Squonking Started in 2009 as a DIY style of modification to some select mods having a squonk bottle on the side or inside of the device.
Squonking became more popular in late 2017 largely due to a brand known as Reos mods making squonk mods more commercially available to the market.
Here’s How Good Squonking Is
Squonking is a style of vaping available in both Mech and Regulated form, historically for advanced users. Designed for using rebuildable RDA’s (rebuildable dripping atomizers), giving an enhanced flavor and vape output with a prefilled and refillable liquid squonk bottle inside the device itself. With a variety of options such as compact single battery devices to more powerful set ups, prices can start at $40 up to £300.
What Is Squonking?
Squonking is an efficient way of getting E Liquids to the atomizer, often an RDA (Rebuildable Dripping Atomizer), similar to a tank, that is attached to a squonking device and provides the vaporizing part of the vape device. A squonking device can be broken down into 3 main components:
1 – The device itself, which can be found in many different wattages and battery configurations like a dual 18650 battery, and can have a maximum wattage output of 200 watts or lesser power options with a 70 or 100-watt range using a single battery.
2 – The atomiser. This is known as the rebuildable dripping atomiser (RDA), and the part where liquid is normally poured or dripped from the top. In this instance the pin underneath the bottom of the device will have a hole in, and allow liquid to be squeezed up from the bottle to fill and soak the coil inside the atomiser.
3 – The other most important part of a squonking capable mod is the Squonk bottle itself. This bottle is attached to the underside of the 510 being what atomisers are screwed ok to.
The Squonk bottle is attached to the 510 by a tube that runs through the bottle and when the Squonk bottle is squeezed it pushes the liquid from the bottle up the tube through a small hole in the 510 then into the RDA which is then absorbed into the cotton of the rebuildable to the coils.
Using rebuildables can offer some of the best flavours compared to premade replacement coils for tanks like the Horizon tech Falcon tank which is not able to Squonk.
The Pros Of Squonking
There are many benefits with using squonk devices. The most notable is the ease of use and overall flavour given by the combination of the Squonking device and the Squonk capable rebuildable attached to the device. There are many different types of squonking devices available to the market in different types, sizes and configurations for different types of uses.
Most Squonking devices come in a dual battery configuration either in a pair of 18650 or 21700 but can also be found in single battery configurations typically at a lower wattage output. Having a built-in source of E-Liquid in the device makes it easier to carry on a daily basis as you will not necessarily need to carry an extra bottle of E-Liquid with you all the time.
Squonking is a great choice for people who live an active lifestyle and is also a great choice for people who drive a lot. The reason for this is simply due to having an internal source of liquid and not needing to take hands off a steering wheel or eyes off the road to reach for a separate bottle.
The Cons Of Squonking
They are not too many cons with squonking, however one is care and maintenance, as such It is not something most people starting out in vaping will take to straight away, and more suitable for intermeditate to experienced vapers.
Squonking can be a learning curve in some cases but can be very enjoyable and easy to use. It can mean building your own coils, and taking care of your squonk bottle and connectors, but offers exceptional flavor, no need for additional bottles to carry around, and you can achieve the perfect vape for you.
What Are The Typical Issues With Squonking?
One thing users need to consider is to over squeeze or press the squonk bottle which if done so will flood the rebuildable and could leak out and leak onto the mod. This can damage components such as screens or the internals of the device.
An easy way to prevent unnecessary damage is to carefully and gently squeeze the squonk bottle when needed to ensure no excess liquid leaks onto the mod.
There are some versions of squonking devices that require more knowledge such as mechanical devices. These have no chipset and therefore no built-in safety features to regulate power levels. These kinds of devices are intended for more experienced users that have an understanding of ohm’s law and resistances that are within battery tolerances.
What Are The Different Types Of Squonk Mods?
There are two different types of squonking devices:
Regulated – which uses a chipset to maintain power levels drawn from the battery or batteries.
Unregulated – which draws power directly from the battery with no chip in between. Unregulated devices are more commonly known as Mech mods.
The Difference Between Mech Squonk And Regular Squonk Mods?
While mech mods were more well known for squonk boxes, regulated mods are becoming more common. Knowing the differences are key to finding the perfect fit for you.
