How to Squonk: A Beginner's Guide to Squonk Vaping

Squonking is one of those vaping trends that sounds quirky but feels like a game-changer once you get the hang of it. If you’re tired of constantly dripping e-juice onto your coils or just want a more convenient way to enjoy your rebuildable dripping atomizer (RDA), squonking might be your new best friend. But what exactly is it, and how do you squonk without making a mess? This guide is here to walk you through everything you need to know about how to squonk, from picking the right gear to mastering the technique, all in a way that’s easy to follow and fun to learn.

Squonking, also known as bottom-feeding vaping, lets you feed e-juice directly to your RDA from a bottle inside your mod, saving you the hassle of dripping every few puffs. It’s a perfect blend of flavor-packed vaping and convenience, but it does require a bit of know-how to get started. Whether you’re new to vaping or a seasoned vaper looking to try something different, this article will break down the process step by step. Let’s dive into the world of squonking and get you vaping like a pro!

What Is Squonking and Why Should You Care?

Squonking is a vaping method that uses a specialized device called a squonk mod, which houses a squeezable bottle filled with e-juice. When you press the bottle, the juice travels through a tube and up into the RDA, saturating the wick and coils. Release the pressure, and any excess juice flows back into the bottle, keeping things tidy. It’s like having the best of both worlds: the rich flavor and cloud production of an RDA without the constant need to drip e-juice manually.

Why should you care about learning how to squonk? For one, it’s incredibly convenient. If you’ve ever been out and about, fumbling with an e-juice bottle while trying to drip onto your coils, you know how annoying it can be. Squonking eliminates that hassle, making it easier to vape on the go. Plus, it’s a great option for cloud chasers and flavor enthusiasts who love the performance of RDAs but want a less finicky setup. It’s not just about ease, though—squonking can also save you juice since you’re less likely to over-drip and waste liquid. Ready to give it a try? Let’s start with the gear you’ll need.

Choosing the Right Squonk Gear

Before you can learn how to squonk, you need the right equipment. Squonking requires a specific setup, and picking the right mod and RDA is crucial for a smooth experience. Don’t worry if this sounds overwhelming—think of it like choosing the perfect pair of shoes: you want something that fits your style and feels comfortable. Here’s what you’ll need and how to choose wisely.

Squonk Mod: The Heart of Your Setup

A squonk mod is the device that houses the battery, circuitry, and the all-important squonk bottle. These mods come in various shapes and sizes, but they all have a few key features: a squeezable bottle (usually made of soft silicone), a tube that connects the bottle to the RDA, and a cutout or window so you can see and access the bottle. When choosing a squonk mod, consider the following:

First, think about battery type. Most squonk mods use a single 18650 battery, which is compact and widely available. Some high-end or dual-battery mods might use 20700 or 21700 batteries for longer life, but they’re bulkier. If you’re just starting out, a single 18650 mod, like the popular Geek Vape Aegis Squonk, is a great choice for its balance of portability and power.

Next, check the bottle capacity. Squonk bottles typically hold 6 to 10 milliliters of e-juice. A larger bottle means fewer refills, but it might make the mod feel bulkier. If you’re a heavy vaper, go for a mod with an 8ml or higher capacity to keep you going through the day. Also, look for a mod with a soft, easy-to-squeeze bottle—some cheaper models have stiff bottles that make squonking a chore.

Finally, consider safety features. Squonking involves building your own coils, so you’ll want a regulated mod with protections like short-circuit prevention and overheat shutoff. Unregulated mods are cheaper but riskier, especially for beginners. Stick with a reputable brand and check user reviews to ensure the mod is reliable and easy to use.

Squonk-Compatible RDA: Where the Magic Happens

Not every RDA works with a squonk mod, so you’ll need one with a bottom-feeding (BF) pin. This hollow 510 pin allows e-juice to flow from the squonk bottle into the RDA’s wick. Most squonk-compatible RDAs come with both a standard pin and a BF pin, so you can swap them out if needed. Here’s what to look for in an RDA:

Start with the deck design. A good squonk RDA has a deep juice well to hold the e-juice that flows up from the bottle, reducing the risk of leaks. Single-coil RDAs are easier for beginners to build on, while dual-coil setups offer bigger clouds but require more skill. If you’re new to squonking, try an RDA like the Wotofo Profile, which is user-friendly and delivers great flavor.

Airflow is another key factor. Adjustable airflow lets you fine-tune your vape for either mouth-to-lung (MTL) or direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping. If you love big clouds, go for an RDA with wide airflow slots. For a tighter, flavor-focused draw, choose one with smaller, customizable airflow options.

