Understanding Airflow in Vapes: How to Optimise Every Puff for Better Flavour and Draw

Airflow in vapes refers to how much air passes through the device when you inhale. Adjusting airflow affects flavour, vapour density, throat hit, and how smooth or tight your draw feels. Understanding how to fine-tune this setting helps you get the perfect puff.

If you’ve ever taken a puff from your vape and thought: Too tight… too airy… not enough flavour…, chances are your airflow settings need a little love. While most vapers obsess over flavour or puff count, airflow is often the silent player that makes or breaks your experience.

Airflow affects everything: how strong the hit feels, how warm the vapour is, how dense the clouds are, and even how long your device lasts. Whether you’re rocking a RELX MagicGo, an IGET Bar Pro, or a high-performance beast like the BIMO Turbo 20000, understanding airflow in vapes can be the difference between a satisfying session and a frustrating one.

Let’s unpack how airflow works in disposable vapes and how you can optimise each puff – even when you’re using a device without adjustable settings.

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1. What is airflow in a vape?

Put simply, airflow refers to how much air moves through your device when you inhale. More airflow means a looser, airier draw. Less airflow means a tighter, more restricted pull – closer to what you’d get from a traditional cigarette.

Think of it like drinking through a straw:

• A wide straw (open airflow) lets you sip faster but dilutes the flavour.
• A thin straw (restricted airflow) slows things down and intensifies the flavour, but might feel tight.

2. How airflow affects your vaping experience?

There’s no “perfect” airflow setting for everyone. It really depends on what you’re chasing: flavour, cloud production, smoothness, or throat hit. Here’s how different levels of airflow impact the vape:

Tip: If you’re looking for a tighter draw with more nicotine satisfaction, go for a vape with restricted airflow – like RELX MagicGo or IGET Bar 3500.

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3. MTL vs DTL: Why it matters?

One of the biggest airflow-related choices is how you draw on your vape:

• MTL (Mouth-to-Lung): You inhale into your mouth, then lungs. Mimics cigarette smoking. Best with tight airflow.
• DTL (Direct-to-Lung): Straight inhale to lungs. Requires open airflow and lower nicotine strength.

Most disposable vapes like the BIMO Crystal 12000 or FISCO MIX BAR 12000 are tuned for MTL. They’re designed to give that familiar pull for ex-smokers and produce satisfying flavour on a compact coil system.

But some larger-capacity vapes with mesh coils and boosted batteries lean towards a hybrid style. These can provide a slightly looser MTL or a very restricted DTL, depending on the model.

4. Disposable vapes and fixed airflow

Here’s the tricky part: most disposables don’t have adjustable airflow. That doesn’t mean you’re stuck with whatever you get. Some hacks and small changes can still help optimise your puff:

• Cover part of the airflow hole: Use your finger to partially block the air inlet while inhaling. This increases restriction and boosts flavour.
• Change your draw technique: Try slower, longer pulls instead of quick puffs. This warms the coil more gradually and delivers denser vapour.
• Keep the device clean: A clogged or sticky airflow hole (usually caused by condensation or e-liquid) will mess up your draw. A cotton bud or soft tissue can keep the vents clear.
• Try different device shapes: Barrel-shaped disposables like the Kuz LUX 9000 often have better airflow pathways than flat designs. If you like a smoother draw, shape matters.
• Rotate devices based on mood: Some vapers keep two or three models handy – one with open airflow for relaxing sessions, and another tighter one for nicotine satisfaction during stress.

5. Choosing the right airflow for your needs

Not all vapers are chasing the same thing. Some want that strong throat hit to replace smokes. Others want smooth draws and flavour bombs. Here’s how to pick the right airflow vibe for your style:

5.1. If you’re an ex-smoker (nicotine satisfaction is key)

Go for:

• Tight airflow
• High nicotine (20-50mg) disposables
• MTL style

Recommended picks:

• RELX MagicGo 8000 – very cigarette-like draw, consistent flavour
• IGET Bar 3500 – reliable, affordable, restricted airflow

These give you that classic mouth-to-lung feel and quick nicotine hit. If you’re trying to quit cigarettes, this is the airflow setting that feels most natural.

