Most harsh, weak, or disappointing vape experiences are caused by one simple mistake: choosing the wrong inhale style. The wrong coil, airflow setting, or nicotine strength can make a good device feel uncomfortable.
This guide explains MTL and RDL properly — including airflow mechanics, coil resistance, nicotine delivery, battery efficiency, and long-term cost differences. Whether you are switching from smoking, upgrading from disposables, or refining your setup, this is the complete UK reference for choosing the right vape style.
This UK guide explains MTL and RDL properly — not just definitions. You will learn how airflow changes vapour and throat hit, how coil resistance affects nicotine delivery, what strength to use with nicotine salts, and which type of kit suits your needs. If you are buying nic salts, this is the fastest way to choose the right device and avoid wasted money.
Shopping nic salts? Start with our full Nicotine Salts collection, then use this guide to match your inhale style to the right coil range and strength. If you want to save on flavours, our 10 for £16 nic salts is the simplest way to try a mix.
MTL (Mouth-to-Lung) is a two-step inhale: you draw vapour into your mouth first, then inhale into your lungs. MTL normally uses tighter airflow and higher resistance coils. It feels closer to smoking and is the most common style for nic salts.
RDL (Restricted Direct Lung) is a direct inhale to the lungs, but with restricted airflow. It sits between MTL and fully open DTL. You get warmer vapour and a fuller flavour, with moderate cloud production, without the “wide open” feel of big cloud setups.
DTL (Direct-to-Lung) is a wide-open inhale where vapour goes straight into the lungs, similar to taking a deep breath. DTL setups use more open airflow and typically lower-resistance coils, which creates much more vapour per puff than MTL or RDL.
Why this matters: more vapour per puff usually means nicotine feels stronger at the same mg strength. That is why DTL is normally paired with lower nicotine e-liquids (often shortfills) rather than high-strength nic salts. Using 20mg nic salts in a high-output DTL setup can feel harsh or overwhelming for many users.
DTL also tends to be the highest running-cost style because it uses more e-liquid, drains the battery faster, and can go through coils quicker. If you prefer larger clouds and warmer vapour, DTL can be a great fit — but most nic salt users will usually be better suited to MTL or light RDL.
DTL is most suitable for users who prefer lower nicotine strengths and enjoy larger vapour production. It is commonly used with high-VG shortfills in sub-ohm devices where airflow is fully open. For nicotine salt users, DTL is rarely the first choice due to higher vapour volume per puff.
If you want to explore higher vapour devices, browse our sub-ohm kits and pair them with the right liquid type for that style.
| Feature | MTL | RDL | DTL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airflow | Tight | Restricted | Open |
| Inhale style | Mouth then lungs | Direct to lungs (restricted) | Direct to lungs (open) |
| Typical coil range | 0.8Ω–1.2Ω | 0.4Ω–0.8Ω | 0.15Ω–0.4Ω |
| Typical wattage feel | Lower power | Medium power | Higher power |
| Best nicotine range | 10mg–20mg | 5mg–10mg (often ideal), sometimes 10mg | 0mg–6mg |
| Best liquid type | 50/50 + nic salts | 50/50 + nic salts (light RDL) / some 60/40 | 70/30 high VG shortfills |
| Vapour output | Low | Medium | High |
| Battery drain | Low | Moderate | High |
| E-liquid use | Low | Medium | High |
There is no single “best” style — the right choice depends on how much nicotine you need, how you prefer to inhale, and how much vapour you want per puff.
Most UK nic salt users begin with MTL because it offers predictable nicotine satisfaction and efficient use of e-liquid. RDL has grown in popularity as modern pod kits allow smoother airflow adjustment. DTL remains popular among experienced users who prefer lower nicotine and higher vapour output.
Airflow does more than change how tight or loose a draw feels. It directly affects vapour temperature, vapour density, nicotine perception, and overall throat hit. That is why two people can use the same e-liquid at the same strength and still experience it differently.
In practice, most vapers only notice how much airflow changes throat hit and nicotine “strength” once they try the same nic salt in two settings — a tight MTL draw versus a slightly more open RDL draw.
Airflow also interacts with coil resistance and surface area. Lower resistance coils paired with more open airflow produce greater vapour volume per puff, which can increase perceived nicotine strength. This is why airflow adjustment is just as important as choosing the correct nicotine level.
Put simply, airflow is the intensity control of your device. Coil power creates vapour; airflow determines how dense, warm, and strong that vapour feels.
In real-world use, most harsh or uncomfortable vaping experiences are not caused by the device being “bad”. They are caused by mismatch.
The key principle is simple: vapour volume controls nicotine intensity. The more vapour you inhale per puff, the stronger the nicotine sensation becomes — even at the same mg strength.
This is why 20mg nic salts feel perfect in a tight 1.0Ω MTL coil, but often feel too strong in a 0.4Ω RDL setup.
Coil resistance (ohms) and wattage decide how much e-liquid is vaporised per puff. This matters because nicotine is carried in the vapour. More vapour usually means more nicotine delivered per inhale.
