Cloud-chasing
Cloud-chasing is a practice within electronic cigarette use that involves producing and exhaling the largest possible volumes of aerosol vapor, typically employing high-wattage modifiable devices, sub-ohm coils, and high vegetable glycerin content e-liquids to maximize cloud density and size.[1][2] Practitioners often utilize direct-to-lung inhalation techniques and customized setups to achieve superior vapor output, distinguishing it from flavor-focused vaping.[3][4] Emerging around 2012 on the West Coast of the United States, cloud-chasing evolved alongside advancements in vaping hardware, transitioning from basic closed-system devices to open modular systems capable of extreme power outputs.[4][3] This subculture fostered competitive events, such as the Vape Capitol Cloud Championships, where participants vie for prizes based on cloud volume measurements, often held at vaping expos and conventions.[5][6] Achievements in the field include record-setting clouds exceeding several cubic feet, showcasing engineering ingenuity in device modification and performer skill in vapor manipulation tricks like rings or "dragons."[7] Despite its appeal as a smoking cessation aid for some, cloud-chasing has drawn scrutiny for potential health risks, including elevated exposure to thermal degradation byproducts like aldehydes from high-temperature operation, which may exceed those in standard vaping or combustible cigarettes.[8][9] Its visual spectacle has been criticized for glamorizing nicotine use among youth and contributing to a negative public perception of electronic nicotine delivery systems, prompting regulatory restrictions on high-power devices in various jurisdictions.[8] Empirical studies indicate that while vaping overall poses lower risks than traditional smoking, the intensified aerosol inhalation in cloud-chasing could amplify cardiopulmonary effects, underscoring the need for caution despite anecdotal reports of improved respiratory function post-smoking cessation.[10][11]Definition and Overview
Core Concept and Practices
Cloud-chasing is a vaping subculture focused on producing the largest and densest clouds of aerosol vapor from electronic cigarettes, prioritizing visual spectacle over other aspects like flavor or nicotine satisfaction.[1][12] This activity relies on sub-ohm vaping, where coils with resistance below 1 ohm enable high power output, typically 50-200 watts or more, to atomize e-liquid rapidly and generate substantial vapor volume.[4][13] Key practices center on equipment and technique optimization for maximal vapor output. Vapers use modifiable devices such as box mods paired with rebuildable dripping atomizers (RDAs) or tanks, allowing custom coil builds with large surface areas using materials like kanthal or nichrome wire wrapped around cotton wicks.[14] E-liquids formulated with high vegetable glycerin (VG) ratios—often 70-100% VG—promote thicker, more persistent clouds, as VG's hygroscopic properties yield denser aerosol than propylene glycol-dominant mixes.[1][15] Inhalation employs direct-to-lung (DTL) draws, inhaling vapor deeply into the lungs at high airflow rates before controlled exhalation to expand and sustain the cloud.[3][16] Advanced practitioners refine exhalation methods to manipulate cloud density and shape, such as forceful bursts for dispersion or gentle releases for cohesion, sometimes incorporating environmental factors like low humidity to prevent rapid dissipation.[15] These techniques distinguish cloud-chasing from standard vaping by emphasizing power delivery and vapor physics, where increased wattage correlates directly with e-liquid evaporation rates and thus cloud size.[14] Safety considerations include monitoring coil temperature to avoid dry hits, which can degrade wicks and produce harmful byproducts, though empirical data on optimal thresholds varies by setup.[13]Distinctions from Related Vaping Activities
Cloud-chasing differs from standard vaping practices primarily in its emphasis on maximizing vapor volume rather than nicotine delivery or harm reduction. While many vapers use electronic cigarettes as substitutes for traditional smoking, focusing on replicating the mouth-to-lung (MTL) inhalation pattern with restricted airflow and modest vapor output to mimic cigarette draw, cloud-chasing employs direct-to-lung (DTL) techniques with high-wattage devices and sub-ohm coils to generate expansive aerosol plumes.[17] This subculture identifies with dedicated hardware modification and visual spectacle, often politically advocating for vaping rights, in contrast to "substitute" vapers who prioritize discreet, functional use without subcultural affiliation.