5.2. If you’re a flavour chaser

Go for:

• Balanced airflow
• Medium nicotine (15-30mg)
• Mesh coil or hybrid disposables

Recommended picks:

• BIMO Crystal 12000 – tight-to-medium airflow with sweet flavour delivery
• FISCO MIX BAR 12000 – wide flavour range, better air channeling

This setting gives enough air to enhance vapour but keeps flavour punchy and warm. It’s a great choice if you’re exploring fruit or dessert profiles and want that juicy hit.

5.3. If you’re chasing clouds (casual puffing, social use)

Go for:

• Looser airflow
• DTL or restricted-DTL draw
• Lower nicotine (10-20mg)

Recommended picks:

• BIMO Turbo 20000 – huge vapour, slightly airier draw
• VapSolo VIKING 12000 – smooth clouds, great for chilled sessions

These models are made for those who love a relaxed, voluminous draw. You might not get the strongest hit, but the vape feels smoother, cooler, and more social.

6. Common airflow mistakes (and how to fix them)

Even experienced vapers make airflow errors. Here are the usual suspects:

Too tight = overheating or burnt taste

If you’re drawing hard through a restricted airflow, you might overheat the coil. This can burn the cotton and kill the flavour.

Fix: Slow down your puff, or switch to a more open-draw device.

Too loose = flavour gets muted

If you’re barely getting flavour, the airflow might be too open.

Fix: Cover part of the airflow inlet, or switch to a device with mesh coil for better vapour concentration.

Clogged airflow holes

Condensation or pocket lint can block small airflow vents, especially in pocket-sized vapes.

Fix: Clean regularly with a cotton bud or tissue.

Wrong airflow for nicotine level

A low-nicotine vape with tight airflow will leave you puffing more and feeling unsatisfied.

Fix: Match tight airflow with higher nicotine, and vice versa.

7. Can you adjust airflow on disposables?

Most disposable vapes don’t come with an actual switch or dial to adjust airflow. But some modern models offer pre-set airflow balance based on coil design and shell structure.

Examples:

• SEREIN HUNTER 6000: tight, consistent airflow – best for MTL
• Kuz LUX 9000: semi-open draw – good hybrid feel
• HQD WAPOR PRO 20000: slightly looser, cool draw with big cloud potential

If you’re using refillable pods like RELX Infinity, you get more control with different pod types (Regular, Plus, Pro) which subtly affect airflow and hit strength.

For true control, though, open-system mods or pod systems are the way to go – but for simplicity and portability, disposables now come impressively fine-tuned out of the box.

8. When airflow goes wrong: Signs to watch for

How do you know your airflow isn’t working optimally? Here are the red flags:

• Your vape crackles too much – Might be too much air passing over a flooded coil
• It feels like sucking through a blocked straw – Airflow hole might be clogged
• Vapour is cold and tasteless – Draw might be too fast, or airflow too open
• Dry hits or burnt taste – Puffing too hard on a tight draw device

Always listen to the device. Airflow issues often go hand in hand with coil lifespan, e-liquid consistency, or improper draw technique.

9. Airflow is your secret weapon

You don’t need a fancy device or tons of vape knowledge to improve your experience. Sometimes, the simple act of understanding and adapting your airflow makes all the difference.

Whether you’re using a RELX, ALIBARBAR, IGET, or something new from SEREIN or HQD – airflow is what separates a meh puff from a magic one.

And best of all? You don’t need to spend big to optimise your vape. Just pick the right device for your style, tweak your draw, and stay aware of how your device responds.

Optimise your vape experience with VAPE WAREHOUSE

Ready to find a device that fits your airflow preferences?

VAPE WAREHOUSE Australia offers a handpicked selection of the best disposables for every draw type:

• Tighter MTL draw: RELX MagicGo 8000, IGET Bar 3500
• Balanced airflow for flavour: BIMO Crystal 12000, FISCO MIX BAR 12000
• Open airflow for clouds: BIMO Turbo 20000, HQD WAPOR PRO 20000

Shop now at vapewarehouseau.com. Need help choosing? Message us on WhatsApp: +61489 184 146 – we’re always here for the vape fam.