Lastly, make sure the RDA is easy to build on. Look for a deck with large post holes or clamps to make installing coils a breeze. Some RDAs, like the Vandy Vape Pulse, are designed specifically for squonking and come with features like angled airflow to direct juice right to the coils, making them a solid choice for beginners.

Other Essentials

Beyond the mod and RDA, you’ll need a few other items to get started. A good set of coil-building tools is a must—think wire cutters, ceramic tweezers, and a coil jig for wrapping your coils. You’ll also need cotton for wicking, prebuilt coils or wire to make your own, and, of course, your favorite e-juice. If you’re not sure about building coils, many vape shops offer prebuilt options to simplify things. Finally, grab a high-quality 18650 battery from a trusted brand like Samsung or Sony, and invest in a reliable charger to keep it in top shape.

Setting Up Your Squonk Mod

Now that you’ve got your gear, it’s time to set up your squonk mod and RDA. This part can feel a bit like assembling a tiny spaceship, but don’t stress—it’s easier than it looks. The key is to take your time and follow these steps carefully to ensure everything works smoothly.

Step 1: Building Your RDA

Start by building the coils for your RDA. If you’re using prebuilt coils, this is as simple as screwing them into the deck. For custom coils, wrap your wire around a coil jig to create tight, even spirals—aim for 5 to 7 wraps for a balanced resistance around 0.3 to 0.5 ohms. Secure the coils in the RDA’s posts, tighten the screws, and clip any excess wire. Use an ohm reader or your mod’s display to check the resistance and ensure there are no shorts.

Next, wick your coils with cotton. Cut a strip of cotton, roll it into a thin rope, and thread it through the coils. The cotton should be snug but not so tight that it distorts the coil. Trim the ends so they just touch the deck or sit in the juice well, ensuring they’ll soak up the e-juice when you squonk. Fluff the cotton slightly to help it absorb liquid better.

Step 2: Installing the BF Pin

Before attaching the RDA to your mod, swap out the standard 510 pin for the bottom-feeding pin. This is usually a quick screw-in process, but double-check that it’s secure to prevent leaks. If your RDA didn’t come with a BF pin, it’s not squonk-compatible, so you’ll need to get a different one. Once the BF pin is in place, screw the RDA onto the mod, making sure the connection is snug but not overtightened.

Step 3: Filling the Squonk Bottle

Remove the squonk bottle from your mod—most mods have a latch or panel to access it. Fill the bottle with your chosen e-juice, leaving a small air gap to make squeezing easier. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause leaks. Reinsert the bottle, ensuring it’s properly seated and the tube is connected. Some mods have a cap or plug on the bottle for refilling without removing it, which is super handy for on-the-go vaping.

Step 4: Priming the System

Before you start vaping, prime the system to get the juice flowing. Gently squeeze the squonk bottle until you see e-juice rising into the RDA’s juice well, saturating the cotton. Don’t squeeze too hard, or you’ll flood the deck. Release the bottle, and any excess juice should flow back down. Fire the mod briefly to check that the coils heat evenly and the cotton is wicking properly. If you notice dry hits or uneven heating, adjust the cotton or coils as needed.

Mastering the Squonking Technique

You’ve got your squonk mod set up—now it’s time to learn how to squonk like a pro. The beauty of squonking is its simplicity, but there’s a bit of an art to getting the perfect squeeze. Too little juice, and you’ll get a dry hit; too much, and you’ll have a leaky mess. Here’s how to nail the technique and avoid common pitfalls.

Finding the Right Squeeze

The key to squonking is learning how much pressure to apply to the bottle. Start with a gentle, slow squeeze, holding it for a second or two until you see juice in the RDA’s well. Most squonk bottles are designed to push just the right amount of juice with a light press, so you don’t need to go Hulk-mode on it. After a few puffs, squonk again to keep the wick wet. Over time, you’ll develop a feel for how often to squonk based on your vaping style and the RDA’s juice well size.

How do you know when to squonk? Pay attention to the flavor and vapor production. If the flavor starts to fade or you get a slightly burnt taste, it’s time to squonk. For heavy vapers, you might need to squonk every 3 to 5 puffs, while lighter vapers can go longer. Practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to experiment until you find your rhythm.