[18] In distinction to flavor chasing, which prioritizes e-liquid taste profiles through experimentation with varied compositions like higher propylene glycol (PG) ratios for enhanced throat hit and aroma, cloud-chasing favors high vegetable glycerin (VG) formulations (typically 70% or more VG) and powerful atomizers to prioritize density and size of exhaled clouds over sensory nuance.[19] Flavor enthusiasts often opt for lower-power setups to avoid muting delicate notes, whereas cloud-chasers accept diminished flavor intensity as a trade-off for vapor production.[20] Cloud-chasing also contrasts with vape trick performance, where the goal shifts from raw volume to shaping vapor into formations such as rings or "dragon" exhales, requiring controlled exhalation over sheer output. Although tricks necessitate substantial vapor supply—often derived from cloud-chasing hardware—the primary skill lies in manipulation rather than maximization, with competitors judged on precision and creativity rather than plume scale alone.[21] Sub-ohm vaping, while foundational to cloud-chasing through low-resistance coils enabling high airflow and wattages (e.g., 100W+), represents a technical method rather than the competitive or performative pursuit defining cloud-chasing.[14]Historical Development
Origins in Early Vaping Culture
Cloud-chasing emerged within the nascent vaping subculture as enthusiasts sought to maximize aerosol output beyond the modest vapor production of initial electronic cigarette designs. Early vaping devices, introduced commercially in the United States around 2007–2011, were primarily closed-system "cig-a-likes" that mimicked traditional cigarettes, delivering low volumes of vapor sufficient for nicotine absorption but insufficient for visual spectacle.[8] These first-generation products prioritized smoking cessation over entertainment, with limited power output and resistance coils that restricted airflow and atomization efficiency.[21] The practice gained traction around 2012 on the West Coast of the United States, coinciding with the proliferation of second-generation open-system devices that allowed user modifications for enhanced vapor density. Vapers began experimenting with rebuildable atomizers, lower resistance coils, and higher-voltage batteries to amplify cloud size, transforming vaping from a discreet alternative to smoking into a performative hobby.[3] This shift was driven by online forums and early enthusiast communities, where users shared techniques for direct-lung inhalation and high-propylene glycol e-liquids to optimize opacity and volume.[22] Such innovations marked cloud-chasing's departure from therapeutic origins, fostering a competitive ethos among "cloud chasers" who valued aesthetic output over subtlety.[17] By 2013, the advent of third-generation variable-wattage mods further propelled the trend, enabling precise control over power delivery to sub-ohm coils that generated substantially larger plumes. This technological evolution, coupled with social media sharing of vapor tricks, solidified cloud-chasing as a distinct subcultural pursuit within early vaping circles, distinct from casual nicotine use.[8] Initial events and informal challenges in vape shops and conventions highlighted the practice's roots in DIY customization and peer recognition, predating formalized competitions.[23]Peak Popularity and Technological Advancements
Cloud-chasing reached its peak popularity around 2015, marked by widespread social media dissemination of vapor tricks and the establishment of competitions at vaping conventions and shops.[8] This period followed the rapid adoption of second- and third-generation electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) post-2011, which facilitated large aerosol production and attracted youth through visually appealing content.[21] By late 2015, cloud-chasing videos and events had permeated online platforms, contributing to a surge in participation before regulatory scrutiny and health concerns prompted a decline.[24] Key technological advancements enabling this peak included sub-ohm coils with resistances below 1 ohm, introduced in the early 2010s, which supported higher wattage outputs—often exceeding 40 watts—for enhanced vaporization.[14] Variable wattage mods and rebuildable dripping atomizers (RDAs) allowed precise control over power and airflow, optimizing setups for maximum cloud volume through direct-to-lung inhalation.[25] E-liquids formulated with high concentrations of vegetable glycerin (VG), typically 70% or more, promoted denser aerosols due to VG's hygroscopic properties and low vaporization temperature.[13] These innovations, combined with improved battery capacities and coil materials, transformed cloud-chasing from niche experimentation into a competitive spectacle by the mid-2010s.[26]Recent Trends and Decline Factors
