Vape Deliver Guide to Vaping Styles
Vaping Styles Explained: MTL, DTL, and RDL – Which One is Right for You?
Vaping has come a long way from the early days of cig-a-likes and basic e-cigarettes. Today, with modern devices and customisable setups, vapers can choose from different vaping styles – each offering a unique experience. The three main styles are:
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MTL (Mouth-to-Lung)
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DTL (Direct-to-Lung)
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RDL (Restricted Direct-Lung)
Understanding the differences between these styles can help you select the right device, e-liquid, and overall experience. In this guide, we’ll break down each style, who it’s for, and how to choose what suits you best.
What Are Vaping Styles?
Vaping styles refer to how vapour is inhaled, how airflow is used, and how nicotine is delivered. Each style affects the vapour density, throat hit, flavour delivery, and overall satisfaction.
Let’s explore each one in detail:
1. MTL (Mouth-to-Lung) Vaping
Mouth-to-Lung vaping is the closest style to smoking a cigarette. Vapour is first drawn into the mouth and then inhaled into the lungs – in two steps.
🔹 How It Works:
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Vapour is drawn slowly into the mouth.
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Then inhaled into the lungs.
🔹 Key Features:
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Tighter draw (like a cigarette)
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Higher-resistance coils (1.0Ω and above)
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Works well with nic salts or high-nicotine e-liquid (10mg–20mg)
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Low vapour production
🔹 Best For:
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Smokers switching to vaping
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Discreet, low-cloud vaping
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Those who want a strong throat hit
🔹 Popular Devices:
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Uwell Caliburn
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OXVA Xlim
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Vaporesso XROS Mini
2. DTL (Direct-to-Lung) Vaping
Direct-to-Lung is a style where vapour is inhaled directly into the lungs in one motion – like taking a deep breath.
🔹 How It Works:
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You inhale deeply and directly into the lungs, bypassing the mouth.
🔹 Key Features:
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Open airflow
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Low-resistance coils (below 0.5Ω)
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Best with low-nicotine e-liquid (typically 3mg–6mg)
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Large clouds and intense flavour
🔹 Best For:
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Experienced vapers
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Cloud chasers
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Users who want maximum flavour
🔹 Popular Devices:
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Smok Morph 3
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Vaporesso Gen 200
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Geekvape L200
3. RDL (Restricted Direct-Lung) Vaping
Restricted Direct-Lung is the balanced middle-ground between MTL and DTL. It delivers more vapour than MTL but with a slightly tighter draw than full DTL.
🔹 How It Works:
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Vapour is inhaled directly into the lungs with slightly more resistance.
🔹 Key Features:
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Moderate airflow
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Coil resistance usually 0.6Ω–0.9Ω
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Works with medium-strength nic salts or freebase e-liquids (6mg–10mg)
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Balanced cloud and flavour
🔹 Best For:
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Vapers transitioning from MTL to DTL
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Users who want more flavour and vapour but less intensity than DTL
🔹 Popular Devices:
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Voopoo Argus P1
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Vaporesso Luxe XR
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OXVA Xlim Pro
Comparison Table
Feature | MTL (Mouth-to-Lung) | DTL (Direct-to-Lung) | RDL (Restricted Direct-Lung) |
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Inhalation | Mouth first, then lungs | Direct to lungs | Direct to lungs (tighter draw) |
Clouds | Low | High | Medium |
Throat Hit | Strong | Mild | Moderate |
Nicotine Strength | 10–20mg | 3–6mg | 6–10mg |
Ideal For | Smokers & beginners | Cloud lovers | Intermediate users |
Devices | Pods, pens | Sub-ohm kits | Hybrid pods & mods |
How to Choose the Right Style
✅ Choose MTL If:
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You’re switching from smoking
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You want stronger nicotine hits
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You prefer smaller, more discreet clouds
✅ Choose DTL If:
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You enjoy rich flavour and large vapour
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You use low-nicotine e-liquid
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You want a more intense, customisable experience
✅ Choose RDL If:
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You want a mix of both styles
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You’re not ready for full DTL
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You want moderate vapour with good flavour
Explore Your Style at VapeDeliver.co.uk
At Vape Deliver, we stock a full range of MTL, DTL, and RDL-compatible devices, coils, and e-liquids. Whether you’re new to vaping or want to level up your experience, we’ve got the perfect setup for you.
🔗 Browse vapedeliver.co.uk now to find the best kits and flavours tailored to your style.
Final Thoughts
Vaping isn't one-size-fits-all. Choosing the right vaping style can make a huge difference in your satisfaction, nicotine delivery, and overall enjoyment. Whether you prefer the familiar pull of MTL, the bold clouds of DTL, or the balance of RDL – the key is to experiment and discover what works best for you.
Whatever your style, Vape Deliver has the gear to make every puff count.