If you're venturing into the vaping world, you might have come across the term 'shortfills'. Simply put, shortfill e-liquids are nicotine-free vape bottles that are partially filled, leaving room for nicotine shots. This system allows vapers to personalise their nicotine levels while adhering to the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD), which restricts nicotine-containing e-liquids to just 10ml bottles.

Shortfill bottles often come in sizes like 50 ml or 100 ml, providing space for adding your desired nicotine strength without affecting flavour or regulatory compliance. Shortfills gained popularity after the enforcement of the TPD regulations in 2016. Before this, vapers could buy e-liquids of varying sizes and nicotine strengths. However, with the implementation of the directive, product standardisation was introduced to ensure consumer safety, limiting nicotine e-liquids to small bottles.

In response, manufacturers came up with the clever concept of shortfills, offering flexibility while staying within legal boundaries. By letting users add their own nicotine, shortfills quickly became popular due to their customisation options, securing a permanent spot in the vaping market.

An important aspect of any e-liquid, including shortfills, is the ratio of VG (Vegetable Glycerin) to PG (Propylene Glycol). These core ingredients provide distinct properties to e-liquids.

A higher VG content results in a thicker liquid, offering smoother inhales and producing more vapour. This appeals to cloud chasers and those seeking a milder throat hit. Conversely, a higher PG ratio delivers a stronger flavour punch and a more noticeable throat hit, mimicking the sensation of traditional smoking.

Shortfill e-liquids are typically high in VG, often around 70% VG to 30% PG, making them compatible with sub-ohm devices that can manage thicker liquids. Understanding the VG/PG ratio is essential for choosing a shortfill that aligns with your vaping preferences.

When it comes to shortfills, size matters. Fortunately, there are several options to suit individual needs. The most common sizes are 50ml and 100ml, housed in larger 60ml or 120ml bottles to accommodate nicotine shots.

Your choice depends on how often you vape and the amount of nicotine you want to add. Larger bottles offer better value for regular vapers, while smaller bottles could be convenient for those who enjoy switching flavours or are trying shortfills for the first time.

There are several reasons why shortfills appeal to vapers. One advantage is the ability to adjust the nicotine strength to your liking. You can add one or more nicotine shots, or opt for none, allowing for experimentation and finding the perfect balance.

Additionally, shortfills offer cost savings, especially for frequent vapers. Larger volumes often provide better value than purchasing multiple small nicotine bottles. With fewer bottles to dispose of, shortfills are also a more environmentally conscious choice.

Another major benefit is an expanded range of flavours. Being nicotine-free means a wider array of flavours can be sampled and enjoyed, providing choices that aren't available with pre-mixed nicotine e-liquids.

A common question for new shortfill users is how many nicotine shots to add. The answer lies in the desired nicotine level. 

For 50ml E Liquids:

Typically, a 10ml nicotine shot contains 18mg/ml. Adding to a 50ml shortfill results in a 3mg/ml nicotine concentration.

To achieve a 6mg/ml strength, you would need two nicotine shots in a 50ml shortfill. Keep in mind that adding shots increases the overall volume slightly, which may dilute the original flavour concentration.

For 100ml E Liquids:

Typically, a 10ml nicotine shot contains 18mg/ml. Adding 2 bottles of nicotine shots to a 100ml shortfill results in a 3mg/ml nicotine concentration.

To achieve a 6mg/ml strength, you would need four nicotine shots in a 100ml shortfill. Keep in mind that adding shots increases the overall volume slightly, which may dilute the original flavour concentration.

It's crucial to make these calculations accurately and to experiment cautiously, especially when transitioning from pre-mixed e-liquids to shortfills, to ensure you find a nicotine level that matches your preference without overdoing it.

Incorporating nicotine shots into your shortfill is straightforward. Follow these steps to do it right:

1. Determine Your Dosage: Decide the nicotine concentration you want based on previous pointers.
2. Open the Bottle: Remove the cap and any nozzle from your shortfill bottle.
3. Pour in the Nicotine Shot(s): Add the necessary amount of nicotine shots to achieve your preferred strength.
4. Secure the Cap: Ensure the cap is tightly closed.
5. Mix Thoroughly: Shake the bottle well to ensure the nicotine distributes evenly throughout the e-liquid. This guarantees consistent flavour and nicotine distribution.
6. Consider Steeping: If the flavour seems muted, let the e-liquid steep for a bit. Steeping allows all ingredients to blend correctly, potentially enhancing the flavour profile.

Choosing the right vape kit for shortfills largely depends on the liquid's VG/PG ratio. Since shortfills are generally high in VG, sub-ohm devices are well-suited. These are designed for thicker liquids, offering more power and sufficient airflow for significant vapour production.

Look for devices that provide adjustable airflow and temperature control, enhancing your experience with greater personalisation options for both flavour and vapour production. Devices with larger tanks can also be beneficial for shortfills, reducing the need for frequent refilling.

Determining if shortfills suit your vaping needs involves several considerations. If customising nicotine levels and exploring diverse flavours appeals to you, shortfills are an excellent choice. They offer customisation options not available with traditional pre-mixed nicotine e-liquids.

Frequent vapers benefiting from cost-effectiveness without sacrificing quality could see substantial savings with shortfills. Additionally, if you're environmentally conscious, reduced bottle usage is another green reason to consider them. However, if you prioritise convenience and prefer not to mix anything, pre-mixed e-liquids might be more suitable. Nonetheless, for many, the flexibility of shortfills outweighs these minor inconveniences.

Shortfill e-liquids offer a versatile and flexible option for vapers, catering to various preferences and needs. From customisable nicotine levels to a rich palette of e liquid flavours, shortfills allow vapers to tailor their experience. Whether you're a newcomer eager to explore or a seasoned vaper in search of something new, shortfills may be the perfect addition to your vaping collection.

At Go Smoke Free we have you covered with a massive range of vaping products to suit your lifestyle, including our extensive collection of shortfill e-liquids. From prefiiled vape kits to refillable vape kits, we have devices for all kinds of vapers. Our e-liquid collection is HUGE, with everything from shortfill e-liquids, high PG liquids and high VG liquids to nic-salt liquids and nicotine free liquids to choose from.