What Is a DTL Vape Kit?
A DTL (Direct-to-Lung) vape kit is a vaping device designed to produce large clouds of vapour with a smooth inhale. Vapour bypasses the mouth and goes straight into the lungs, delivering a deep and intense vaping experience. Many vapers prefer DTL vaping for its rich flavour output and dense vapour production. These devices use sub-ohm coils, which have a resistance lower than 1.0 ohm, allowing them to operate at higher wattages. A DTL vape kit also features wide airflow settings to enhance cloud production and smoothen the inhale.
Unlike MTL (Mouth-to-Lung) vaping, which mimics the draw of a traditional cigarette, DTL vaping feels more like taking a deep breath. Vapour does not linger in the mouth before reaching the lungs. This vaping style produces a minimal throat hit, making it ideal for those who prefer a smoother inhale. Sub-ohm vape kits, box mods, and pod mod systems support DTL vaping by offering high power output, adjustable settings, and compatibility with high-VG e-liquids.
How to Inhale DTL Vape?
Direct-to-lung vaping requires a different inhalation technique than MTL vaping. A long and steady inhale allows vapour to reach the lungs smoothly. Pulling too quickly can create a harsh sensation or cause coughing. Adjusting airflow settings to a wider opening reduces resistance, making inhalation effortless. A higher wattage setting ensures adequate vapour production, preventing weak hits.
Sub-ohm coils play a crucial role in DTL vaping. A lower resistance coil allows more power to pass through, creating larger vapour clouds. A DTL vape kit typically includes an adjustable airflow system, which controls the amount of air that mixes with the vapour. Wider airflow results in cooler, denser clouds, while a more restricted setting increases warmth and flavour intensity.
High-VG e-liquids enhance the DTL experience. A 70% VG or higher ratio ensures thick vapour production and smooth inhales. Lower nicotine strength (3mg to 6mg) prevents an overpowering throat hit while maintaining a satisfying experience. Proper coil priming and e-liquid saturation help prevent dry hits, ensuring a consistent vape.
What Is the Best E-Liquid Ratio for DTL Vaping?
High-VG e-liquids work best for DTL vaping. A 70% VG to 30% PG ratio ensures smooth inhales, thick vapour clouds, and enhanced flavour. VG (vegetable glycerin) produces dense vapour, and a softer throat hit, making it ideal for sub-ohm vaping. PG (propylene glycol) carries flavour and provides a stronger throat hit, but too much PG can create a harsh experience in high-wattage devices.
An 80% VG ratio is preferred by cloud chasers who want maximum vapour production. Dessert, candy, and creamy flavours benefit from high-VG blends because they produce a richer and more pronounced taste. Low-VG e-liquids (below 50%) are unsuitable for DTL vaping, as they generate less vapour and can feel too harsh when vaped at high wattages.
Nicotine strength plays a key role in e-liquid selection. A 3mg nicotine strength is the most common choice for DTL vaping, as it delivers a mild throat hit while allowing smooth inhales. A 6mg nicotine strength offers a slightly stronger effect without being overpowering. Freebase nicotine works best in sub-ohm setups, as nicotine salts are typically too strong for DTL devices.
What Is the Best DTL Vape?
| Category | Vape Kit | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Budget Option | AEQ Boost Pod Device Kit | £24.99 | Compact size, adjustable airflow, strong vapour production |
| Best for Durability | SMOK IPX 80 Kit | £34.99 | IP67 waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, 80W max output |
| Best for Performance | Voopoo Drag 5 Vape Kit | £54.99 | Advanced chipset, precise wattage control, sub-ohm power |
| Best for Heavy Use | Geekvape Aegis Legend 2 Kit | £69.99 | Shockproof, waterproof, designed for extreme durability |
Is MTL or DTL Better?
| Feature | MTL (Mouth-to-Lung) | DTL (Direct-to-Lung) |
|---|---|---|
| Inhalation Style | Vapour stays in the mouth before reaching the lungs | Vapour goes directly into the lungs |
| Vapour Production | Minimal vapour, discreet clouds | Large vapour clouds, dense output |
| Throat Hit | Stronger throat hit, similar to smoking | Smooth inhale, minimal throat hit |
| E-Liquid Type | High-PG e-liquids (50% PG or higher) | High-VG e-liquids (70% VG or higher) |
| Nicotine Strength | 10mg to 20mg (higher nicotine) | 3mg to 6mg (lower nicotine) |
| Best For | Beginners, ex-smokers, discreet vaping | Cloud chasers, flavour enthusiasts, advanced vapers |
| Coil Resistance | Above 1.0 ohm (MTL coils) | Below 1.0 ohm (sub-ohm coils) |
| Wattage Range | Low wattage (10W to 20W) | High wattage (30W and above) |
MTL vaping mimics the experience of smoking, making it ideal for beginners. The stronger throat hit and tighter draw provide a more familiar sensation. A high-PG e-liquid enhances flavour and nicotine delivery in an MTL device.
DTL vaping focuses on cloud production and flavour depth. A smooth inhale with minimal throat hit makes it more enjoyable for those who want a relaxed and customisable experience. A high-VG e-liquid combined with low nicotine strength produces the best results.
Choosing between MTL and DTL depends on personal preference. Those transitioning from smoking may prefer MTL, while cloud chasers and flavour enthusiasts lean toward DTL vaping. Both styles offer unique benefits, making the decision a matter of individual vaping goals rather than one being better than the other.