Ascent Vaporizer by DaVinci

Ratchett said:

Welcome to the board!

I only discovered the Pinnacle Pro AFTER having purchased my Ascent, so I don't know much about it, or how it compares to the Ascent. Also note that you CAN use a water tool with the Ascent with the use of a 14mm GONG adapter from Davinci - my adapter arrives today, and my water tool (and D020) will be here next week - can't wait to try vaping with them!!

Regarding the bowl size on the Ascent - I have no problems with it. If you want to do "Micro Loads" - you have 2 options. The easiest if you only want 0.1G is to put the herb in first, then use the included glass 'oil can' on top to hold the herb down. If you want to put more herb in, we use glass daisy flowers ("glass screens", "Glass Flowers", etc). You can buy a 50 Pack for around $8 on ebay. I always use between 6 and 8 flowers in my bowl depending on how much Herb I want to use.

I believe the 1AA1 model was used for 2 batches - the first batch with major problems, and the second batch which I have. I believe you can tell the difference by looking for a latch on the side of the unit. If there's a little latch/nub on the side of the unit where the bottom half swivels closed, it's the revised 1AA1 model. You shouldn't have any problems, but if you do, I'm sure you can call DV and complain, they might still honor the warranty.....

The Ascent is a great vape, I love mine. I've been using it for several weeks as my daily driver as this is my only vape currently, I get a full day of use on a single charge (charge at night, average 5-7 sessions a day).

I'd personally say wait and see how your Ascent performs before giving up your Pinnacle

Click to expand...

Thanks for the quick reply. Yes I know I can buy an adaptor for the water tool but because the Ascent has a glass path and better flavour, it's not going to need the Water tool as much as the Pinnacle does due to the plastic mouthpiece overly heating up. Its a good option to have though.

I've seen the oil can on top and glass flowers option a few times on this thread. Does it work well? Thick clouds and most importantly, does it get you where you need to be?

I've just had a chat with someone on Da Vinci's live chat service and was advised they don't honour warranty from an unauthorised dealer. I asked if I was gifted the unit from a friend who purchased from them, I'd still keep my warranty wouldn't I?. They replied 'I'm unsure of that, you will need to contact DV Customer service during business hours". Such useless customer service reps. I thought I was contacting DV and was doing it during business hours. Never mind.

Are you able to have a look and see if you can spot the difference in the pictures? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=261420792645&ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:GB:1123. I wonder if I'm able to check for warranty using the serial number online?

Gee_Grover said:

Thanks for the quick reply. Yes I know I can buy an adaptor for the water tool but because the Ascent has a glass path and better flavour, it's not going to need the Water tool as much as the Pinnacle does due to the plastic mouthpiece overly heating up. Its a good option to have though.

I've seen the oil can on top and glass flowers option a few times on this thread. Does it work well? Thick clouds and most importantly, does it get you where you need to be?

I've just had a chat with someone on Da Vinci's live chat service and was advised they don't honour warranty from an unauthorised dealer. I asked if I was gifted the unit from a friend who purchased from them, I'd still keep my warranty wouldn't I?. They replied 'I'm unsure of that, you will need to contact DV Customer service during business hours". Such useless customer service reps. I thought I was contacting DV and was doing it during business hours. Never mind.

Are you able to have a look and see if you can spot the difference in the pictures? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=261420792645&ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:GB:1123. I wonder if I'm able to check for warranty using the serial number online?

Click to expand...

I haven't used the oil can method since I got my flowers (worried about the can getting 'stuck' in the oven after a few sessions, the glass on the can get's sticky. ) Although, if you clean the oil cans often, this is probably a moot point. I did not have any problems my first few days with the Ascent generating clouds of vapor with the oil can micro loads. I wouldn't call them "Thick" clouds, but they definitely got me where I wanted to be (considering I was a vape newb when trying this method).

Many companies use 3rd parties to provide live-chat services, I wouldn't put much faith in what they say, unless you talk to a true DV rep.

Unfortunately only one image on that ebay listing shows the unit itself. From the looks of it, it does have that nub I was referring to, but it's hard to tell from that low resolution shot (It's on the right side of the unit)

I agree the bowl size is a non issue. There are ways to vape small loads with good results. I also have never used the PP so I could not give you a good comparison. Big clouds of vapor are capable with Ascent it's just a matter of learning how to use it correctly. Three are several comparisons between the Ascent vs the PP on the Internet. I believe most of them favor the Ascent. I've had my Ascent for about 3 months and I'm liking it more and more.

Ratchett said:

I believe the 1AA1 model was used for 2 batches - the first batch with major problems, and the second batch which I have. I believe you can tell the difference by looking for a latch on the side of the unit. If there's a little latch/nub on the side of the unit where the bottom half swivels closed, it's the revised 1AA1 model.

Click to expand...

This is not true. The latch was added well before (think at least a month or two) the device was in production or even being sold, and there were a few iterations in between. Only a handful of the latchless versions ever made it out of the company. [EDIT: Test/demo units.]

By the time the unit went through the first production run, the latchless version was many versions in the past.

I think people are putting too much stock in the serial numbers. In reality, DV is constantly making modifications as batches are being produced, and this is NOT reflected in a model number iteration. A later number would indeed be newer, but that doesn't reflect all of the improvements within the scope of said number.

nigel said:

I think people are putting too much stock in the serial numbers. In reality, DV is constantly making modifications as batches are being produced, and this is NOT reflected in a model number iteration. A later number would indeed be newer, but that doesn't reflect all of the improvements within the scope of said number.