The main difference between the two different types of mods is that mechanical mods do not feature any kind of safety features while regulated Mods have a regulated power level maintained by an internal chip.
What Are Mech Squonker Mods?
Mechanical squonk mods draw power directly from a battery or batteries in some cases and deliver the power when the fire button is pushed to the rebuildable attached to the device. This is done by a simple wire/metal bar which creates a circuit from the battery to the tank via the 510 pin. This style of device is typically used by more advanced vapers due to the understanding and knowledge needed to maintain levels of safety for the batteries used. It is important to understand ohm’s law and how to manage mech squonks properly.
One great example of a mechanical squonk mod is the Vandy vape pulse, known for its compact size, ability to use either 18650 batteries or 21700 batteries as well as being offered at a low inexpensive price in some cases.
Brands that have offered mechanical squonk mods include:
- Vandy vape
- Signature tips
- Vicious Ant
These mechanical mods have been some of the most popular on the market due to the power that can be delivered from a single battery as well as the overall size and feel. They are well reviewed online and on youtube.
What Are Regulated Squonker Mods?
Regulated squonk mods are a popular choice largely due to the built-in safety features such as short circuit protection, temperature protection and reversible battery protection, making it a more accessible option for beginners into squonking.
Many brands adopted this style such as Dovpo with the Topside dual squonk mod and the Lost Vape Drone DNA250c squonk mod. Both of which are removable rechargeable 18650 battery devices with a capable wattage of up to 200watts, making a more versatile product for squonking. Users can use the wattage at lower settings for a mouth to lung squonk RDA or a higher wattage for sub-ohm lower resistance RDA’s.
Lost vape’s drone utilises an Evolv DNA chipset which has been regarded as a benchmark for temperature control, efficiency and accuracy in readings of resistance. You can see our article all about Evolv DNA Mods here.
Rebel vape is another well-known brand that utilizes mainly DNA chips but also uses YIHI chipsets, another highly regarded manufacturer in the industry. Rebel are known for offering 3D printed lightweight mods in many different configurations.
One of their most well-known devices is the DNA 75c Squonker which comes in a range of colours and combinations so users can have a device suited to their personal style.
While some other regulated devices will come in a smaller form factor typically these are a single battery power device with a lower Wattage setting. These are designed to be easier to carry for everyday use. One Downside of this is if you need a higher wattage qhwn vaping, you may need to carry a spare battery with you.
How Often Do I Need To Squonk?
Squonk bottles usually hold 8 – 10ml of liquid, as opposed to the average vape pen or tank having a 2ml capacity, so you will technically need to refill less, and unlikely to need to carry a bottle of liquid around with you.
But how often you need to squonk depends on the style of vaping as well as Mouth to lung style (MTL) or direct to lung (DL) and the power level you use.
A higher power requirement for coils using DL will typically use and consume more e-liquids than lower power builds like an MTL set up.
Some users will report they can get many hours to a whole day out of 1 refill of the squonk bottle while other users may only get 1 to 2 hours before having to refill again.
Maintenance Of Squonk Mods
One of the biggest things to remember when using a squonking device is regular maintenance and cleaning of the device and squonk bottle. By doing some simple cleaning and removing any excess liquid residue from inside and outside of the device is can prevent many issues such as the board getting liquid damage, battery contacts corroding over time and even screen issues.
One great tool to use is a vape cloth. This is simply just a small microfiber cloth used to wipe any excess liquids away or off the device. You must check when cleaning the O rings that seal the 510, making sure they are not worn or damaged. Worn or damaged O rings will cause leaks which in turn can cause damage to the device.
It is important to also clean your squonk bottles and it is always good practice to get into the habit of doing so. Typically they’re made of silicone or a food safe plastic. Therefore you can use warm water, or some cleaning products that are suitable.
How Long Do Squonk Products Last?
With following regular care and maintenance squonk products can last many years with some reports of products lasting up to 5-years and some cases even longer.
Some components of a Squonking mod will often wear out over time, so will need to be replaced. These include the squonk bottle itself, these can last months, but eliquid with certain flavourings can damage the bottle sooner. O rings that seal your 510 will potentially also need replacing.
Are Squonk Mods Safe & Reliable?
Squonking mods like most other mods and be very reliable and safe if some steps are followed to maintain the device. It is always good practice to make sure you thoroughly check user manuals before use and you clean the device when purchased.
