω)
• Too harsh → Go higher (0.8Ω → 1.2Ω)
• Want longer battery → Go higher

Real Impact: Switching from 1.2Ω to 0.8Ω can make the same 20mg feel 30-40% stronger.

Lever 2: Wattage (W)

What it does: Higher wattage = hotter vapor = more intense hit

The Safe Ranges for 20mg:

• 0.6Ω coils: 14-16W (never exceed 18W)
• 0.8Ω coils: 12-15W
• 1.0Ω coils: 11-13W
• 1.2Ω+ coils: 10-12W

Critical Rule: Lower resistance needs higher wattage. Higher resistance needs lower wattage.

When to adjust:

• Weak satisfaction → +1-2W
• Harsh throat → -2-3W
• Burnt taste → -3W immediately

Warning Signs You’re Too High:

• Harsh, scratchy throat
• Burnt taste after 5-10 puffs
• Coils dying in 2-3 days
• Headaches after vaping

Lever 3: Airflow

What it does: Less air = concentrated vapor = stronger hit

The Settings:

• Fully Open: Smoothest, coolest, least intense
• 50% Closed: Balanced (start here)
• 80% Closed: Tight draw, strong hit, warmest

When to adjust:

• Weak hit → Close airflow 30-50%
• Too harsh → Open airflow 20-30%
• Want cigarette-like draw → Close 70-80%
• Too hot → Open fully

Device-Specific:

• Caliburn G3: No airflow adjustment (designed for optimal flow)
• XROS 5: Adjustable slider on side
• XLIM Pro 2: Rotating airflow ring
• Vinci 2: Slider control

Lever 4: Liquid Type

What it does: Not all 20mg salts hit the same way

The Categories:

Pure Nic Salts (Pod Salt Core, IVG Salts, Dinner Lady Bar Salts)

• Smoother absorption
• Gentle throat hit
• Best for: All-day vaping, sensitive throats
• Top Pick: Pod Salt Core Mango Ice (€3.99) – In stock: Multiple units

Hybrid Salts (Riot Squad Hybrid Series)

• Nic salt + freebase blend
• Stronger throat hit
• Best for: Ex-heavy smokers, those finding pure salts weak
• Top Pick: Riot Squad Hybrid Tropical Fury (€3.79) – Premium value

PG/VG Ratio Impact:

• 50/50 (standard): Balanced throat hit and vapor
• 60/40 (higher PG): Stronger throat hit, thinner liquid
• 40/60 (higher VG): Smoother hit, thicker vapor

Quick Fix:

• 20mg feels weak → Try Riot Squad Hybrid Sub Lime or Pink Grenade
• 20mg too harsh → Try Dinner Lady Bar Salts Lemon Tart (551 units in stock)

Lever 5: Puff Technique

What it does: How you inhale controls nicotine absorption

The Techniques:

Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) – Recommended for 20mg

1. Draw vapor into mouth (3-4 seconds)
2. Hold in mouth (1-2 seconds)
3. Inhale to lungs
4. Exhale Result: Maximum nicotine absorption, cigarette-like

Direct-to-Lung (DTL) – NOT for 20mg

• Inhale straight to lungs
• Too harsh with 20mg
• Use only with 3-6mg freebase

Puff Cadence Matters:

• Fast chain vaping: Reduces satisfaction (nicotine overload)
• Slow, deliberate: Better absorption, longer coil life
• Optimal: 30-60 seconds between puffs

Pro Tip: Hold vapor in mouth 2-3 seconds before inhaling to lungs. This increases absorption by 15-20%.

Copy-Paste Settings: Popular Devices

Vaporesso XROS 5

For Balanced Experience:

• Pod: 0.8Ω COREX
• Wattage: 13W
• Airflow: 50% open
• Liquid: IVG Beyond Salts Apple & Mango (€4.19, 76 units in stock)
• Result: Smooth, flavorful, satisfying

For Stronger Hit:

• Pod: 0.6Ω COREX
• Wattage: 15W
• Airflow: 40% open
• Liquid: Riot Squad Hybrid Pink Grenade (€3.79)
• Result: Powerful, immediate satisfaction

For Gentlest Experience:

• Pod: 1.0Ω COREX
• Wattage: 12W
• Airflow: 70% open
• Liquid: Dinner Lady Bar Salts Purple Rain (€4.29, 381 units in stock)
• Result: Ultra-smooth, no harshness

Uwell Caliburn G3

For Balanced Experience:

• Coil: 0.9Ω
• Wattage: 14W (auto-adjusts)
• Liquid: Pod Salt Core Ice Menthol (5-pack boxes available)
• Result: Classic Caliburn smoothness

For Stronger Hit:

• Coil: 0.9Ω
• Wattage: 16W
• Liquid: Riot Squad Hybrid Strawberry Blueberry Ice (€3.79)
• Result: Enhanced throat hit

For All-Day Comfort:

• Coil: 1.2Ω
• Wattage: 13W
• Liquid: IVG Beyond Salts Dragon Berry Blend (€4.29, 556 units in stock)
• Result: Gentle, long-lasting coils

Note: Caliburn auto-adjusts wattage but you can manually override in menu.

