DOVPO Topside Lite Squonk Mod Kit Review

Last Updated on April 16, 2024 by Team Spinfuel

Usually, when I use the word “predictable,” it’s a bad thing. But not when it comes to DOVPO’s outstanding line of Topside squonk mods. The original was a revelation, in how it largely eliminated leaking and awkward filling. The high-end Dual Carbon (and its YiHi chipset) took squonk mods to a new level of precision and power.

But my favorite of the bunch might just be the versatile, no-nonsense Topside Lite, which takes all of the best qualities of previous editions, strips away anything unnecessary, and delivers straightforward vape performance. It can even do double duty as a standard single-2X700 device… but why would you, when the squonk performance is so good here?

Let’s dive in and see what’s up. First, the specs…

Shop the new DOVPO Topside LITE Squonk Starter Kit, an exemplary vaping system, implementing a single high-amp 21700 or 20700 battery bay, extensive temperature control suite, and features an ultra-lightweight chassis design with included squonking section.

Formed from durable zinc-alloy, the DOVPO Topside Lite Squonk Kit can utilize the silicone squonk bottle to deliver fresh eJuice to the bottom fed pass-through 510 connection at the top. Featuring a lightened chassis, the Dovpo TOPSIDE LITE can change out the rear section for a nonsquonking edition, allowing the Topside LITE to convert to a different box mod.

Chipset

Within the Dovpo TOPSIDE Lite, a proprietary chipset unlocks the comprehensive temperature control suite, implementing compatibility with nickel, titanium, and stainless steel wires. Furthermore, paired with the Dovpo Variant 24mm RDA, the Topside LITE can utilize the silicone squeeze bottle to deliver deliciously fresh eJuice at a moment’s notice.

DOVPO Topside LITE 90W Squonk Box Mod Features:

• Collaboration with The Vapor Chronicles – TVCreation
• Dimensions – 97.5mm by 58mm by 28.2mm
• Single High Amp 21700 or 20700 Battery – Not Included
• Wattage Output Range: 5-90W
• Voltage Output Range: 1.0-8.5V
• Resistance Range: 0.08-3.5ohm
• Temperature Range: 100°-315°C / 200°-600°F
• Power Mode
• Bypass Mode
• TC Mode
• TCR Mode
• Nickel, Titanium, and Stainless Steel Wire Compatibility
• Zinc-Alloy & Polycarbonate Chassis Construction
• Intuitive Firing Button
• Two Adjustment Buttons
• 96″” OLED Display Screen
• Detachable PTGC Plastic Squonking Attachment
• Top Fill System – Threaded Top Cap
• 10mL Squonking Reservoir
• Push-To-Squonk System
• Hinged Squonking Door
• 510 Connection
• MicroUSB Port
• Available in Black, Red, and Gunmetal

DOVPO VARIANT 24mm RDA Features:

• 25mm Diameter
• Deep Juice Wells
• Superior 304 Stainless Steel Construction
• Quad Post Build Deck – 1 Terminal Per Post
• Top Side Secured via Hex Screws
• Dual Coil Configuration
• PEEK Insulator
• Direct-To-Coil Airflow Control System
• Knurled Airflow Adjustment Top Cap
• Multi Hole Airflow Control System – 2 x 8 Column of Bored Holes
• Optional Squonk BF Pin
• Threaded 510 Connection
• Available in Black, Silver, Gunmetal

Includes:

•  TOPSIDE LITE Box Mod
•  DOVPO Variant RDA
•  Tri-Tool
•  Set of Replacement O-Rings
•  Hex Screws
•  User Manual
•  QC Certificate
•  Squonk Battery Cover
•  Plain Battery Cover
•  Battery Adapter Sleeve
•  Accessory Pack
• MicroUSB Cable
• 2 User Manual
•  Warranty Card

Aesthetics

The first Topside was a curvy, pastel-colored, zinc alloy box. That’s not a criticism — it had a weird “1950s sports car” quality to it. The Dual Carbon was understandably huge, but the carbon exterior and comfortable hand-feel ensured a luxurious vape experience. The Lite is by far my favorite looker of the bunch.

