Ascent Vaporizer by DaVinci

Don't know that it NEEDS to charge 10 hours, but it is suggested and certainly shouldn't hurt. You should see a charge indicator long before that.

Glass is a amorphous solid (or a high viscous liquid). If you are seeing a sheen that you think is liquid, that's most likely the culprit.

@Mynameismud I'm not sure if anyone that has had the mystery vapor bad, has gotten a complete burn off. I wouldn't bother. According to DV, it is suspect bad material from a supplier. On the other hand, there are those of us that have units without this issue that are just fine. Exchange yours for one of those.


[EDIT: @BlueCloud Didn't see your post until after I hit submit on mine...]

nigel said:

If you will read this thread, a few people have had units arrive without enough charge to boot. Both the charger and the batt indicator run off of the computer. It just needs enough time on mains. Let it sit throughout the day. (Also discussed in this thread: initial charge period).

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I think this is it, the chances of it getting past the extra inspection we're told they're getting broken is small.

But, friends, we've also been told that they'll self discharge in a week or a little more sitting in a drawer? Was that Max? Or just in the box? Perhaps even in the mail to you?

As time goes on and stock conditions improve so we can finally get 'off the shelf' products I think more, not less of this will happen? How long until every unit in stock is over a few weeks from it's last charge?

OF

OF said:

But, friends, we've also been told that they'll self discharge in a week or a little more sitting in a drawer? Was that Max? Or just in the box? Perhaps even in the mail to you?
OF

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I believe it was SLiM that said they left it in a drawer for a week. (Or maybe Sticks, but I think it was SLiM.)

nigel said:

I believe it was SLiM that said they left it in a drawer for a week. (Or maybe Sticks, but I think it was SLiM.)

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Thanks, yes Sticks makes sense. I think you're right and I'm wrong. They look so much alike I guess I got them confused......

OF

It's liquid, made the qtip look wet. Still nothing on the display.

Vapnoob said:

It's liquid, made the qtip look wet. Still nothing on the display.

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Is it oily? I would have thought than most fluids would have evaporated by now.

Also, think the dispaly should have come on by now.

> The charger connection doesn't feel solid

Hmmmm... Well doesn't hurt to wait some more, but perhaps just bad connection. Where did you get it from?

Hi All,

I received the unit along with you guys (the first batch) - wanted to use it a few times before posting my review. Here are my thoughts-

First off, let me start off by saying that this is my first vaporizer. And I am extremely pleased with the flavor it produces. Getting thick clouds need a few tricks (herb, how densely it is packed, temperature and the frequency and speed of draw) but even without the cloud this unit gives off really nice flavors. However, I have a few concerns:

Battery:
- I have been operating this unit mostly around the 360 F range and the battery barely lasts me for an hour tops. I have had 2-3 recharge runs on this and I havent gotten more time out of this unit.
- The unit turns off automatically and the battery charge indicator is very erratic.

Aesthetics:
- I have the stealth version. The cover is peeling off already.
- The chrome linings have tiny chips coming off already.

Vapor/Cloud inhaled:
- When I look at the unit from the grill side, I see a green circuit board with wires around it. This is perilously close to the circuit board. Is it safe to inhale clouds?
- I didnt notice any off-gasing that others have reported.

Vapor/Cloud loss:
- I can draw from the unit even when the grill is fully closed. The sides dont seem to be that well air-locked.
- I also see clouds escaping from the grill side of the vaporizer.

Too hot to handle at high temps:
- At around 360 it is comfortable to hold but as some others have noted, upward of 400F it gets uncomfortably hot to hold the unit at the base.

Overall, the vapor quality is great but it has quite a few aesthetic and functional issues that should be sorted out and doesnt deserve a $250 price tag.

I am wondering if I should I get it replaced or return it now and wait until all these issues are ironed out.

nigel said:

Is it oily? I would have thought than most fluids would have evaporated by now.

Also, think the dispaly should have come on by now.

> The charger connection doesn't feel solid

Hmmmm... Well doesn't hurt to wait some more, but perhaps just bad connection. Where did you get it from?

