Cloud production describes the deliberate generation of especially large, dense vapor clouds with e‑cigarettes, usually with a focus on power output, airflow, and high‑VG e‑liquids. The trend emerged within the sub‑ohm community, where cloud chasers optimize their devices, coils, and liquids specifically for maximum cloud density. Today, the spectrum ranges from moderate, everyday‑friendly clouds to extreme setups for competitions and show vaping.
Cloud production vs. regular vaping
With classic MTL vaping, the focus is on nicotine satisfaction with discreet vapor output, while cloud production is usually based on direct‑to‑lung inhales, high power, and open airflow. Instead of compact devices with high nicotine strengths, powerful mods with low resistances and low‑nicotine, VG‑rich liquids are used. For beginners, it is important to understand that cloud production has its own hardware, technique, and safety requirements that go beyond normal vaping.
Fundamentals of vapor clouds: how clouds are created
When firing, the coil heats the e‑liquid to temperatures typically around 200 to 300 degrees Celsius, creating an aerosol cloud made of fine droplets. The main components are propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, flavorings, optionally nicotine, and water vapor, which together generate the visible cloud volume. The faster large amounts of liquid are vaporized evenly, the denser and larger the clouds appear.
VG/PG ratio as a key to cloud production
Vegetable glycerin has a higher viscosity and produces significantly larger, denser vapor clouds than propylene glycol. For pronounced cloud production, liquids with 70 to 80 percent VG and reduced PG content have become standard. The PG portion still contributes to flavor transport and throat hit, so many cloud chasers choose mixes that sensibly balance vapor volume and aroma.
Why cloud production needs dedicated hardware
Not every e‑cigarette can reliably handle sustained high power and large amounts of liquid without overheating or burning the wick. Specialized mods for cloud production offer high power reserves, robust chipsets, and sufficient power supply to safely drive sub‑ohm coils. In addition, tanks with generous airflow, large coil heads, and rapid liquid supply ensure that the cotton is always sufficiently saturated.
Market trends: cloud chasing, user profiles, and device classes
Cloud chasing has evolved from a niche trend into a distinct subculture in which competitions and show performances play an important role. Many users can roughly be divided into everyday vapers, hobby cloud chasers, and competition vapers, each with different requirements for power, size, and portability. Modern box mods for cloud production combine high wattage with comfortable user interfaces, safety features, and individual performance profiles.
Market trends: technical developments in mods and coils
Current high‑power mods typically reach 150 to 220 watts and offer precise power control, temperature control, and multiple operating modes. Sub‑ohm coils increasingly rely on mesh structures that offer a large heating surface and even vaporization, enabling dense clouds at a pleasant temperature feel. At the same time, the range of coils with different resistances and performance windows is growing, allowing cloud chasers to fine‑tune their setup to their preferred draw and vapor character.
Market trends: user behavior and regulation
Many vapers use cloud production primarily in private or outdoor environments, while more restrictive rules are increasingly applied in public indoor spaces. Regulatory authorities pay closer attention to product safety, labeling, and nicotine content, which obliges device and liquid manufacturers to adhere to clearly defined standards. As a result, the market is shifting towards powerful but safety‑oriented solutions with integrated protection against short circuits, overheating, and overcharging.
Core technology: mods for maximum cloud production
A cloud‑focused mod should combine high continuous power, stable voltage delivery, and reliable protection mechanisms. Devices with 100 to 200 watts or more allow sub‑ohm coils to reach operating temperature quickly and vaporize large amounts of liquid without constantly running at their limit. Dual‑battery systems based on high‑performance cells provide the necessary energy reserves and reduce the strain on each individual battery.
Core technology: coils, resistance, and materials
Mesh coils have established themselves as the preferred solution for cloud production because their large surface area heats the liquid efficiently and evenly. Resistances in the range of about 0.2 to 0.5 ohms are commonly used to achieve high power and strong vapor production at moderate voltages. In addition to mesh, wire types such as Clapton are still used; they offer very good flavor with still solid cloud production but take slightly longer to ramp up.
Core technology: airflow design and tank systems
Generous, adjustable airflow slots allow more air to pass through the coil, influencing cloud size and temperature. Wide‑open airflow produces cool, voluminous clouds, while slightly more restrictive settings can increase flavor and density at the cost of cooling. Tanks designed for cloud production usually feature large liquid channels, tight seals, and enough capacity to reduce the need for frequent refills.
Top products and categories for cloud production
Cloud chasers can choose between prebuilt‑coil tanks, rebuildable atomizers, and advanced box mods. In addition to raw performance, reliability, availability of replacement coils, and user‑friendly handling in everyday use are especially important. User feedback shows that devices with clear displays, intuitive menus, and robust housings tend to see more long‑term use.
