Puff count is how many draws a device is rated for before the battery or e-liquid runs out, nicotine level (mg/mL) is the concentration of nicotine in the e-liquid, and coil type determines how the flavour and vapour actually feel in your mouth. Here’s what each spec on a product page actually means, in plain language.
Puff Count
Puff count is the manufacturer’s estimate of how many draws you’ll get from a single device before the e-liquid or battery is used up, whichever runs out first. It’s an estimate, not a guarantee. A longer, harder draw uses more e-liquid per puff than a short one, so real-world results vary by how you vape. Higher puff counts generally mean a bigger e-liquid reservoir and a bigger battery, which is why high-puff devices like a 60,000 or 75,000-puff disposable are physically larger than a 9,000-puff one.
Nicotine Level (mg/mL)
This number tells you how concentrated the nicotine is in the e-liquid, measured in milligrams per millilitre. A higher number means a stronger hit per puff, not a longer-lasting device. In Canada, every legally sold vaping product is capped at 20mg/mL, so you’ll never see a legitimate product exceed that. Lower strengths (around 3 to 12mg/mL) are common in e-liquids meant for a smoother, all-day vaping style, while higher strengths (20mg/mL) deliver a stronger throat hit in fewer puffs. If you’re not sure what strength you want, ask in-store, it’s easier to explain in person than guess from a label.
Salt Nicotine vs. Freebase Nicotine
Salt nicotine (nic salts) is processed to feel smoother at higher concentrations, which is why most high-mg disposables use it instead of standard freebase nicotine. Freebase nicotine is the traditional form, more common in lower-strength e-liquids and refillable devices.
Coil Types
- Mesh coils use a flat, perforated heating element instead of a single wire, heating more of the e-liquid evenly at once. This generally produces smoother flavour and more consistent vapour, which is why most modern disposables use them.
- Dual mesh coils use two mesh coils instead of one for a bigger vapour cloud and more consistent flavour as the device ages.
- Regular (single) coils are simpler and still common in lower-cost devices, generally producing a slightly tighter draw and less vapour than mesh.
MTL vs. DTL Draw
- MTL (mouth-to-lung): you draw vapour into your mouth first, then inhale it into your lungs, similar to a cigarette. Tighter airflow, closer to a traditional smoking sensation.
- DTL (direct-to-lung): you inhale straight into your lungs in one motion. Looser airflow, bigger clouds, generally used with lower nicotine strengths since each puff delivers more vapour.
Some devices, like our Geek Bar Pulse X, let you switch airflow settings to move between the two styles on the same device.
Putting It Together
When you’re comparing two devices, the puff count tells you roughly how long it’ll last, the mg/mL tells you how strong each puff feels, and the coil type and draw style tell you how it’ll actually feel in your mouth. None of these numbers alone tell you which device is “better,” they just tell you what kind of experience to expect. See how our current best-sellers stack up on real specs in our Crown Bar vs. Geek Bar vs. STLTH comparison, or browse the full shop by brand and flavour.
FAQ
Does a higher puff count mean a stronger vape?
No. Puff count is about how long the device lasts, not how strong each puff feels. Strength comes from the nicotine level (mg/mL).
What’s the difference between mesh and regular coils?
Mesh coils heat e-liquid more evenly across a flat surface, generally giving smoother flavour and more consistent vapour than a single-wire regular coil.
What nicotine strength should a beginner choose?
There’s no universal answer, it depends on your own preference and history. Lower strengths (3 to 12mg/mL) give a smoother, all-day feel, while higher strengths (up to the legal max of 20mg/mL) deliver a stronger hit per puff. Ask our staff in-store if you’re not sure where to start.
What does MTL vs DTL mean when choosing a device?
MTL (mouth-to-lung) feels closer to smoking a cigarette, with tighter airflow. DTL (direct-to-lung) uses looser airflow for bigger clouds and is typically paired with lower nicotine strengths.
