Explained: MTL (Mouth to Lung), RDL (Restricted Direct Lung), and DTL (Direct to Lung) Vaping Types

When it comes to vaping, understanding the different styles—Mouth To Lung (MTL), Restricted Direct Lung (RDL), and Direct To Lung (DTL)—can help you find the perfect vape experience. Each method offers unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. Let’s dive into each style to discover what makes them distinct and who they suit best.

Vaping Style: Mouth To Lung (MTL)

How Do You Vape MTL?

MTL vaping mimics the sensation of smoking traditional cigarettes. You take a draw from the vape device, hold the vapor in your mouth briefly, and then inhale it into your lungs. This creates a tight, cigarette-like draw with a more focused flavor.

Who Does It?

MTL vaping is popular among former smokers and those who enjoy a slower, more deliberate vaping experience. It’s also ideal for beginners who want a smooth transition from smoking to vaping.

Why Vape MTL?

MTL vaping offers a satisfying throat hit and is great for nicotine delivery. It’s often paired with higher nicotine strengths and provides a familiar experience for those coming from cigarettes.

Nicotine, PG, and VG for MTL Vaping

Which Nicotine Strength Is Best for Mouth to Lung Vaping?

MTL vapers typically use higher nicotine strengths, ranging from 6mg to 18mg, with some opting for nicotine salts that provide smoother hits at higher levels.

Which PG/VG Ratio Is Best for MTL Vapers?

MTL devices work best with e-liquids that have a higher PG (propylene glycol) ratio, which provides a stronger throat hit and carries flavor well.

Recommended PG/VG Ratios for Mouth To Lung Devices

A common PG/VG ratio for MTL vaping is 50/50, or 60/40 (PG/VG). These ratios provide a good balance between flavor, throat hit, and vapor production.

Airflow

MTL devices typically feature tight, restricted airflow, mimicking the sensation of smoking. This ensures that each draw is concentrated, producing rich flavor without overwhelming vapor.

Coil Resistance for MTL Vaping

But I’ve Seen MTL Tanks with Sub-Ohm Coils?

While traditional MTL devices use higher resistance coils (above 1 ohm), some MTL tanks are now compatible with sub-ohm coils. However, the experience remains focused on flavor and tight airflow rather than huge vapor clouds.

What Coil Resistance (Ohms) Should I Use for Mouth To Lung (MTL) Vaping?

For a true MTL experience, look for coils with resistance around 1.0 ohm or higher. These provide the best balance between flavor and a satisfying throat hit.

Vaping Style: Restricted Direct Lung (RDL)

What is RDL?

Restricted Direct Lung vaping is a hybrid style that falls between MTL and DTL. The draw is looser than MTL but still more restricted than full DTL. It allows for deeper inhales with a balanced amount of vapor and flavor.

Why Vape RDL?

RDL vaping is perfect for those who want more vapor production than MTL but find DTL vaping too intense. It’s ideal for medium-strength e-liquids and provides a comfortable middle ground between the two extremes.

Vaping Style: Direct To Lung (DTL)

How Do You Vape DTL?

DTL vaping involves inhaling vapor directly into the lungs, similar to taking a deep breath. This style creates large clouds of vapor and is often referred to as “cloud chasing.”

Who Does It?

DTL vaping is popular among hobbyists and experienced vapers who enjoy producing big clouds. It’s also favored by those who prefer lower nicotine levels and high-wattage devices.

Why Vape DTL?

DTL vaping is all about maximizing vapor production and flavor intensity. It’s best suited for those who enjoy sub-ohm vaping and prefer a smoother throat hit with high-VG (vegetable glycerin) e-liquids.

Nicotine, PG, and VG for DTL Vaping

Which Nicotine Strength Is Best for Direct to Lung Vaping?

For DTL vaping, lower nicotine strengths (0mg to 6mg) are preferred, as higher levels can be too harsh when inhaling directly into the lungs.

Which PG/VG Ratio Is Best for DTL Vapers?

High-VG e-liquids, such as 70/30 (VG/PG) or even 80/20, are ideal for DTL vaping. VG creates dense vapor clouds and provides a smoother throat hit.

Recommended PG/VG Ratios for Direct To Lung Devices

DTL vapers should opt for high-VG ratios to maximize cloud production and ensure a smooth, flavorful vape.

Tanks and Wicking High VG Juices

DTL devices usually have larger tanks and wicking systems designed to handle thicker, high-VG juices. These devices often require more power to vaporize the thicker liquid efficiently.

Airflow

DTL devices have wide-open airflow settings to allow for unrestricted inhales, which is key to producing large clouds.

Coil Resistance for DTL Vaping

What Coil Resistance (Ohms) Should I Use for Direct To Lung / Sub-Ohm Vaping?

For DTL vaping, sub-ohm coils (below 1.0 ohm) are essential. These low-resistance coils allow for higher wattage and produce massive vapor clouds.

The MTL vs DTL Vaping Verdict

Each vaping style—MTL, RDL, and DTL—offers a unique experience. MTL is perfect for those looking for a cigarette-like draw with strong flavor and throat hit. RDL strikes a balance between the two, providing more vapor than MTL but less intensity than DTL. Meanwhile, DTL is all about big clouds and smooth hits. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned vaper, finding the right style can elevate your vape experience to the next level.