Getting your draw right: MTL vs RDL for beginners

Introduction

When starting with vaping, choosing the correct inhale technique is essential. Many beginners ask what is a vape explained in technical terms and need guidance on how to inhale a vape correctly. Two common styles are Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) and Restricted Direct Lung (RDL). Understanding the differences helps in selecting suitable devices, such as relx pods or other pod systems, and managing total cost since features impact price. This article explains both styles, compares their advantages, notes device implications especially when buying through vapes online, and offers tips on how to vape properly. It also considers financial aspects, including how much does a vape cost depending on style.

What is a vape explained: devices, parts and airflow

A vape device refers to any electronic instrument designed to aerosolise liquid (with or without nicotine) so that a user inhales vapour. Core parts include battery, coil or heating element, pod or tank to hold liquid, airflow control or fixed airflow, mouthpiece, and often a chipset or safety circuits. Devices vary from simple disposable types to pod systems like relx pods, to more advanced kits capable of multiple inhalation styles. Airflow is a critical feature: tight airflow yields a more restricted draw (as in MTL), loose airflow allows large vapour production (as in DTL), and RDL sits between these. Recognising device capability is fundamental to choosing the right draw and avoiding damage or discomfort.

Vaping styles: MTL and RDL defined

Mouth-to-Lung (MTL)

In MTL vaping you inhale vapour first into the mouth, hold it momentarily, then draw it into the lungs. This style yields a tight draw, similar throat hit to smoking, and often works well with higher nicotine strengths and e-liquids with higher propylene glycol (PG) content. MTL is generally easier for beginners, more discreet, and uses less vapour per inhale. It requires a device with tighter airflow and higher resistance coil.

Restricted Direct Lung (RDL)

Restricted Direct Lung vaping involves drawing vapour directly into the lungs but with restricted airflow compared to full DTL. RDL attempts to merge some flavour intensity and throat satisfaction with greater vapour production than MTL. Coil resistance in RDL tends to be lower than in MTL but not very low; airflow openings are larger than in MTL but smaller than in typical DTL setups. Users who prefer pods like relx pods may find that devices supporting adjustable airflow or moderately open airflows suit RDL better.

How to inhale a vape: technique differences

To inhale properly under each style you must match technique to device settings.

• For MTL: draw vapour into the mouth, pause briefly (a second or two), then inhale into the lungs. Exhale smoothly. The inhale should be gentle and slower.
  
• For RDL: inhale more directly into lungs, less pause in mouth, amp up airflow (if adjustable), have a stronger inhale but still not extremely forceful. The flow should be less restricted than in MTL but not completely open. Exhale when comfortable.
  

Matching coil resistance, nicotine strength, and airflow is essential. An overly open airflow in a device set up for MTL can reduce flavour; a tight airflow in a device aimed for RDL can feel harsh or produce weak vapour.

Differences in feel, flavour, and vapour

Throat hit and flavour

MTL gives stronger throat hit for many users. Flavour tends to come through more sharply because the vapour is more concentrated and less diluted by large airflow. RDL offers more vapour, warming of flavour, and often smoother throat hit than when trying to force MTL style in a device.

Vapour production and visibility

RDL produces more visible vapour clouds than MTL. MTL is more discreet. If discretion matters, MTL is often preferred. If you like visible vapour or a fuller mouth feel, RDL may be more satisfying.

Nicotine strength considerations

MTL is well matched with higher nicotine strengths, such as nicotine salts. RDL often works better with moderate nicotine strengths, because more vapour delivered per inhale means the same nicotine concentration gives stronger effect. Using high nicotine in a high vapour device may cause harshness or discomfort.

Device choices and implications for cost

Device compatibility

Devices that allow adjustable airflow or have coils with resistances moderately low enable RDL. Devices with fixed tight airflow or high resistance are better for MTL. Popular pod systems such as relx pods may lean MTL, but some models offer freer airflow to enable a light RDL draw.

Cost differences

When considering how much does a vape cost, style choice matters. RDL capable devices often require more powerful batteries, more frequent coil or pod replacements due to greater vapour volume, and possibly higher wattage batteries or more expensive hardware. MTL devices tend to consume less liquid, less battery, and often require simpler hardware.

