This article is written for UK-based vapers and smokers exploring the use of the Bar Series 100 ml Shortfill range and wondering whether these e-liquids are suitable for sub-ohm vaping setups. It aims to provide clear, factual, accessible guidance that draws on industry-standard practices and regulatory considerations in the UK. Whether you are a beginner seeking to move into direct-to-lung (DTL) style vaping or an experienced sub-ohm user evaluating flavour and compatibility, this article will help you decide how well Bar Series shortfills align with your vaping setup, and what to bear in mind to ensure both safety and satisfaction.

What Are Bar Series Shortfills?

Bar Series shortfills are e-liquid bottles produced in the UK, typically featuring a high-VG (vegetable glycerine) blend of around 70 per cent VG and 30 per cent PG (propylene glycol) according to retailer descriptions. Retailers state that these shortfills are “designed for sub-ohm vaping or adding your own nic shots” and that they are “ideal for sub-ohm and DTL kits”. They are supplied in bottles of something like 100 ml of e-liquid (in a 120 ml bottle) to allow space for the addition of nicotine shots, enabling a tailor-made strength for the user.

The flavour range is typically fruity, menthol/ice and sweet-centric, with the intention of capturing the kinds of flavour profiles popular in “disposable” style vape devices (though of course in the UK disposables are regulated).

Who Are They For (And Who Aren’t They For)?

Bar Series shortfills are primarily aimed at vapers who use direct-to-lung (DTL) devices and sub-ohm coils those who prefer larger clouds, smoother throat hits, and more vapour output rather than a mouth-to-lung (MTL) style draw typical of low-wattage starter kits. Retail commentary states that the 70/30 VG/PG ratio “will create large clouds of vapour, so they work best with sub-ohm vape kits and tanks”.

For someone using an MTL pod system, low-wattage device or a coil rated higher resistance (say above 1.0 ohm), Bar Series shortfills may be less appropriate. The heavier VG content and increased cloud production likely favour setups designed for greater airflow, lower resistance coils, and higher wattage. Indeed one retailer specifically states that their shortfills are “designed for sub ohm vaping”.

Thus the typical user for Bar Series shortfills is someone who already has or intends to use a sub-ohm tank or mod setup, enjoys fruity or “ice”/flavour-intense e-liquids, is comfortable handling higher wattage devices, and perhaps wants to add nicotine shots themselves to customise strength. A user who is new to vaping and using a simple pod or MTL device may find them less suitable initially.

Features and Composition: What to Look At

When assessing any e-liquid for sub-ohm use, key features include VG/PG ratio, nicotine strength, bottle size/configuration, flavour profile and how it fits your device’s coil and airflow characteristics. In the case of Bar Series shortfills, retailers list the following attributes.

Firstly the VG/PG. The commonly quoted ratio is 70VG/30PG (or similarly “70 per cent VG”) which is a higher VG content than many standard 50-50 or 60/40 blends, meaning the liquid will be thicker and more suited to setups with good airflow and mesh coils.

Secondly the nicotine aspect. These shortfills are supplied in bottles that have 0 mg nicotine by default and space to add two 10 ml nicotine shots, allowing the user to create up to around 3 mg strength (in line with UK regulations for e-liquids) or other strengths depending on the nicotine shots used.

Thirdly bottle size and format. For example some listings show “100 ml of e-liquid in a 120 ml short-fill bottle” so the user has space to add the nic shots.

Fourthly flavour. Bar Series emphasises bold, fruit-based, sweet and menthol/ice flavour profiles such as Blueberry Sour Raspberry, Mango Ice, Grape, Strawberry Raspberry Cherry, Watermelon Ice.

When you combine the high VG ratio plus the bottle format plus the flavour profile plus the provider’s own description, the product is very clearly positioned for DTL/sub-ohm use. That suggests yes, they are suitable for sub-ohm vaping in principle but as always compatibility depends on your actual device, coil, airflow and usage style.

