Cloud Chasing: Producing the Largest and Most Dense Vapor Clouds

What Are Vapor Clouds

 

In everyday language, "vapor cloud" often refers to the visible aerosol produced by electronic cigarettes. The haze produced when a vape device is heated and vaporises e-liquid is called a vapour cloud. Unlike smoking, this vapor is made from a liquid mixture of propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), flavorings, and sometimes nicotine.

The balance of the density and thickness of the vapor clouds is mainly determined by the power and setup of the vape devices and by the proportions of PG and VG. Note: Increased VG ratio produces larger and denser vapour clouds, and VG-heavy blends are the most appropriate in cloud chasing.

The impact of each component on the vapor production:

 

• Vegetable Glycerin (VG):Thick, smooth, and dense vapor clouds are formed.
• Propylene Glycol (PG):Activates throat hit or flavor and factors in thinner vapor.
• Power Output (Wattage):Higher wattage heats the coil faster/hotter, increasing vapor production.
• Coil:The materials and surface area of the coils will influence the vapor cloud. For example, larger surface area (e.g., mesh coils) vaporizes more liquid, enhancing vapor and flavor.
• Airflow System:Wide-open airflow creates an airier draw, enables deeper inhalation, and larger cloud production.
• Wick:An efficient wick (using cotton) ensures a consistent e-liquid supply to the coil during use, preventing dry hits and maintaining vapor production.

 

"Cloud Chasing" Subculture: Why Vapers Pursue Large and Dense Vapor Cloud

 

Cloud chasing is a distinct subculture within the vaping community that focuses on creating the most significant, most majestic clouds of vapour. It is a mixture of skill, technique, and creativity, and takes the art of vapour production to extremes. With the popularity of vaping, cloud chasing has evolved from a niche hobby into a recognized activity with dedicated competitions and a strong community identity.

 

The reasons why some people like to observe the clouds include:

• This is practiced to manipulate airflow, coil temperature, and inhalation technique.

• Vapers can test different mods, coils, and juices to find the one they like best.

• Cloud chasing has become a social event through online forums and live competitions.

• The appearance of thick and rolling clouds is very satisfying and artistic to many.

 

Core Elements of Cloud Chasing

Building the large vapor clouds requires accuracy, proper equipment, and knowledge of the interactions among the various components.

 

1. The Device (Mod)

The mods should have high power to generate vapors. Mechanical Mods are fully controllable, but experience is needed. An example of a regulated Mod is safer, and has wattage and temperature control.

 

2. The Atomizer

The atomizer affects airflow, vapor density, and coil performance.

 

• Rebuildable Dripping Atomizers (RDAs) are the most popular amongst cloud chasers due to their ability to customize coils and their massive airflow.

• Sub-ohm Tanks are user-friendly—beginners do not need a complicated setup to achieve big clouds.

 

3. The Coils

Low-resistance coils (less than 1 ohm). Coils with low resistance may increase power flow and vapor, thereby improving coil efficiency. i.e., dual or quad-coil systems produce more vapor than single-coil systems do.

 

4. The Airflow

Expansive airflow enhances the vapor generation through cooling coils and by getting as much air as possible to mingle with the vapor. Variable airflow systems help control the draw to the cloud, fine-tuning cloud density.

 

Best Cloud Chasing Juice and Atomizer

For cloud chasers, the e-liquid will matter even more than the device. The heavier the liquid, the heavier the vapor. To achieve smooth, voluminous clouds, most competitive vapers use e-liquids with 80-100 VG content.

The following ratios can be used when choosing the best cloud chasing juice:

 

• 50/50 (PG/VG): Moderate vapor and flavor—suitable for normal vaping.

• 70/30 (VG/PG): Forms large clouds but still tastes good at main-cade levels—intermediate users should use it.

• 80/20 or 90/10 (VG/PG): Provides the most outstanding vapor production—suitable for chasing higher, competitive clouds.

Off-Stamp (OS) is a well-known brand of e-liquids that offer a smooth, high-quality texture and high vapour density. Off-Stamp juices tend to be 90:10 VG/PG, offering a drop-free vaping experience and an excellent balance between cloud and flavor.

 

To get the best atomizers to use in cloud chasing, vapers usually use:

 

1. RDAs (Rebuildable Dripping Atomizers): Can choose the type of coils and airflow fully, and create the densest clouds.

2. Rebuildable Tank Atomizer: Has a comparable performance and the ability of a refillable tank.

With an RDA and Off-Stamp e-liquid combo, you will be guaranteed of high performance, massive vapour, and a silky draw resonant enough to keep the cloud chasers in serious business, as well as providing the visual aspect associated with the vape.