Lower resistance + higher power = more vapour per puff. That is great for flavour and clouds, but it is why high nicotine can feel too strong on RDL/DTL-style coils.
Resistance (ohms) only tells part of the story. Coil construction plays a major role in how a device performs. Modern mesh and wide-surface coils increase the amount of e-liquid heated at one time, allowing more liquid to vaporise evenly. The result is denser vapour and more pronounced flavour compared to smaller traditional coil builds.
When larger surface coils are combined with restricted airflow (RDL) or open airflow (DTL), vapour volume per puff increases noticeably compared to tight MTL setups. This explains why RDL and DTL typically feel warmer, fuller, and more intense.
Greater vapour density has clear practical effects:
For this reason, many experienced users adjust nicotine strength when changing coil resistance. Vapour volume influences nicotine perception just as much as the mg strength printed on the bottle.
If you are changing coil types, ensure you select compatible coils for your device and adjust nicotine strength accordingly.
E-liquid ratio directly affects how your coil performs. Liquid thickness determines how quickly it can wick into the coil, how much vapour is produced per puff, and how smooth or intense the inhale feels.
If a liquid is too thick for your coil, wicking slows down and dry hits become more likely. If it is too thin for a high-output coil, you may experience leaking, flooding, or reduced performance.
For most refillable pod users, 50/50 liquids — including nicotine salts — provide the most predictable and efficient performance.
High VG liquids are commonly used in 70/30 shortfills and 100ml shortfills, particularly in sub-ohm or open-airflow setups.
As a general rule: the more vapour your device produces, the thicker the liquid and the lower the nicotine strength should be. Matching liquid ratio to coil type is just as important as choosing the right inhale style.
Two setups can both “work”, but one will cost more over time. This is mainly down to power level and how much liquid the coil uses per puff.
| Factor | MTL | RDL | DTL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery life | Longest | Medium | Shortest |
| E-liquid use | Lowest | Medium | Highest |
| Coil life | Often longer | Moderate | Often shorter |
| Best for budget users | Yes | Sometimes | Usually no |
In simple terms: MTL is usually the most efficient. RDL trades some efficiency for warmth and vapour. DTL is the highest consumption style.
For most smokers switching to vaping, MTL + nic salts is the most reliable starting point. It feels familiar, it is easy to control, and it delivers nicotine satisfaction without needing high power.
If you are moving away from disposables but still want the same simple, pre-set draw and nicotine hit, prefilled pod kits are often the easiest next step before switching to refillable pods.
If you want a broader starting point, browse our quit smoking collection and pair it with nic salts.
After years of pod kit development and user feedback across the UK market, the most common mistake is choosing based on “cloud size” instead of nicotine needs.
New users often think:
In reality:
The most successful transitions to vaping usually begin with controlled MTL and then adjust based on comfort — not cloud production.
Below are six solid examples, two per category, to help you match style to device. You can also browse all pod kits and vape kits if you want more options.
If you want the best value without overthinking the setup, our vape kit bundles combine a compatible device with the right format for everyday use, which is ideal for beginners and disposable users upgrading.
Great if you want a dependable MTL draw with strong nic salt performance and simple day-to-day use.
£21.99
A strong choice for clean flavour and consistent pod performance, especially for MTL nic salt users.
Explore more: starter kits and pod kits.
A flexible pod kit for people who want to try both tight MTL and a slightly more open RDL draw using airflow adjustment.
£21.99
Ideal for disposable users upgrading into refillables, with airflow control that makes it easy to find your comfort zone.
£24.99
Explore more: Vaporesso pod kits and OXVA pod kits.
A stronger option for users who want warmer flavour and more output. Best paired with sensible nicotine strength (often 10mg for many users, depending on coil and airflow).
A powerful pod kit for flavour-focused RDL users who want more than a standard pod system can offer.
Explore more: Voopoo vape kits and sub-ohm kits (for higher vapour setups).
Need spares? Browse refillable pods and coils.
If you want strong nicotine satisfaction with the most efficient use of e-liquid and battery, MTL remains the best choice for most nic salt users. If you want warmer flavour and a fuller vape, light RDL is a great step up — just match your coil range, airflow, and nicotine strength properly.
Start here:
If you are using MTL or light RDL, choosing the right nic salt range makes a difference. Most pod users prefer balanced 50/50 blends designed for smooth throat hit and consistent flavour in refillable kits.
Fruit-led ranges like Bar Juice 5000 and ELFLIQ are popular with users moving from disposables, offering bold, familiar flavour profiles that perform well in MTL pods.
For stronger flavour intensity, ranges such as Elux Legend, SKE Crystal, and Crystal Clear deliver clean, high-impact blends suited to both tight MTL and light RDL setups.
If you prefer slightly richer or more layered flavour profiles, Hayati Pro Max Nic Salts are widely used in modern pod systems with adjustable airflow.
Explore the full nicotine salts collection to match your chosen inhale style with the right flavour family and strength.
If you want the closest feel to smoking with the most predictable nicotine satisfaction, start with MTL and a suitable nic salt strength. If you want warmer flavour and a fuller vape without going “cloud heavy”, light RDL is usually the best step up. If you prefer bigger clouds and lower nicotine, DTL makes sense — but it is rarely the best match for high-strength nic salts.
