What Is a Squonk Mod? Bottom-Feeding Vapes Explained

Andrew Strang
What Is a Squonk Mod? Bottom-Feeding Vapes Explained
0 comments

TL;DR: A squonk mod (aka bottom-feeder) is a box mod with a squeezable e-liquid bottle inside. When you press the bottle called squonking e-liquid travels up through a hollow 510 pin into a compatible RDA, soaking the cotton without needing to drip from the top.

Key Takeaways

  • Squonk = built-in bottle that feeds an RDA from below via a hollow 510 pin.
  • Less mess, more capacity than classic dripping; faster re-wicks on the go.
  • Two types: regulated (with safety features) and mechanical (direct battery output, advanced users only).
  • Best for: flavour chasers who love RDA performance without constant top-dripping.

How a Squonk Mod Works

Inside the mod is a soft silicone (or sometimes hard) bottle connected to a tube and a hollow 510 pin. A compatible RDA fitted with a BF (bottom-feed) pin sits on top. Gently squeeze the bottle; e-liquid travels up, saturates your wick from underneath, and any excess is pulled back when you release the pressure. That “push-and-return” action keeps the deck neat and reduces leaking.

How a Squonk Mod Works Cutaway showing battery, bottle and liquid tube feeding e-liquid up to an RDA via a hollow 510 pin. Battery Bottle RDA Deck Liquid feeds up Excess drains back Squonk bottle
A squeeze pushes e-liquid up through the tube into the RDA via the hollow 510 pin; releasing lets excess drain back.

Regulated vs Mechanical Squonk Mods

Regulated Squonks

  • Include a chipset with variable wattage/voltage, sometimes temperature control.
  • Safety features like short-circuit, low-voltage, over-current, and over-heat protection.
  • Recommended for most users, including those new to squonking.

Mechanical (Mech) Squonks

  • No electronics: the atomiser is powered directly by the battery.
  • Instant power delivery and simplicity, but no safety net.
  • For experienced users who understand Ohm’s law, battery limits (CDR), and safe building practices.
Regulated vs Mechanical Squonk — Power Path Side-by-side comparison showing a chipset with protections in a regulated squonk versus a direct battery-to-switch path in a mechanical squonk. Regulated Squonk Mechanical Squonk Battery Chipset VW/TC Protections 510/RDA Protections Battery Switch 510/RDA ! Recommended for most users Advanced users only
Regulated squonks route power through a chipset with protections. Mechanical squonks send battery power directly through the switch to the 510.

Internal link ideas: Link “Ohm’s law” to your battery safety guide; link “regulated squonks” and “mechanical squonks” to the relevant collection pages; link “BF pin” to a help article on swapping RDA pins.

What You Need to Start Squonking

  1. Squonk-compatible mod (regulated recommended for beginners).
  2. BF-ready RDA (includes a bottom-feed pin in the box, or an optional accessory).
  3. Coils & cotton (prebuilt or wire for DIY; use sensible resistances).
  4. E-liquid (many use 70/30 or similar for RDAs).
  5. Appropriate batteries (authentic, high-drain cells) and a quality charger.
Bottom-Feed (BF) Pin — Cross-Section Cutaway of an RDA deck showing cotton and coil above a central squonk outlet; liquid travels up the hollow pin and spreads across the deck. Hollow 510 / BF pin Outlet Airflow Airflow
Liquid rises through the hollow BF pin, exits at the outlet, and spreads across the deck to saturate the cotton under the coil.

Step-by-Step: How to Squonk

  1. Insert the BF pin into your RDA if it isn’t pre-installed; ensure the insulators are correctly seated.
  2. Install/position coils and wick as normal for an RDA. Trim wicks to sit just above the squonk outlet in the deck.
  3. Prime lightly with a few drops of e-liquid.
  4. Fill the bottle, seat it firmly, and ensure the tube is straight with no kinks.
  5. Pulse-squonk: Short squeeze until you just see the deck glisten; release to let excess retract.
  6. Set power (on regulated) conservatively and work up.
Pulse-Squonk Timing — Squeeze • Saturate • Release • Fire A simple timeline showing short squeeze to send liquid up, pause to saturate, release to retract excess, then fire. Squeeze Saturate Release 🔥 Fire Short squeeze Pause Retract excess Then vape
Use short, gentle squeezes; let the deck saturate and excess retract before firing.

Common Squonking Mistakes (and Fixes)

  • Over-squonking: Gurgle or spitback? Use shorter squeezes and let the bottle pull back before firing.
  • Leaking from airflow: Check wick length—tails should guide liquid, not flood the vents. Reduce squeeze time.
  • Dry hits: If flavour is fading or cotton looks pale, give a brief refresh squeeze; check that the bottle/tube isn’t pinched.
  • Weak performance (mech): Re-check build resistance, clean contacts, and ensure batteries are within safe discharge range.

Wicking for Squonking

Correct wick tail length keeps the bottom-feed outlet clear while helping liquid spread without flooding. Over-packing blocks airflow and causes leaks.

Wicking for Squonking — Do vs Don’t Two panels showing proper wick tail length and outlet clearance versus tails that block airflow or flood the deck. Do Tails guide liquid, outlet kept clear Don’t Tails block outlet/air, leads to flooding
Trim and place wick tails to guide liquid while keeping the BF outlet and airflow clear. Over-packing causes flooding and leaks.

Maintenance Tips

  • Rinse bottles and tubes regularly to prevent flavour carry-over and residue.
  • Inspect o-rings and bottle caps; replace if you notice seepage.
  • Keep 510 and contacts clean for consistent performance.
  • Rotate batteries and store them in proper cases; never carry loose cells.
Refilling & Maintenance — Bottle, Tube, 510 Callouts for bottle care, straight tube routing, and 510 cleaning to reduce leaks and keep performance consistent. Bottle 510/RDA Rinse bottles regularly; replace worn caps/o-rings Keep tube straight, no kinks Clean 510 & contacts for steady power
Clean the bottle and tube, avoid kinks, and keep the 510/contacts tidy for reliable squonking.

Safety Essentials

Battery safety first: Use authentic, high-drain cells with undamaged wraps. Match your build to your battery’s continuous discharge rating (CDR). If you’re not fully comfortable with Ohm’s law and safe resistance ranges, choose a regulated squonk mod.

18+ only. Nicotine is an addictive substance. Always follow manufacturer instructions.

Who Is a Squonk Mod For?

  • Flavour fans who love RDA taste but hate dripping every few pulls.
  • Tinkerers who enjoy building and tailoring airflow/wattage.
  • On-the-go vapers who want more capacity than a standard RDA deck provides.

Squonk vs RTA vs Dripper (At a Glance)

  • Squonk (RDA + bottle): RDA flavour, portable refills, small learning curve.
  • RTA: Built-in tank; great capacity, but wicking can be more finicky.
  • Classic Dripper: Peak flavour, but needs frequent top-ups and can be messy on the move.

Leave a comment

All comments are moderated before being published

Vaping Blogs