OXVA XLIM Pro 2 DNA

For Balanced Experience:

• Pod: 1.0Ω
• Wattage: 15W
• DNA Mode: On (automatic optimization)
• Airflow: 50% closed
• Liquid: IVG Salts Tropical Ice Blast (€3.99, 28 units in stock)
• Result: Perfect consistency every puff

For Maximum Precision:

• Pod: 0.8Ω
• Wattage: 14W
• DNA Replay Mode: Enabled
• Airflow: 40% closed
• Liquid: Pod Salt Fusions Pacha Mama Strawberry Kiwi Ice (€4.29)
• Result: Never a dry hit, perfect flavor

DNA Advantage: The chip monitors coil 30,000x/second and adjusts in real-time. Set it once, forget it.

Voopoo Vinci 2

For Balanced Experience:

• Coil: 0.8Ω MTL
• Wattage: 13W
• Airflow: Middle position
• Liquid: IVG Salts Caribbean Crush (€3.99, 267 units in stock)
• Result: Versatile, adjustable on-the-fly

For Budget-Friendly Setup:

• Coil: 0.8Ω
• Wattage: 12W
• Airflow: Slightly closed
• Liquid: Riot Squad Hybrid Fresh Blueberry (€3.79, best value)
• Result: Great satisfaction, long coil life

Troubleshooting Matrix: Symptom → Solution

Problem: Weak Satisfaction (Not Hitting Right)

Symptoms:

• Need 20-30 puffs to feel satisfied
• Cravings return quickly
• Feels like “something’s missing”

Solutions (Try in order):

1. Close airflow 30-50%
   
   • Takes 2 seconds
   • Free adjustment
   • Often fixes issue immediately
2. Increase wattage by 2W
   
   • If your device allows manual control
   • Don’t exceed safe range for your coil
3. Switch to lower resistance coil
   
   • 1.2Ω → 0.9Ω or 0.9Ω → 0.8Ω
   • More vapor = more nicotine per puff
4. Try hybrid nic salt
   
   • Riot Squad Hybrid Sub Lime delivers stronger hit
   • Same 20mg, different formula
5. Check puff technique
   
   • Hold vapor in mouth 2-3 seconds
   • Slow, deliberate draws
   • 30-60 seconds between puffs

Problem: Too Harsh (Throat Irritation)

Symptoms:

• Scratchy, uncomfortable throat
• Coughing after inhale
• Feels too “strong” or “hot”

Solutions (Try in order):

1. Reduce wattage by 3W
   
   • Immediate relief
   • Most common cause of harshness
2. Open airflow 20-30%
   
   • Cools vapor down
   • Reduces concentration
3. Switch to higher resistance coil
   
   • 0.8Ω → 1.0Ω or 1.2Ω
   • Less vapor per puff
4. Change to smoother liquid
   
   • Dinner Lady Bar Salts Lemon Tart = smoothest (551 units in stock)
   • Pod Salt Core Fresh Mint = very smooth (5-pack boxes)
   • Avoid hybrid salts
5. Check liquid age
   
   
   • Oxidized nicotine tastes peppery
   • Replace if bottle is 6+ months old

Problem: Burnt Taste

Symptoms:

• Charred, unpleasant flavor
• Happens after a few puffs
• Gets worse quickly

Solutions:

1. Reduce wattage immediately by 3-5W
   
   • You’re burning the coil
2. Check if coil is properly primed
   
   
   • New coil? Add 5 drops directly to cotton
   • Wait 10 minutes before first puff
3. Verify coil is seated correctly
   
   • Remove and reinstall
   • Should click or lock into place
4. Check liquid level
   
   • Must cover wicking holes
   • Refill above minimum line
5. Replace coil if damage done
   
   
   • Once burnt, can’t recover
   • Burnt taste won’t go away

Problem: Leaking

Symptoms:

• Liquid in mouthpiece
• Gurgling sounds
• Wet battery connection

Solutions:

1. Don’t overfill
   
   • Leave 10-20% air space
   • Liquid expands when warm
2. Check O-rings
   
   • Look for damage or missing rings
   • Replace if worn
3. Store upright
   
   • Not on its side overnight
   • Prevents flooding
4. Close airflow when not using
   
   
   • Prevents liquid seepage
   • Especially important in pocket
5. Verify coil is tight
   
   • Hand-tighten (not too tight)
   • Should be snug, not loose

Problem: Flavor Fades Fast

Symptoms:

• First refill tastes great
• Second refill muted
• Third refill tastes burnt sugar

