The Basics of Cloud Chasing

Cloud chasing is a natural and indispensable part of vaping culture. Blowing aromatic clouds and setting up your kit for maximum vapor has grown into an art — and cloud chasing competitions do gather quite a crowd.

If you are new to the idea of cloud chasing (as most new vapers are), we hope this mini-guide will shed some light on what cloud chasing is and how to set up your kit for maximum vapor (should you want to).

How Did Cloud Chasing Start?

We don't know exactly how and when Cloud chasing started. Some people say that it originated on the West Coast but there is no way to either confirm or disprove that for now. Wherever and whenever it may have started it has now taken over vaping communities all over the world. Some adore it, some find it arrogant. But despite the different opinions, cloud chasing is most probably here to stay.

More than that, it has even become a sport. While coming blow vapor clouds for fun, some look at it as a career opportunity. National and international vaping competitions are held regularly with prizes ranging from fancy gear to thousands of dollars in cash.

Okay, chances are you won't become a professional cloud chaser. But you might just discover a new fun side of vaping that goes beyond flavor.

The Basics Of Cloud Chasing

Before you consider trying anything to enhance your clouds, there are several key factors to get acquainted with. These are:

Battery Safety. The most important thing in cloud chasing is to go with the safest batteries you can find. This is no time to be thrifty. Check with your vape shop consultant which batteries work best for flavor chasers and go with the suggested option.

Airflow Balance. The right balance between resistance and airflow is key. The lower the resistance, the more airflow you will need. However, if you let too much air in, the vapor may become dispersed.

VG e-liquid. VG makes more vapor than PG. So, go with a high VG blend.

Atomizer. Sub-ohm tanks are becoming increasingly popular among cloud chasers. However, for the ultimate cloud performance, it is advised to go with an RDA with airflow control.

Proper Wicking. Using suitable wicking material and picking the right thickness is crucial. Once again, consult your local vape shop for the best options.

Coil Building. There is one basic rule to keep to here: the lower the resistance, the more vapor you will get.

Technique. As with almost any art form, the technique is what can make or break you. Cloud chasing does come with a learning curve and takes months to master. A lot of things can make a big difference here and this includes a proper inhale, exhale and even posture.

Lung Capacity. Some of us have a bigger lung capacity than others and this can go a long way when it comes to exhaling clouds.

Is Cloud Chasing Dangerous?

While cloud chasing is a relatively safe endeavor, it is still important to take precautions so as not to put yourself in an unpleasant situation.

The main dangers of cloud chasing come from the modifications that a vaper has to make to their device to achieve maximum clouds. If you take your cloud chasing to the max, then the device you will be using is not the one you can get a vape shop. You will need to spend time, money and effort to modify your kit to meet the big cloud requirements — and that comes with risks. An overheated kit is one of the most common issues that cloud chasers run into. And as cloud-chasing requires really powerful batteries, wrong settings, and too much enthusiasm may lead to unfortunate consequences — up to a battery explosion.

While blowing clouds may look simple in theory, in reality, it's a complex process that requires extensive knowledge of the mechanics and inner workings of vaporizers.