Many of the regulated devices will have built-in safety features to maintain levels of safety through the vaping experience as well as devices will have manufacturer warranties as well. With mechanical squonking devices, it is best that you have an understanding and knowledge of battery use with Amps, Voltage and MAh. You should also understand ohm’s law ensure correct resistance with your coil build and battery uptake are kept constant.
Mech Squonksm having no chipset, historically never had an ability to lock the device from firing accidentally. However nowadays they typically come with a locking fire button of some sort.
What Is The Warranty Of Squonk Mods Like?
Warranties may differ from brand to brand some have a warranty or 30 days while others may have a 90-day warranty you can always check from the brand manufacturer website to see what your warranty is and what is covered.
What Are Some Of The Best Squonk Mods?
Here are just some of the most popular and best squonking mods:
| Brand | Product Name | Price | ||
| Vandy Vape | Pulse V2 Squonker | $60 | ||
| Dovpo | Topside Dual | $60 | ||
| Lost Vape | Drone 250c BF | $170 | ||
| Geek Vape | Aegis Squonk Kit | $65 | ||
| Wotofo | Dyadic | $75 | ||
| Rebel Vape | DNA 75c 18650/20650 SQ | $198 – $211 Depending on colour | ||
| Vicious Ant | Spade Mech 21700 | $200 | ||
| Frankenskull | Many | $200+ |
What Are The Alternatives To Squonking?
Some alternatives to squonking are RDA’s, RTA (Rebuildable Tank Atomizers, RTDA (Rebuildable Dripping Tank Atomizers) and Tank atomizers. They will give you the same great flavour from making your own coil builds, but without the need for a squonk device.
- RDA’s you can simply just drip the liquid straight from the e-liquid bottle onto the coils and in the RDA that will then go into the liquid wells. Some RDA’s can be used with Squonking devices, you will simply not need the bottle inside.
- RTA’s which are similar to RDA’s but will have a tank that allows for easy refilling and can hold anywhere from 2 ml and with some being able to hold up to 12 ml. One great example of an RTA that has become very popular in the market is the Hell Vape Fat Rabbit due to the design of the build deck and flavour performance.
- RTDA’s are not as common as they used to be but are also a great option and alternative to squonking. RTDA’s are very similar to RTA’s but instead of having the liquid around the chamber where the coils and build deck is placed the build deck on RTDA’s is above the liquid and has cotton that reaches into the tank to then wick the coils.
- And of course regular vape kits and Tanks. With everyday tank atomizers like the Horizon Tech Falcon 2 or the Aspire Nautilus 3 are simpler alternatives, which do not need any coil building or a squonk device. Standard tanks come with coils you can purchase in packs and simply replace after use. A benefit of a tank is the ease of use, with a good flavor level and typically most tanks will hold 2-5ml of liquid.
What Do Reviewers Say About Squonking?
Many reviewers will agree that squonking is a great option due to its versatility, no need for a carrying a bottle, and great flavor
The trends with squonking have seemed to have slowed down over the years with some brands discontinuing some squonk devices. Amongst the more advanced users, and high end manufacturers, there are still plenty of options.
We checked the reviews on two different sites
- YouTube
- Ecigclick.co.uk
The well known and popular Youtuber Grimm green, amongst many other well-known YouTubers such as Jai Haze, Mike vapes, Ambitionz vaper and many more have reviewed the vicious ant spade mech mod and highly regarded the mod as being fantastically built, as well as having a sleek stylish design.
On Ecigclick.co.uk, the review for the Geek Vape Aegis Squonk Kit says it’s a great mod to carry around without weighing anyone down it’s comfortable to hold and has a great liquid capacity.
Final Thoughts
So are they worth it? Many would agree that they are worth it. Squonking it is certainly one style of vaping anyone should look into for great flavours from a rebuildable and who don’t want to always carry around extra bottles of E-Liquid. Well-known brands offer mid-range and mid-priced devices and there are plenty of high end options too.
One thing to consider is the alternatives like normal tanks other rebuildable options that can also hold liquids like RTA’s and RTDA’s.
Resources
https://www.ecigclick.co.uk/geek-vape-aegis-squonk-kit-review/
