For beginners, vaping terminology can be overwhelming, but understanding different vaping styles is crucial as it influences every choice, from devices to e-liquids. Here, we’ll delve into DTL vaping, highlighting its benefits and drawbacks. If you’re drawn to dense, flavorful clouds of vapour, explore if this style suits you.
How to DTL Vape
DTL, or 'Direct-to-Lung,' is a vaping technique where vapour is inhaled straight into the lungs without holding it in the mouth first (unlike the MTL method). Devices for DTL vaping operate at high wattages with low-resistance coils to generate substantial vapour. The inhale is deep and sustained, akin to using a hookah, delivering thick, smooth vapour rich in flavour.
Often called 'cloud chasing,' direct-to-lung vaping prioritizes flavour and vapour production over high nicotine strengths. The large vapour volume provides a robust, flavorful experience with impressive cloud production. However, DTL setups are not compatible with high-nicotine e-liquids. If your primary goal is to transition from smoking, DTL vaping may not be the best choice; instead, the MTL style offers a better chance for success by closely mimicking the sensation of smoking.
Types of DTL Kits
There’s a broad range of vape kits tailored for DTL vaping. Traditional vape mods paired with sub-ohm tanks remain a favorite among DTL enthusiasts, admired for their high performance and stylish designs. Alternatively, pod kits have surged in popularity due to their ease of use without sacrificing functionality. These DTL pod kits are also more durable and less susceptible to damage compared to glass tank models.
When exploring vape kits, consider how and where you’ll use your DTL device. If you have an active, on-the-go lifestyle, a compact, sturdy pod kit might be the best fit. However, if you plan to primarily vape at home, you have more flexibility to choose any kit that suits your preferences.
DTL Vaping Benefits
- Enhanced and intricate flavour profiles.
- Ultra-smooth inhalation with minimal throat hit.
- Complete customisation of your vaping experience.
DTL Coil Resistance
The coil is the heart of your vape kit. It’s a small metal tube housing a metal mesh or wire wrapped in cotton, which absorbs the e-liquid from your tank or pod. When you activate your DTL device, the coil heats up, transforming the e-liquid into dense vapour. On average, a single DTL coil lasts about a week, but this can vary depending on your setup. Higher-powered devices, sweet high-VG e-liquids, or consistent high-temperature vaping may lead to faster coil burnout.
DTL coils are designed with wider airflow channels and lower resistance to handle more power. These features are key for cloud chasers who prioritize:
- Generating ample power to vaporize large amounts of e-liquid.
- Ensuring sufficient airflow for producing thick, voluminous clouds.
Resistance in coils is measured in Ohms, and DTL vaping typically uses coils ranging from 0.15ohm to 0.7ohm. This low resistance is also why DTL vaping is often referred to as Sub-Ohm vaping.
Coil Options in Vape Kits
Many vape kits come equipped with two coils featuring distinct resistances, such as a higher-resistance coil (e.g., 0.5ohm) and a lower-resistance coil (e.g., 0.15ohm). Experimenting with both allows you to discover the vaping experience that best suits your preferences in terms of flavor and vapor production.
Battery & Power
DTL vaping demands robust battery support, typically available in two forms: built-in batteries with capacities ranging from 1500mAh to 3500mAh or external batteries like 18650 or 21700 models. Built-in batteries offer convenience but require replacing the entire device once the battery life ends and may take longer to charge. In contrast, external batteries are cost-effective to replace and can be charged faster with external chargers.
MTL starter kits generally output between 9W and 25W, whereas DTL or sub-ohm kits begin at 25W and can climb up to 250W. However, most DTL vapers prefer a range of 50W to 60W for optimal cloud production. Adjustable wattage settings are common in DTL kits, though some devices may have fixed settings depending on the coil used.
DTL Airflow and Mouthpiece
As previously discussed, coils play a significant role in airflow. When you vape, air enters through the inlets of your device and flows through the wide center of the coil, carrying the vaporized e-liquid along the way. DTL vape kits are engineered for high airflow, featuring large inlets that are often adjustable, allowing you to fine-tune your draw to match your preferences.
Similarly, the mouthpiece on DTL tanks and pods is designed to handle the increased airflow. These mouthpieces are typically wide, either integrated into the pod or tank or featuring a removable 810 'drip tip' design for added versatility.
Best E-Liquid for DTL Vaping
One of the most exciting aspects of vaping is exploring the countless flavors available. This is particularly true for DTL vaping, where you can indulge in a vast selection of sweet and intricate e-liquid flavors.
When selecting e-liquid, understanding its composition is essential. Vape juice contains two main components: PG (propylene glycol) and VG (vegetable glycerine). PG is a thin liquid responsible for flavor delivery, while VG is thicker and generates impressive clouds. DTL vape kits work best with high-VG e-liquids, so aim for a PG/VG ratio of 30:70 or higher.
For cost efficiency, many DTL vapers opt for shortfill bottles. These nicotine-free bottles are advantageous because:
- They provide a larger volume of e-liquid for a better price.
- You have complete control over adding nicotine, if desired.
Shortfills are typically available in 50ml or 100ml sizes, allowing you to add nicotine shots to reach your preferred strength. For DTL vaping, a maximum nicotine strength of 3mg is recommended due to the larger volumes of vapor inhaled. Alternatively, you can choose 10ml high-VG bottles pre-mixed with 3mg or 6mg nicotine.
Conclusion
DTL vaping offers a rich and flavorful experience, complete with smooth draws and impressive cloud production. From selecting the right high-VG e-liquid to choosing a vape kit that matches your lifestyle, transitioning to the direct-to-lung style can be both exciting and rewarding. Whether you’re chasing clouds or exploring bold new flavors, DTL vaping is a versatile option for those seeking enhanced customization and a premium vaping experience.
Explore our wide range of MTL vape kits and accessories tailored for beginners. Visit the Vape Boyz website today and find everything you need to make the switch from smoking to vaping easy and enjoyable!
