Vape Cloud Chaser: The Art of Blowing Massive Clouds

Have you ever seen those enormous, mesmerizing clouds of vapor that seem to defy gravity? That’s the allure of cloud chasing in the vaping community. It’s not just about inhaling vapor and blowing it out—there’s an art, a technique, and a competitive edge to cloud chasing. But what exactly is a vape cloud chaser? In simple terms, it’s a vaper who focuses on creating the biggest, thickest, and most impressive clouds of vapor. They modify their devices, use specialized e-liquids, and develop inhaling and exhaling techniques that can turn heads in public or during competitions.

Cloud chasing has its own culture and community, often intertwined with professional vaping competitions known as "cloud comps." The phenomenon is about pushing the limits of vaping hardware and personal skills to create impressive visual displays. The key question is, how does one become a cloud chaser, and what sets them apart from regular vapers?

To begin with, a cloud chaser prioritizes vapor production over flavor. This is important because the more vapor you produce, the less concentrated the flavor becomes. This doesn't mean they ignore flavor entirely, but the focus is on creating a dense, billowing cloud that dissipates slowly. Equipment is crucial here. Cloud chasers typically use sub-ohm devices—vaping rigs that have atomizers with a resistance lower than one ohm. This allows for more power to flow through the coil, creating more heat, and ultimately, more vapor.

Why do people chase clouds? For some, it's about the aesthetics. There's something captivating about blowing out a dense, slow-moving cloud that engulfs a room. For others, it’s about competition. Cloud comps offer a stage for cloud chasers to show off their skills and even win prizes.

But what does it take to be a successful cloud chaser? It all boils down to a mix of the right equipment, the correct techniques, and understanding how to manipulate vapor.

1. The Right Device: Sub-ohm Mods and RDAs

The foundation of any cloud chaser's setup is their device. A sub-ohm mod is essential because it delivers the power needed to generate large amounts of vapor. These mods often use mechanical or unregulated power sources to give users more control over voltage and wattage.

RDAs (Rebuildable Dripping Atomizers) are a popular choice among cloud chasers. These devices allow users to build their own coils, often using low-resistance wires like kanthal or nichrome. The key is to reduce the resistance, allowing for higher wattage and more heat production. More heat equals more vapor.

2. The Right E-Liquid: High VG Juices

A cloud chaser's e-liquid is almost always high in VG (vegetable glycerin). VG is the ingredient responsible for producing thick clouds of vapor. The higher the VG content, the denser the cloud. In contrast, PG (propylene glycol) is responsible for throat hit and flavor but doesn’t create large clouds.

Most cloud chasers opt for e-liquids that are 70% VG or higher. Some even go for max VG liquids, which contain almost no PG. This ensures the largest vapor production possible, though it comes at the expense of a slight reduction in flavor.

3. Technique: Lung Hits vs. Mouth-to-Lung

Cloud chasing requires lung hits rather than the more common mouth-to-lung style of vaping. A lung hit involves inhaling directly into the lungs without holding the vapor in the mouth first. This allows you to take in much more vapor, which is essential for creating those giant clouds.

The exhale technique is just as important. Some cloud chasers practice the “slow release” method, where they exhale vapor gradually to create a more dramatic effect. Others might use tricks like blowing Os, dragon breath, or other visual effects.

4. Safety Considerations: Batteries and Heat Management

Sub-ohm vaping can be dangerous if not done correctly. Cloud chasers must understand the importance of battery safety and Ohm's Law, which helps them calculate the correct resistance for their coils. Using the wrong batteries or misjudging the resistance can lead to overheating, battery failure, or even explosions.

Choosing high-quality, reliable batteries is essential, and regular maintenance of devices is a must. Overheating can not only damage the equipment but also pose serious safety risks. Cloud chasers often monitor their devices closely, using external battery chargers and replacing coils and cotton frequently to avoid accidents.

5. Community and Competitions

The cloud chasing community is a global subculture of the larger vaping scene. Many cloud chasers participate in local and international cloud competitions, where they’re judged on their ability to create the largest and most impressive vapor clouds. These competitions often take place at vaping conventions or specialized events, drawing large crowds and offering prizes like vaping equipment, e-liquids, or even cash.

For many, cloud chasing isn’t just a hobby—it’s a lifestyle. It offers a creative outlet and an opportunity to connect with like-minded people who share a passion for vaping.

The Future of Cloud Chasing

As vaping technology continues to evolve, so too does the world of cloud chasing. Manufacturers are constantly releasing more powerful mods, better RDAs, and more advanced coils to push the limits of what cloud chasers can achieve. Some argue that the trend will become even more niche as vaping regulations tighten and health concerns over vaping remain in the spotlight. However, for now, cloud chasing is alive and well, with dedicated communities keeping the art of massive vapor clouds thriving.

In conclusion, a vape cloud chaser is someone who has honed their skills and equipment to blow the biggest, thickest clouds possible. It’s a combination of technique, hardware, and community that makes cloud chasing unique. Whether for fun, competition, or the sheer aesthetics of it, cloud chasing continues to be a significant part of the vaping world.