Ascent Vaporizer by Da Vinci (pre-sale thread)

This is mostly directed at sticks and Slim, but how does this compare to the INH/INHXP? I'm debating whether it's worth getting the Ascent.

Yoshimattsu said:

I was really only asking in the context that Vapelife gave a date... So my question was really only meant for the people who, like Will, got review copies, and were maybe privy to some sort of additional information, I apologize for any confusion...

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No worries. I"m quite curious as well now. They were given a pamphlet of "confidential information", but no one has talked about that much. Perhaps it's just raw data on the device to help with their reviews, or maybe there's info about the soon-to-be-announced release date. Either way, we won't know unless they share with us.

I'm loving the reviews guys. I don't post much, because I prefer to read, but I was hoping that stickstones could post more pictures of his ascent. SLIM and THR both have the Croc skin, if I remember correctly, and we've seen a fair amount of pictures showing the detail in person. The newest video showcases the burlwood design in person. However, we've yet to see the stealth design in a few good shots, excluding the packaging picture that you posted on arrival.

Thus, I'd love to see a few good shots of your stealth ascent, stickstones. I'll leave the form up to you, whether it be video or pictures. I'm sure I'm not the only person, who is undecided about which style to get.

It's super easy to clean, so whatever you're up to, you will appreciate it. That oil shit I blew up was nasty and all over the bowl, can and stem. I was particular about cleaning the bowl and rubber seals, but the glass was as simple as throwing it into a bag of ISO and sticking the other one in there. I can't see needing more than two sets.

I just lightly filled a bowl and packed it down to about a third full. Then had a full session on 190C and felt really good sativa type effects. Not thick vapor, but great effects. I checked the load and it was a little brick that was eroding around the edges. Looked about right...light tan with some dark green and a pretty even bake. I came back later and finished the load (after re-tamping) at 221C and got several cloudy hits with a more used taste...still not burnt, just used. Then the brick was darker and fully spent. I haven't kept anything I used at 221 in this thing. It fully vapes it.

So I don't think cotton is necessary. I think it hits a little better with it and I think it works better with really light loads. But for almost all of the vaping we will be doing it won't be needed. I'm still using it and playing with different configurations, but I do like a thin layer on top to keep bits from coming up the mouthpiece. Also, use of the cotton keeps the unit pristine.

I also think the temps on this thing are accurate and hitting what they need to.

PAZ -- I don't have an INH.

lwien -- if you want to use your size loads I recommend the cotton. I got stupid good result off one scoop in a bunch of cotton.

Burly -- I'll get some pics up and bowl size comparison shit up as soon as I can.

I guess I'm spoiled by the relative cleanliness of the pinnacle. The Ascent interior in the video seemed a little gummy after only a few bowls.

It is oily from appearances just like the mouth piece gets on the PN. Kind of like this solo stem. Glass is a great thing to reclaim from.

I like that Vapelife Will posted an early review. Maybe a more definitive one will come later. He's selling the Solo, which I believe he truly loves, but he strikes me as honest in his assessment of the Ascent, so I'm OK with that. I always appreciate his spontaneous style even though that can leave room for errors. But I've seen him change his opinion in the past, so not being perfect right out of the gate is understood and makes him come across more like a user I can relate to. Tighter fitting glass would no doubt help purify the taste.

satyrday said:

Tighter fitting glass would no doubt help purify the taste.

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Nope: Not "no doubt."

Presumes facts not in evidence.

Actually... nothing but "doubt."
Please see SLiM's comments before.

Slightly Medicated said:

His example of using the stems outside of the device was not very accurate in representing how tight/loose the airflow is.

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Pulling the glass stems OUTSIDE of their operational environment to evaluate performance proves nothing (other that a weak understanding -- at best -- of the operational conditions of a vape design on the part of the reviewer).

I want to clear something up. (Mostly for anyone who might be new and stumbling into the thread for the firs time.)

What Stick's, THR, and I have been giving are initial usage impressions. They don't really qualify as reviews. A review speaks to an official judgement on a product. I feel like you need more then a few days before anyone is really qualified to make that kind of judgement. Stick', THR and I are still very much in the honeymoon stage of the testing period. You have to let the initial excitement wear off before you can really tell how well a device will integrate in to your life or not.

Dreamerr said:

All portables will cook the herb if left alone.

Slim and sticks I think those last few posts cleared up most if not all the questions. I am looking forward to your final thoughts and reviews in whenever a week or so.

I love that all three reviewers are sharing as you are learning even though we bitch about this and that. We have to live through you and are trying to make you all puppets which none of you are. Thanks for being so generous with your thoughts and trials.

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I believe I basically said that slim. These are first impressions not review.

Slightly Medicated said:

What Stick's, THR, and I have been giving are initial usage impressions... I feel like you need more then a few days before anyone is really qualified to make that kind of judgement....excitement wear off before you can really tell how well a device will integrate in to your life or not.

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I think we all understand this.

