Vaping has become the go to choice for those looking to quit traditional smoking in the UAE. More and more vapers in the region, it’s time to understand the different vaping styles. One of the main decisions new vapers face is choosing between Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) vs Direct-Lung (DL) vaping. But how do you know which one is for you? In this blog post we will break down both methods, their benefits and how to choose the right one for you.
MTL and DL Vaping
What is Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) Vaping?
MTL vaping is where you draw vapor into your mouth and then inhale into your lungs. This is often compared to the way people smoke traditional cigarettes. For many this is the same experience, so great for those quitting smoking and vaping. MTL vapes are paired with high resistance coils (above 1.0 ohms) and lower wattage, typically 10-20W. This gives a tighter draw, more flavour and a stronger hit, similar to smoking a cigarette.
MTL Characteristics:
- Inhalation style: Hold vapor in the mouth before inhaling into the lungs.
- Nicotine level: Higher nicotine strengths (10mg to 50mg), usually in nicotine salts.
- Vapor production: Smaller, more discreet clouds.
- Devices used: Low-wattage pod systems or starter kits.
- Experience: Throat hit similar to cigarettes, great for beginners.
What is Direct-Lung (DL) Vaping?
Direct-Lung (DL) vaping is where you inhale the vapor directly into the lungs without holding it in the mouth. This style of vaping is more open, producing bigger vapor clouds. DL vapes are paired with sub-ohm tanks (below 1.0 ohms) and higher wattage (20W and above), giving an airier draw with less hit. The bigger vapor production of DL vaping makes it popular among cloud chasers and those who like a smoother, less intense hitting experience.
DL Characteristics:
- Inhalation style: Draw vapor directly into the lungs.
- Nicotine level: 3mg to 6mg for a milder experience.
- Vapor production: Bigger, more visible clouds.
- Devices used: Sub-ohm tanks, high power mods, adjustable airflow systems.
- Experience: Softer hit, all about cloud and flavour.
Key Differences Between MTL and DL Vaping
| Feature | MTL Vaping | DL Vaping |
|---|---|---|
| Inhalation Style | Hold vapor in mouth, then inhale | Draw vapor directly into lungs |
| Device Type | Low-wattage pod systems, MTL tanks | Sub-ohm tanks, high-wattage mods |
| Coil Resistance | 1.0 ohm and above | Below 1.0 ohm |
| E-Liquid Type | Higher nicotine strength (10-50mg), Nic salts | Lower nicotine (3-6mg), High VG |
| Vapor Production | Small, discreet clouds | Large, dense clouds |
| Throat Hit | Stronger, more cigarette-like | Smoother, softer hit |
| Flavor Experience | More intense flavor, slower vapor release | Smooth, airy draw with subtle flavor differences |
| Best for Beginners? | Yes, resembles cigarette smoking | No, requires experience |
Who Should Vape MTL?
MTL vaping is for those who are switching from smoking or prefer a more traditional vaping experience. Here’s why MTL might be for you:
- Switching from smoking: MTL replicates the sensation of smoking, with a stronger throat hit and makes it easier to quit cigarettes.
- Nicotine preference: MTL is for those who want a stronger nicotine hit. Higher nicotine strengths (10-50mg) are used, which can satisfy cravings better.
- Discreet experience: MTL vapes produce smaller clouds, perfect for those who want to vape discreetly, especially in public or social situations.
- Newbies: MTL devices are often simpler to use and less maintenance, great for new vapers.
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Who Should Vape DL?
DL vaping is for experienced vapers or those who want a smoother experience with bigger clouds. Here’s why DL might be for you:
- Cloud chasing and vapor production: DL vaping produces big, fluffy clouds of vapor, perfect for those who like big clouds and are part of the cloud-chasing community.
- Smooth nicotine experience: DL vaping uses lower nicotine strengths (3-6mg), for a smoother experience that’s less harsh on the throat.
- Flavor exploration: With less resistance and airflow restrictions, DL vaping often delivers more intense flavors, especially with high VG e-liquids.
- Experienced vapers: Due to the more advanced devices required, DL vaping is typically preferred by those with more experience in vaping.
Which E-Liquid is Best for MTL and DL?
Best E-Liquids for MTL:
- Nicotine Salts: Nicotine salts are for MTL vaping as they provide a smoother throat hit at higher nicotine concentrations.
- E-liquid Ratio: Higher PG (Propylene Glycol) content is ideal, typically 50/50 or 60/40 VG/PG. This gives a balance between throat hit and flavor delivery.
- Recommended Flavors: Tobacco, menthol and fruit flavors work best for MTL vaping as they can produce strong flavor at lower wattages.
Best E-Liquids for DL:
Freebase Nicotine: DL vapers use freebase nicotine, which gives a smoother experience with lower nicotine levels.
- E-liquid Ratio: Higher VG (Vegetable Glycerin) content, 70/30 or 80/20 VG/PG is best for DL. This creates bigger vapor clouds and smoother inhales.
- Recommended Flavors: Sweet, creamy, dessert and tropical flavors are favorite for DL vapers, as they match well with the smooth and airy draw of the style.
Which One Should You Choose? (Decision Guide)
When deciding between MTL and DL vaping, your personal preferences, goals and experience level will decide for you. Here’s a quick decision guide:
Choose MTL if:
- You want a cigarette like experience: MTL offers a smoking sensation, tighter draw and stronger throat hit.* You want stronger nicotine hits: MTL allows higher nicotine strengths (10-50mg) especially with nicotine salts.
- You’re a beginner vaper: MTL is easier to pick up with simple devices and less intense vaping technique.
- You like discreet vaping: MTL produces smaller vapor clouds, perfect for a more subtle vaping experience.
Choose DL if:
- You want big clouds of vapor: DL produces big vapor clouds, perfect for cloud chasers.
- You prefer smooth nicotine delivery with lower nicotine strengths: DL is suited for lower nicotine strengths (3-6mg) and a smoother experience.
- You’re experienced with advanced devices: DL vaping involves more customization, using sub-ohm devices and adjustable settings.
- You like an airy open draw: DL allows for a smoother and more relaxed inhalation with minimal restriction.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: MTL or DL better for quitting smoking?
- MTL vaping is generally better for those quitting smoking due to similar inhale and stronger throat hit. Higher nicotine levels in MTL help curb cravings more effectively.
Q2: Can I use the same e-liquid for both MTL and DL?
- Best to use different e-liquids for each style. MTL vaping needs high-PG e-liquids for stronger throat hit, while DL vaping needs high-VG e-liquids for bigger vapor and smoother airflow.
Q3: Which one is more cost effective?
- MTL vaping is more cost effective as it uses less e-liquid and lower wattage devices which means longer coil and battery life.
Q4: Can I switch between MTL and DL?
- Yes! Many vapers enjoy both styles depending on their mood or situation. You can use MTL for a quick hit and switch to DL for a more relaxed vaping experience with bigger clouds.
Q5: What nicotine strength for MTL and DL?
- For MTL, higher nicotine strengths (10-50mg) are used, especially with nicotine salts. For DL, lower nicotine strengths (3-6mg) work better for a smoother experience.
Summary
In the end, it all comes down to your personal preference, lifestyle and goals. Whether you want a familiar cigarette like experience with MTL vaping or you like the bigger clouds and smoother experience of DL vaping, both have its advantages. Try both and see which one is for you.
MTL or DL vaper? Comment below!
