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Dry Hit

Are you familiar with the unpleasant and frustrating sensation known as a dry hit? Whether you're a beginner or an experienced vaper, dry hits can strike at any time and ruin your vaping experience. No one is exempt from this unfortunate occurrence. We all want to savour the flavorful vapour and enjoy our vaping sessions to the fullest. So let's explore what dry hits are, what causes them, and most importantly, how to avoid them by following a few simple tips.

What Is a Dry Hit?

A dry hit is something that happens to every vaper. It happens when the coil in your device gets heated but there is insufficient e-liquid present to vaporise. So, instead of inhaling the smooth, flavourful vapour you expect, you end up inhaling a burnt and unpleasant taste. 

Dry hits can make your vaping experience quite unsatisfying. In addition to the burnt taste and harshness, they can potentially irritate the throat and lungs.

What Causes Dry Hits?

In order to prevent dry hits, you first need to understand what causes them. Let's look at some of the main causes:

Frequent Vaping

If you take one puff after another without giving your device a break, the wick doesn't have enough time to soak up the e-liquid, leading to inhaling dry hits, even if there is enough liquid in your tank. This is also known as chain vaping.

Not Priming

Priming your coils before vaping is also important. If you insert a new coil into your vape and try to use it immediately, you run the risk of experiencing dry hits, which can also damage your new coil.

Not Enough E-liquid

If you don't have enough vape juice in your device, it is very likely that you are going to experience dry hits because the wick doesn't have enough liquid to absorb. If you have a disposable vape and the e-liquid runs out, simply throw it away and replace it with a new one. If you have a refillable device, add more juice into your tank, wait for the wick to absorb the liquid, and continue vaping.

You can read more about how to properly recycle your vapes in our dedicated blog post.

Faulty Equipment or Device

Dry hits can also occur as a result of a vape kit malfunction. If you are sure your coil is primed and you have enough liquid in your vape tank, the issue may lie in the device itself. In this case, you should consider buying a new one to prevent further dry hits or other safety issues.

How to Avoid Dry Hits?

Even though dry hits are something you can't completely avoid, there are a few simple steps you can take to minimise their frequency. Here are a few tips on how to avoid dry hits and keep your device performing well:

  • Make sure your tank has enough e-liquid at all times.
  • Ensure your wick is properly saturated.
  • When replacing your old coil for a new one, make sure to prime your new coil.
  • Avoid chain vaping, and let your device cool off a little between puffs.
  • If you feel like the problem could be your device, it's time to invest in a new one.
  • Check the PG/VG ratio of your e-liquid. High VG ratio liquid has a thicker consistency, which makes it harder to be absorbed.

Ask the Expert! Sam – Your Trusted Vape Connoisseur


Introducing our resident professional vape expert, Sam – a seasoned connoisseur and owner of Rhythm N Vape with a wealth of knowledge and a passion for all things vaping. Sam is here to be your go-to guide, answering your questions, offering tailored advice, and sharing insider tips to elevate your vaping experience.

Do Dry Hits Taste Burnt?

Yes, dry hits taste burnt, which can be quite unpleasant to inhale. To avoid this, it is important to make sure your device is working properly, you have enough e-liquid, your wick is saturated properly, and your coils are not damaged.

Should I Change My Coil After a Dry Hit?

We would recommend changing your coil after experiencing a dry hit. Dry hits can cause the coil to burn and affect its performance, resulting in a degraded vaping experience. By replacing the coil, you can ensure optimal flavour and prevent any lingering burnt taste.

Do Burnt Coils Produce Less Vapour?

Yes, burnt coils can produce less vapour. When a coil is burnt, it affects the ability to efficiently heat the e-liquid, resulting in reduced vapour production.

How Do You Properly Saturate a Wick?

It's quite simple. All you have to do is to make sure that the wick is thoroughly soaked with e-liquid. Start by priming the coil by adding a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the wick before assembling the device. Allow the newly filled tank to sit for a few minutes, giving the e-liquid enough time to fully absorb into the wick.

What Is the best PG/VG Ratio?

The best ratio depends on your personal preference and the type of experience you desire. A common ratio is 70% VG and 30% PG for a balance between vapour production and flavour. However, some vapers prefer higher VG ratios for denser clouds, whilst others prefer higher PG ratios for a stronger throat hit and flavour intensity.

How Long Should I Wait between Puffs?

It is recommended to wait for a few seconds between puffs to allow the wick to re-saturate with e-liquid. Waiting for this brief moment ensures that the coil remains properly saturated, reducing the risk of getting dry hits.

How Can I Reach Out to Sam for Personalised Vaping Advice?

Feel free to submit your questions to info@rhythmnvape.co.uk

I hope that helps and if you have any more questions I would be happy to answer them! Get in touch today! Sam. 

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