If you’re new to vaping, you will always hear stuff like “MTL,” “DTL,” and “RDTL,” these refer to the different types of vaping styles. Of course, there are other vaping terms such as “puffs,” “draw,” “airflow,” and the rest of them, but our focus for today is on the styles—the two major types, which are MTL and DTL.

While some high-end, pretty expensive vapes may offer both MTL and DTL options, most of the time, your vape –especially disposables –may only support one of these. So, what exactly do all these imply, and which of them is good, or rather best, for a beginner vaper or a pro vaper? Well, both MTL and DTL deliver unique sensory experiences, flavor profiles, and vapor densities, catering to beginners and seasoned enthusiasts alike.

However, in this comprehensive blog, we will look deeply into how these vaping styles make you feel when you switch from one to the other.

Credit to Wotofo

Overview: MTL vs. DTL

You see, vaping emerged as an alternative to conventional cigarettes, promising a less harmful, customizable experience. Initially, devices mimicked the cigarette form factor, naturally aligning with MTL vaping—a method that closely simulates traditional smoking. But as vaping advanced, users began seeking more intensity and customization. This demand gave rise to DTL vaping, often referred to as sub-ohm vaping, where devices operate at lower resistance levels to deliver a direct, lung-filling vapor.

Understanding the Basics: MTL and DTL

Having known how MTL and DTL came into existence, it is important to learn about them separately for clarity.

What is Mouth to Lung (MTL) Vaping?

Mouth to Lung (MTL) vaping is characterized by a two-step inhalation process. In this method, vapor is first drawn into the mouth, where users can savor the flavor and adjust the temperature, before being inhaled into the lungs. This technique is reminiscent of traditional cigarette smoking, which is why many beginners prefer it. The gradual intake allows for controlled vapor delivery, ensuring a smoother throat hit and a manageable vapor volume.

Features of MTL Vaping:

• Higher Coil Resistance: Typically, MTL devices use coils with a minimum resistance of 1 ohm or above. This higher resistance ensures that the vaporization of the e-liquid occurs at a cooler temperature, resulting in a thinner, more concentrated vapor that closely resembles cigarette smoke.
• Airflow Control: MTL vape devices are built with restricted airflow to mimic the draw of a cigarette. The tighter airflow improves flavor retention, making the vapor more satisfying. Actually, there are tight MTL and Loose MTL, in the case of the latter, you need to open up the airflow, but due to the high coil resistance, you’ll still be stuck with an MTL experience.
• Flavor and Throat Hit: MTL vaping delivers a pronounced flavor due to the restricted airflow, which concentrates the vapor’s taste profile. The smoother, cooler vapor reduces the intensity of the throat hit, making it an excellent choice for vapers who prefer a more subtle experience. MTL vaping produces smaller vapor clouds—not really so small, but not as large as what DTL produces.

What is Direct to Lung (DTL) Vaping?

Direct to Lung (DTL) vaping, also known as sub-ohm vaping, is a method where the vapor is inhaled directly into the lungs in one continuous puff. This technique is preferred by experienced vapers who enjoy larger vapor clouds and a more intense flavor profile. By bypassing the intermediary mouth-hold stage, DTL vaping delivers a more immediate and robust hit, and produces more clouds upon exhale.

Features of DTL Vaping:

• Lower Coil Resistance: DTL vapes use coils with resistance levels below 1 ohm. The lower resistance allows the coil to heat up more rapidly and at higher temperatures, which in turn vaporizes more e-liquid and produces denser, warmer vapor.
• High Wattage Devices: DTL vaping requires devices that can handle higher wattages to efficiently power sub-ohm coils. This means that DTL vapes conceal bigger batteries and are well-equipped to handle above 35W power. The higher temperatures create a warmer vapor, which can translate to a stronger throat hit.
• Open Airflow: DTL devices typically use open airflows to allow large volumes of vapor to pass through easily, ensuring that every puff is both dense and flavorful. DTL vaping is designed for maximum flavor delivery and cloud production.
• Customization and Mod Options: DTL devices often allow for greater customization, from adjusting wattage to using different coil builds.

What Determines if a Vape Device is for MTL or DTL Vaping

There are factors and features that, when spotted on a vape’s spec sheet, you can tell if the vape would be a perfect MTL or DTL device, or both. 

1. Coil Resistance and Heat Dynamics

The coil resistance in a vaping device plays a pivotal role in determining both the temperature and the rate of vapor production. In MTL vaping, the higher resistance coils generate less heat, ensuring that the vapor remains cool and closely mimics the gentle smoke of a traditional cigarette.

Conversely, DTL vaping relies on low-resistance coils that heat up quickly, enabling a more aggressive vaporization of e-liquid. This results in warmer, thicker vapor clouds ideal for advanced users who appreciate a robust hit. Apparently, these procedures follow Ohm’s Law, which relates voltage, current, and resistance.

What Vapes are Best for DTL Vaping?

Just like with MTL vapes, there are certain characteristics that you are required for a premium DTL vaping experience.

