Mouth to Lung vs Direct To Lung Vaping
Mouth to Lung (MTL) vs Direct To Lung (DTL) Vaping
Key takeaways
- Mouth-to-lung vaping is more similar to smoking with a restricted draw
- DTL vaping uses a wider airflow and is like taking a deep breath
- MTL vaping has a stronger throat hits and works best with high nicotine strengths
- DTL vaping is smoother and creates bigger clouds but needs a lower nicotine content
- Choose nic salts or e-liquid with a high PG ratio for MTL
- Choose e-liquid with a high VG ratio for DTL Pod systems and pen-style kits are most popular for MTL vapers
- Box mods, advanced pod mods, and sub-ohm tanks are common in DTL setups
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MTL VS DTL Vaping
Whether you’re new to vaping or have been a vape lover for a while, you’ll likely have come across the terms ‘MTL’ and ‘DTL’, or to give them their full titles, Mouth-to-Lung and Direct-To-Lung. Understanding the key differences of MTL vs DTL can be pretty important for your overall vaping experience. So, if you’re unsure what each one is and which would better suit your style of vaping, read on.
What Is Mouth-To-Lung (MTL) Vaping?
Mouth to lung, put simply, is when you draw the vapour into your mouth first, then inhale it into your lungs. It more closely resembles the sensation of smoking. It’s a little bit like sipping through a straw, with a more restricted draw and tighter airflow.
The key characteristics of MTL vaping are:
- Tighter airflow similar to a cigarette
- Works well with higher nicotine strengths and nic salts
- Discreet clouds from lower vapour production
- Better for low wattage devices such as pods, starter kits and classic vape pens
Who is MTL vaping for?
- Ex-smokers or anyone switching from cigarettes
- Vapers who like stronger throat hits
- Discreet low-profile vaping
- Anyone who prefers a higher nicotine strength
The Pros and Cons of MTL Vaping
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Mimics smoking - A popular choice for beginners giving up cigarettes Flavour - The slower draw and lower power creates a more intense flavour experience Cost effective - MTL devices often use less e-liquid and battery power, making them more economical More nicotine - MTL delivers a satisfying nicotine hit with less vapour |
Less vapour - MTL vaping doesn’t produce the large clouds you might get with other vaping styles Tighter draw - Some users don’t like the restricted airflow as it can be less satisfying than a more open draw |
What is Direct To Lung (DTL) Vaping?
DTL vaping is a more recent style that involves one smooth, continuous breath to draw vapour directly into the lungs. It’s closer to taking a deep breath or gulp of air, or using a shisha pipe. You need to use a device with a more open air flow to comfortably inhale a large volume of vapour.
The key characteristics of DTL vaping are:
- Open airflow and a smooth inhalation
- Better suited to lower nicotine strengths of 0-6 mg
- Creates large vapour clouds
- Works well with high wattage devices, for example, sub-ohm kits, larger tanks, and advanced mods
Who is DTL vaping for?
- Experienced vapers
- Cloud chasers
- People who like a more gentle nicotine delivery
- Flavour lovers who want the most vapour
The Pros and Cons of DTL Vaping
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Massive clouds - DTL is the optimum choice for big vapour production Smoother inhale - Lower nicotine e-liquids make the throat hit much milder and smoother Intensity - The volume of vapour can deliver a next-level flavour experience |
Efficiency - DTL vaping uses a lot more e-liquid and drains vape batteries much faster Lower nicotine - The large amounts of of vapour you inhale mean that high nicotine strengths can be too much to handle More obvious - The large clouds make DTL vaping a no go for stealth vapers |
MTL vs DTL: What’s The Difference?
As we’ve established there are several key differences between mouth-to-lung and direct-to-lung vaping. To break it down further, here’s a side by side look at MTL vs DTL styles:
| FEATURE | MTL (Mouth-To-Lung) | DTL (Direct-To-Lung) |
|---|---|---|
| INHALATION | Mouth into lungs | Directly into lungs |
| NICOTINE | Medium to high strengths | Low strengths |
| VAPOUR | Less volume | Big clouds |
| AIRFLOW | Tight and restricted | Open and airy |
| THROAT HIT | Strong | Smooth |
| DEVICES | Pods, pens and classic tanks | Sub-ohm kits and advanced mods |
| BEST FOR | Beginners and ex-smokers | Experienced cloud chasers |
What Is Restricted Direct To Lung Vaping (RDTL)?
Restricted direct to lung (RDTL) is not as commonly known as MTL and DTL and has been adopted more recently by those who like a balance between the two more traditional methods. RDTL vaping involves a direct-to-lung draw but with a more restricted air flow.
It essentially borrows the best elements from both styles to create a hybrid of the two. You’ll get more vapour and a smoother hit than with MTL, but a more intense flavour experience and stronger throat hit than with DTL. A lot of modern vape kits now have an adjustable air flow feature that allows you to find the sweet spot so you don’t need to internally battle it out over MTL vs DTL.
Which Should You Choose: MTL or DTL?
There’s no right or wrong answer when deciding whether to go with MTL or DTL, it all comes down to personal preference. People vape for all kinds of reasons, some to quit smoking, some to enjoy the flavour sensation, and others because they enjoy the nicotine satisfaction or cloud production. To help you define which style might work best for you, think about these core qualities and go from there.
