What is RDL Vaping?

RDL is a vaping style where adult users draw vapour directly into the lungs. It means “Restricted Direct to Lung” and requires a vape device with restricted airflow options. 

RDL vaping sits in the middle of MTL (Mouth to Lung) and DTL (Direct to Lung) vaping - adult users breathing the vapour in DTL style, with a restricted airflow that’s similar to the MTL style. RDTL and RDL mean the same thing and are often used interchangeably.

What’s the Difference Between RDL, MTL, and DLT Vaping?

There are a few ways adult users can vape, each one offering a different experience. Knowing how these styles differ can help you make a more informed choice on which one is best suited to you. 

Explore these different vaping styles in more depth below.

What is MLT and How Does It Work?

MTL, meaning “Mouth to Lung”, is a style of vaping where you draw vapour into the mouth before breathing it into the lungs. MTL vaping can be done with vapes that offer a restricted airflow. 

What is DLT and How Does It Work?

DTL vaping stands for “Direct to Lung”. With the DTL vaping style, vapour is drawn directly into the lungs. You could DTL vape with devices that offer less restrictive airflows. 

Find out more about MTL vs DTL vaping.

RDL vs MTL vs DTL

These three vaping styles differ in some significant ways. Explore how in the comparison table below.

Which Vaping Style Best Suits You?

The vaping style that’s right for you will depend on the experience you’re looking for. Here’s a more detailed look at the experiences MTL, DTL, and RDL vaping could offer and which one you might be best suited to.

Mouth to Lung (MTL)

Mouth to Lung vaping may be better suited to adults who have only recently switched over from continued smoking to vaping. MTL vapes are used in the same way a cigarette is - drawing into the mouth first before breathing into the lungs. 

MTL vapes could also accommodate practically any nicotine strength (up to the legal limit of 20mg/ml). These devices are often simple to use and can come with draw-activated features - meaning all you have to do is draw on the device to trigger the release of vapour.

Direct to Lung (DTL)

Direct to Lung vaping could be suitable for more experienced adult vapers who moved over from continued smoking to vaping a while ago. Direct to Lung vapes may be helpful for those who want to have more control over their vaping experience, often coming with adjustable features. 

Direct to Lung vapes are often compatible with lower nicotine strength e-liquids, and could produce thicker clouds of vapour (depending on the settings of the device).

You can find further details on what types of vapes can be used MTL and DTL style in our guide - ‘What is DTL and MTL Vaping’.

Restricted Direct to Lung (RDL)

RDL vaping could be a good alternative for those wanting something in between MTL and DTL. If you’re switching over from cigarettes but don’t want that MTL style, RDL vaping offers a DTL style but with a tighter draw.  

This could also be helpful for adult vapers who have already switched from smoking but want to try a different vaping style without learning how to use a more advanced vape. RDL vapes are usually pod-based vapes, which can provide a balance of simplicity and customisable features.

You could also possibly RDL vape any nicotine strength available (up to that legal limit of 20mg/ml).

How to Get Started with RDL Vaping

Whether you’re moving straight on from smoking or MTL vapes, there are a few things to consider before switching to RDL vaping: 

•Your preferred experience - Do you want more vapour? A specific nicotine strength? Or device style? Understanding the exact features you want to have when RDL vaping can help narrow your search for the right device.

•Coils - Choose coils with a resistance in between MTL and DTL coils. This can range from roughly 0.5 - 1 ohms. Of course, you’ll have to check that any coils you purchase are designed for RDL vaping. You’ll also have to check that the coils are compatible with your device.

•E-liquids - RDL vaping can be done with a range of e-liquids, including freebase nicotine and nic salt. You might also be able to RDL vape with a variety of nicotine strengths and VG/PG ratios. Decide which flavours, nicotine strength, and VG/PG ratios to opt for and make sure they’re compatible with your device (and the RDL vaping style) before purchasing.  

•Wattage - If your RDL vape comes with adjustable wattage settings, test a few that are compatible with the coil and e-liquid you’re using. This could help you find a wattage setting that’s suited to your preferences.

•Airflow - Similar to the wattage, if your RDL vape comes with adjustable airflow settings, test a few out to see which one best suits the RDL vaping experience you want. 

The best RDL vape for you will be one that matches your preferences. Consider the features we’ve just listed in the ‘how to get started’ section and look out for those you want when choosing an RDL vape.

Find out more on vaping and choosing the right vape for you.

Smoke-free products are not risk-free and provide nicotine, which is addictive. The best decision any adult smoker can make is to quit tobacco and nicotine use altogether. Smoke-free products are not alternatives to quitting and are not designed as cessation aids.  

This article is for general information and educational purposes. Some of the information in this article is based on external, third-party sources and we make no representations or warranties of any kind regarding the accuracy, validity or completeness of such information.