Table: Device categories for cloud production
Name | Main advantages | Typical ratings | Use cases and user feedback
High‑power dual‑battery mods | High continuous power, long runtime, many safety features | Very positive for performance and reliability | Suitable for daily cloud chasing, even with low resistance and high power settings
Sub‑ohm prebuilt‑coil tanks | Easy handling, big clouds without building coils | Positive for beginner friendliness and vapor volume | Ideal for users who want cloud production without building their own coils
Rebuildable atomizers | Maximum control over coil, resistance, and wicking | Popular with advanced users due to customization | For experienced cloud chasers who want to fine‑tune their setup to personal draw and cloud size
Mesh‑sub‑ohm pods | Compact, often high power for their size, easy pod replacement | Good ratings for mobility and everyday practicality | For users who want big clouds on the go with low device weight
Competitive comparison matrix: key performance features
Devices for cloud production can be compared along parameters such as maximum power, battery concept, airflow flexibility, and ease of use. Dedicated cloud mods often offer finely graduated power profiles, strong chipsets, and robust housings, while all‑round devices focus more on everyday convenience. The choice depends on whether maximum clouds, flexible use cases, or a compromise of both are the main priority.
Table: Comparison of important cloud features
Feature | High‑power box mod | Sub‑ohm tank kit | Cloud‑capable pod
Max. power | Very high, often 150–220 W | Medium to high, typically 80–120 W | Medium, often 40–80 W
Battery system | Removable batteries (often dual) | Removable or built‑in batteries | Usually built‑in
Airflow options | Very open, finely adjustable | Wide and usually smoothly adjustable | Limited but optimized for open draws
Operation | Extensive menus, multiple modes | Intuitive operation with basic functions | Very simple, focused on plug‑and‑play
Typical user | Experienced cloud chasers | Ambitious beginners and intermediate users | Everyday vapers who want more vapor
Key parameters for optimal cloud production
For maximum vapor volume, power, resistance, airflow, and liquid viscosity must work together. A frequently used combo is sub‑ohm coils around 0.2 to 0.3 ohms, high‑VG liquids, and power settings in the range of 60 to 120 watts depending on coil specifications. In addition, inhalation technique and lung capacity influence how large and dense the exhaled cloud appears.
Power management and temperature behavior
Cloud production requires sufficient but controlled power delivery to quickly transform liquid into fine mist without burning the cotton. Many cloud chasers start at the lower end of the recommended watt range and gradually increase the power until the desired vapor output is reached. Temperature control modes can help avoid dry hits and maintain a consistent temperature window, depending on the coils and materials used.
Airflow management for density and size of clouds
A wide, open airflow supports large, cool clouds and allows for long direct‑lung inhales. Slightly more restrictive airflow can make the vapor feel denser and more flavorful but requires more precise power management to avoid overheating. Many tanks therefore offer stepless adjustable airflow rings that allow for individual fine‑tuning.
Liquid choice: nicotine strength, VG content, flavors
For cloud production, very low nicotine strengths or nicotine‑free liquids are commonly used to avoid nicotine overdose when inhaling large volumes. Flavors with clear, strong profiles cut through dense vapor better and are perceived as more intense. The high VG content provides smooth inhalation but produces more condensate and can cause tanks and drip tips to get dirty more quickly.
Techniques and tricks for better cloud production
Direct‑to‑lung inhales, where vapor is drawn straight into the lungs instead of first into the mouth, form the basis for large clouds. Many cloud chasers use a controlled, even inhale followed by a strong exhale to let the clouds fully expand. Breathing techniques, body posture, and room conditions (temperature, humidity, air movement) can also make noticeable differences.
Coil building for advanced cloud chasers
Anyone who wants even more control over cloud production often turns to rebuildable atomizers and custom coils. Wire thickness, material, number of wraps, and coil diameter influence the resulting resistance and heating behavior. Complex builds such as Clapton coils or specialized mesh decks open additional ways to adjust cloud density and flavor focus.
Step‑by‑step setup for cloud production
Proven approaches start with selecting a sub‑ohm‑capable mod, a suitable tank, and a high‑VG e‑liquid. The coil is then carefully primed with liquid, installed in the atomizer, and the tank is filled before letting the cotton sit for several minutes to fully saturate. Power is set at the lower end of the recommended range and then increased in small steps while monitoring flavor, temperature, and cloud density.
Maintenance, cleaning, and lifespan of cloud setups
Regular cleaning of tank, drip tip, and airflow channels prevents liquid buildup and flavor degradation. Coils should be replaced once the vapor tastes flat or burnt, or when the clouds get noticeably thinner even though power and liquid have remained the same. Batteries and contacts also benefit from periodic checks and care to avoid voltage drop and malfunctions.