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It seemed oily. I purchased from GV in April. Just spoke to DV, they said I need to wait the full 10 hours before we can start a replacement ticket.

First post, first vape

I received the stealth from GV. Mine also has a few defects. I called GV to report the issues and they handled everything in about 3 minutes. GV said it will be a few weeks until the 2nd batch arrives and they will send me a replacement. I haven't used it yet and I don't plan on it. The peeling panel thing is annoying and I could fix it, but the other issues are more troubling.

First, the whole off-gassing thing. Wisps of some nasty smelling burning chemicals. I haven't spent more than a few minutes trying to do a burn-off because I knew it was going back.

Second, the fit between the inner plastic tube (that houses the glass) and the rubber gasket on the top end is terrible. You can see in my pic that there is about a 3/32" gap. It is too short and not properly aligned with the hole in the rubber top gasket. As others have reported, there are massive air leaks. If I open the hatch and cover the bottom of the main unit, air is sucking in from all the places where the panels fit together. I don't like the fact that all the vapor will be flowing around the inside and exposed electronics. I think the poorly fitting plastic tube might be contributing to some users' reports of wispy hits/lack of vapor.

I just noticed I have 2 black spots in my bowl. I have yet to use it, since it won't turn on.

Vapnoob said:

I just noticed I have 2 black spots in my bowl. I have yet to use it, since it won't turn on.

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Are they under the glaze? If so, no big deal but they're there to stay......

OF

By the finish I would say no. They are matte where the bowl is shiny. It doesn't matter, my unit isn't charging so it'll be exchanged. Though I might borrow a voltmeter and see if the charger is the cculprit.

I really think this phantom power drain is the final deal breaker for me (I returned my original Ascent due to leak, offgassing, and bottom section was overheating). But was planning on reordering once issues were sorted. For someone who is usually a once a week user, the phantom draw means that the unit is discharged EVERY time I do want to use it. And with the inability to run it off AC power it's a complete deal killer. Who wants to get home after a long week at work and then wait 4 hours for the Ascent to charge?

novicevape said:

Hi All,

I received the unit along with you guys (the first batch) - wanted to use it a few times before posting my review. Here are my thoughts-

First off, let me start off by saying that this is my first vaporizer. And I am extremely pleased with the flavor it produces. Getting thick clouds need a few tricks (herb, how densely it is packed, temperature and the frequency and speed of draw) but even without the cloud this unit gives off really nice flavors. However, I have a few concerns:

Battery:
- I have been operating this unit mostly around the 360 F range and the battery barely lasts me for an hour tops. I have had 2-3 recharge runs on this and I havent gotten more time out of this unit.
- The unit turns off automatically and the battery charge indicator is very erratic.

Aesthetics:
- I have the stealth version. The cover is peeling off already.
- The chrome linings have tiny chips coming off already.

Vapor/Cloud inhaled:
- When I look at the unit from the grill side, I see a green circuit board with wires around it. This is perilously close to the circuit board. Is it safe to inhale clouds?
- I didnt notice any off-gasing that others have reported.

Vapor/Cloud loss:
- I can draw from the unit even when the grill is fully closed. The sides dont seem to be that well air-locked.
- I also see clouds escaping from the grill side of the vaporizer.

Too hot to handle at high temps:
- At around 360 it is comfortable to hold but as some others have noted, upward of 400F it gets uncomfortably hot to hold the unit at the base.

Overall, the vapor quality is great but it has quite a few aesthetic and functional issues that should be sorted out and doesnt deserve a $250 price tag.

I am wondering if I should I get it replaced or return it now and wait until all these issues are ironed out.

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I'm getting the smell and VERY hot over 410 now only. I also noted the extreme air leak when I first got it but it has been performing well none the less. But now I am thinking the smell is coming from the body and not the heater portion.

Tried calling GV about that and the missing GonG. Voicemail that immediately cuts off so you can't leave a message.
I emailed and received back a "ticket" but no idea if its just for the GonG or repair/replacement about the heat and smell. Going to try tomorrow and then go directly to DV.

