What is squonking?

Vaping has come a long way from the early days of cig-a-likes and basic pod systems. As the community evolved, so did the devices. Among the more niche but highly revered setups is squonking — a vaping method that combines the flavour intensity of drippers with the convenience of a tank. But what exactly is squonking, and why has it become a favourite among advanced vapers?

In this comprehensive guide, FREESMO explains everything you need to know about squonking: From how it works to its pros, cons, and whether it's the right choice for your vaping journey.

What is Squonking?

Squonking is a style of vaping that uses a bottom-feeding mod (squonk mod) to supply e-liquid to a rebuildable dripping atomiser (RDA) through a built-in squonk bottle. Instead of dripping e-liquid directly onto the coils, as with traditional RDAs, squonking allows users to squeeze (or squonk) a soft bottle inside the mod, feeding juice upwards through a hollow 510 pin into the RDA.

This ingenious design offers the rich flavour and vapour production of an RDA while eliminating the need for constant dripping. It’s essentially a hybrid between a dripper and a tank system.

How Does Squonking Work?

A squonk mod consists of several key components:

• Squonk Bottle: A squeezable bottle made of silicone or plastic that holds e-liquid (usually 5-10ml capacity).
• Bottom-Feeding 510 Pin: A hollow connection pin that allows e-liquid to travel from the bottle to the RDA.
• RDA with Squonk Capability: A rebuildable dripping atomiser designed with a squonk hole in its deck to allow juice to saturate the wicks from below.

When the squonk bottle is pressed, e-liquid flows through the hollow pin into the RDA, saturating the cotton wicks. Excess juice is drawn back into the bottle when released, minimising leaks and over-saturation.

The History of Squonking

Squonking first gained traction around 2010 but remained a niche pursuit for hobbyist vapers. Early devices were often custom-made by modders and lacked mass production.

It wasn’t until companies like Vandy Vape and Pulse popularised affordable squonk mods that squonking reached a broader audience. Today, squonk mods range from mechanical designs for purists to regulated devices with advanced chipsets for safety and customisation.

Advantages of Squonking

RDA Flavour Without Constant Dripping

Squonking delivers the flavour intensity of an RDA while eliminating the inconvenience of manually dripping every few puffs.

Increased E-liquid Capacity

With squonk bottles holding up to 10ml of e-liquid, you enjoy extended vaping sessions without refilling.

Cleaner Vaping Experience

Squonking reduces the mess associated with dripping, thanks to its bottom-feeding design that reabsorbs excess juice.

Customisation & Build Flexibility

As with RDAs, squonking allows for tailored coil builds and fine-tuned airflow, appealing to DIY enthusiasts seeking precision.

Disadvantages of Squonking

Learning Curve

Squonking involves building coils, understanding Ohm’s law, and maintaining RDAs, making it less beginner-friendly.

Device Size & Weight

Squonk mods are typically larger and bulkier due to the integrated bottle.

Limited Mass Appeal

While excellent for flavour chasers, squonking may not suit vapers seeking simplicity or stealthy setups.

Maintenance

Frequent cleaning and coil replacement are part of the squonking experience.

Squonking vs. Dripping vs. Tank Systems

• Dripping (RDAs): Best for pure flavour but inconvenient due to constant dripping.

• Tank Systems (RTAs/Sub-Ohm Tanks): Offer large e-liquid capacity but sometimes sacrifice flavour intensity.

• Squonking: A hybrid solution combining RDA flavour with tank-like capacity and convenience.

Types of Squonk Mods

Mechanical Squonk Mods

Simple, unregulated devices offering direct battery output. Ideal for experienced users who understand battery safety and Ohm’s law.

Regulated Squonk Mods

Feature advanced chipsets with wattage control, temperature control, and safety protections. Recommended for vapers seeking reliability with the benefits of squonking.

Who Should Try Squonking?

Squonking is ideal for:

• Vapers who prioritise flavour.
• Hobbyists who enjoy coil building.
• Users seeking an alternative to traditional RDAs.
• Those willing to invest time in device maintenance.

It’s less suited for beginners or users wanting simple, plug-and-play vape systems.

Squonking Safety Tips

• Always use high-quality batteries with the correct amp rating.
• Understand Ohm’s law and battery safety (especially for mechanical squonkers).
• Regularly inspect and clean your device.
• Ensure coils are built correctly and resistance is within safe limits.
• Avoid over-squonking to prevent flooding the RDA deck.

Final Thoughts

Squonking bridges the gap between drippers and tank systems, offering vapers the best of both worlds. It delivers unmatched flavour, greater juice capacity, and a unique hands-on experience. While it requires a higher level of involvement, for many enthusiasts, the rewards are worth it.

At FREESMO, we support vapers at every level of their journey. Whether you’re curious about squonking or ready to dive in, our expert team and curated product range are here to guide you. Explore FREESMO’s collection of RDAs, squonk mods, and premium e-liquids to elevate your vaping experience.