Pros and Cons

Pros

One advantage of Bar Series shortfills is that they are explicitly marketed for sub-ohm use, meaning if you have the right device then the e-liquid is engineered to match it: high VG, generous flavour, and the ability to tailor nicotine strength. Using a high VG blend in a sub-ohm coil with good airflow should lead to richer flavour and bigger vapour clouds, which many DTL users seek. The bottle design allows user control over nicotine strength. The range of flavours is broad and taps into popular modern tastes. From a cost perspective buying a large bottle and adding nic shots may be more economical than smaller bottles.

Cons

On the flip side, if you attempt to use Bar Series shortfills in a lower powered device, MTL coil or high resistance coil, you may encounter some issues. The thick liquid (because of the high VG) may not wick as efficiently in a device with restricted airflow or smaller coil ports and could lead to dry hits or burnt taste. Also the flavour intensity and large vapour output may not suit someone seeking a subtle, discreet vaping experience. If you are new to sub-ohm vaping and unfamiliar with coil resistance, airflow settings or battery wattage, there is more risk of incorrect pairing, which could degrade flavour, shorten coil life or create unsatisfactory performance. Finally, although high VG gives cloud and smooth throat hit, it may reduce throat hit intensity compared to a higher PG ratio, which some users prefer if they are switching from smoking and need stronger throat sensation.

Health, Regulation and Safety Considerations in the UK Context

When discussing suitability for sub-ohm vaping, it is prudent to touch on UK regulation and safe practice.

In the UK all e-liquids must comply with the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations (TRPR) which set out manufacturing standards, ingredients, labelling, packaging and maximum nicotine strength (20 mg/ml) for refill liquids. Shortfills sold at 0 mg, with space for nic shots, commonly comply with these standards. The bottle must be child-resistant, tamper-evident and carry appropriate warnings. Retailers of Bar Series confirm TPD compliance.

From a safety perspective when using sub-ohm devices you must ensure your battery, mod and coils are rated for the power you are using. High VG liquids demand effective wicking, adequate coil surface area and good airflow to prevent overheating or burnt cotton taste. Ensure the device is maintained, coils are changed when needed, and airflow is adjusted to match the liquid and coil. If you add nicotine shots to a shortfill you must mix thoroughly, check you are comfortable with the strength, and store racks safely out of reach of children and pets.

In terms of health messaging it remains appropriate to note that vaping is intended for adult smokers or former smokers seeking an alternative. UK public health bodies caution that vaping is not risk-free and that non-smokers are advised not to start. While high VG sub-ohm vaping is an option, the user should be aware that more vapour and deeper inhalation may increase the potential for inhaling more aerosolised particulates, though how that translates to long term harm is still being studied. It is wise to use sub-ohm setups with knowledge, maintenance and awareness of proper device operating ranges.

Comparison and Alternative Options

If you are considering Bar Series shortfills for sub-ohm use, it is helpful to compare them with other options and consider alternatives.

Compared with standard 50VG/50PG or 60/40 blends often used for pod systems or MTL kits, Bar Series’ 70VG/30PG is thicker and targeted. If you are using an MTL device (higher resistance coil, tighter draw) then you may be better suited to a lower VG blend (for example 50VG/50PG) that wicks more easily in smaller coils and delivers a tighter draw rather than large clouds.

If you are fully committed to sub-ohm vaping you could also look at other shortfill brands engineered for high-VG use and performance DTL vaping. Some brands might offer even higher VG ratios (for example 80VG/20PG) or specially tuned flavour profiles for mesh coil tanks. Another alternative is to use a nic-salt e-liquid in a high-resistance, low-wattage pod system if you prefer less vapour and a tighter draw; in that case the Bar Series shortfill would likely be over-engineered for your setup.

In summary: if your setup is a mod with adjustable wattage, a sub-ohm tank (resistance below perhaps 1.0 ohm, typically 0.2-0.6 ohm in many DTL tanks), good airflow and you want big clouds and bold flavour, then Bar Series shortfills are a strong match. If your setup is more moderate, simpler, or you use MTL style, you might choose a different e-liquid that better matches.

