MTL / DTL / RDTL Vaping: What’s The Difference?

The vaping world is complex and ever evolving, and although this is a positive aspect that makes things exciting and interesting for vapers, it does make it a little challenging for newcomers to get the hang of things. An important aspect of vaping is your inhalation technique or vaping style, which can fall into one of three categories: 

• MTL: Mouth to Lung
• DTL: Direct to Lung
• RDTL: Restricted Direct to Lung

You need to understand these vaping styles to determine which device you should buy, how to use it efficiently, and how to enjoy your vaping experience to the fullest extent.

MTL (Mouth To Lung) Vaping

MTL vaping closely mimics the action of smoking a cigarette, making it popular among those who make the switch from smoking to vaping. Simply take a smooth and steady draw from your device (instead of taking short and sharp drags like with a cigarette) and keep it in your mouth as you puff. 

Once you have enough vapour in your mouth, inhale it fully while drawing in air at the same time. This is also referred to as “swallowing” or “taking back” the vapour. 

Why Do People Vape MTL?

Most people vape MTL due to the fact that it is similar to smoking a traditional cigarette, while others just prefer this inhalation method. Ex-smokers naturally tend to practise this method, which also provides them with a satisfactory throat hit that mimics that of a cigarette pull. 

Since you can only fit so much vapour in your mouth, you should not expect to see thick or dense clouds with this vaping method. Many vapers also use the MTL method when trying out new e-liquid flavours to really get an idea of the mouth feel and full flavour profile. It is also the best method for stealth vaping. 

Suitable Nicotine Strengths For MTL Vaping

With MTL vaping, you can vape e-liquids with a higher nicotine content without worrying about feeling ill as you will be using coils with higher resistance and a lower power output. This is another reason why MTL vaping is popular among ex-smokers as it can cater to high nicotine cravings.  

However, many people find freebase e-liquids with higher nicotine levels to be a bit harsh on the throat. Rather opt for Nic Salts, which have higher nicotine concentrations but can provide a smoother hit. Nic Salts are also absorbed quickly into the bloodstream, absorbing faster than freebase e-liquid and giving you a more immediate and satisfying nicotine hit.

PG/VG Ratios For MTL Vaping

Propylene Glycol (PG) and Vegetable Glycerin (VG) are two of the main components found in e-liquid, also known as base liquids. Devices that support MTL vaping are generally made for e-liquids with a higher PG content. 

Since VG has a thicker consistency than PG, it can struggle to fully saturate and wick smaller MTL coils. This easily leads to burnt or dry hits that could easily be avoided by using an e-liquid with a higher PG level.

• 70 VG / 30 PG: Good vapour production (check if your device is compatible first).
• 60 VG / 40 PG: Smoother vape.
• 50 PG  / 50 VG: Great throat hit.
• Nic Salts: Recommended for best MTL experience. 

Airflow For MTL Vaping

MTL vaping requires a tight airflow, which will also provide you with a more satisfying warm vapour. This is why you will also notice that your MTL device has a narrow mouthpiece, especially when compared to sub-ohm tanks. 

If you try out an MTL hit with open airflow, you will end up with a mouth full of warm air with almost no vapour. It definitely will not be a satisfying vaping experience.

Coil Resistance For MTL Vaping

Higher resistance coils (anything above 1.0 Ω) are suitable for MTL vaping. You can find lower resistance coils for MTL vaping out there, but they are made with thinner wires that do not carry as much wattage/power.

If you have an MTL device with a fixed wattage, there is no need to worry as your settings will be ready for you to vape away. If your device has adjustable settings, simply start with a low wattage and gradually increase it until you find your sweet spot. 

DTL (Direct To Lung) Vaping

DTL vaping can take some getting used to as it is not as natural as MTL vaping might come. Take a slow and steady draw of vapour and inhale it directly into your lungs. Most people puff for 3-5 seconds or longer. Once you are done inhaling and all the vapour is in your lungs, you can exhale.

Why Do People Vape DTL?

DTL vaping is popular among enthusiasts as this method provides the ability to produce full, thick, and dense clouds of vapour that are perfect for tricks. It is also the best way to really get the most out of your device and its performance, play around with different settings, and experience full flavours on different levels.

Many vapers who have transitioned from smoking to vaping who no longer need the throat hit or high nicotine levels often switch to this vaping style as vaping becomes more of a fun and customisable hobby.

Suitable Nicotine Strengths For DTL Vaping

Here is where you should be wary – vaping higher nicotine strengths with a DTL vaping device can make you feel dizzy and nauseous for a few seconds. It is definitely not what you are looking for in your vaping experience, and you might even vomit or faint if you keep consuming too much nicotine in this manner.

Most DTL vapers use e-liquids with a nicotine strength of 3 mg. E-liquids that exceed 6 mg are not recommended for DTL devices. The higher your nicotine strength, the harsher your throat hit will be.

PG/VG Ratios For DTL Vaping

DTL devices are more suited for high VG e-liquids. Since they are thicker, they can provide denser clouds and smoother, more full vapour. Many vapers also mention that VG is more gentle on the lungs. 

• 60 VG / 40 PG: Good flavour, cloud production, and throat hit.
• 70 VG / 30 PG: A popular blend – good flavour, big clouds, and a smooth throat hit.
• 80 VG / 20 PG: Good flavour, dense clouds, and a smooth throat hit.
• 90 VG / 10 PG: Good flavour, even denser clouds, and a smoother throat hit.
• 100% VG: Pure clouds, great flavour, and a super smooth throat hit. Vapers who are sensitive to PG also choose this option.

Airflow For DTL Vaping

Most sub-ohm tanks used for DTL vaping have the option to adjust your airflow from fully open to fully closed. Open airflow means that more air goes through to the tank when you inhale vapour, moving to your lungs unrestricted. As you open the airflow more, your hits will be easier and longer with bigger cloud production. 

When you close the airflow, your hit will be more intense, warmer, and slightly more restricted. This will also give you a better flavour experience. If you tend to take slow draws, switch to a medium airflow as the vapour could be too hot and cause discomfort.

Coil Resistance For DTL Vaping

Lower resistance coils (anything below 1.0 Ω) are suitable for DTL vaping. This also means you will be able to set your device to a higher wattage. Since these coils are thicker, they can allow more wattage to pass through at a higher temperature, providing you with enough vapour to blow massive clouds.

RDTL (Restricted Direct To Lung) Vaping

RDTL vaping is essentially the middle ground between MTL and DTL vaping, having slightly more in common with DTL due to the restricted airflow. Many pod kits come with adjustable airflow for this vaping style as they cannot necessarily provide the high power output for full DTL vaping, giving you a milder version thereof. 

The biggest benefit of RDTL vaping is the fact that it can provide an equal balance of great flavour and big clouds. If you have an MTL device with adjustable airflow, opening it up will most likely provide an RDL vaping experience. If you have a DTL device, close off your airflow to get an RDTL setting.

Otherwise, simply look at the other information for DTL vaping – just remember that your airflow will be more restricted.

Essentially, the vaping method you choose comes down to personal preference. Those who switch from smoking to vaping might start out with MTL vaping, while those who like to perform vape tricks might use a DTL vaping style, and others might simply prefer the well-blended experience of RDTL vaping. Just remember to use the right devices, settings, and e-liquids to optimise your vaping experience to the fullest.