I think I am going to return for refund and wait it out till they improve (or something better comes along)

I really do like the unit. But I have never had any issues with any other vape I have owned so this is quite a new turn of events for me.

baltik said:

For someone who is usually a once a week user, the phantom draw means that the unit is discharged EVERY time I do want to use it. And with the inability to run it off AC power it's a complete deal killer. Who wants to get home after a long week at work and then wait 4 hours for the Ascent to charge?

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Excellent forward thinking, not always a strong suit with vapor fans I think......

Let me take it a step further, let's assume it's usually OK, but will probably be nearly discharged? This could lead to your rushing the all import unwinding session. One of the big reasons I like a PA on my Solo, it makes going slow and enjoying 'guilt free' not worrying about the battery condition.

OTOH, I strongly suspect you won't need four hours to replace enough charge for a session or two. But if there are alternatives that preserve their charge better for the 'once a week vapor fan' this might be a poor choice for that exact reason. Good call I think.

OF

Baltic - it should operate off of ac power w/ no charge

These issues w/ air leaks are due to the poor fit between the glass stem and glass screen. The straight adaptor fits much tighter to the glass screen and resolves the problem (at the loss of stealthiness). I need to find a grommet that seals the retractable stem to the glass screen. While vapor might have slight contact w/ the grommet, it's better than having total contact w/ everything else.

Snake Plissken said:

Baltic - it should operate off of ac power w/ no charge

These issues w/ air leaks are due to the poor fit between the glass stem and glass screen. The straight adaptor fits much tighter to the glass screen and resolves the problem (at the loss of stealthiness). I need to find a grommet that seals the retractable stem to the glass screen. While vapor might have slight contact w/ the grommet, it's better than having total contact w/ everything else.

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I agree that there is a poor fit between the glass stem and glass screen, but that doesn't bother me as much as the poor fit of the inner plastic tube/sleeve for the glass. If the inner plastic tube formed a perfect seal with the rubber grommets on both ends, the electronics would be sealed off from the air path. The poor fitting glass would still cause the vapor to touch the inside of the plastic tube/sleeve, but that's better than breathing glue and wiring!

dayum at the same time I want my ascent right now but I don't want to have the troubles you guys are having :/ !
I hope that the batch they're sending to TV is going to be flawless !

baltik said:

I really think this phantom power drain is the final deal breaker for me (I returned my original Ascent due to leak, offgassing, and bottom section was overheating). But was planning on reordering once issues were sorted. For someone who is usually a once a week user, the phantom draw means that the unit is discharged EVERY time I do want to use it. And with the inability to run it off AC power it's a complete deal killer. Who wants to get home after a long week at work and then wait 4 hours for the Ascent to charge?

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When I had the Ascent, mine ran off of AC power just fine.

My charger is fubar, that's why my ascent won't charge. Tried my friends and I lit up immediately.

Vapnoob said:

So I got my

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I got mine too

(lookin' around to see what in the hell I got.....)

inside the Ascent. Non working unit. Friend let me pull out the top, since his unit is totally broken. My unit works if I use his charger.

Rexxe said:

When I had the Ascent, mine ran off of AC power just fine.

