Vaping Styles Explained: A Complete Guide to Every Vaping Method

 

 

 

Illustrated guide showing MTL, DTL and RDL vaping styles in a clean gradient layout

Vaping Styles Explained — MTL vs DTL vs RDL (Full Beginner Guide)

Reviewed by VAPESALES · Published

Excerpt: Discover the three core vaping styles — how they work, which devices suit them, and which e-liquids you need. Learn how to choose between MTL, RDL and DTL for the best flavour, nicotine delivery and experience.

Introduction — Why Vaping Style Matters

Your vaping style shapes everything: flavour intensity, cloud size, throat hit, nicotine feel and which kits you should buy. Choosing the right style makes switching from smoking smoother, easier and far more satisfying.

This guide breaks down the three main styles — MTL, RDL and DTL — and helps you find the one that suits you best.

MTL vs DTL vs RDL — Quick Differences

  • MTL: Just like smoking — tight airflow, stronger throat hit, higher nicotine.
  • DTL: Big clouds — smooth inhale, low nicotine, high power.
  • RDL: A balanced middle ground — smooth but flavourful, moderate cloud output.
Tip for beginners: Start with MTL. Move to RDL or DTL once you're comfortable.

MTL — Mouth-to-Lung Vaping

Best for: New vapers, ex-smokers, and anyone who prefers a sharper throat hit.

Recommended Setup

  • Devices: Pod Vape Kits
  • Coils: 0.8Ω – 1.4Ω
  • Wattage: 10–16W
  • E-liquid: 50/50 blends + Nic Salts (10–20mg)

MTL is the closest to smoking. It produces smaller clouds but delivers strong, efficient nicotine satisfaction.

DTL — Direct-to-Lung Vaping

Best for: Cloud-chasers and flavour hunters.

  • Devices: Sub-Ohm Vape Kits
  • Coils: 0.15Ω – 0.4Ω
  • Wattage: 40–120W+
  • E-liquid: 70/30 VG with 0–6mg nicotine

DTL gives warm vapour, dense clouds and a smooth inhale — ideal for lower-nicotine e-liquids.

RDL — Restricted Direct-Lung Vaping

Best for: Vapers who want a balanced experience: more vapour than MTL but smoother than full DTL.

  • Devices: Adjustable pod kits with airflow
  • Coils: 0.5Ω – 0.8Ω
  • Wattage: 20–40W
  • E-liquid: 50/50 or 60/40 blends

RDL is an excellent upgrade path once you outgrow MTL but don’t want full cloud-chasing.

Vaping Styles Comparison

Style Vapour Throat Hit Nicotine Experience
MTL Low Strong 10–20mg salts Closest to smoking
RDL Medium Moderate 6–12mg Balanced
DTL High Light 0–6mg Cloud-chasing

FAQs — Vaping Styles

Which style is best for quitting smoking?

MTL — closest to smoking, ideal for high nicotine, best for new switchers.

Can I use nic salts in DTL kits?

No — high wattage makes nic salts too strong. Use 0–6mg freebase for DTL.

Do I need different e-liquids for each style?

Yes — MTL uses 50/50, RDL uses 60/40, DTL uses 70/30 VG.

Can one device do all three styles?

Some versatile kits can switch coils and airflow to support MTL, RDL and DTL.