Understanding Dry Hits in Vaping: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions

If you’ve ever taken a puff from your vape and experienced an unpleasant burnt taste, you’ve likely encountered a dry hit. It’s a frustrating moment—you’re expecting the delicious flavour of your favourite e-liquid, but instead, you get a burnt, harsh sensation that ruins the experience. Don’t worry; we’ve all been there! Dry hits are one of the most common issues vapers face, but the good news is they’re easy to understand and avoid. In this guide, we’ll explain what dry hits are, why they happen, and how you can prevent them. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned vaper, these tips will help you enjoy a smoother vaping experience.

What Is a Dry Hit?

A dry hit occurs when your vape coil is heated without enough e-liquid to saturate the wicking material. Instead of the usual flavourful vapour, you get a burnt taste and an irritating sensation in your throat. This unpleasant experience can happen with both refillable and disposable vapes.

What Does a Dry Hit Taste Like?

• Burnt Cotton Taste: A dry hit often tastes like burnt cotton due to the wicking material in the coil.
• Warm and Scratchy Sensation: You may feel a warm, harsh sensation in your mouth and throat.
• No Vapour: Dry hits usually produce little to no vapour.

Common Causes of Dry Hits

Understanding what causes dry hits is the first step in preventing them. Here are the main culprits:

1. Low E-Liquid Levels

• When there isn’t enough e-liquid in your tank or pod, the coil can’t stay saturated, leading to dry hits.
• Solution: Regularly check your e-liquid levels and top up when needed.

2. Not Priming the Coil

• New coils need to be primed before use. Without proper saturation, the cotton burns quickly.
• Solution: Drip e-liquid onto the coil and let it soak for 5-10 minutes before vaping.

3. Using the Wrong E-Liquid

• Thick e-liquids with a high VG (vegetable glycerin) content may not wick properly in certain devices.
• Solution: Use e-liquids suitable for your coil type, such as 50/50 PG/VG blends for MTL (mouth-to-lung) vaping.

4. Chain Vaping

• Taking quick, consecutive puffs doesn’t allow enough time for the wick to re-saturate.
• Solution: Take slower, spaced-out puffs to avoid overheating the coil.

5. High Wattage Settings

• Setting your device’s wattage too high can burn the wick faster than it can absorb e-liquid.
• Solution: Check the recommended wattage range on your coil and stay within it.

How to Identify a Dry Hit

A dry hit isn’t always obvious at first. Look for these signs:

• A burnt or foul taste during inhalation.
• Little to no vapour production.
• An unusually warm sensation in your mouth or throat.

If you notice any of these, stop vaping immediately to prevent further damage to your coil.

Preventing Dry Hits: Best Practices

To avoid dry hits and enjoy a consistent vaping experience, follow these simple tips:

1. Keep Your Tank or Pod Full

Make it a habit to check your e-liquid levels. Many devices have clear windows to help you monitor the liquid.

2. Prime Your Coils Properly

When installing a new coil:

• Add a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the cotton.
• Fill the tank and let it sit for at least 5 minutes.
• Take a few dry pulls (without activating the device) to help saturate the wick.

3. Choose the Right E-Liquid

Match your e-liquid’s viscosity to your device:

4. Adjust Wattage Settings

Stick to the wattage range recommended on your coil. If you’re unsure, start at the lower end and gradually increase.

5. Avoid Chain Vaping

Let your coil rest between puffs to prevent overheating. This helps maintain proper wicking and flavour.

What to Do If You Get a Dry Hit

If you experience a dry hit, don’t panic. Here’s how to fix it:

Immediate Steps:

1. Stop Vaping: Continuing to vape will only worsen the issue.
2. Check E-Liquid Levels: Refill your tank or pod if it’s running low.
3. Inspect the Coil: Look for signs of damage or burning.

Long-Term Fixes:

• Replace the Coil: If the cotton is burnt, you’ll need a new coil.
• Clean Your Device: Rinse the tank or pod with warm water and let it dry completely before reassembling.

Dry Hits vs Throat Hits

It’s important to differentiate between a dry hit and a throat hit:

FAQs About Dry Hits

1. Can a Dry Hit Damage My Vape?

Yes, frequent dry hits can damage your coil by burning the cotton wick. This reduces flavour quality and shortens the coil’s lifespan.

2. How Often Should I Replace My Coil?

Typically, you should replace your coil every 1-2 weeks, but this depends on your vaping habits and the type of e-liquid you use. Burnt flavours are a clear sign it’s time to switch.

3. Can Sweet E-Liquids Cause Dry Hits?

Yes, e-liquids with high sweetener content can caramelise on your coil, causing build-up that leads to dry hits. Cleaning your coil and using less sweetened e-liquids can help.

4. Are Mesh Coils Better for Avoiding Dry Hits?

Mesh coils distribute heat more evenly and wick e-liquid better, reducing the chances of dry hits. They are a great choice for consistent flavour and vapour production.

5. What Should I Do If I Experience Multiple Dry Hits in a Row?

Stop vaping immediately, check your e-liquid levels, inspect your coil for damage, and ensure your wattage settings are within the recommended range. Replacing the coil may be necessary.

6. Does a Dry Hit Ruin a Coil?

Yes, a dry hit can damage your coil. Burnt cotton can’t be restored, and continued use will degrade the flavour of your e-liquid and overall performance. Replacing the coil is the best solution.

Wrapping Up

Dry hits are an unpleasant but avoidable part of vaping. By keeping your device well-maintained, using the right e-liquids, and following proper vaping techniques, you can significantly reduce the chances of experiencing them. At TheVapez, we’re committed to helping you enjoy a smooth and satisfying vaping journey. If you have questions or need advice on vaping products, feel free to reach out or explore our blog for more tips.

Remember, vaping is all about enjoying the experience. Avoid dry hits, and you’re one step closer to a better, more enjoyable vape every time! We’ve all had that one bad puff, but with these tips, you can keep those moments far and few between.