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RDTL Vape Meaning: Exploring RDL, DTL, and MTL Vaping

TA

Terri Adams

09/01/2025 • 5 min read
young woman wearing bandana exhaling from vape device through her nose

Vaping devices offer a variety of experiences, and that’s what makes it so exciting! Whether you’re chasing clouds, enjoying rich flavours, or mimicking the feel of a traditional cigarette, there’s a vaping style for everyone. Among these, RDTL (restricted direct-to-lung) vaping has gained popularity for striking a balance between two well-known methods: DTL (direct-to-lung) and MTL (mouth-to-lung). Let’s see what RDTL vaping is all about and how it compares to the other DTL and MTL vaping styles.

What is Vaping and How Does it Work?

Vaping is the act of using an electronic cigarette to inhale vapour containing nicotine and flavourings. It’s considered a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, with up to 95% fewer harmful ingredients. A typical vape setup includes a battery, a vape tank, and a vape coil. Here’s how it works:

  • Battery: Powers the device and heats the coil.
  • Vape Tank: Holds the e-liquid.
  • Vape Coil: Heats up the e-liquid, turning it into an aerosol.

When you activate the device, the battery sends a current through the coil, heating it up. This heat transforms the e-liquid in the vape tank into vapour, which you then inhale. Finding the right balance between your device and e-liquid type is crucial for a satisfying vaping experience.

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What is RDTL Vaping?

close up of woman holding vape device to her lips

RDTL vaping is like finding the sweet spot between DTL and MTL. It offers a smooth draw with just the right amount of resistance—tighter than DTL but looser than MTL. If you’ve ever thought DTL is a bit too intense and MTL a tad restrictive, RDTL could be your perfect match.

Here’s what makes it unique:

  • Balanced draw: It combines the airy sensation of DTL with the more controlled inhale of MTL.
  • Nicotine levels: Works best with low to moderate nicotine e-liquids, making it a versatile choice for various users.
  • Device compatibility: Typically used with pod mods or sub-ohm tanks that allow for adjustable airflow.
  • E-liquid preferences: Pairs well with 50/50 or 70/30 VG/PG blends for a balance of vapour production and throat hit.

RDTL vape kits are designed to offer adjustable airflow, making them suitable for this versatile vaping style, and they're also particularly appealing for those transitioning between styles or looking for a versatile, all-round experience.

Inhaling Techniques for RDTL Vaping

RDTL vaping is a hybrid method that combines elements of MTL and DTL vaping. To get the most out of your RDTL vape, follow these steps:

  1. Take a deep puff: Start with a deep, steady draw.
  2. Inhale slowly and smoothly: Allow the vapour to fill your lungs gently.
  3. Exhale slowly and smoothly: Release the vapour in a controlled manner.

Using a sub-ohm vape kit can enhance your RDTL experience, offering a balanced draw that’s more open than MTL but not as airy as DTL. This makes RDTL vaping ideal for those who want a mix of rich flavour and moderate vapour production.

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What is Direct-to-Lung (DTL) Vaping?

DTL vaping is the common choice for vapers who enjoy taking big, airy hits straight into their lungs. It’s all about creating impressive clouds and enhancing flavour intensity.

Here’s what you’ll notice with DTL:

Airy inhale: The vapour bypasses the mouth and heads directly to the lungs. Cloud chasing: It’s a go-to for those who enjoy blowing massive vapour clouds. Low-nicotine e-liquids: Ideal for e-liquids with low nicotine levels (around 3mg) to keep the throat hit smooth. High-wattage devices: Sub-ohm tanks and high-powered mods are best suited for this style.

DTL is all about intensity, but it can be a bit overwhelming for beginners or those new to vaping.

E-Liquids and Nicotine Strengths for DTL Vaping

woman with curly hair looking down and exhaling from a vape

When it comes to DTL vaping, the choice of e-liquid and nicotine strength is crucial. DTL vapers typically prefer e-liquids with a higher VG content, as they produce more vapour and a smoother throat hit. Nicotine strengths for DTL vaping are usually lower, ranging from 3mg to 6mg. This is because DTL vaping allows for a more efficient absorption of nicotine, making higher strengths unnecessary.

Some popular e-liquid options for DTL vaping include:

  • High-VG e-liquids: These e-liquids have a VG content of 70% or higher, providing dense clouds and a smooth inhale.
  • Low-nicotine e-liquids: With nicotine levels between 3mg to 6mg, these e-liquids offer a satisfying experience without being too harsh.
  • Shortfill e-liquids with nic shots: These larger bottles of e-liquid come without nicotine, allowing you to add your preferred nicotine shot.
  • 70/30 or 80/20 VG/PG ratios: These blends strike a balance between vapour production and flavour intensity, making them ideal for DTL vaping.

