Cloud chasing the art of producing big, dense vapour clouds has become a popular part of vaping culture. For some, it’s simply about creating a more satisfying visual experience; for others, it’s about competition and technique.

If you’re looking to level up your vapour production, it’s not just about cranking your device to the highest wattage. Cloud size depends on a combination of factors including device settings, e-liquid composition, airflow, and your own inhalation style.

Choosing the Right Device

Not all vaping devices are built for massive cloud production. Pod systems and disposables are usually designed for mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping, which mimics smoking and produces smaller clouds.

For bigger clouds, you’ll want a device capable of sub-ohm vaping meaning it uses coils with a resistance below 1.0 ohm. Sub-ohm mods and advanced pod mods can deliver higher power levels and create much denser vapour.

Coil Selection and Maintenance

Coils are one of the most important factors in cloud production. To maximise vapour output:

• Use low-resistance coils (sub-ohm coils) to allow more power and faster vapourisation.
  
  
  
• Choose mesh coils for even heating and improved surface contact with the e-liquid, which boosts both flavour and cloud size.
  
  
  
• Prime coils properly before use to prevent dry hits and ensure smooth performance.
  
  
  
• Replace coils regularly — a worn coil will not produce dense clouds and can taste burnt.
  
  
  

E-Liquid Choice: VG/PG Ratio Matters

The composition of your e-liquid plays a major role in how much vapour you get. Vegetable glycerin (VG) is thicker and produces more vapour, while propylene glycol (PG) carries flavour but makes thinner clouds.

For cloud chasing, aim for high VG e-liquids typically 70% VG or higher. These will create thicker, denser vapour and a smoother inhale, especially when paired with sub-ohm coils.

You can find a variety of high-VG blends through Freesmo’s e-liquids collection, which lets you filter by VG/PG ratio to find the best liquids for your setup.

Airflow and Device Settings

Airflow control is key to producing big clouds. Most sub-ohm devices have adjustable airflow rings that let you fine-tune the amount of air moving through the coil.

• Open airflow allows more air and creates bigger clouds but can make flavour slightly less intense.
  
  
  
• Closed airflow tightens the draw and intensifies flavour but produces smaller clouds.
  
  
  

Experiment with airflow until you find a balance that gives you large clouds without sacrificing too much flavour.

Power and Wattage

Higher wattage means more heat, which means more vapour but there’s a limit. Too much power can burn the coil or overheat the liquid, leading to a burnt taste.

Start at the lower end of the recommended wattage range for your coil and work your way up slowly until you find the sweet spot where vapour is dense but the flavour is still clean.

Inhaling Technique

Your inhalation style can make or break your cloud size. Direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping is the technique used by most cloud chasers. Instead of holding the vapour in your mouth first, inhale directly into your lungs for a fuller draw.

Exhaling slowly and steadily also helps produce a denser, more impressive cloud. Practice makes perfect cloud chasing is partly about technique as well as hardware.

Battery Safety

Because cloud chasing involves using higher wattages, it’s essential to pay attention to battery safety. Use high-quality, authentic batteries rated for the power output your device requires, and make sure you charge them safely.

Never exceed your device’s recommended wattage range, and avoid using damaged batteries or wraps.

Practising Responsibly

Big clouds can be fun, but it’s also important to be considerate of those around you. Cloud chasing is best done outdoors or in well-ventilated spaces to avoid filling enclosed areas with vapour.

Perfecting Your Cloud Game

Producing bigger clouds is about finding the right combination of device, e-liquid, coil, and technique. By experimenting with airflow, wattage, and VG ratios, you can create a satisfying, dense vapour that matches your preferences.

Whether you are chasing clouds for fun or just want a fuller vape experience, understanding the science behind vapour production is the first step to getting it right.