Avoiding Leaks and Floods

One of the biggest squonking mistakes is over-squonking, which can flood the RDA and cause leaks. If you squeeze too hard or too long, excess juice can pool in the deck or seep out the airflow holes. To avoid leaks, squonk only until the cotton looks wet, and always release the bottle to let unused juice flow back. If you do flood the RDA, tilt the mod to drain excess juice back into the bottle or dab it with a tissue.

Another tip is to check your wicking. If the cotton is too thin or not properly placed, it won’t hold the juice well, leading to leaks. On the flip side, overly thick cotton can block the juice flow, causing dry hits. Aim for a Goldilocks fit—just right. Also, make sure your RDA’s o-rings are intact and the BF pin is tightly screwed in to prevent juice from escaping through the connection.

Adjusting for Your Vaping Style

Squonking is versatile, so you can tweak it to suit your preferences. If you’re into big clouds, use a dual-coil RDA with low-resistance coils and squonk more frequently to keep up with the juice demand. For flavor chasers, a single-coil RDA with a tighter airflow and higher-resistance coils might be better, requiring less frequent squonking. Experiment with different e-juices, too—thicker, high-VG juices are great for clouds but may need a firmer squeeze, while thinner juices flow more easily.

Maintaining Your Squonk Setup

Like any vaping device, a squonk mod needs regular care to keep it performing at its best. A little maintenance goes a long way in preventing leaks, extending the life of your gear, and ensuring every puff tastes great. Here’s how to keep your squonk setup in tip-top shape.

Cleaning the Squonk Bottle and Mod

E-juice can leave residue in the squonk bottle and tube, especially if you switch flavors often. Every week or two, remove the bottle and rinse it with warm water. If it’s particularly gunky, use a mild dish soap, then rinse thoroughly and let it air dry. Check the tube for clogs by blowing air through it or running a thin wire to clear any buildup. Wipe down the mod’s interior with a damp cloth to remove any juice spills, and dry it completely before reassembling.

Rebuilding and Rewicking the RDA

Your RDA’s coils and cotton will need regular replacement to maintain flavor and performance. Depending on your vaping habits, rewick every few days to a week, or whenever the cotton looks dark or the flavor gets muted. Replace the coils every couple of weeks or when they show signs of wear, like uneven heating or gunk buildup. When rebuilding, clean the RDA’s deck with warm water and a brush to remove residue, and dry it thoroughly before installing new coils.

Battery Safety

Squonking often involves high-power vaping, so battery safety is critical. Always use a high-drain battery rated for your mod’s wattage, and check for dents or tears in the battery wrap. Store batteries in a protective case when not in use, and never carry loose batteries in your pocket. Charge with a dedicated charger, and avoid leaving batteries unattended while charging. If you notice your mod getting unusually hot or the battery draining too fast, stop using it and inspect the setup for issues.

Troubleshooting Common Squonking Issues

According to vaping experts who write for us on vaping, even with the best setup, you might run into a few hiccups while learning how to squonk. Don’t worry—these are common, and most have easy fixes. Here are some typical problems and how to solve them.

If you’re getting dry hits, the wick might not be getting enough juice. Check that the cotton is properly placed in the juice well and not too tightly packed in the coils. Also, ensure the BF pin is correctly installed and the squonk bottle’s tube isn’t clogged. Try squonking a bit more firmly or more frequently to keep the wick saturated.

Leaking is another common issue, often caused by over-squonking or poor wicking. If juice is escaping through the airflow, reduce the amount you squonk and make sure the cotton is thick enough to hold the liquid. Check the RDA’s o-rings and BF pin for wear, and tighten all connections. If the mod itself is leaking, inspect the squonk bottle for cracks or loose fittings.

If the flavor is off or you’re getting a burnt taste, it’s likely time to rewick or replace the coils. Dirty cotton or gunked-up coils can ruin the taste, so clean the RDA and install fresh wicking. Also, make sure you’re using the right wattage for your coils—too high, and you’ll burn the juice; too low, and you won’t get enough vapor.

Wrapping It Up

Learning how to squonk is like picking up a new hobby—it takes a bit of practice, but once you get the hang of it, it’s incredibly rewarding. From choosing the right mod and RDA to mastering the perfect squeeze, squonking offers a unique way to enjoy the rich flavors and clouds of an RDA without the hassle of constant dripping. With the tips and techniques in this guide, you’re well on your way to becoming a squonking pro. Just take it one step at a time, experiment with your setup, and don’t be afraid to tweak things until it feels just right.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your squonk mod, fill up that bottle, and start squonking! Whether you’re chasing clouds or savoring every note of your favorite e-juice, squonking is a fun, convenient way to elevate your vaping game. Happy vaping!