In recent years, cloud-chasing has benefited from technological advancements in vaping hardware, including more efficient sub-ohm tanks, customizable mods with improved battery life, and safer coil designs that enhance vapor production while reducing dry hits.[27] By 2025, manufacturers have integrated features like AI-driven puff control and advanced temperature regulation into high-wattage devices, allowing enthusiasts to achieve denser clouds with greater precision and minimal risk of overheating.[28] These innovations have sustained interest among dedicated practitioners, particularly in online communities focused on device modification and e-liquid high-VG formulations optimized for volume over flavor intensity.[13] However, cloud-chasing's prominence has waned relative to broader vaping trends, influenced by a shift toward discreet, flavor-oriented styles such as mouth-to-lung (MTL) and restricted direct-to-lung (RDL) vaping, which prioritize nicotine satisfaction and subtlety over visible aerosol output.[29] This transition aligns with the rise of compact, disposable devices and pod systems that facilitate "flavor chasing" rather than competitive cloud production, appealing to users seeking portability and reduced visibility in public spaces.[19] Competitions and large-scale events, once central to the subculture, have diminished since the early 2020s due to pandemic-related cancellations and ongoing venue restrictions, limiting opportunities for public demonstration and community building.[8] Regulatory measures have accelerated this decline by targeting high-power devices and flavored e-liquids essential for maximal vapor yield. In the United States, FDA enforcement actions since 2020, including flavor bans and premarket authorization requirements, have restricted access to the potent, low-resistance coils and high-vegetable glycerin liquids favored by cloud-chasers.[8] Similar policies in regions like the European Union and New York State, effective from 2024, impose marketing limits and device design constraints that curb youth appeal and innovation in sub-ohm technology.[30] Heightened public health scrutiny, stemming from events like the 2019 EVALI outbreak and general aerosol exposure concerns, has further eroded enthusiasm, with studies noting reduced youth engagement in visible vaping spectacles amid anti-tobacco campaigns.[8][31]Techniques and Equipment
Device Customization and Hardware
Cloud-chasing requires specialized electronic cigarette hardware optimized for high vapor output, primarily through sub-ohm configurations that enable elevated wattage and airflow. Sub-ohm coils, with resistance below 1 ohm, facilitate greater power delivery—often exceeding 100 watts—to heat e-liquid rapidly and generate dense aerosol volumes.[14][13] Devices typically feature regulated box mods capable of 200-220W output, powered by dual 18650 or 21700 lithium-ion batteries for sustained performance during extended sessions.[32][13] Customization centers on rebuildable atomizers such as dripping atomizers (RDAs) or tank atomizers (RTAs), allowing users to construct coils from materials like kanthal or nichrome wire in complex geometries—e.g., clapton or fused clapton wraps—to maximize surface area for vaporization.[33] Adjustable airflow systems on tanks and decks enable fine-tuning of intake, with wide-open settings promoting oxygen mixing for larger, cooler clouds without restricting draw.[34][14] Mechanical mods, though riskier due to unregulated output, appeal to advanced practitioners for direct battery-to-coil connections, but regulated variants with safety chips predominate for consistent voltage and overheat protection.[33][32] Prominent hardware examples include the GeekVape Aegis Legend 3, with its 0.96-inch display and compatibility for high-capacity sub-ohm tanks, and the Vaporesso Armour Max at 220W, incorporating rapid-fire chipsets for instantaneous firing.[13][32] Users often pair these with large-bore drip tips to minimize turbulence and enhance exhalation volume, emphasizing iterative testing of resistance (e.g., 0.1-0.3 ohms) via Ohm's law to balance heat and safety.[14] Such modifications demand knowledge of battery discharge rates and coil wicking to prevent dry hits or thermal runaway.[35]E-liquid Formulation for Vapor Production