Solutions:

1. Choose low-sweetener liquids
   
   • IVG Beyond Salts Apple & Mango (best)
   • Riot Squad Hybrid series (minimal sweetener)
   • Avoid dessert flavors
2. Clean pod between refills
   
   • Rinse with warm water
   • Dry completely before refilling
   • Removes residue
3. Use separate pods for flavor types
   
   • One for fruits (IVG Salts)
   • One for desserts (Dinner Lady)
   • One for menthol (Pod Salt Core Ice Menthol)
4. Replace coil at first sign
   
   • Don’t wait for burnt taste
   • When flavor starts muting = time to change
5. Store liquid properly
   
   • Cool, dark place
   • Tighten cap immediately
   • Use within 6 months of opening

The 5-Minute Maintenance Routine

Do This Weekly (Extends Coil Life 30-50%):

Monday: Quick Clean (2 minutes)

• Remove pod from device
• Wipe battery contacts with dry cloth
• Clean mouthpiece with damp cloth
• Check for pocket lint in airflow

Wednesday: Airflow Check (1 minute)

• Blow through airflow holes
• Remove any dust buildup
• Test draw resistance
• Adjust if feels different

Friday: Deep Clean (5 minutes)

• Remove pod
• Rinse under warm water (if refillable)
• Dry completely (wait 30 minutes)
• Reassemble with fresh liquid
• Wipe device exterior

Do This With Every Refill (30 seconds):

• Wipe condensation from mouthpiece
• Check liquid level (refill above 20%)
• Inspect seals for damage
• Tighten coil if needed

Do This Monthly (15 minutes):

• Deep clean entire device
• Check for firmware updates (if applicable)
• Inspect USB port for lint
• Replace any worn O-rings
• Test battery performance

Quick Wins: Implement Today

Win 1: Find Your Sweet Spot Wattage (3 minutes)

The Process:

1. Start at recommended wattage for your coil
2. Take 5 puffs
3. Adjust by 1W up or down
4. Take 5 more puffs
5. Repeat until you find perfect balance

You’ll know it’s right when:

• Satisfying without being harsh
• Flavor is clear and strong
• Throat hit feels natural
• No burnt taste

Write it down: Keep a note of ideal wattage for each liquid/coil combo.

Win 2: The Airflow Test (2 minutes)

The Process:

1. Take puff with airflow fully open
2. Close 25% and take another puff
3. Close 50% and take another puff
4. Close 75% and take another puff

Find the setting where:

• Draw resistance feels comfortable
• Satisfaction level is good
• Vapor temperature is pleasant

Most people land on 40-60% closed for 20mg.

Win 3: Perfect Your Puff Technique (1 minute)

The Drill:

1. Draw vapor into mouth slowly (3-4 seconds)
2. Hold in mouth for 2 seconds (this is key)
3. Inhale to lungs
4. Exhale slowly
5. Wait 45 seconds
6. Repeat

Practice this 5 times. Muscle memory forms quickly.

Win 4: Set Up Coil Change Reminders

The System:

1. Note date when you install new coil
2. Set phone reminder for 7 days later
3. Check flavor quality when reminder hits
4. Change if muted, or add 3 more days if still good

Average coil life with proper maintenance:

• Sweet liquids (Dinner Lady desserts): 5-7 days
• Regular liquids (Pod Salt, IVG): 8-10 days
• Unsweetened (Riot Squad): 10-14 days

Win 5: Create Your Device Profile

Write this down and keep it:

• Device: [Your pod system]
• Coil: [Resistance you prefer]
• Wattage: [Sweet spot number]
• Airflow: [% open or closed]
• Liquid: [What works best]
• Coil life: [Average days]

Example:

• Device: Vaporesso XROS 5
• Coil: 0.8Ω COREX
• Wattage: 13W
• Airflow: 50% open
• Liquid: IVG Beyond Salts Dragon Berry Blend
• Coil life: 9 days average

Advanced Optimization: The Next Level

Temperature Control (If Your Device Has It)

What it does: Prevents dry hits and burnt taste automatically

Recommended Settings:

• Temperature: 200-240°C (392-464°F)
• Material: Kanthal or SS316L
• TCR: 0.00092 (if required)

Devices with TC:

• OXVA XLIM Pro 2 DNA
• Lost Vape Ursa Nano Pro
• Vaporesso Luxe PM40

Benefit: Consistent experience every puff, impossible to burn coil.

The Nicotine Ladder Strategy

If you’re trying to reduce nicotine:

Phase 1: Weeks 1-4

• Stay at 20mg
• Optimize setup for satisfaction
• Establish routine
• Recommended: IVG Salts Summer Blaze (547 units in stock)

Phase 2: Weeks 5-8

• Drop to 15mg (if available) or 12mg
• Keep same device settings
• Monitor cravings

Phase 3: Weeks 9-12

• Drop to 10mg
• May need to close airflow slightly
• Should feel comfortable

Phase 4: Week 13+

• Drop to 6mg or 3mg
• Consider switching to freebase
• Different devices may work better

Key: Don’t change device AND nicotine at same time. One variable at a time.

