What Are Longfills and How Do They Work?

With the vaping industry constantly evolving, vapers are always looking for more flexibility, variety, and cost-efficiency in their e-liquid options. One of the latest trends taking the vaping world by storm is the longfill. Offering a customisable and economical alternative to traditional shortfills or pre-mixed juices, longfills are perfect for intermediate to advanced users who want more control over their vaping experience.

Vape Cartel stocks South Africa’s largest selection of e-liquid under one roof, including a wide array of longfills for all preferences and vaping styles. But what exactly are longfills, and how do they work? Let’s dive in.

What Are Longfills?

A longfill is a partially filled bottle of e-liquid concentrate, typically in a 60ml or 120ml bottle, that contains only a small amount of flavour concentrate (usually around 20ml in a 60ml bottle). The remaining space in the bottle is intentionally left empty so that vapers can add their own base liquid and, optionally, nicotine shots.

Longfills are not pre-mixed vape juices. Instead, they are a DIY-style solution that allows vapers to customise their e-liquid by adjusting the VG/PG ratio and nicotine strength to their liking.

Key Characteristics

• Contain concentrated flavouring only (no VG, PG, or nicotine)

• Require user to add VG/PG base and nicotine (if desired)

• Offer greater flexibility and value for money

• Must be steeped (left to sit) after mixing for best flavour development

How Do Longfills Work?

Using a longfill is simple once you understand the process. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use a 60ml longfill bottle with 20ml flavour concentrate.

Step 1: Add Nicotine (Optional)

Depending on your desired nicotine strength, you can add a nicotine shot (usually 10 ml or 18 mg strength) to the longfill bottle. This step is optional if you prefer 0 mg (nicotine-free) vape juice.

Step 2: Add VG and PG Base

Fill the rest of the bottle with a mix of vegetable glycerine (VG) and propylene glycol (PG) to reach the final volume (typically 60ml or 120ml). This allows you to control the VG/PG ratio:

• 70 VG/30 PG for bigger clouds and a smoother throat hit

• 50 VG/50 PG for balanced flavour and throat hit

• 30 VG/70 PG for a more intense throat hit and flavour

Step 3: Shake and Steep

Once filled, give the bottle a good shake to thoroughly mix the contents. Let it steep for a few days to a week so the flavours can mature. The steeping period varies depending on the flavour profile (desserts and custards often benefit from a longer steep).

Step 4: Vape and Enjoy

After steeping, your custom e-liquid is ready to use! Fill your tank or RDA and enjoy your personalised vape experience.

Advantages of Longfills

• Customisation: With longfills, you can tailor your e-liquid to suit your exact needs. Whether you prefer a high VG mix for cloud chasing or a higher PG content for a stronger throat hit and flavour intensity, the choice is yours.

• Nicotine Control: Unlike pre-mixed e-liquids, longfills let you add the nicotine strength you want or skip it altogether.

• Cost-Effective: Longfills are often more economical in the long run. You get more e-liquid per bottle after mixing and can use your own base ingredients, which are often cheaper in bulk.

• Travel-Friendly: Because the bottles initially contain only flavour concentrate, they comply with many travel liquid restrictions and can be completed once you arrive at your destination.

• Wider Variety of Flavours: Vape Cartel offers a massive range of longfills, from rich desserts and sweet candies to bold tobaccos and refreshing fruits, giving you access to unique flavours often not available in pre-mixed form.

Longfills vs Shortfills: What’s the Difference?

Longfills offer more flexibility but require a bit more effort and understanding of mixing. Shortfills are a simpler plug-and-play solution.

Who Are Longfills Best Suited For?

Longfills are ideal for:

• Intermediate to advanced vapers who enjoy crafting their own blends

• DIY enthusiasts who want to experiment with VG/PG ratios and flavour strength

• Cost-conscious users looking for greater value

• Vapers wanting to control nicotine levels precisely

• Flavour connoisseurs who enjoy steeped, complex profiles

If you're new to vaping, longfills might seem overwhelming at first. However, with some guidance, they offer a rewarding and flexible experience.

Why Buy Longfills from Vape Cartel?

As the home of South Africa’s largest selection of e-liquid under one roof, Vape Cartel offers a curated collection of longfills from leading local and international brands. When you buy from us, you get:

• Hundreds of flavour options to match every palate

• Nationwide delivery on all vaping products

• Expert guidance on mixing ratios and steeping tips

• Competitive pricing on longfills, nicotine shots, and base liquids

• Responsive customer support for beginner and advanced queries

Whether you're building your first DIY setup or a seasoned vape enthusiast, Vape Cartel makes finding and mixing the perfect longfill simple and enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a longfill?

A longfill is a bottle containing only flavour concentrate, which you mix with your own VG, PG, and nicotine to create a full bottle of vape juice.

Do I need to add nicotine to a longfill?

No, adding nicotine is optional. You can create a 0 mg e-liquid by simply adding VG and PG without any nicotine shots.

Can I vape a longfill immediately after mixing?

Technically, yes, but for best results, most longfills should be steeped for a few days to a week to allow the flavours to develop fully.

What ratio of VG to PG should I use?

It depends on your preference. 70 VG/30 PG is popular for sub-ohm vaping, producing large clouds, while 50/50 is better suited for mouth-to-lung vaping and pod systems.

Are longfills legal in South Africa?

Yes, longfills are legal and popular in South Africa. Vape Cartel adheres to local regulations and provides compliant, high-quality products that meet industry standards.

What size bottles do longfills come in?

Most longfills are available in 60ml bottles with 20ml of concentrate, leaving 40ml of space for your own ingredients.

Ready to Mix Your Perfect Vape?

If you're looking to explore the world of custom vape juice with complete control over flavour, strength, and ingredients, longfills are the perfect solution. And there's no better place to start than Vape Cartel, your one-stop shop for everything vaping in South Africa.

Explore our extensive collection to find the perfect longfill for your taste.