E-cigarettes

Cloud chasing is one of the most fascinating and visually spectacular phenomena in modern e-cigarette culture. It's the art and science of creating the largest possible vapor clouds. While some people view this simply as a gimmick—a superficial focus on visual effects rather than genuine vapor quality—cloud chasing is actually a serious hobby and discipline that requires real knowledge, skill, and practice. Cloud chasers are a specialized subculture within the wider vaping community, with their own techniques, competitions, and culture.

Cloud chasing isn't just a matter of chance – it's a skill that can be learned and refined. A successful cloud chaser understands the science behind vapor production, the technique of device configuration, the role of different e-liquids, and the breathing techniques needed to create maximum clouds. This combination of science, technique, and skill is what makes cloud chasing more than just a pastime.

The Science Behind Steam Production

To create large clouds, it's first important to understand how vapor is produced. Vapor is created when a liquid is vaporized – d.h. when it transforms from a liquid state to a gaseous state. The amount of vapor produced depends on several factors.

The first factor is temperature. A heating coil needs to reach a certain temperature to efficiently vaporize e-liquid. A hot coil vaporizes more e-liquid faster than a cooler coil. This is why cloud chasers use higher wattage settings.

The second factor is the liquid composition. The amount and type of substances in an e-liquid influence how much vapor is produced. Vegetable glycerin (VG) produces more vapor than propylene glycol (PG). This is why cloud chasers prefer high-VG e-liquids – often 100VG (pure vegetable glycerin) or 90VG/10PG.

The third factor is resistance. An atomizer with a lower resistance (measured in ohms) will allow more current to pass through, resulting in more heat and more vapor. Cloud chasers use sub-ohm atomizers – atomizers with resistances below 1 ohm.

The fourth factor is airflow. An evaporator with a high airflow allows more air to flow through the evaporator, resulting in greater vapor production.

These four factors together – high temperature, high VG liquid, low resistance, large airflow – create the conditions for massive vapor production.

The Cloud Chaser's Equipment

A serious cloud chaser needs specific equipment. The first is a powerful device. This is typically a mechanical mod or a regulated mod that supports very high wattage settings—often 150-200W or even more. Most standard mods won't support such high wattage settings, so specialized cloud-chasing mods are needed.

The second is a sub-ohm atomizer. These are specifically designed for high-wattage use and can withstand extremely high temperatures. Popular cloud-chasing atomizers have names like RDA (Rebuildable Drip Atomizer) or tank atomizers, which are designed for sub-ohm use.

The third is high-VG e-liquid. As mentioned, VG produces more vapor than PG. A cloud chaser could use 100VG e-liquid, or at least 90VG/10PG.

The fourth is high-discharge-rate batteries. High wattage settings require batteries that can deliver a lot of current without overheating. A poor-quality battery might not be able to supply the necessary power.

A cloud chaser might also have an ohmmeter or resistance tester to ensure their coils are built correctly and the resistances are accurate.

Breathing Techniques for Maximum Clouds

But equipment is only half the story. Breathing technique is also critical. One successful cloud chaser developed a specific breathing technique to create large clouds.

The technique is usually as follows: A large, slow draw that pulls vapor directly into the lungs (not into the mouth first). This is called a "direct lung inhale" or "lung hit." The vapor is held in the lungs for a moment—this allows the vapor to mix with the air in the lungs and become denser. Then the vapor is slowly exhaled, creating a large, dense cloud.

This is very different from a "mouth to lung" (MTL) inhalation taken by the average vaper – vapor first into the mouth, then into the lungs. MTL produces small clouds. Lung hits produce large clouds.

Breathing technique needs practice to perfect. A beginner could suffocate or be surprised by the direct airflow into the lungs. But with practice, it becomes natural.

Cloud Chasing Competitions

Cloud chasing has also evolved into a competitive activity. Cloud chasing competitions take place in various locations – from local vape shops to international events. The largest and most well-known are events like the "Cloud Chasing World Championship," where cloud chasers from all over the world compete.

In a typical cloud chasing competition, participants are led into an area with many judges. Each participant makes a single move, and then the resulting clouds are judged. The largest and densest cloud wins. Competitions may include prizes or sponsorships—some serious cloud chasers actually earn money or are sponsored by manufacturers.

The culture of cloud chasing competitions is impressive. Participants sometimes travel long distances to compete. They invest significant time and money in their equipment. There is a strong sense of community and mutual respect among cloud chasers, even among competitors.

The Cloud Chasing Controversy

Not everyone in the vaping community admires cloud chasing. There's some controversy surrounding the practice. Some argue that cloud chasing focuses too much on visual effects and not enough on actual vapor quality or flavor. A large cloud might indicate that a lot of vapor is being produced, but it says nothing about the quality of the flavor.

Others argue that cloud chasing creates a negative image for the e-cigarette industry. If the public only sees e-cigarettes as devices that produce massive clouds, they could develop a negative perception. It might appear that vapers are simply trying to attract attention rather than seriously trying to quit smoking.

There are also safety concerns. Cloud chasing requires highly optimized equipment, which, if not built or used correctly, poses risks. A poorly built sub-ohm atomizer or a faulty battery could be dangerous.

Despite the controversy, cloud chasing is also a legitimate hobby and part of vaping culture. Someone might have quit smoking and then tried cloud chasing as a hobby. There's no harm in being great at something you love.

Summary:

Cloud chasing is more than just randomly taking a hit from a vape. It's a specialized skill that combines science, technology, and breath control. Successful cloud chasers understand the physics behind vapor production, the right equipment, and how to use breath control techniques. They compete in contests, build communities, and hone their skills over time. While cloud chasing isn't for everyone and has some controversy, it's a legitimate aspect of modern vaping culture and deserves respect as a serious hobby.