Buying through vapes online

Purchasing devices via vapes online outlets may allow access to a broader range of devices at varying price points. Prices online may be lower for hardware but factor in shipping, authenticity, and safety. When selecting devices for RDL, check that airflow adjustments, coil resistance, and pod or tank design suit RDL style. Reliable vendors make this clear.

How to vape properly: user practices for beginners

To get the best out of either draw style you should:

• Prime your coil or pod before first use. Ensure liquid has fully saturated the wick to avoid burnt taste.
  
• Start with moderate inhale draws. Do not force large inhales if you are new, especially with RDL style. Let your lungs adapt.
  
• Adjust airflow gradually if possible. Open or close to find balance between flavour, vapour, and comfort.
  
• Monitor nicotine strength. If throat feels harsh, consider lowering nicotine or switching to nicotine salts if appropriate.
  
• Maintain the device. Clean contact points, replace pods or coils when taste deteriorates. Proper maintenance preserves flavour and reduces costs.
  

Estimating cost: how much does a vape cost with different draws

Here are rough cost estimates based on draw style and usage frequency, assuming legitimate and safe hardware and liquids.

Style	Approximate Device Cost (AUD)	Monthly Liquid / Pod / Coil Cost (AUD)
Basic MTL pod system	60-120	30-80
Mid-range pod allowing RDL & MTL	120-200	50-120
High-airflow RDL device / mod	200-300+	80-160+

Actual cost depends on how often you vape, nicotine strength, flavour choices, brand of device (e.g. relx pods models may cost more initially), and whether you buy through a vape shop or vapes online retailer.

Pros and cons: MTL versus RDL

Aspect	Advantages of MTL	Advantages of RDL
Comfort for beginners	Tighter draw, less vapour, gentler throat hit	More vapour and flavour, satisfying inhale for those moving on
Discretion	More discreet, smaller clouds	Bigger clouds, less discreet
Liquid consumption	Lower usage of e-liquid	Higher usage, more frequent refills or pod changes
Hardware stress	Less strain on battery and coil	More stress, need for better hardware
Flexibility	Simpler setup, easier to use properly	Greater flexibility, but more adjustments needed

Choosing your draw style

• If you are new to vaping, MTL is usually easier, safer, and less wasteful.
  
• If you have tried MTL and want more flavour or vapour, look for devices suitable for RDL.
  
• Consider your budget. Assess how much does a vape cost overall including device, pods/coils, and maintenance.
  
• If you buy through vapes online, check reviews and device specs to ensure the product supports the draw style you want.
  
• Try to find physical retail options or vape shops to test device feel, especially for airflow.
  

Conclusion

Getting the draw right is as important as understanding devices, flavour, or nicotine strength. Knowing what is a vape explained in terms of components and airflow helps decide between Mouth-to-Lung or Restricted Direct Lung style. How to inhale a vape properly depends on technique, hardware compatibility, and draw style. Device choice, usage frequency, and whether you purchase from a vape shop or through vapes online influence both experience and cost. Relx pods or similar pod systems may suit either style depending on model. Estimating how much does a vape cost should include both hardware cost and ongoing consumable expenses.

For beginners, start with MTL style, learn how to vape properly, and only then explore RDL if you seek more vapour and flavour.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the difference between MTL and RDL?
   MTL (Mouth-to-Lung) involves inhaling vapour into the mouth first and then into the lungs; draw is tighter, vapour volume is lower. RDL (Restricted Direct Lung) involves inhaling vapour directly into the lungs with more airflow than MTL but less than full Direct-to-Lung.
   
2. Can I use Relx Pods for RDL?
   Yes, some models of relx pods have airflow designs or pod coil options that allow a lighter RDL draw. Check device specifications and whether vaping techniques fit the pod’s resistance and airflow.
   
3. How much does a vape cost for RDL style devices?
   Cost depends on the brand and hardware strength. RDL devices tend to be more expensive upfront and consume more e-liquid or pods. Monthly costs might double or more compared with basic MTL devices depending on usage.
   
4. How do I inhale a vape properly in MTL vs RDL?
   For MTL: draw into mouth, hold briefly, then inhale into lungs. For RDL: inhale directly into lungs with less restriction, open airflow gradually, avoid harsh hits.
   
5. Does usage frequency affect which draw style is more economical?
   Yes. MTL generally uses less liquid, has smaller clouds, and requires less power, which reduces running cost. RDL delivers more vapour, uses more liquid and power, and parts may wear faster, increasing cost.