If you’re mixing your own e-liquid with shortfills, you’ve likely encountered the terms “nic salt” and “nic shot.” But what’s the difference? Are they the same thing? This guide cuts through the confusion to help you choose the right nicotine for your vape.

What’s the Real Difference Between Nic Salts and Nic Shots?

 

Here’s the simple answer: a nic shot is the 10ml bottle of unflavoured, high-strength nicotine you buy to add to your shortfill e-liquid. You can buy nic shots containing either nic salts or traditional freebase nicotine.

On the other hand, nicotine salt (or nic salt) is a specific type of nicotine that feels smoother when you vape it. It can also be the ready-to-vape e-liquid type, often used with MTL vapes, such as a pod kit.

Nic Salt Shot vs. Freebase Nic Shot Comparison Table: Which One Is Better for You?

Since nic shots can either contain a nic salt or a traditional freebase nicotine, what’s the difference? Here is a quick comparison between the two.

Feature	Nic Salt Shot	Freebase Nic Shot
Throat Hit	Smooth and gentle, even at high strengths	Stronger, more noticeable throat sensation
Nicotine Absorption	Fast absorption, quick satisfaction	Slower absorption, gradual effect
Best For	Vapers wanting 6mg+ without harshness, ex-smokers needing quick satisfaction	Vapers who enjoy throat hit, those using 3mg or lower

So, Which One Should You Choose?

Your choice depends on what you want from your vape:

Choose a Nic Salt Shot if:

• You want 6mg nicotine or higher without a harsh throat hit
• You need quick nicotine satisfaction similar to smoking
• You find regular e-liquid too harsh on your throat
• You’re using a low-power device or pod system

Choose a Freebase Nic Shot if:

• You prefer nicotine strengths of 3mg or lower
• You enjoy feeling the nicotine hit your throat
• You’ve been vaping for a while and like traditional e-liquids
• You use a high-power device with sub-ohm coils

If you’re new to mixing your own e-liquid, nic salt shots often work best. They’re forgiving at different strengths and won’t leave you coughing if you add a bit too much.

Are Nic Shots Salts? Clearing Up The Confusion

Not all nic shots contain salt nicotine – this is where people get confused. As we’ve mentioned earlier, some nic shots use nic salts, while others use freebase nicotine.

So, how can you tell the difference? You need to check the product label, as it will indicate the type you’re purchasing – look for “Nic Salt Shot” or “Freebase Nic Shot” on the packaging.

If the label just says “Nic Shot” without specifying, check the product description. Most retailers clearly state which type of nicotine is used. When in doubt, ask before making a purchase. Remember, the type of nicotine makes a real difference to your vaping experience.

Adding a Nic Salt Shot to a Shortfill: A 4-Step Guide

Mixing your nic shot with a shortfill is straightforward:

Tip: To know more about shortfills, we highly recommend reading our shortfill guide.

Prepare Your Bottle

Check your shortfill has space for the nic shot (a 50ml shortfill comes in a 60ml bottle, leaving 10ml of space). Remove the nib (the plastic tip) from your shortfill bottle by popping it out with your fingernail or a small tool.

Add the Nic Shot

Squeeze the entire 10ml nic salt shot into your shortfill bottle. Don’t worry if a few drops spill – just wipe them away. The narrow tip on nic shot bottles makes pouring easy. Use our nic shot calculator below for accurate measurements:

Shake Vigorously

Replace the nib and cap, then shake the bottle hard for at least 60 seconds. This ensures the nicotine mixes evenly throughout your e-liquid. Give it another shake before each use for the first few days.

Steep It

You can vape it right after mixing, but leaving it for a few hours makes a big difference. That short wait (called steeping) lets the nicotine and flavours settle properly, giving you a smoother, more balanced vape.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it! Hopefully, we’ve answered your nic shot vs nic salt question! As a quick recap, nic shot is what you add in a shortfill or a DIY vape juice. It can have a nic salt or freebase formulation. On the other hand, a nic salt can be nicotine type or the e-liquid type used in pod vapes.

The choice between nic salt shots and freebase nic shots comes down to personal preference – smooth satisfaction versus traditional throat hit.