I've been thinking a lot about this after switching between different machines at my local spot. The difference is pretty stark once you actually track your sessions.
Low-volatility slots feel like a steady drip. You'll hit small wins constantly, maybe 20-50 cents on a dollar spin. The balance barely moves, and you can play for ages without dramatic swings. It's almost like playing tight preflop ranges beginners learn to study - you're grinding out small edges without big risks.
High-volatility games are a completely different animal. You might spin 50-100 times with nothing, then suddenly hit a bonus that pays 500x your stake. The balance swings wildly. I've learned to apply poker bankroll management principles here - never bring more than you can afford to lose in a single session, because the downswings can be brutal.
The mental approach matters too. I set strict poker session stop rules before I even sit down. Once I'm down 40% of my buy-in on a high-vol slot, I walk away. No chasing. Understanding pot odds basics helps too - if a bonus feature costs extra to trigger, you need to know whether the expected return justifies the added expense.
Tournament poker bubble pressure is actually a decent comparison for waiting on high-volatility bonus rounds. You're sitting there, balance shrinking, wondering if the feature will hit before you bust. Low-volatility games never create that tension.
Honestly, I prefer mixing both depending on my mood. Low-vol for relaxed evenings, high-vol when I want that adrenaline rush and have the bankroll to handle it.