Skip to content
WEEKEND SALE : 5% OFF | USE CODE : WEEKEND 5
WEEKEND SALE : 5% OFF | USE CODE : WEEKEND 5
MTL vs RDTL vs DTL Vaping - Full Guide and Kit Recommendations

MTL vs RDTL vs DTL Vaping - Full Guide and Kit Recommendations

Vaping isn't one-size-fits-all. The manner in which you inhale and the amount of air, where the vapour enters initially, largely determines how it will feel, taste, and how your device will need to be configured. This is a guide to the three primary vaping styles: MTL, RDTL, and DTL. I'll also assist you in determining which of them could be a good fit to you, and the best pieces of kit to consider on Vapour Deal.

What Do These Terms Mean?

MTL (Mouth-to-Lung)

When vaping MTL, you suck the vapour into your mouth, keep it a bit longer then inhale it into your lungs. It resembles the way numerous smokers would smoke a cigarette.

  • Airflow: tight, restricted
  • Coil resistance: higher (typically ≥0.6–0.8 Ω or more)
  • Vapour volume: lower, discreet
  • Nicotine: can go higher, nic salts often used
  • Best for: new vapers, ex-smokers, those who want a stronger throat hit and less vapour
MTL (Mouth-to-Lung)

DTL (Direct-to-Lung)

DTL vaping resembles taking a deep breath: one inhales vapour to the lungs entirely bypassing the mouth hold.

  • Airflow: wide open
  • Coil resistance: less (less than approximately 0.8 Ω, a lot of sub-ohm coils)
  • Vapour volume: large clouds
  • Nicotine: weaker (e.g., ≤ 6 mg or even 3mg)
  • Recommended: advanced vapers, cloud hunters, flavour hunters.
DTL (Direct-to-Lung)

RDTL (Restricted Direct-to-Lung)

The middle ground between MTL and DTL RDTL (also known as RDL or RDL/Restricted DTL) is a compromise between MTL and DTL. You breathe directly, as in the case of DTL but with a greater narrowing in airflow to constrict the draw.

  • Airflow: partially closed
  • Coil resistance: moderately high (e.g., -0.5 -0.8 Ω)
  • Vapour and flavour: a perfect pair.
  • Best: recommended to people who prefer a little cloud yet still would like to taste good and have a mediocre throat hit.
  • Also assists in case you are moving out of MTL into more open types of vaping.

RDTL (Restricted Direct-to-Lung)

Feature MTL RDTL DTL
Airflow Tight / restricted Moderate restriction Very open
Coil resistance Higher Moderate Lower / sub-ohm
Vapour amount Low Medium High
Throat hit Strong Medium Soft
Nicotine strength Can be higher Medium / lower Low
Learning curve Easiest for beginners Moderate Steep for new vapers


What Kind of Style to Wear.

The following are questions to use in making your choice:

Have you quit smoking? MTL usually comes more naturally to former smokers.

Are you a big cloud or flavour first-person? DTL is closer to get large clouds. MTL or RDTL might be appropriate to you, should flavour and control be more important.

Which nicotine strength would you want? Nicotine High nicotine (e.g. nic salts) goes better with MTL. DTL or RDTL is less harmful, though.

Device Flexibility: Some devices can switch between types of airflow or coils and thus give you a chance to test out more than one kind.

You need not keep it the same one all the time. Most vapers begin using MTL and proceed to experiment with RDTL or DTL over time.

Inhalation Techniques & Tips

MTL: Breathe slowly but deeply out of the mouth, hold few seconds and then breath out of the lungs.

RDTL: Breathe in as DTL, with less air--fiddle with the airflow ring till comfortable.

DTL: Breath in gradually and deeply into the lungs, as in breathing. You may be required to inhale earlier on, therefore begin with ease.

Also, be sure that your coil is primed (saturated with wicking), your e-liquid is correct (VG/PG ratio), and your airflow settings are well balanced.

Best E-Liquids and Coil Set-up by Style.

MTL: Work with e-liquids that contain more PG (e.g. 50% PG / 50% VG) or nic salts. Resistance of coils of 0.8 O or higher.

DTL: High VG e-liquids (e.g. 70 VG / 30 PG, 80 VG / 20 PG) and low resistance coils (less than 0.8 Ω) should be used.

RDTL: A mix works. You can apply coils in the range 0.5 - 0.8 Ω with high VG mixtures.

Kits / Devices Recommended (MTL / RDTL / DTL)

The following are some of the suggestions of brands and models of some well-regarded kits. Make sure that they are in stock or that they can be obtained at Vapour Deal.

For MTL (or hybrid use):

For RDTL / Hybrid Use:

  • Machines that control air flow and 0.5-0.8 Ω coils. RDTL is compatible with many pod mods that permit coil swapping.
  • Kits identified as MTL and DTL or which have large ranges of watts also tend to support RDTL.

For DTL / Sub-Ohm Cloud Kits:

  • Box mods or pod mods which permit lower resistance coils (e.g. 0.2 - 0.6 Ω), extensive airflow.
  • Devices constructed with high power and vapour (they are more sophisticated, not so clandestine).
  • Watch battery capacity, coil life, airflow, and e-liquid consumption.

When promoting kits to Vapour Deal, emphasize such aspects as the ability to adjust airflow, to choose the coils, the wattage, and the ability to use it in various vaping modes.

Tips & What to Avoid.

  • Do not press one of the styles when it is not comfortable; there is a possibility that you are employing the improper airflow or coil.
  • You should always pre-saturate your coil to prevent dry hits.
  • Use e-liquid viscosity that fits your coil and airflow (excessively thick liquid and tight draw is dry hits).
  • Switch out coils frequently - coils that are burnt damage taste particularly in MTL.
  • Begin with light settings and work up.
  • Wash your device, it can get clogged and draw and flavour that is bad.

Conclusion

Learning about MTL, RDTL, and DTL will assist you in selecting kits, e-liquids, and settings that allow you to have the best experience. MTL is easier in the beginning. RDTL is a good compromise between the two in case you want more vapour and flexibility. When you are going after big clouds and you already have some experience, the way is DTL.

On Vapour Deal, look to stock a series of kits that allow to adjust the airflow, coil resistance through a variety of resistances and labels that point to which style the coil is inclined to. Your preferences could change over time - and an open kit can expand with you

Previous article Vaporesso XROS PRO 2 Pod Kit Review UK
Next article Uwell Caliburn G4 Pro Review: Price & Availability UK 2025

Leave a comment

Comments must be approved before appearing

* Required fields

Recommended Vape Blogs