Flavour and Experience: What to Expect

Using Bar Series shortfills in a sub-ohm device typically delivers a flavour profile that emphasises bold sweetness, fruity blends, and menthol/ice finishes if chosen. The higher VG ratio tends to smooth out the throat hit somewhat, meaning you will have less “scratch” in the throat compared with high PG liquids, and you will see greater vapour production. Many DTL users enjoy that feel of inhaling into the lungs and exhaling large plumes of vapour, and the flavour intensity tends to come across well when the coil and airflow are optimised.

The flavoured mix such as Blueberry Sour Raspberry or Mango Ice from the Bar Series is likely to deliver a sweet, dessert-style vaping experience. Because the product is designed to replicate popular flavour profiles from disposable-style devices (though you are using a refillable setup) you will find the “familiar taste” of those fruit/ice combinations but backed by a reusable tank. That means cost savings and more customisation potential.

For best results you will want to use a sub-ohm coil rated for your wattage, ensure airflow is open enough to handle the thick liquid (you might open the airflow more than you would for an MTL draw), and prime the coil properly before heavy use (i.e., ensure wick is saturated, run a few low watt puffs before full power). Expect a softer throat feel, but you can make up for that if you want more throat hit by increasing wattage (within safe limits for your coil) or choosing a flavour with menthol/ice which adds perception of throat impact.

FAQs and Common Misconceptions

One frequent question is: “Can I use Bar Series shortfills in any device?” The answer is: not ideally in all devices. Because the VG is high at around 70 per cent, if you use a low-wattage device or a coil with restricted airflow designed for MTL vaping you may experience poor wicking, reduced flavour, burnt tastes or short coil life. The product is intended for DTL/sub-ohm setups.

Another misconception is that a higher VG automatically means safer or more efficient. While a thicker liquid gives better cloud and smoother throat hit, the device must be able to wick that thickness and manage the heat. If a device is not designed for sub-ohm use, yes you may get unsatisfactory performance or hazards (like overheating).

Some vapers may assume “sub-ohm = more harmful” or “higher vapour means higher risk” but the reality is more nuanced. It is about device design, coil temperature, wicking efficiency, and user behaviour. What matters is staying within recommended wattage for your coil, ensuring good airflow, changing coils when they degrade, and not pushing power levels unsafely.

Another question: “What nicotine strength should I add?” If you are adding nicotine shots to the shortfill you must ensure you know the strength of the shots, that the final strength is appropriate for your experience and dependence level, and that you shake the bottle thoroughly after adding shots so that the nicotine mixes evenly. In the UK the maximum ready-to-vape strength for refill liquids is 20 mg/ml; shortfills plus shots typically bring you to around 3 mg or similar depending on the mix. The user should ensure correct calculation and ensure the shots are legal and properly labelled.

A disposal or environmental question might be: “How should I dispose of used e-liquids or bottles?” Even though it is not the central focus here, responsible vaping includes disposing of empty bottles in household recycling if the local authority accepts them, not pouring unused e-liquid down drains, and ensuring batteries of devices are recycled at designated collection points.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion the Bar Series shortfills are a compelling option for anyone using a sub-ohm vaping setup in the UK and looking for bold flavour, good vapour production and a refillable alternative to single-use or pod devices. The 70VG/30PG formulation together with the bottle format and user-added nicotine flexibility clearly positions them for DTL/sub-ohm use. That said the suitability hinges on having the right device, coil and airflow combination. If you are on a low-wattage, high-resistance MTL kit then you might not get the best experience from them.

As with all vaping choices, ensure your device is maintained, use coils suited for your e-liquid, understand your nicotine strength, and discard and recycle materials responsibly. If you match Bar Series shortfills to an appropriate sub-ohm kit you should enjoy strong flavour, ample vapour, and a refillable, cost-effective solution.

If you like, I can compare Bar Series shortfills with two other brands of high-VG e-liquid specifically for sub-ohm use, highlighting flavour, cost and VG/PG differences. Would you like me to prepare that?