That's why the others that have been rushing for quick YouTube view-count have been not worthy of beyond the cursory view.



But, at the same time, that will not stop us from gleaning every little bit of data off of your provided empirical data.

Way to go, Slim. Now you got Dreamerr quoting herself!!

nigel said:

Nope: Not "no doubt."

Presumes facts not in evidence.

Actually... nothing but "doubt."
Please see SLiM's comments before.

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I believe I read those comments and respect SLiM's opinion too.

My presumption is my opinion only from reading and watching reviews - all I can do without having my hands on one yet. I wasn't presuming or presenting facts - only commenting on my level of doubt on this matter at this point ... right or wrong. It is a rubbery taste hypothesis open for testing. I think Vapelife Will's instincts are right on this point is all. We shall see.

Oh I know... it is just a weird OCD thing of mine. People have been saying reviews, and I just wanted to clarify. Just incase someone else came along and read the conversation and got any misconceptions. It is more for the anonymous reader who might stumble along.

Oh... To give you an idea of my timeline for impressions/demos/reviews.

I will do the first official review after about 30 days of usage. (Short Term Review)
Until then I will do some video demos and impressions. (Impressions/Demos)
The second official review will be a final followup review about 6 months later. (Long Term Review) The long term review gives viewers to my channel a better idea of how something stands up to the test of time.

I figured this is the best way to go.

Not worth that discussion.

Suffice it to say, that I feel our reviewers will take the time and the thought that is best served to this audience.


Those other reviewers... the ones hunting for social media juice....


I'd rather wait to hear opinions that actually bother to be informed, than want to be first out of the the gate with incomplete reviews, but better google rankings.

nigel said:

*sigh*...

don't know where to begin.

Reviewer CHOOSE to ignore the design of the unit, and fabricate a concern based on changing the operating parameters of some of the parts.

It's like designing a car, ripping out the transmission on the ground, and then complaining the design is flawed because it allows too much dirt in the gears.

It just shows that very little actually went into that review beyond looking for increased viewer count.

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He sensed excess fresh air intake during actual use and removed to demonstrate what he considers to be the problem the best he could. Makes sense that drawing excess air from the non-glass internals would increase non-glass taste. Some people are more sensitive to tastes than others. Maybe you should at least try it yourself before you impugn Vapelife's motives and say all he cares about is increased viewer count. Makes me question your credibility.

satyrday said:

all he cares about is increased viewer count.

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I don't think he cares about viewer counts as much as he cares about selling Solos.. Dude gets a review unit from DV and uses it to sell his Solos? Really? The guy has no credibility doing stuff like that.

toros23 said:

I don't think he cares about viewer counts as much as he cares about selling Solos.. Dude gets a review unit from DV and uses it to sell his Solos? Really? The guy has no credibility doing stuff like that.

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Yeah, I wasn't a big fan of the VapeLife store promo, and I deleted his comment on my preview video I posted last night for the guys on here. He wrote "Check out the full review on over on my page -- good luck man" or something along the lines of that... Nothing personal to Will, but I am not an advertisement.

I still think Will's a good guy and respect his initial impressions.... everybody is entitled to their own opinion. I use my Ascent completely different than Sticks, SliM, Will, The Vape Critic...

Looks like my comment was deleted on Wills youtube review. I asked if he could test the air leak with the glass pieces installed in the unit. I also included he should try packing it tighter for better vapor. Someone responded but that was deleted too.

Edit. Can one of the reviews here cover the holes vapor would go thru and see if there is air still coming thru the mouth piece?

nigel said:

If you can bother to post a question, you can bother to read a thread first to see that A) not only has this been beaten to death, but B) they mods have already deleted comments and told people not to post this.

Seriously, please learn to read a thread.

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Seriously? He should read 137 pages instead of asking a reasonable question. Lighten up duder.

Or, ya know, use the search button with the terms "release date."

I noticed something that intrigued me. Looks like Joekickass influenced the design of the grille on the bottom of the Ascent. Refer to here if you want to see how that unfolded.

My concerns are similar to Iwien, as a a log vape user for years, I've fallen in love with how efficient those products are (PD, MZ, CRZ). I may even just get a UD for home use and take this baby on the road, but we'll see.

Yoshi said:

I noticed something that intrigued me. Looks like Joekickass influenced the design of the grille on the bottom of the Ascent. Refer to here if you want to see how that unfolded.

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It's a Maserati grill, not an Aston.

It's clear that VapeLife Will doesn't make a good review here for exactly the reasons SliM has a review timeline. The fact he is deleting comments tells you all you need to know about his work. Well, that and the "Buy the Solo at my store" crawl. I haven't seen any of his other reviews, but why would I bother since his credibility is shot with me. Unfortunately, he understands all too well the value of getting an early review out there for a highly anticipated vapourizer—and how to use it to promote sales for the one that he sells.

Yup. Does anyone actually think that he would say that the Ascent is better than the one he is making his bread and butter on? Talk about a conflict of interest.