Coil Break-In Period

New coils need conditioning:

Day 1:

• Prime with 5 drops
• Wait 10 minutes
• Start at -2W below normal
• Take gentle puffs
• Gradually increase to normal wattage

Day 2:

• Coil is fully broken in
• Use normal settings
• Peak flavor begins

Skipping break-in = 30-40% shorter coil life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I’ve tried everything and 20mg still doesn’t work?

Three possibilities:

1. You need higher strength – Consider nicotine pouches (30-50mg) for breakthrough cravings
2. You were a very heavy smoker – 20mg might genuinely be insufficient
3. Absorption issue – Try holding vapor longer or ensure proper MTL technique

If none work, consult with experienced vapers or consider combination therapy (vaping + pouches).

Can I use 20mg in a sub-ohm tank?

No. Never.

Sub-ohm tanks (under 0.5Ω) produce massive vapor. Using 20mg will:

• Be extremely harsh
• Cause nicotine overdose (nausea, dizziness)
• Burn through coils instantly
• Taste terrible

Sub-ohm tanks need 3-6mg freebase only.

How long should a 10ml bottle of 20mg last?

Depends on usage:

• Light vaper (1ml/day): 10 days
• Moderate vaper (2ml/day): 5 days
• Heavy vaper (3ml/day): 3-4 days

If you’re using more than 3ml/day:

• Check your setup isn’t wasteful
• Ensure you’re getting satisfaction per puff
• Consider if strength is actually right

Should I adjust settings for different flavors?

Yes, slightly:

Menthol/Ice (Pod Salt Core Ice Menthol):

• Can handle +1W (enhances cooling)
• Slightly more airflow (prevents harshness)

Desserts (Dinner Lady Bar Salts Lemon Tart):

• Standard settings or -1W
• These are already sweet enough

Fruits (IVG Salts Caribbean Crush):

• Standard settings work best
• Let natural flavor shine

Tobacco (if using):

• Can handle +1-2W
• Slightly restricted airflow (cigarette-like)

How do I know when to replace my coil?

Clear signs:

• Muted flavor (biggest indicator)
• Slightly burnt taste
• Darker liquid color when empty
• Reduced vapor production
• Gurgling that won’t go away

Don’t wait for: Full burnt taste – that’s too late. Replace at first sign of flavor fade.

Can I clean and reuse coils?

Technically yes, practically no.

You can rinse coils in warm water and dry them, but:

• Only adds 1-2 days life
• Never as good as new
• Time better spent on proper maintenance
• Coils are cheap (€2-3 each)

Better investment: Buy quality low-sweetener liquids like Riot Squad Hybrid or IVG Beyond Salts that extend coil life naturally.

What’s the ideal room temperature for vaping?

18-24°C (64-75°F)

Too cold (<15°C):

• Liquid thickens
• Harder to wick
• Battery drains faster

Too hot (>30°C):

• Liquid thins too much
• Can cause leaking
• Battery stress

In your pocket: Body heat (37°C) is fine for short periods.

How often should I change liquids?

No strict rules, but:

Changing within same flavor family: No need to clean

• Fruit to fruit: Fine to mix (IVG to Pod Salt)
• Dessert to dessert: Fine to mix
• Menthol to anything: Clean first
• Anything to menthol: Clean first

Completely different profiles: Clean between

Best practice: Keep 2-3 pods for rotation if you like variety.

Your Next Steps

Start with these three actions:

1. Copy the preset for your device (scroll up to “Copy-Paste Settings”)
2. Do the airflow test (takes 2 minutes)
3. Perfect your puff technique (practice 5 times)

If still not satisfied:

• Check the troubleshooting matrix for your specific symptom
• Implement the weekly maintenance routine
• Consider different liquid types (pure vs hybrid salts)

Need specific liquids?

For Smooth Experience:

• [Dinner Lady Bar Salts Collection →] Premium smoothness
• [Pod Salt Core Range →] Consistent, reliable

For Strong Hit:

• [Riot Squad Hybrid Series →] Best value, strong satisfaction
• [IVG Beyond Salts →] Complex flavors, quality nicotine

The Bottom Line

Your 20mg experience is 80% setup, 20% liquid quality.

Most people blame the liquid when the real issue is coil resistance, wattage, or puff technique. Adjust the five levers systematically using our real products and you’ll find your perfect setup.

The golden rule: Change one variable at a time. Test for a full day before adjusting another lever.

Keep this bookmarked. You’ll reference these settings every time you change coils, try new liquids, or troubleshoot issues.