❓ What are the different vaping styles?

When you vape, the draw style (or “inhalation style”) refers to the way you inhale the vapour from your e-cigarette. There are mainly two types of draw: direct (DL) and indirect (MTL), but these two styles can come in several variations depending on users' preferences and the devices used.

Here are the different draw styles:

1. Direct Lung (DL) draw

The direct draw, or DL (for “Direct Lung”), is a vaping style in which you inhale vapour directly into your lungs, without holding it in your mouth first. This type of draw is often compared to the way you inhale when using a pipe or a shisha.

• Characteristics of DL vaping:
  • Direct inhalation into the lungs: You take a large puff of vapour, and the vapour goes directly into your lungs.
  • Devices used: This type of draw is generally used with low-resistance (sub-ohm) devices, which produce more vapour, such as mods and box mods.
  • E-liquids: E-liquids used for this style often have a higher proportion of VG (vegetable glycerine) (70% or more), as VG produces more vapour.
  • Power: It is best to use higher power to generate more vapour and achieve the desired sensation.
• Advantages:
  • High vapour production: DL vaping generates a large amount of vapour, which appeals to vapers looking for a more spectacular vaping experience.
  • Less throat hit: As you inhale directly into your lungs, the “hit” sensation (throat contraction) is smoother.
• Disadvantages:
  • Less throat sensation: This style may not suit those looking for a stronger throat sensation, like that of a cigarette.
  • Faster e-liquid consumption: Due to the large amount of vapour produced, this style uses more e-liquid.

2. Mouth to Lung (MTL) draw

The indirect draw, or MTL (for “Mouth to Lung”), is a vaping style that more closely mimics the experience of smoking a cigarette. With this style, you first inhale the vapour into your mouth, then draw it into your lungs.

• Characteristics of MTL vaping:
  • Two-stage inhalation: You first draw the vapour into your mouth, then inhale it into your lungs.
  • Devices used: This mode is often used with high-resistance devices, such as pods, low-power clearomisers, or starter kits.
  • E-liquids: E-liquids for MTL tend to have a higher proportion of PG (propylene glycol) (50% or more), as PG delivers better flavour and a more pronounced throat hit.
  • Power: Devices used for MTL vaping generally operate at lower power.
• Advantages:
  • Throat hit: MTL vaping provides a stronger throat hit, similar to that of a traditional cigarette. This can be particularly enjoyable for people looking to quit smoking.
  • Lower e-liquid consumption: MTL vaping uses less vapour, making e-liquid consumption more economical.
  • More flavour: Due to the higher PG ratio, MTL vaping often delivers flavours more effectively.
• Disadvantages:
  • Lower vapour production: Compared with DL, MTL produces less vapour.
  • Not as suited to heavy vapers: If you enjoy massive vapour clouds, MTL may not meet your expectations.

3. Restricted Direct Lung (RDL) Vaping

Restricted vaping, or RDL (for "Restrictive Direct Lung"), is a style that sits between MTL and DL vaping. In this style, inhalation remains mainly direct, but with moderate resistance that makes the draw slightly tighter.

• Characteristics of RDL vaping:
  • Direct inhalation with moderate resistance: This style allows you to inhale directly into the lungs, but with a restriction that creates resistance similar to an MTL draw, offering an intermediate sensation.
  • Devices used: This type of vaping is generally associated with atomisers with medium-resistance coils.
  • E-liquids: E-liquids can have a more balanced PG/VG ratio (50/50), depending on the user's preferences.
• Advantages:
  • Flexibility between the two styles: RDL offers a good compromise for those who do not want a draw that is too tight or too airy.
  • Lower e-liquid consumption than DL vaping.
• Disadvantages:
  • Less vapour than DL: Although it generates more vapour than MTL vaping, it does not produce as much as DL.

4. Very Tight Draw (Tight MTL)

A very tight draw is a variation of MTL where resistance is even more pronounced, creating a sensation that more closely mimics the draw of a conventional cigarette. This style is used by those who want a vaping experience very similar to smoking.

• Characteristics of a very tight draw:
  • Very tight inhalation: You feel strong resistance with every puff, creating a draw closer to that of a traditional cigarette.
• Advantages:
  • A more realistic cigarette-like sensation: Perfect for those who have just quit smoking and want a more authentic experience.
• Disadvantages:
  • Less vapour: This draw produces very little vapour and is therefore less spectacular than other styles.

Conclusion

The choice of vaping style depends on your personal preferences, the experience you are looking for and the device you use. If you want to produce a large amount of vapour and enjoy an airy draw, Direct Lung (DL) is for you. If you prefer a more pronounced throat sensation and an experience close to smoking, Mouth to Lung (MTL) or Restricted Direct Lung (RDL) will be more suitable.