Vegetable glycerin (VG) and propylene glycol (PG) form the primary base of e-liquids, with their ratio critically influencing aerosol production. VG, a thicker humectant with a higher viscosity and boiling point than PG, generates denser and larger vapor clouds upon aerosolization due to its greater tendency to form fine droplets that persist in suspension.[36] [37] In contrast, PG contributes to a sharper throat sensation and finer aerosol particles but yields less overall vapor volume, as it volatilizes more readily and dissipates faster.[36] [38] For maximizing vapor output in cloud-chasing, formulations prioritize high VG concentrations, typically 70% VG to 30% PG or higher, such as "max VG" blends exceeding 80% VG.[39] [40] These ratios enhance aerosol density by increasing the saturation vapor pressure and promoting slower evaporation of the resulting mist, allowing for larger exhalable clouds when paired with sub-ohm devices and direct-to-lung inhalation.[38] [41] Empirical tests show that PG depletes faster than VG during vaping, enriching the remaining liquid in VG over time and further boosting cloud size in prolonged sessions.[41] Nicotine levels in cloud-chasing e-liquids are often minimized or eliminated (0-3 mg/mL), as higher concentrations introduce harshness that discourages the deep, voluminous inhales needed for peak vapor generation, and cloud production relies more on base composition than nicotine delivery.[39] Flavorings and sweeteners, comprising 5-20% of the mix, are selected for subtlety to avoid overpowering the vapor plume or accelerating coil degradation through caramelization, though they have negligible direct impact on yield compared to the PG/VG base.[42] Additives like distilled water are generally avoided, as they reduce viscosity and aerosol persistence, countering the goal of maximal cloud volume.[43]Inhalation and Exhalation Methods
In cloud-chasing, the predominant inhalation technique is direct-to-lung (DTL), in which vapor is inhaled deeply and steadily straight into the lungs rather than first accumulating in the mouth.[13][44] This method accommodates high-wattage devices and low-resistance coils, enabling greater aerosol volume intake compared to mouth-to-lung (MTL) inhalation, which draws vapor into the mouth before lung transfer and typically produces denser but smaller clouds unsuitable for competitive maximization.[45][46] Practitioners often recommend long, slow draws to saturate the lungs fully, avoiding rapid puffs that could disrupt coil wicking or reduce efficiency.[47][48] Exhalation methods emphasize controlled release to preserve and expand vapor density. Users typically exhale slowly through a slightly open mouth without pursing the lips, permitting the plume to billow naturally rather than dissipating prematurely.[1][49] For enhanced cloud size, some advance the technique by leaning forward to expel residual lung air beforehand, followed by a steady push that opens the throat—often achieved by slightly protruding the lower jaw.[50][51] Forceful exhalation is occasionally employed in performance contexts to propel larger volumes, though over-aggressive blowing risks fragmenting the cloud and reducing judged volume.[47] These approaches, derived from enthusiast experimentation rather than clinical protocols, prioritize visible plume metrics like height, width, and persistence over flavor retention or throat sensation.[33] Specific exhalation variations underpin vape tricks integral to cloud-chasing displays, such as forming rings via tongue-flick expulsion or simulating a "dragon" by partitioning vapor through nose and mouth corners simultaneously.[49] These maneuvers build on core DTL intake but demand precise timing to manipulate aerosol dynamics for artistic effect, with ring production involving a quick mouth push after partial withholding. Empirical observations from competitions indicate that mastering such control correlates with higher scores in visible cloud artistry, though no peer-reviewed studies quantify physiological impacts on lung function from repeated deep DTL cycles.[50][8]Competitions and Community
Event Formats and Judging Criteria