 When looking for DTL vapes in the market, you need to look for the following:

• Vapes with less flavor as they result in vapor which goes directly into your lungs
• High-wattage vaping devices
• Sub-ohm coils as they offer less resistance

2. Airflow and Vapor Production

Airflow design is another crucial factor in differentiating MTL and DTL vaping. MTL devices are built with tighter airflow openings, channeling the vapor through a narrower passage. This controlled airflow improves flavor intensity and ensures modest vapor production.

On the other hand, DTL devices feature open airflow designs that facilitate the intake of large volumes of vapor. This is needed for creating the voluminous clouds that DTL vapers prize. However, this design may also dilute the flavor intensity if not properly calibrated, which is why DTL vapes are high-powered devices with lots of configurable power settings to maintain a balance between vapor production and flavor retention.

3. Vape Juice Composition: PG vs. VG and Nicotine Formulations

The composition of vape juice in a vape is equally a decisive factor in determining if the vape is for MTL or DTL vaping. The two primary components of vape juice are Propylene Glycol (PG) and Vegetable Glycerin (VG):

· Propylene Glycol (PG) carries the flavor effectively and provides a sharper throat hit, which is particularly beneficial in MTL vaping. A higher PG ratio results in a smoother, more controlled experience, making it ideal for users transitioning from traditional cigarettes.

· Vegetable Glycerin (VG) has a high viscosity, so it guarantees thick, voluminous vapor production. Its higher viscosity leads to denser clouds, making it a preferred choice for DTL vaping. However, VG can sometimes mute flavors and produce a sweeter, milder throat hit.

Also, the nicotine type used in a vape plays a role in determining MTL and DTL. For MTL vaping, nicotine salts are often recommended as they deliver a smooth, satisfying throat hit with higher nicotine concentrations. In contrast, DTL vaping devices usually work best with lower nicotine levels, as the large vapor volumes can make higher nicotine strengths overwhelming.

Furthermore, the balance between PG and VG is important for all nicotine salts or e-liquids. While a 50:50 ratio is ideal, the specific preferences often shift based on the vaping style—PG-rich e-liquids for MTL and VG-rich mixtures for DTL.

Vaping Device Types and Vaping Styles Supported

There are different types of vaping devices, but the most common are:

1. Pod Systems: Compact design with replaceable or refillable pods.
2. Vape Pens: Typically slim, pen-shaped with a small tank and rechargeable battery.  
3. Box Mods: Larger with more powerful battery and power handling, with adjustable settings.
4. Squonk Mods: Vapes with a built-in squeeze bottle for dripping e-liquid onto coils.
5. Disposable Vape: Pre-filled, single-use vapes for convenience.  

Well, somehow, only disposable vapes are built mainly for MTL vaping, while the other vape device types support both MTL and DTL depending on the coil cartridge you pair with the kit.

Best MTL Vapes to Buy

Here are some solid MTL vapes to buy if you’re a fan of MTL vaping. These vapes offer both loose and tight MTL, thanks to their airflow control sliders.

· OXBAR X Pod Juice Magic Maze 2.0: Made in the US and available in 19 distinct flavors, this is such an interesting disposable vape—featuring a boxy design with fancy aesthetics that makes an instant impression. It comes with a Mega HD display and a physical multi-functional button. The vape promises up to 30k puffs with an adjustable airflow for a loose and tight MTL experience.

· Geek Bar Pulse X: Well, that’s a very popular one. The Pulse X disposable is a best-seller—it promises up to 25k puffs and comes in a plethora of flavor varieties. This disposable is recommended for first-timers. Thanks to the compact build, you can stash it in your pocket and get going.

· Lost Mary Off-Stamp SW9000: If you want to have a bit of experience in how it feels to use a mod kit, then this is a perfect disposable to start with. This pretty vape comes with a detachable pod and battery, and promises up to 9k puffs; it is a premium disposable with a combined 1,000mAh battery.

Best DTL Vapes to Buy

Want to step up the power and hit? Definitely, that’s what a DTL device can do. Here are some of the market’s best selections.

· Geekvape Wenax Q 25W: Handling up to 25W and supporting the Q series pods of resistance levels from 0.6Ω to 1.2Ω, this pen vape kit is one of the hardest to go with. It flaunts a fancy build with a clear HD screen to track your vaping information. Also, this device got an adjustable airflow, along with a button that lets you adjust the power—a top-G vape kit!

· SMOK X-PRIV Plus 225W Box Mod Kit: Care for something more ass-kicking? Sure there it is. This hard piece from SMOK handles a peak power of around 225W, powered by dual external 18650 batteries and featuring the SMOK TF-D Subtank, which holds up to 5.5ml of e-juice. This is a DTL vaping beast device.

· Vaporesso Armour G 80W Pod Mod Kit: Here’s another bad boy that gives you a lot of power to reach the heights you’ve ever imagined while vaping. This kit comes equipped with a whopping 3,000mAh battery and two GTX mesh coils (0.2Ω and 0.4Ω). With this kit, you will enjoy the best DTL experience.

Conclusion

The choice between mouth-to-lung (MTL) and direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping ultimately depends on individual preferences and vaping experience levels. MTL vaping is always gentle and pre-controlled—perfect for beginner vapes—while DTL vaping caters to experienced users who seek intense flavor delivery, thick vapor clouds, and advanced customization options.