The simplest way to get it right is to match three things: airflow, coil resistance, and nicotine strength. When those align, the vape feels smooth, flavour stays consistent, and coils last longer.
Ready to choose your setup? Start with our nicotine salts, then pick a compatible pod kit (MTL/light RDL) or a higher-output sub-ohm kit (DTL). If you’re upgrading from disposables but want the easiest transition, see prefilled pod kits or value-led vape kit bundles.
Quick shortcut: MTL + nic salts for most ex-smokers. Light RDL + slightly lower nicotine for warmer flavour. DTL + low nicotine shortfills for clouds.
Last Updated: 13/02/2026
Neither is better for everyone. MTL (Mouth-to-Lung) is usually preferred by smokers switching to vaping because it provides a tighter, cigarette-like draw and works well with higher nicotine strengths such as 10-20mg. RDL (Restricted Direct Lung) suits users who want warmer flavour and slightly more vapour while keeping the airflow controlled. The right choice depends on your nicotine needs and draw preference.
RDL stands for Restricted Direct Lung. It describes a vaping style where vapour is inhaled directly into the lungs with controlled airflow. RDL sits between tight MTL and fully open DTL, offering moderate vapour production, warmer flavour, and a smoother overall inhale compared to stronger sub-ohm setups.
Both MTL and DTL are comparable in safety when used correctly with regulated devices and TPD-compliant e-liquids. Safety depends more on device quality, suitable nicotine strength, and responsible use rather than the inhalation style itself.
A 2% vape contains 20mg/ml nicotine, which is the legal maximum strength in the UK. This strength is commonly used by heavier smokers transitioning to vaping and is most comfortable in MTL-style devices where vapour output is controlled.
Most disposable vapes are designed for MTL vaping. They feature tight airflow, higher nicotine strengths such as 20mg nic salts, and smaller coil resistances suited to cigarette-style inhalation. Some larger disposable-style devices offer slightly more open airflow, closer to light RDL.
MTL uses a tight draw where vapour is inhaled into the mouth first, then into the lungs. RDL involves inhaling directly to the lungs with restricted airflow, producing warmer vapour and moderate clouds. DTL uses wide open airflow, lower resistance coils, and higher power to create large vapour clouds with lower nicotine strengths.
MTL (Mouth-to-Lung) vaping mimics smoking by using a tighter draw and controlled vapour production. It is best suited to smokers switching to vaping, users who prefer higher nicotine strengths such as 10-20mg nic salts, and those who want discreet vapour with efficient e-liquid use.
DTL (Direct-to-Lung) vaping involves inhaling vapour directly into the lungs with open airflow. It suits experienced users who prefer lower nicotine strengths, warmer vapour, and larger cloud production. DTL devices typically operate at higher power and consume more e-liquid.
MTL devices are usually compact pod kits or starter kits designed for 50/50 e-liquids and nic salts. They use higher resistance coils and controlled airflow to replicate a cigarette-style draw.
RDL devices include adjustable airflow pod kits and pod mods that support mid-range coil resistances. These allow users to balance flavour warmth with moderate vapour output while maintaining control over airflow.
MTL works best with 50/50 VG/PG e-liquids and nicotine salts. These thinner liquids wick efficiently in small pod coils and provide smooth throat hit at higher nicotine strengths.
DTL vaping is best suited to high-VG liquids such as 70/30 shortfills with lower nicotine strengths. Thicker liquids perform better in higher-output devices and reduce harshness at increased power levels.
MTL typically uses higher resistance coils around 0.8Ω to 1.2Ω. RDL commonly uses coils between 0.4Ω and 0.8Ω. DTL usually uses lower resistance coils below 0.4Ω. Lower resistance generally produces more vapour and requires lower nicotine strength for comfort.
Many modern devices allow you to switch styles by changing coil resistance and adjusting airflow. To switch comfortably, you should also adjust nicotine strength and ensure the e-liquid ratio suits the coil and power range.
MTL typically uses the least e-liquid because it operates at lower power and produces smaller vapour clouds. RDL uses more liquid than MTL, while DTL consumes the most due to higher power output.
You can explore compatible pod kits, vape kits, and nicotine salts designed for each inhale style to match your preferred draw, nicotine strength, and vapour output.
RDL can feel stronger because lower resistance coils produce more vapour per puff. Even at the same nicotine strength, inhaling a larger volume of vapour delivers more nicotine in a single draw. That is why many users reduce nicotine strength slightly when moving from tight MTL to warmer RDL setups.
Most beginners and smokers switching to vaping start with MTL. The tighter airflow and controlled vapour output make nicotine delivery more predictable and comfortable. Once nicotine needs are stable, some users explore light RDL for warmer flavour and slightly increased vapour.
Lower resistance coils operate at higher power and vaporise more e-liquid per puff. Because nicotine is carried in the vapour, this increases nicotine delivery per inhale. Using high nicotine strength with low resistance coils can feel harsh or overwhelming, which is why lower nicotine strengths are generally recommended for RDL and DTL setups.