By choosing the right e-liquid and nicotine strength, DTL vapers can enjoy a rich, flavourful, and cloud-filled vaping experience.

Ooh, thirsty? Let's look at shortfill e-liquids

What is Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) Vaping?

MTL vaping offers a familiar experience for smokers transitioning to vaping, and it is one of the two predominant DTL vaping styles MTL. It mimics the traditional smoking style of drawing vapour into the mouth before inhaling it into the lungs.

Why is MTL so popular among beginners?

  • Tighter draw: The restricted airflow creates a sensation similar to smoking a cigarette.
  • Discreet vapour production: Perfect for vapers who prefer smaller, less noticeable clouds.
  • Higher nicotine levels: Works well with higher nicotine e-liquids or nicotine salts for a satisfying throat hit.
  • Simple devices: Often paired with compact, low-wattage devices.

MTL vaping is an excellent choice for anyone who values simplicity, subtlety, and nicotine satisfaction.

Temperature and Throat Hit

Temperature and throat hit are two important factors to consider when it comes to vaping. The ideal temperature for vaping depends on the individual’s preference, but generally, a temperature range of 200°F to 250°F (90°C to 120°C) is considered optimal. This range ensures that the e-liquid vapourises efficiently, providing a smooth and enjoyable experience.

The throat hit, on the other hand, refers to the sensation of the vapour hitting the back of the throat. DTL vapers typically prefer a smoother throat hit, which can be achieved with lower nicotine strengths and higher VG e-liquids. MTL vapers, however, often seek a stronger throat hit to mimic the sensation of smoking traditional cigarettes. This can be adjusted by:

  • Nicotine strength: Higher nicotine levels provide a stronger throat hit, while lower levels offer a smoother experience.
  • E-liquid flavour: Certain flavours, like menthol or citrus, can enhance the throat hit.
  • Vaping technique: The way you inhale can also impact the throat hit. MTL vapers usually take smaller, more controlled puffs, while DTL vapers take deeper, more direct inhales.

Understanding and adjusting these factors can help you tailor your vaping experience to your preferences, whether you’re an MTL or DTL vaper.

Why Choose RDTL Over MTL or DTL?

So, where does RDTL fit into the vaping world? Think of it as the best of both worlds. It delivers a smoother throat hit than MTL while offering stronger flavour and more vapour than DTL.

Who is RDTL for?

  • Transitioning smokers: If you’re moving from smoking to vaping, RDTL provides a middle ground before committing to MTL or DTL.
  • Intermediate vapers: Those who’ve tried both MTL and DTL but want a mix of flavour, vapour, and smoothness.
  • Customisation fans: With devices that offer adjustable airflow, RDTL allows you to experiment and tailor the experience.

It’s this flexibility that’s making RDTL increasingly popular among vapers looking for a personalised setup.

FeatureMTLDTLRDTL
AirflowTight, cigarette-likeAiry and openBalanced, moderate resistance
Vapour ProductionSmall, discreetLarge, dense cloudsModerate
Flavour IntensitySubtle, but definedBold and richEnhanced, balanced
Nicotine LevelsHigher, including nicotine saltsLow to moderateModerate to low
DevicesCompact, low-wattage setupsSub-ohm tanks, high-power modsAdjustable pod mods, sub-ohm tanks
Vape Juice PreferencesNicotine salts, high-PG vape juiceHigh-VG vape juiceBalanced VG/PG vape juice

Choosing the Right Vape Kit

Selecting the right vape kit is essential for a satisfying vaping experience, and it largely depends on your vaping style. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose:

Coil Resistance:

  • MTL vapers: Higher resistance coils.
  • DTL vapers: Lower resistance coils.
  • RDTL vapers: Medium resistance coils.

Airflow:

  • MTL vapers: Prefer restricted airflow.
  • DTL vapers: Prefer open airflow.
  • RDTL vapers: Opt for medium airflow.

E-liquid:

  • MTL vapers: Higher nicotine content, 50/50 PG/VG ratio.
  • DTL vapers: Lower nicotine content, higher VG ratio.
  • RDTL vapers: Versatile, can use nic salts and shortfills.

By considering these factors, you can find the perfect vape kit tailored to your vaping style and preferences. Whether you’re an MTL vaper, a DTL vaper, or somewhere in between, the right kit can make all the difference in your vaping journey.

Popular Vape Kits for Different Vaping Styles

There are many vape kits available on the market, each designed for specific vaping styles. Here are some popular vape kits for different vaping styles:

MTL Vaping:

  • Starter kits: These kits often come with higher resistance coils (1.0ohm or higher) and are perfect for beginners.
  • Pod kits: Featuring tighter airflow and higher nicotine e-liquids, pod kits are compact and easy to use.
  • Vape pens: With adjustable airflow and variable wattage, vape pens offer a customisable MTL experience.

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