Vaping Styles and Airflow Guide – MTL, RDL & DTL Tips

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced vaper, understanding vaping styles and airflow settings is key to getting the most from your device. Your vaping style and airflow choice influence flavour intensity, vapour production, throat hit, and nicotine absorption.

In this guide, we will explore the three main vaping styles: Mouth-to-Lung (MTL), Restricted Direct-Lung (RDL), and Direct-to-Lung (DTL). We will explain airflow settings, provide setup recommendations, troubleshooting tips, and safety guidance. By the end, you will know how to fine-tune your device for the ultimate vaping experience.

1. Understanding Vaping Styles

1.1 Mouth-to-Lung (MTL)

• What it is: MTL vaping mimics smoking a traditional cigarette. Vapour is drawn into your mouth first, then inhaled into your lungs.
• Device setup: Tight airflow, higher-resistance coils (usually ≥ 0.8 ohms), lower wattage.
• Vapour and throat hit: Produces small, dense clouds with strong throat hit and intense flavour.
• Best for: Beginners, ex-smokers, and those who prefer discreet vaping or nicotine salts.
• Tips:
• Take slow, controlled puffs.
• Use e-liquids with higher PG content for a sharper throat hit.
• Keep airflow tight to maximise flavour.

1.2 Restricted Direct-Lung (RDL)

• What it is: RDL is a hybrid between MTL and DTL. Vapour is inhaled directly into the lungs, but airflow is slightly restricted.
• Device setup: Medium airflow, coil resistance around 0.5–0.9 ohms, moderate wattage.
• Vapour and throat hit: Balanced vapour output, strong flavour, smooth throat hit.
• Best for: Vapers who want more clouds than MTL but less intense than full DTL.
• Tips:
• Adjust airflow slightly open — more than MTL, less than DTL.
• Suitable for both freebase nicotine and lower-strength nicotine salts.
• Ideal for daily use and flavour exploration.

1.3 Direct-to-Lung (DTL)

• What it is: DTL vaping involves inhaling vapour straight into the lungs in one continuous breath.
• Device setup: Wide-open airflow, low-resistance coils (< 0.5 ohms), higher wattage.
• Vapour and throat hit: Produces large clouds, smooth lung inhale, best for high-VG e-liquids and lower nicotine.
• Best for: Experienced vapers, cloud-chasers, and those seeking maximum vapour production.
• Tips:
• Use a deep inhale technique for full DTL effect.
• High-VG liquids work best for large clouds.
• Ensure your device is capable of handling higher wattages safely.

2. How Airflow Affects Your Vaping Experience

Airflow is one of the most important variables in vaping. It determines the ease of inhalation, vapour density, flavour intensity, and throat hit.

Tips for Adjusting Airflow:

1. Start with a conservative setting and increase gradually.
2. Match airflow to coil resistance and wattage to avoid dry hits or weak vapour.
3. Clean your device regularly to maintain optimal airflow performance.

3. Coil, Wattage and E-Liquid Recommendations

Optimising your setup ensures consistent flavour, vapour, and throat hit.

Additional Tips:

• Use the correct coil material for flavour (Kanthal, stainless steel, or nichrome).
• Adjust wattage gradually to find the sweet spot.
• Consider e-liquid viscosity when choosing airflow: thicker liquids (high VG) need more airflow.

4. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using the wrong coil resistance for your style.
• Opening airflow too wide for MTL or too tight for DTL.
• Ignoring e-liquid VG/PG balance.
• Exceeding recommended wattage, which can burn coils or e-liquid.
• Neglecting device maintenance, leading to poor performance.

5. Transitioning Between Styles

Many vapers evolve over time, moving from MTL to RDL to DTL. Here’s how to transition smoothly:

1. Start with MTL to get accustomed to inhaling and nicotine.
2. Move to RDL by slightly opening airflow and using sub-ohm coils.
3. Progress to DTL with wide airflow, low-resistance coils, and high-VG e-liquid.

Tip: Always adjust gradually to avoid harsh hits or leaking tanks.

6. Safety and Responsible Vaping

• Avoid chain vaping to prevent device overheating.
• Use authentic devices and quality batteries.
• Follow local vaping regulations and age restrictions.
• Maintain your device: clean regularly, replace coils when needed.
• Store e-liquids safely, away from children and pets.

7. FAQ: Vaping Styles and Airflow Settings

1. What is the difference between MTL, RDL, and DTL?

MTL draws vapour into the mouth first, RDL is a hybrid with restricted lung inhale, DTL is full-lung inhale with maximum clouds.

2. How does airflow affect vaping?

Tight airflow increases flavour and throat hit, medium airflow balances clouds and flavour, wide airflow produces large clouds with a smooth inhale.

3. Can I use one device for all styles?

Yes, if it has adjustable airflow and supports the correct coil resistance and wattage.

4. Which e-liquid VG/PG ratio is best?

MTL: balanced or higher PG; RDL: balanced VG/PG; DTL: high VG for dense clouds.

5. Is RDL suitable for beginners?

Yes, RDL is easier than DTL but offers more clouds than MTL, making it ideal for learning.

6. How do I adjust airflow safely?

Adjust gradually, match to coil and wattage, and clean the device regularly.

8. Why RDL is Becoming Popular

RDL combines the best of MTL and DTL. It provides:

• Moderate cloud production.
• Smooth throat hit.
• Enhanced flavour.
• Flexibility for daily vaping or transitioning between styles.

Many modern devices are optimised for RDL, making it a favourite among vapers who want balance without compromise.

Conclusion

Mastering vaping styles and airflow settings can dramatically improve your vaping experience. MTL, RDL, and DTL each have unique benefits. By adjusting airflow, coil resistance, wattage, and e-liquid type, you can fine-tune your setup to maximise flavour, vapour, and comfort.

Explore our selection of mods, tanks, coils, and e-liquids designed to help you perfect your vaping style. Start experimenting today for your ideal vape experience. Explore more...