Safety aspects of high cloud production
Cloud production puts more stress on batteries and hardware than moderate vaping, so careful selection and proper handling are crucial. Users should only use high‑quality, undamaged cells, charge them properly, and never exceed the specified limits of the mod or battery. It is also important not to operate coils beyond their recommended watt range and to pay attention to signs of overheating, unusual sounds, or leaking tanks.
Real‑world use cases and typical benefits
Many vapers treat cloud production as a hobby, testing new setups with friends, practicing tricks, and enjoying flavor‑intense e‑liquids. Others appreciate having a setup that can deliver both strong flavor and big clouds without constantly switching between different devices. For some former smokers, the visual feedback of large clouds is also part of the satisfaction and motivation to stick with vaping.
ROI considerations: cost, consumption, and value
Cloud‑oriented setups incur higher e‑liquid and coil costs because larger amounts of liquid are vaporized and coils are stressed more. In return, users gain intense flavor, spectacular clouds, and high customizability, which increases the perceived value for many enthusiasts. Those who want to optimize costs focus on durable mods, proven tanks, and good price‑performance ratios for coils.
Buying guide: how to choose your cloud setup
When starting with cloud production, users should look for a powerful yet easy‑to‑use mod, a reliable sub‑ohm tank, and suitable high‑VG e‑liquids. Clear wattage ratings for coils, uncomplicated airflow adjustment, and good availability of spare parts are also important. Anyone planning long‑term use may opt for devices with removable batteries to gain flexibility and extend overall lifespan.
After the buying decision, it is worth investing some time to understand watt ranges, inhalation techniques, and maintenance routines to unleash the full potential of the chosen hardware. This way both flavor and cloud production can be kept at a consistently high level over time.
Application examples for different user groups
Occasional show‑vapers often prefer compact sub‑ohm kits that are easy to carry and quick to set up. Ambitious cloud chasers tend to use high‑power box mods with large tanks to generate maximum clouds at home or in appropriate environments. Advanced users with rebuilding experience often treat cloud production as a creative hobby, experimenting with new coils, airflow configurations, and e‑liquids.
Three‑stage funnel for cloud‑interested users
In the first stage, users learn about the basics of cloud production, how it differs from regular vaping, and the necessary safety rules. In the second stage, they try a beginner‑friendly cloud setup with prebuilt coils, learn about inhalation techniques, watt ranges, and liquid choice, and gain personal experience. In the third stage, they decide whether to invest in more advanced hardware, rebuilding techniques, or specialized mods to take their cloud production to a higher level.
Future trends in cloud production
The development is moving toward more energy‑efficient chips, smarter protection systems, and better customization of power profiles. At the same time, manufacturers are working to make cloud‑capable devices more compact and user‑friendly without sacrificing vapor performance and customization options. With increasing regulation, safety, quality assurance, and transparent product information are becoming even more important.
FAQs about cloud production in vaping
What is cloud production in vaping?
Cloud production is the deliberate generation of large, dense vapor clouds using powerful e‑cigarettes, sub‑ohm coils, and usually VG‑rich e‑liquids.
Which devices are suitable for strong cloud production?
Recommended devices are powerful mods with high wattage capability, sub‑ohm coils, and tanks with generous airflow, most often in the resistance range of about 0.2 to 0.5 ohms.
Which e‑liquid is ideal for cloud chasing?
Liquids with a high VG content of around 70 to 80 percent are commonly used because they produce especially large, dense clouds and smooth inhalation.
How important is airflow for cloud production?
A wide, well‑adjustable airflow is crucial, as it strongly influences cloud size, temperature, and overall vapor feeling.
Which safety rules should cloud chasers follow?
Users should only use suitable batteries, respect the power limits of mods and coils, watch for overheating, and understand basic principles such as resistance, current, and safe battery handling.
Sources
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Bellagio Smoke Vape, 5 Best Vape Mods for Cloud Chasers: What You Need to Know, 2025
Ecigs International, Maximizing Cloud Production: Top Coil & Wattage Tunes for Mods, 2025
Puff City Budd Lake, Vaping Clouds Types, Techniques & Tips to Create Dense Clouds, 2024
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Inline Vape, Building Your Own Coils: A Step‑by‑Step Guide to Advanced Vaping, 2026
Smoko, Understanding Vapor Production and What It Means for Your Vaping Experience, 2026
West Coast Vape Supply, Best Vape Mods for Cloud Chasing: Top Picks for 2025, 2025
Fat Buddha Glass, Simple Coil Building 101 For Vaping Guide, 2020
Mist Eliquid, Cloud Chasing 101: Your Guide to Bigger Vapour Clouds, 2024