What Is a Dry Hit?

If you've ever felt a burnt or harsh taste when vaping, there's a good chance you may have encountered the dreadful effects of a dry hit. It may be inevitable, especially if you're new to vaping.

But what’s a dry hit, and how can you fix it? 

This guide covers the dry hits, what causes them, and provides practical strategies to prevent them. 

What Is a Dry Hit When Vaping?

A dry hit is when using your vape device results in a bad taste in your mouth that results in no vapour. 

They often happen when your wick doesn’t have enough e-liquid on it. Dry hits result in a burnt taste and sometimes cause irritation to the throat. 

What Causes Dry Hits?

Many vapers experience dry hits at many points in their vaping journey. There are many causes for them, such as: 

• Frequent Vaping: The more often you vape, the more vape juice the device uses. That means chain vapers have a higher risk of using all the juice and desaturating the wick. You may even notice that your vape may be scorching hot, which could indicate that you're vaping too frequently.
• Undersaturated Wick: Most dry hits come from an unsaturated wick. Users must keep their tank sufficiently filled and cotton wick saturated to ensure smooth operation without burning. 
• Failing to Prime Your Coils: If you use an open-system device and don’t prime your coil before you vape, you risk getting dry hits and permanently destroying your coil. 
• Faulty Equipment: In rare cases, you may have a broken device. If you're already taking precautions to ensure proper saturation, you may just have a faulty vape kit. 

By understanding why dry hits happen, you can increase the likelihood of preventing it. 

How Do You Fix a Dry Hit on a Vape?

If you're frequently getting dry hits, these tips will help you drastically reduce the times it happens. 

Here are the best ways to fix your dry hits. 

Vape Less Frequently 

If you don't allow your device to rest between puffs, you might not be giving the wick sufficient time to absorb the e-liquid. 

Chain vaping is when you take quick puffs in succession, which may increase your chance of a dry hit as the coil can dry out and overheat. 

Chain vaping can also result in other impacts on your vaping experience. It may even get to a point where the device won't hit. 

Adjust Your VG/PG Ratio 

Vape juice contains two main ingredients – Propylene Glycol (PG) and Vegetable Glycerine (VG). 

VG is naturally denser and thicker than PG, so many vapers who prefer blowing bigger clouds opt for an e-liquid with a higher VG content. 

However, due to VG being thicker, it generally takes more time for the coil to become saturated. Thus, if you're experiencing dry hits, you may want to choose a higher concentration of PG liquid.

Set the Vape at the Right Wattage

If you've recently refilled your vape tank but are still experiencing a burnt taste, try checking your wattage settings if you’re using an open-system device. It's possible that your wattage is set higher than the normal range.

If that's the case, it's crucial to adjust it. Most replacement coils have their recommended wattage range indicated on the side or packaging. Manufacturers specify this range to ensure optimal performance. 

It's essential to stay within this specified wattage range to avoid any issues when vaping.

Refill Your E-Juice Tank When Low 

If you’re using a refillable device rather than a disposable vape, it’s important to refill your tank when it gets low. On the sides of the coil head, there are tiny holes that allow you to monitor whether the e-juice needs to be refilled. Generally, the coil should be all the way submerged and never exposed. 

Most refillable tanks will have a minimum e-juice line. Make sure to refill the tank so it maintains that minimum amount. All you have to do is prime the coils when refilling and never allow the holes of the coil head to be exposed. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dry Hitting a Vape Bad?

Yes, dry hitting a vape is bad and not recommended, as it leaves an unpleasant taste, can cause damage to the coil, and isn’t good for you. Dry hitting occurs when you try to vape while the device has little to no e-liquid, which leaves an unsatisfying burnt taste and can irritate your throat. 

Final Thoughts

It’s important to avoid dry hits when vaping. While occasional dry hits can happen with open-system devices, switching to a closed-system device like those we offer can help reduce this issue. That's because you don't have to fiddle with changing parts or settings. 

WAKA vapes come pre-filled at a fixed wattage, so you don’t have to worry about any settings or maintenance.

Looking for a vape where you don’t have to worry about settings or maintenance? Shop our selection today!