Classic Vaping Vs Sub Ohm
Over the last decade, vaping has bloomed into a hugely popular and dynamic pastime, offering something for every taste and preference while helping millions of adult smokers replace their habit with a less toxic alternative. As vaping technology has evolved, we’ve seen several styles of vaping emerge that appeal to different kinds of vapers. Among these styles, Classic Vaping and Sub-Ohm Vaping stand out as two of the most common methods of vaping, each with its unique appeal and characteristics.
Whether you're new to vaping or considering changing up your style, understanding these differences can be key to a great experience. This blog aims to demystify Classic Vaping and Sub-Ohm Vaping, helping you to choose the right style that best aligns with your personal approach to vaping.
What is Classic Vaping?
Classic Vaping is a somewhat redundant term nowadays and is more commonly referred to as Mouth-To-Lung (MTL) Vaping. This style of vaping most closely mimics the experience of smoking traditional cigarettes. It involves drawing vapour into your mouth before inhaling it into your lungs, similar to how you would have smoked a cigarette. This style is particularly appealing to those newly transitioning from smoking to vaping or vapers who prefer a more discreet level of vapour from their e-cigarette.
Characteristics of Classic MTL Devices?
MTL devices are typically characterised by their high-resistance coils (above 0.8ohm, but typically 1.0ohm or higher), lower wattage output, and tighter airflow, designed to simulate the draw of a cigarette. These devices range from simple pen-style vapes and disposable vapes to pod kits, which all offer easy operation and portability.
The Best E-liquids for MTL Vaping
The most suitable e-liquids for mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping are those with a balanced or higher Propylene Glycol (PG) content, such as 50VG/50PG blends or Nicotine Salts. These formulations produce discreet vapour and deliver flavour more cleanly, making them ideal for lower-powered devices like pod systems and vape pens. Nicotine salts, in particular, offer a smoother throat hit and quicker nicotine absorption compared to traditional freebase e-liquids, which many users find more satisfying. Note: all Prefilled Pod Kits and their replacement Prefilled Pods use Nicotine Salts for that universal appeal.
Because MTL vaping typically mimics the sensation of smoking more closely, many vapers appreciate the tactile yet comfortable throat hit these e-liquids provide. They also tend to work best in devices with higher coil resistances, typically above 0.8ohm, designed for slower, more deliberate draws.
What is Sub-Ohm Vaping?
Sub-Ohm Vaping takes the vaping experience to new heights, emphasising large vapour production and intense flavour. As with ‘classic vaping,’ a more contemporary term for this style is DTL (direct-to-lung) vaping. With DTL vaping, you draw the vapour directly into your lungs rather than hold it in the mouth first, as with MTL vaping. The prefix "sub-ohm" refers to vaping using a device with a coil resistance of less than 1ohm. This style is favoured by those who enjoy vaping as a hobby and are keen on experimenting with their devices to create the biggest clouds and richest flavours possible. Not for nothing do such vapers proudly identify as ‘Cloud Chasers.’
Characteristics of Sub-Ohm DTL Devices?
Sub-Ohm devices, also categorised as advanced vape kits, are known for their powerful batteries and low-resistance coils, capable of heating a larger amount of e-liquid at a higher temperature. This results in more vapour and a warmer vape. These devices often come with advanced features such as Temperature Control, Smart Mode, and adjustable airflow controls, allowing vapers to customise their vaping experience to their liking. From box mods to advanced pod systems, Sub-Ohm devices offer lots of control over your vaping, with a range of settings for a truly optimised vape.
The Best E-liquids for Sub-Ohm DTL Vaping
The ideal e-liquids for Sub-Ohm vaping have a higher Vegetable Glycerin (VG) content. VG is thicker than PG and produces denser vapour clouds, along with a smoother throat hit. High-VG e-liquids are perfect for those looking to enjoy big clouds and a less intense throat hit, making them a popular choice among cloud chasers. Additionally, the flavour profiles can be more pronounced and varied.
Sub-Ohm vaping is more than just a method; it's a lifestyle choice for many in the vaping community. It appeals to those who are enthusiastic about their gear and enjoy the process of tweaking and customising their setups for the best performance. While it might require a bit more knowledge and experience to get started, the payoff in vapour volume and flavour intensity is well worth the effort for many.
Read More: What is Sub Ohming?
Key Differences Between Classic Vaping and Sub-Ohm Vaping
Understanding the distinctions between Classic (MTL) Vaping and Sub-Ohm (DTL) Vaping is crucial for vapers who want to home in on their ideal vaping experience. Here are the key differences that set these two styles apart:
Vapour Production
Classic MTL Vaping produces a modest amount of vapour, mimicking the smoke output of traditional cigarettes. It's perfect for vapers who prefer discretion.
Sub-Ohm DTL Vaping, on the other hand, is all about producing large, dense clouds of vapour. It's best for vapers who enjoy cloud chasing and a more visually impactful vaping experience.
Throat Hit and Nicotine Intake
Classic MTL Vaping offers a pronounced throat hit, especially when using high-PG e-liquids or nicotine salts. It allows for a higher nicotine intake, satisfying former smokers' cravings more effectively.
Sub-Ohm DTL Vaping typically results in a smoother throat hit, due to the higher VG content in the e-liquids used. This style often involves lower nicotine levels, as the large volume of vapour delivers nicotine more efficiently.
Flavour Experience
Classic MTL Vaping is known for delivering clear and precise flavours, making it ideal for vapers who prioritise taste over vapour production.
Sub-Ohm DTL Vaping enhances the flavour experience by heating more e-liquid at a higher temperature, offering a more intense and often more nuanced flavour profile.
E-Liquid Compatibility
Classic Vaping is best paired with high-PG, 50/50 e-liquids or nicotine salts, which are thinner and provide a stronger throat hit and higher nicotine strength.
Sub-Ohm Vaping works well with high-VG e-liquids, which are thicker and produce more vapour, offering a smoother vape with less nicotine hit per puff.
Device and Coil Requirements
Classic MTL Vaping devices are generally simpler, with higher resistance coils (above 0.8ohm) and lower power requirements. They're user-friendly and often more portable than advanced vape kits.
Sub-Ohm MTL Vaping requires more advanced devices capable of handling low resistance coils (below 8ohm) and higher wattages. These devices offer more customisation options but can be bulkier and more complex to use.
Don’t know which coil to use with your device? Use our handy Coil Finder tool.
What is RDL Vaping?
In recent years, a fresh style of vaping has emerged that aims to offer the best of both MTL and DTL. RDL means Restricted Direct-to-Lung and is a happy medium between the two styles: not as breezy as DTL but not as tight as MTL. It’s a very versatile style that works with most types of e-liquids but requires a certain amount of manual adjustments to airflow and experimenting with coil resistances to enjoy fully. You can read more about RDL vaping on our other blog.
Choosing Your Vaping Style
The choice between Classic Vaping and Sub-Ohm Vaping ultimately comes down to personal preference. Whether you value discreetness, a tactile throat hit and intense flavour or prefer massive clouds and rich, velvety flavours, there's a style that matches your needs. Consider what aspects of vaping are most important to you—throat hit, cloud production, flavour intensity, device complexity, or nicotine satisfaction—to guide your choice.
No matter which you adopt, both styles have their unique benefits and cater to distinct aspects of the vaping experience. Remember, the beauty of vaping lies in its versatility and the ability to tailor your experience to fit your lifestyle and preferences. And if you ever find yourself in doubt or need advice on making the best choice for your vaping needs, our Customer Services Team at Vapestore is always here to help, offering expert guidance and support.
Happy vaping!