At first glance, you might disagree. The two-toned zinc alloy chassis is standard fare, to be sure. And the polycarbonate (“plastic” to those outside the vape industry) detachable battery/squonk attachment door is a little lightweight for most. But when it’s put together, it creates a nice, techie-looking device that’s both slim and substantial.

(It doesn’t hurt that the faded gradient paint job is absolutely killer.)

One element I liked is a simple thing all mod companies should consider — the effing squonk bottle opening is huge, accessible and just about perfect. No more awkward firing positions, juxtaposed grips or wonky presses, just comfort. Sometimes, it’s the little things that matter, and DOVPO definitely listened on the Topside Lite.

Even the magnetic attachment is seamless, never once coming loose or wiggling during our test period. The same can be said for the optional, non-squonk battery cover. Both are secure, and look great.

The DOVPO Variant RDA

This won’t be a long section, because there really isn’t much to say. At this point in the evolution of rebuildable dripping atomizers, it takes something truly unique and special to catch our attention. Which is why the Variant is a rare weak spot in an otherwise killer vape kit.

Now, to be clear, there’s nothing at all “wrong” with this quad-post RDA. There’s a decent juice well, the posts hold most wires securely, and there’s adequate room for single- and dual-coil setups. There’s some airflow adjustments to be had by spinning the drip cap (even if they don’t affect the experience all that much), and the build quality is solid.

But tell me about a modern RDA that doesn’t hit all of the above descriptors. There’s only so much that can be done with the format, and we’ve covered too many outstanding ones to spend much ink on the Variant. It works well with the kit, but so did all of our other bottom-feed drippers, and we’re sure enthusiasts will find a better one to use day to day.

Vaping the DOVPO Topside Lite Kit

Let’s get back to the land of the positive. Vaping the Topside Lite is an exercise in squonk mod bliss. Maybe that’s a large statement for a 90-watt, single-cell device, but after weeks of use, I have yet to find any glaring flaws in its performance.

First, I have to credit the large, 10mL squonk bottle (two are included in the kit) which managed to provide countless hours of vaping without having to refill. AND, because of the unique top-fill system, there wasn’t an ounce of leakage or overflow. The bottles don’t “sweat” e-juice, nor do they have any odd seams that can fray over time.

Responsive

Also, the fire key and adjustment buttons are highly responsive, as is the linear menu system. To be candid, I spent about 15 minutes total playing with the temperature control suite, but the adjustments were accurate, the resistances held true, and it seemed to recognize wire changes the instant they were attached to the 510 connection.

The only minor quirk when using the menu is that the device occasionally seems to fall into a sleep mode of sorts, forcing me to click an additional time before getting the screen to light up. Hardly a problem (especially if it’s conserving battery life) but something worth noting if ramp up time is an important factor.

RDAs Galore

Using my usual range of RDAs, I was happy to see that the Topside Lite accepted all of them flawlessly, with no gaps or strange disconnects where the juice flows into the RDAs’ build decks. Again, it was a leak-free experience, and it resulted in top-tier flavor and vapor production.

Battery Life

Battery performance is worth mentioning. Even though the Topside Lite was designed for 21700 and 20700 cells (18650 with included adapter), it’s still a single-cell squonk mod, and expecting long-term battery performance isn’t wise. I managed a lot more time than I did with competing devices, but I’d have spare cells at the ready if you’re heading out for an extended period.

Pros:

• Sharp looking blend of tech and classic mod design
• Awesome performance with just about every BF-RDA
• Leak-proof, top to bottom

Cons:

• Battery life is iffy, like most squonkers
• Included RDA is a little underwhelming
• Strange hiccup when the mod goes to sleep

The Bottom Line on the Topside

In our eyes, DOVPO is having a hell of a year. And the consistently awesome Topside series is a big reason why. Taking the best elements of previous versions, stripping away the unnecessary features and wrapping it in a slick new package has only made my favorite squonk mod series even better. If you’re in the market for a new squonker, the Topside Lite is a must-have.

Score: A