Cloud-chasing competitions typically occur at vaping expos, conventions, or dedicated events, where participants use sub-ohm devices and high-vegetable glycerin e-liquids to generate maximal vapor output. Formats vary but commonly include back-to-back exhalation contests, in which two competitors stand facing opposite directions and blow clouds simultaneously toward a measurement apparatus, preventing cross-contamination and enabling direct size comparisons.[22] Distance-based formats require participants to propel vapor the farthest possible from a fixed starting point, often using fans or enclosed tubes for controlled evaluation.[5] Size-focused formats prioritize overall volume, while density variants assess vapor thickness independent of scale.[5] Judging criteria center on quantifiable metrics of cloud performance, with primary emphasis on dimensions including girth (width), length (forward extent), and average density (opacity and fullness).[22] Measurements are taken using yardsticks, scales, or digital sensors positioned behind or adjacent to competitors, capturing peak cloud extent immediately after exhalation.[52] Additional considerations include cloud cleanliness—defined as minimal lateral spillage or dissipation—and sometimes persistence, evaluating how long the vapor remains visible and cohesive.[53] Panels of judges, often comprising experienced vapers or event organizers, score based on these factors, with ties resolved by aggregate size-density calculations.[6] To ensure safety and equity, events enforce rules such as minimum coil resistance thresholds (e.g., 0.1 ohms or higher in some cases) to limit excessive power draw and overheating risks, alongside device inspections for battery integrity and e-liquid composition limits favoring high-VG ratios without additives that could skew vapor properties.[54] Categories may segregate entrants by experience level, device type (e.g., mechanical mods versus regulated), or inhalation technique, preventing mismatches in hardware capabilities.[55] These standards, while not universally standardized, promote consistent adjudication across regional and international gatherings.[56]Prominent Participants and Achievements
In cloud-chasing competitions, participants compete in categories such as men's and women's biggest cloud, often through elimination rounds judged on vapor volume, density, and duration.[7] The Vape Capitol Cloud Championships, a prominent U.S. series from 2015 to 2016, featured dozens of qualifiers across states like California, Texas, and Florida, culminating in finals with cash prizes up to $10,000 for top placements in cloud production events.[57] Competitors like Pistol Pete (pistolpete702) advanced through qualifying rounds, such as the 2015 men's biggest cloud event at E-Cig Gallery in Las Vegas.[58] Notable achievements include Nicole Watson's victory in the women's biggest cloud division at a 2016 Vape Capitol event in Austin, Texas, where she produced a sustained, high-density vapor cloud sufficient to outperform rivals.[59] Titus Edwards of Houston also competed prominently in the same series, representing regional teams in high-stakes rounds that drew crowds and sponsorships from vape vendors.[59] Early pioneers like Merriweather contributed to the subculture's growth by participating in nascent contests around 2013, helping establish teams, sponsors, and structured formats that evolved into professional-level events.[60] More recently, at VapeCon 2024 in South Africa, SinningSaurus claimed the top spot in a cloud-chasing contest evaluated on distance and density through progressive eliminations, highlighting the activity's persistence in niche international circles despite broader regulatory pressures.[7] These wins often involve customized sub-ohm devices and high-VG e-liquids optimized for maximal output, with victors gaining visibility via event videos and community recognition, though formal world records for cloud size remain unstandardized outside event-specific metrics.[61]Integration with Broader Vaping Subcultures
Cloud-chasing practitioners frequently overlap with other vaping enthusiasts engaged in device modding and customization, as the high-power hardware required for large vapor production aligns with the broader modding subculture's focus on rebuilding coils and optimizing airflow.[21] This integration stems from the evolution of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) from basic cigalikes to advanced modifiable devices, which enabled cloud-chasing while fostering a shared tinkering ethos across vaping communities.[21] Dedicated cloud chasers identify strongly with subcultural symbols, such as custom builds and performance-oriented gear, often participating in online forums and local meetups where modding techniques are exchanged.[17] The practice also intersects with vape trick-performing subcultures, where expelling dense vapor facilitates maneuvers like smoke rings and the "dragon" exhale, blending volume production with artistic skill.[17] Competitions and conventions frequently feature categories combining cloud volume with trick execution, attracting participants who cross over between pure cloud-chasing and stylized performances, as seen in events in regions like Indonesia where both activities draw celebrity status within vaping circles.