Vaping comes with its own world of preferences, techniques, and styles, but two main inhaling techniques dominate the scene: Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) and Direct-to-Lung (DTL). Whether you’re interested in enhancing your vaping style or you have no idea which technique would better suit you, this guide will help explain Mouth-to-Lung vs Direct-to-Lung vaping and how to get the most out of each.
Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced vaper, familiarising yourself with these two distinctive techniques will open up new flavours, sensations, and options that best fit your preferences.
What is MTL Vaping?
MTL vaping involves pulling the vapours into the mouth, holding them, and inhaling them into the lungs. This kind of vaping is similar to puffing a cigarette, which is why ex-smokers prefer this style. MTL vaping allows for a stronger and richer flavour and is sometimes referred to as the discreet form of vaping compared to DTL vaping.
The best MTL vapes feel very much like cigarettes—the draw is tight, and you will feel a flavour-rich experience. With smaller clouds, MTL suits vapers who prefer a stronger throat hit without massive clouds.
Beneficial Aspects of MTL Vaping:
- Intense Flavour: MTL devices produce vapour in a more concentrated way, which delivers a full-bodied flavour experience.
- Economical: M2L vaping takes less liquid than DL vaping, making it economical.
- Nicotine Satisfaction: MTL provides a strong throat hit, and it is more satisfying to take nicotine since it is like smoking. 50/50 e-juice or nic salts are recommended for use with MTL vapes.
What is DTL Vaping?
DTL vaping refers to inhaling vapours directly into the lungs without passing through the mouth. This style is akin to taking a deep breath rather than gradually drawing it in. DTL vaping has increased because of its large clouds, making it a go-to category for cloud enthusiasts and those who love an open draw.
A Direct to Lung Vape is designed with wider airflow and lower resistance coils to let the user intake more vapour per hit. It is often aimed at experienced vapers or those who want intense flavour, dense clouds, and a cooler vape.
Beneficial Aspects of DTL Vaping:
- Massive Cloud Production: DTL style for those who love to blow huge clouds of vapour.
- Cooler Vaping Experience: Though their airflow is increased than that of MTL vapes, DTL vapes offer a cooler experience.
- Perfect for Lower Nicotine: When it comes to DTL, you are likely to use low nicotine levels, hence, appropriate for people transitioning away from more substantial nicotine intake. DTL vaping is recommended with high VG e-liquids.
MTL vs DTL - Key Differences and Which is Right for You?
It all comes down to what you want from your vaping experience when deciding between MTL vs DTL vaping. Here is a comparison that might help you decide which style is most suitable for you.
|
Aspect |
Mouth to Lung (MTL) |
Direct to Lung (DTL) |
|
Inhalation Style |
Inhale to mouth first, then lungs |
Inhale directly to lungs |
|
Cloud Production |
Minimal to moderate |
Large, dense clouds |
|
Flavour Intensity |
Strong, concentrated flavour |
Balanced but may require high-watt devices for intense flavour |
|
Best Device Type |
Compact, low-watt devices |
Larger, high-watt sub-ohm devices |
|
Nicotine Level |
Higher nicotine, lower wattage |
Lower nicotine, higher wattage |
|
Best for |
Ex-smokers, discreet vaping |
Cloud chasers, flavour chasers, open spaces |
Which Coils Are Right for MTL Vaping?
Regarding MTL vaping, the coils should have a high resistance greater than 1.0 ohms. Sub-ohm coils work at lower wattage; this gives a restricted airflow that replicates the smoking of traditional cigarettes. This style is specifically suitable for vapers who prefer a tight draw and savouring their flavours rather than producing massive clouds. MTL coils are best used with the 50/50e-liquids or nicotine salts and deliver a pleasant throat hit. Coils with an MTL label or coils with resistance higher than 1.0 ohm will give the best MTL experience.
Which Coils Are Right for DTL Vaping?
DTL vaping requires low resistance coils, which are generally below 1.0 ohm; these are sometimes called ‘sub ohm’ coils. These coils are intended for increased wattage, leading to larger cloud production and open-air draw. DTL vaping is preferred by vapers who want to create huge clouds and taste the maximum amount of flavours, so cloud chasers and flavour seekers prefer DTL vaping. Sub-ohm coils work best with low-nicotine e-juice to prevent throat irritation at higher wattage levels. To get the best DTL feel, you should aim to get coils with a resistance below 1.0 ohm, which is specially intended for sub-ohm or DTL vaping systems.
Exploring the Best MTL and DTL Vapes
With the fundamentals in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best options for each style:
Best MTL Vape Options:
- Vaporesso Xros 3 Mini: With a fantastic mouth-to-lung draw and simple use, the Vaporesso Xros 3 Mini is a great option for flavour and simplicity.
- Innokin Endura T18E: Its excellent throat hit and small size make it a great entry-level MTL for beginners or those who prefer using only MTL devices.
- Aspire Gotek Pro Pod Kit: Distinguished by the adjustable airflow, the Aspire Nautilus targets MTL vapers, who prefer to taste flavours in a customised way.
Best DTL Vape Options:
- GeekVape Aegis Legend 2: This powerful and sturdy sub-ohm DTL device is recommended for those who like large clouds, flavour and performance.
- SMOK Morph 2: This sub-ohm kit is suitable for DTL vapers because of adjustable settings and powerful output for impressive clouds.
- Voopoo Drag X Pro: It provides excellent airflow control and is perfect for flavour chasers and cloud enthusiasts.
Are Disposable Vapes MTL or DTL?
Now, here’s a question that springs into people's minds when they choose disposable vapes for their smoking-quitting journey: Are disposable vapes MTL or DTL? The answer is pretty simple!
Disposable e-cigs generally tend to MTL vaping because they are small and have a tighter airflow. The majority of puff bars are designed for first-time users and those transitioning from smoking. For instance, you can choose from Insta Max 20K, a big puff vape that offers up to 20,000 puffs in delectable flavours and supports MTL vaping.
Conclusion
Vaping is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. MTL and DTL vaping are different in many ways—it is up to the vaper to understand whether they want big clouds, great taste, or a satisfying inhale.
If you are a beginner who has just started vaping or an experienced vape enthusiast in search of new ideas, the choice between MTL and DTL is vast. Smoking mimicking MTL devices to high-wattage DTL box mods, no matter the style or device, there is something for everyone.