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Ok because im a bit of a beginner i have possibly stuck this in the wrong section? . I have/ had MFLB, Extreme Q, Silver Surfer, CERA, Solo and now the Ascent. Have sold MFLB, SS, CERA. I use the EQ only occassionaly these days simply because it is outside in the shed and is more suitable for larger crowds (which i dont get). My main vap has been the Solo mainly due to the great taste and vapor, small amount of material needed and adaptability (re oil or hash). I have never had a problem at airports etc with the solo as opposed to the CERA .I found that the CERA, SS, EQ and the ascent all have high AIR to VAPOR ratios compared to the HIGH VAPOR to AIR ratio that the Solo has and so far is unique in that regard.The only negatives i could say about the Solo is the harder draw (which i am used to now) and having to invert to use, but nothing major and i am on to my second battery the first lasting over a year.
The positives about the Ascent are the looks and the easy draw i have yet to test at airports etc. Mine seemed to arrive ok over a week ago with no major faults as yet. the inside of the screen looks a bit weird like they left some sort of film or something in there but no big deal. The negatives would have to be the high air to vapor ratio and the high amount of material needed to get "average" clouds. The inside glass screen can be a bit of a bastard to clean properly with iso. Like the CERA it still gets you medicated but NOT as MUCH, so yes to a degree the size and thickness of the "cloud" does make a difference in my opinion with the potency of course there are always the variables re heat, drawing rate etc.
I tried useing the oil pot with two holes drilled to match two of the heater bowl holes to try and reduce the amount of material used. Yes it worked but the amount of draws and vapor wasnt that great, also it is a hassle trying to empty it with a red hot glass bowl to repack as would having to hassle with spacers or what not. I would not even consider using the oil bowl for oil far simpler to either mix the oil with the material or drop a bit of oil onto the top of the (Solo) bowl and then sandwich it with more material on top. If i was to take the smaller amount of stuff i used in the Ascent and used it in the Solo bowl i am damn sure i would get a lot more "bang for my buck". I found that loading the Ascent bowl i would have to firmly pack a medium grind to get average vapor clouds.
If you think about the mechanical side of things how the Ascent and the Solo differ you would have to first realize that with the Solo the HEATED air comes down the sides of the stem and through,(to a small degree) the tiny holes at the bottom of the heated bowl hence the higher vapor ratio due to the small amount of air hitting the slightly "baked" material in the glass stem. I rang Arizer years ago asking how to enlarge the bottom holes and was told that if more air was allowed in then the temp could not be maintained because of the cooling effect on the small heater bowl. I gather the hot air is generated from the bottom and sides of the bowl and would hit all of the material mainly from the bottom and then get sucked through with the draw.
With the Ascent you have the material "baking" from the bottom and sides ALL THE TIME and when you try to get the vapor you are drawing COLD air through FOUR LARGE air holes that have to seep through the middle of the material being baked as opposed to hot air being sucked through, this to me is the MAJOR reason why we do not get large clouds. If you are not getting HOT air going through the material you wont vaporize it properly. Apart from the massive amount of air (hence the easy draw) coming though the bottom there might also be air being "leaked" from the sides or anywhere else. It is the HOT AIR we need going through NOT something getting baked mainly from the sides (and a little from the bottom)with COLD air going through!. Even if you seal all the air leaks and restrict the air flow from the bottom it may help BUT the basic design is flawed BECAUSE you are not getting hot air THROUGH the material. That`s my rave anyway.

Jive...

Try for more breaks in your paragraphs to make it a bit easier to read. Volume is great when you have things to say...but it's like eating that Elephant...better in small bites at a time...

Shrike said:

Jive...

Try for more breaks in your paragraphs to make it a bit easier to read. Volume is great when you have things to say...but it's like eating that Elephant...better in small bites at a time...

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He's got paragraphs, all he needs to do is add an extra carriage return in between them to alleviate that "wall of text" effect.

Jive you made a great point though about convection, it just doesn't happen very effectively with cold air! So I'm quoting that part for discussion:

jivebuggered said:

With the Ascent you have the material "baking" from the bottom and sides ALL THE TIME and when you try to get the vapor you are drawing COLD air through FOUR LARGE air holes that have to seep through the middle of the material being baked as opposed to hot air being sucked through, this to me is the MAJOR reason why we do not get large clouds. If you are not getting HOT air going through the material you wont vaporize it properly. Apart from the massive amount of air (hence the easy draw) coming though the bottom there might also be air being "leaked" from the sides or anywhere else. It is the HOT AIR we need going through NOT something getting baked mainly from the sides (and a little from the bottom)with COLD air going through!. Even if you seal all the air leaks and restrict the air flow from the bottom it may help BUT the basic design is flawed BECAUSE you are not getting hot air THROUGH the material. That`s my rave anyway.

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