[62] Sociological analyses describe cloud chasers as immersed in a multifaceted vaping subculture that includes hobbyist cliques influenced by punk rock aesthetics, steampunk modifications, and gaming-like competitions, promoting a collective identity around innovation and social bonding.[63][17] While a minority of vapers specialize deeply in cloud-chasing, its techniques and hardware advancements have permeated wider subcultures, including flavor-focused dripping and social vaping groups, through shared e-liquid formulations high in vegetable glycerin for enhanced aerosol output.[18] This cross-pollination occurs via social media platforms and vaping expos, where cloud-chasing demonstrations inspire adaptations in non-competitive vaping styles, though some community members express concern over stigmatization from high-visibility performances.[8] Overall, cloud-chasing reinforces vaping's emergent subcultural fabric by contributing to communal norms of experimentation and peer education, distinct yet symbiotic with cessation-oriented or casual use patterns.[64]
Health and Safety Aspects
Comparative Risk Reduction Relative to Smoking
Vaping, including practices like cloud-chasing, eliminates combustion and the associated tar, carbon monoxide, and thousands of other carcinogens present in cigarette smoke, thereby reducing exposure to many of the primary drivers of smoking-related diseases such as lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).[65] The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that e-cigarette aerosol contains fewer harmful chemicals than the 7,000 found in cigarette smoke, though it still includes nicotine and other toxins like formaldehyde and metals.[65] Public Health England has estimated that vaping carries only a small fraction of the risks of smoking, based on analyses of toxicant levels and epidemiological patterns, positioning it as a harm reduction tool for smokers unwilling or unable to quit entirely.[66] A 2022 Cochrane systematic review of randomized controlled trials provides high-certainty evidence that nicotine e-cigarettes double the quit rates compared to nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and outperform NRT in short-term abstinence, with moderate-certainty evidence of fewer serious adverse events than varenicline; common side effects included throat irritation and nausea but no substantial increase in severe harms during quitting attempts.[67] This supports vaping's role in reducing smoking prevalence, as dual use or switching can lower overall toxicant intake relative to continued cigarette consumption.[67] However, these benefits assume vaping as a cessation aid rather than recreational use, and long-term population-level data on sustained exclusive vaping remain limited, with some critiques questioning overly optimistic harm reduction claims from bodies like Public Health England due to reliance on short-term biomarkers rather than decades-long outcomes.[68] Cloud-chasing specifically amplifies potential risks within vaping through sub-ohm coils and high-wattage devices (often exceeding 100W), which generate larger vapor volumes and elevate aldehyde production via increased heating of e-liquids, leading to greater lung deposition of irritants.[69] In vitro studies demonstrate that sub-ohm vaping aerosols exhibit higher cytotoxicity to human lung epithelial cells than standard vaping, potentially via oxidative stress and inflammation pathways, though direct comparisons to cigarette smoke exposure show lower overall genotoxicity.[69] Animal models of chronic sub-ohm exposure indicate alveolar damage and airway remodeling akin to early smoking effects, but at reduced severity without combustion byproducts.[70] Cross-sectional human data suggest vaping, including high-power variants, may impair endothelial function and lung mechanics comparably to smoking in acute settings, implying that risk reduction could be attenuated by frequent, voluminous inhalations common in cloud-chasing.[71]| Aspect | Cigarette Smoking | Cloud-Chasing Vaping | Key Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Toxins | Tar, CO, 7,000+ chemicals (many carcinogenic) | Nicotine, aldehydes, metals (fewer overall) | CDC analysis of aerosol composition[65] |
| Lung Exposure Mechanism | Combustion pyrolysis | Thermal degradation of PG/VG | Sub-ohm studies showing elevated carbonyls[69] |
| Quit Aid Efficacy | N/A (addictive baseline) | Doubles success vs. NRT | Cochrane RCT meta-analysis (78 trials)[67] |
| Acute Cardiovascular Impact | Significant vasoconstriction | Similar but milder | Physiological reviews[71] |