The Vape UK Guide to Vaping Styles

In this guide we’ll outline everything you need to know about MTL, DTL, and RDL vaping.

 The way you vape is one of the first things to establish when you first try to switch from smoking to vaping.

For your quit attempt to be successful, use this guide to help you identify your particular vaping style, and ensure you select the correct vaping equipment.

If you’ve tried vaping before, but weren’t successful, this guide may help you to see if you were using the wrong kit for your vaping style.

MTL vs DTL vs RDL

MTL, DTL, and RDL refer to inhalation methods and are the terms used to describe the three most common vaping styles.

Each method has its advantages, which are outlined below. Remember, there’s no right or wrong - only personal preference.

MTL - Mouth-to-Lung

Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) is the vaping style that most closely replicates smoking. Most people switching from smoking will start by MTL vaping as it feels the most natural way for smokers to inhale.

Take a long, smooth, steady draw into the mouth.

Inhale the vapour into the lungs, allowing some air to be drawn in. 

Exhale the remaining vapour. 

The longer you let the vapour linger in your mouth, the more satisfaction you’ll get from the ‘hit’ and the flavour.  

The longer you leave it before you exhale, the less vapour there will be.  

MTL coils have a resistance of 0.8Ω or higher. They contain more wicking material for a tighter draw.

The element is commonly made from mesh for a fast and even heat.

Single-use vape bars (disposables) and MTL pod kits have an ergonomic mouthpiece (duckbill), and MTL tanks have a 510 drip tip. The openings are narrow like a cigarette, so a tighter draw can be achieved.

If the device has an adjustable airflow, this should be kept to a minimum.

MTL vape juice contains either 50PG / 50VG or 40PG / 60VG, which delivers a sharper throat hit like cigarette smoking.

PG carries flavour better than VG, allowing you to fully taste the vape juice.

New vapers need more nicotine to keep the cravings under control, and stop them going back to smoking.

MTL e-liquids can contain a high nicotine content, up to 20mg (2%). This includes nic salts, which are more popular than freebase nicotine as the throat hit is smoother.

DTL - Direct-to-Lung

Direct-to-lung ( DTL) is most commonly employed by experienced vapers. For transitioning smokers it can feel like a strange way to inhale. 

Slowly and steadily draw the vapour directly into your lungs, bypassing the mouth (it's essentially the same as taking a deep breath, except you breathe through the vape device).

Take the kit out of your mouth and exhale.

You’ll need a sub-ohm pod kit or box mod with a variable wattage.

DTL vapers typically run their devices above 40W, with some going as high as 300W!

DTL pods and tanks have a wide mouthpiece to accommodate large plumes of vapour production.

Coils are sub-ohm (low resistance) to allow for the higher wattage required, and maintain a high output for long inhales.

Adjustable airflow is a must; opening up the airflow allows more air to flow through the tank and into your lungs.

The more open the airflow, the bigger the clouds.

Nicotine content should be 6mg or less. Any higher and you’ll experience a really harsh throat hit and too great a hit of nicotine.

Common ratios for DTL vape juice are:

60VG / 40PG - good flavour, sharp throat hit, and decent clouds

70VG / 30PG - optimum balance of flavour, clouds, and throat hit

80VG / 20PG - massive clouds with less intense flavour

The higher the VG, the larger the coil’s wicking holes need to be to handle the viscosity. Too small and it won't pull through quickly enough, resulting in a dry hit.

RDL - Restricted-Direct-Lung

Restricted-direct-lung is becoming increasingly popular amongst vapers who’ve been vaping for a while.

It’s the midpoint between MTL and DTL, but the actual inhalation technique is closer to DTL.

Follow the steps for DTL, but close off most (or all) of the airflow.

This offers DTL vapers better flavour delivery, and MTL vapers more cloud production.

You'll need a kit with a wide power output range that can handle all coil resistances, as well as adjustable airflow.

RDL coils should have a resistance of between 0.5Ω and 0.8Ω, to get the right balance between vapour and flavour.

Play around with the airflow until you achieve the level of restriction on your draw that is right for you.

Perfect for a higher level of vapour production and flavour delivery, without taking in too much nicotine.

MTL vs DTL vs RDL - what’s your vaping style?

Your vaping style depends on your own preferences and what you want to achieve from vaping. 

Your style today doesn’t have to be your style forever. Many vapers evolve over time; others find that they enjoy both MTL and DTL vaping styles, so opt for an RDL style as a happy medium.

Just remember though, that any style of vaping is the right one if it helps you stay off the ciggies!