A Guide to PIXL Vapes and Nic Salts

PIXL is a relatively new name in UK vaping, but it caught on fast. The 6000 was a big-puff disposable that did things a bit differently, and when the disposable ban came in, the brand moved straight into rechargeable pod kits using the same flavour recipes; rather than reinvention, they offered the same thing, but in a reusable package.

This guide answers the questions we get asked most about PIXL, from why the device won't fire out of the box to what OP means on the screen, plus a plain-English breakdown of nic salts for anyone getting to grips with them for the first time.

What is PIXL?

PIXL is made by Idea Flavour, a UK-based brand. The current range at Vapourcore consists of two devices. The PIXL 8000 is the main kit, delivering around 8,000 puffs from a 2ml pod paired with a 10ml auto-feed refill container. The PIXL Duo 12 is the one for people who like variety: it holds two flavoured pods, and you twist the mouthpiece to switch between them, with around 6,000 puffs in total. Both use 20mg nic salt, charge via USB-C, and run on an 850mAh battery that should last most vapers a full day.

How to unlock the PIXL 8000

Every PIXL 8000 arrives locked. This is a built-in safety feature to stop it from firing accidentally during shipping or in your pocket, so it's completely normal for the device to be unresponsive straight out of the box.

To unlock it, press the button at the base of the device five times quickly, within around two seconds. The screen will flash and the padlock icon will disappear. The device locks itself automatically after around 10 minutes of not being used, so you'll repeat the five-click process whenever you pick it up after a break.

To lock it manually, the same five clicks will bring the padlock icon back.

If the unlock isn't working

A few things to check if the five-click unlock doesn't seem to do anything:

• Charge the device first. A flat battery can look like a locked device, because the screen won't respond to input
• Remove the pod unit and reinsert it firmly. A loose connection can stop the device from recognising the pod
• Clean the connection points gently with a dry cloth if there's any residue

How to refill the PIXL 8000 (and why you don't really need to)

The PIXL 8000 doesn't refill in the traditional sense. You don't open a bottle and pour anything in. The device works on an auto-feed system: a 10ml refill container sits below the 2ml pod and feeds e-liquid into it automatically as you vape. You just draw on it, and the container does the work.

When both the pod and refill container are empty, you replace them as a set with a new PIXL 8000 pod refill pack. The battery device stays with you. That's it.

Setting up the PIXL 8000 from scratch

1. Remove the rubber bungs from the 2ml pod and the 10ml refill container
2. Press the pod and refill container together until they click into place
3. Slide the assembled unit into the PIXL 8000 via the magnetic connection
4. Wait two to three minutes before your first draw to let the coil saturate
5. Unlock the device with five clicks, then inhale to vape

What is boost mode?

Double-clicking the button at the base activates boost mode, which increases vapour output and intensifies the flavour. It's useful when you want a bigger hit, but normal mode is fine for everyday use. Start in normal mode with a new pod and let the coil settle before switching to boost.

What does OP mean on a PIXL vape?

OP stands for overpuff protection. It's a safety feature that kicks in when the device detects it's been activated for too long in a single draw, or used in quick succession beyond a set threshold. It protects the coil from burning out and stops the battery from being drained too quickly.

When OP appears on the screen, just wait a few seconds before taking another puff. It's nothing to worry about and doesn't mean the device is broken.

 What is nic salt?

Nic salt, short for nicotine salt, is a type of e-liquid that uses nicotine in its natural form as found in tobacco leaves, combined with a mild acid (usually benzoic acid). This lowers the pH of the liquid and changes how the nicotine behaves.

The result is an e-liquid that is smoother to inhale at higher strengths, absorbs into the bloodstream faster than freebase nicotine, and satisfies cravings more quickly. For a switching smoker, this matters. Freebase nicotine becomes harsh and scratchy at 12mg and above. Nic salts stay smooth all the way up to 20mg, which is the legal maximum in the UK.

Every PIXL device uses 20mg nic salt. It's why the draw feels close to smoking a cigarette without the throat irritation that comes with high-strength freebase liquids.

Nic salts are best used with low-powered mouth-to-lung devices, like the PIXL kits. They’re not suited to sub-ohm devices, where the higher wattage would deliver nicotine too intensely and too quickly.

Can you use nic salt juice in a regular vape?

Yes, but with a caveat. Nic salts work well in pod kits and mouth-to-lung devices, which is exactly what PIXL kits and most prefilled pod kits are. The coil resistance needs to be 1.0 ohm or higher, and the wattage low to moderate. Tick those boxes, and you're fine.

Where it goes wrong is in sub-ohm tanks and high-powered box mods. Put a 20mg nic salt through a device running at 40W or more, and you're delivering a very concentrated nicotine hit, very fast. The throat hit becomes overwhelming, the taste turns harsh, and some people feel genuinely unwell. It's not a subtle difference.

If you're using a refillable pod kit and want to try PIXL nic salts in it, just check your coil resistance before you buy. Most starter kits are compatible without any fuss. Browse the nic salt e-liquid range at Vapourcore to find a flavour that suits your setup.

How much nic salt to add to 100ml

This question is usually about shortfills. A shortfill is a large bottle of nicotine-free e-liquid sold with space at the top so you can add nicotine shots to reach your preferred strength.

A 100ml shortfill comes in a 120ml bottle, leaving room for exactly two 10ml nicotine shots. Here is what you get with different shot combinations:

Most vapers mix a 100ml shortfill, add two shots to hit around 3mg. If you want a higher strength than this, you need to decant some of the base liquid into a separate bottle to make room for additional shots, though 6mg is generally the highest strength recommended for shortfill mixing.

It's worth noting that nic salts in a shortfill are best suited to low-wattage, pod-style devices. If you are vaping on a high-powered sub-ohm kit, stick to freebase nic shots in your shortfill instead.

Shop PIXL at Vapourcore

If this guide has helped you get your head around PIXL or nic salts, the next step is easy. Browse the full PIXL vapes and nic salts range or pick up PIXL 8000 pod refills when you're running low.

And if you're still not sure which kit suits you best, our team is happy to help. Just drop us a message on the contact page.