Flavour
With MTL vaping, you draw the flavour into your mouth and hold it there for a brief moment. This can make the flavour taste sharper and more prominent. MTL works particularly well with flavours like tobacco, menthol and simple fruit blends.
With the more powerful airflow from DTL vaping creating thicker vapour clouds, you’ll be able to taste several layers of flavour, and be more aware of sweeter notes. DTL is better suited to tropical, dessert or creamy flavours.
If you like a strong and solid flavour profile, MTL could be for you. Those who like sweet combinations should opt for DTL vaping.
Clouds
MTL isn’t designed for cloud production. MTL vape devices operate at low wattages and use high-resistance coils to heat the vape juice, so vaporise far less e-liquid per puff. Along with the restricted air flow, this results in lighter, more discreet clouds.
DTL vaping, on the other hand, is designed for big clouds. As you take a deep breath, more airflow is naturally created. Vape kits used for DTL vaping also use low-resistance (sub-ohm) coils, heating more liquid at once. This combination generates warm, dense vapour in large volumes.
If cloud chasing is your thing, stick with DTL vaping. If you prefer to keep things subtle, go with MTL.
Smoking Cessation
If your primary goal with vaping is to quit smoking then you’re likely to want an experience that mimics smoking to help you with the transition. MTL vaping offers this as it is done in the same way as smoking a cigarette. It also works well with higher nicotine strengths and nic salts, which deliver quicker nicotine satisfaction to manage cravings more effectively.
DTL vaping requires low nicotine levels and has a much smoother inhale. This is often not strong enough for smokers replacing the hit they’re used to.
Other Things to Consider for MTL vs DTL Vaping
E Liquid Choices
The way you like to vape will influence the type of e-liquid and e-liquid flavours you choose. E-liquid is composed mainly of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG). The ratio of each directly affects the vaping sensation you will get.
Vape Juice For MTL
MTL vaping works best with higher PG or balanced 50/50 hybrid blends. A higher PG content delivers a stronger throat hit and carries nicotine more efficiently. Flavours are also more pronounced with MTL vape juice so you can enjoy more concentrated e-liquids. Nic salts in sharp, crisp flavours are an excellent choice for your MTL vape
Riot recommends:
BAR EDTN - BLUE CHERRY BURST
RIOT X - SWEET APPLE, BANANA & MANGO
Vape Juice For DTL
High-VG e-liquids, usually 70% VG or higher are better for DTL because of the thick smooth vapour they produce. The smooth airflow means you can enjoy the richness of more complex flavour varieties. Shortfills with warm, sweet, layered flavours are especially enjoyable for DTL vapers.
Riot recommends:
CLASSICS - TROPICAL FURY SHORTFILL
CLASSICS MENTHOL CHERRY SHORTFILL
Vape Juice For DTL
Nicotine Strengths
Nicotine strength is a key component of MTL vs DTL vaping, as the inhalation style directly affects how nicotine is experienced. Vapour production with MTL vaping is less dense so you need more concentrated nicotine for an adequate hit.
The larger puff from a DTL vape means that a high nicotine content can feel harsh and overwhelming. Low nicotine vape juice is your best bet.
- MTL Vaping - between 6-20mg nicotine strengths
- DTL Vaping - between 0-6 mg nicotine strengths
MTL vs DTL Vape Kits
Vape kits contain various parts that determine the style of vaping you will enjoy. The wattage of the device and the type of coil are designed for either MTL or DTL vaping. The coil is the part of the vape kit that heats the e-liquid. It has variable levels of resistance that alter the vapour production and flavour intensity. This electrical resistance is measured as above or below 1.0Ω. You’ll need to choose the right type of vape kit to get the most out of either MTL or DTL vaping.
MTL Vape Kits
MTL kits are designed to mimic the draw and feel of a traditional cigarette and provide a subtle, controlled experience. Pod systems and pen-style kits are most popular for MTL vapers because they are compact, easy to use and ideal for higher-nicotine e-liquids.
They typically have a lower wattage of between 10-20w, and have higher resistance coils, usually 1.0Ω or above. Refillable MTL pods give you the flexibility to try different flavours and the low maintenance of pod systems is perfect for beginners and anyone who likes convenience.
Riot recommends:
OXVA NEXLIM VAPE KIT
ASPIRE CYBER G SLIM POD KIT
DTK Vape Kits
DTL devices are usually slightly larger than MTL vape kits. They are designed for cloud chasing with adjustable airflow to create large, warm clouds.
DTL vape kits use coils below 1.0Ω and, as such, are referred to as sub-ohm devices. They also have a higher wattage, between 30-100W or more. Box mods, advanced pod mods, and sub-ohm tanks are common in DTL setups. With DTL vape kits you can experiment with coil builds, wattage settings and airflow to customise your vaping experience.
Vape Juice For Every Vaper from Riot
Riot doesn’t mind if you’re a DTL devotee or committed to the MTL life. Our rambunctious and frankly delicious e-liquid flavours are designed for everybody. So whether you want the anarchy of Riot X, the robust and rich tastes of BLCK EDTN, or the wonderfully balanced hybrid feeling of PUNX salts, you’re sorted with Riot.