Click to expand...

Amen to that one, but they ain't got a patch on the guys over on the Solo thread. There 'model numbers' are meaningless to the lay person (per the maker), the same 'model number' can be many months (and a major revision) from it's brother 'with the same number'.

Still, 'the model number must mean something' refuses to die..... Even after the maker says it doesn't to us.

Didn't DV specifically tell us they were reusing numbers? They can do that too, no requirement for serial numbers on vapes, it's entirely their call.

I can see a logic in making it confusing. I'm sure most can if they think about it 'from the other side'.

OF

nigel said:

This is not true. The latch was added well before (think at least a month or two) the device was in production or even being sold, and there were a few iterations in between. Only a handful of the latchless versions ever made it out of the company. [EDIT: Test/demo units.]

By the time the unit went through the first production run, the latchless version was many versions in the past.

I think people are putting too much stock in the serial numbers. In reality, DV is constantly making modifications as batches are being produced, and this is NOT reflected in a model number iteration. A later number would indeed be newer, but that doesn't reflect all of the improvements within the scope of said number.

Click to expand...

I stand corrected. I was under the impression they did update the buttons, fixed the wire issue, and added the latch at the same time after the demo units were made, but before the first large batch for customers.

Hi Gee-Grover, In my opinion the Ascent is superior to the Pinnacle Pro. You need to be careful buying a used Ascent, there were several faulty units out there. You may jump from the fire to the frying pan.

I have both, the Ascent has better flavor, it's not as harsh. What I like about the Pinnacle Pro is the WT. I use it with my Solo too.

You may not like my opinion because I think the Solo is the better of the three. I know you weren't thrilled with the Solo. Just my opinion.

Now you're really confused.

Pinnacle Pro said:

Hi Gee-Grover, In my opinion the Ascent is superior to the Pinnacle Pro. You need to be careful buying a used Ascent, there were several faulty units out there. You may jump from the fire to the frying pan.

I have both, the Ascent has better flavor, it's not as harsh. What I like about the Pinnacle Pro is the WT. I use it with my Solo too.

You may not like my opinion because I think the Solo is the better of the three. I know you weren't thrilled with the Solo. Just my opinion.

Now you're really confused.

Click to expand...

Thanks for that, appreciate it. The only things I liked about the Pinnacle were its stealthy size and the fact that it got me way higher than the Solo ever did. I mean I could vape a whole bowl out of a Solo and feel a little something has hit me but nowhere near combustion. I have no clue why as Solo has been regarded the best portable on every site. However, with the Pinnacle Pro, I shared it with a person and we were both high as hell(he is a combuster and wasn't too thriled about the Solo but loved the PP WT).

What I didn't like about the PP was the feel of the device and durability concerns I have for it. It doesn't feel like a device that you just paid £160 for, neither design nor build quality(especially with the plastic mouth pieces not being able to take heat).

I've bought and paid for the Ascent now, he'll post it tomorrow so should be with me day after. I know its a much better looking device and looks like it will have a durable feel too. The only concerns I have which hopefully will be put to rest once I get the device.

1) Bowl size being too big - Hopefully the glass flower method will work and solve this issue.
2) If it can get me as high or even close to what Pinnacle Pro did - I read Ascent doesn't hit as hard? How much more does it take compared to the Solo or PP to get the same result? If someone who's used both could weigh in on this?
3) The fear of getting a faulty unit, considering my unit is serial 1AA1(not that serials have a huge meaning but still worry me)

I emailed Da Vinci who first said the warranty would be non transferrable but I told them it was a gift to me from my ex's brother so its quite awkward to get a receipt now, we'll just have to use serial number I guess. The customer rep kindly told me I could email him if I run into any issues and they'll require order information. I didn't get an answer to which information they'll require? I could only assume the serial number as I've already mentioned I don't have the receipt.

Has anyone in the UK had an experience with sending a faulty unit back? What is the turn around time?

I just want to say a big thank you to everyone on this forum. Really appreciate the help and keep the knowledge coming. I know whatever the outcome of my journey to finding the best vape will be, but I'll have loads of help and advice at the ready for sure.

Hopefully tomorrow will be my last combustion session! This Ascent couldn't come any faster

How often are you guys taking a hit when you use your vape?

I understand that tolerances vary and I'm trying to determine if my worries are unfounded.

I think in an ideal world I would be taking a hit off the vaporizer, letting that settle in for a few minutes, then hitting again if need be until I reach satiety.

What I currently do though, for fear of wasting material, is take about one hit per minute, I'm sure sometimes more.

I'm newer to the world of marijuana, so I really don't know how long after taking a hit I should be feeling the effects from that hit.

After I do get hit with the effects I will usually power off and smoke again as needed, hoping that I'm still producing vapor when I re-fire. Occasionally I'll stir my material to make sure I'm circulating any green that is in the bowl.

Also, I am usually just packing the bowl to full and counting on it to last several sessions.

Am I doing things correctly by taking so many hits up front until I feel something or am I needlessly worrying about wasting material?

I currently vape between 375 and 385.

Thanks in advance folks

One way to conserve your bud is after you turn the unit off keep hitting it until it cools, usually one or two smallish hits. I take about two or three hits at about 390F to 403F then turn it off and hit it til it's somewhat cooled down. Sometimes ill take hits then turn it off and open then bowl to let it cool down. I try not to bake my bud when I'm not vaping it.

Pinnacle Pro said:

You may not like my opinion because I think the Solo is the better of the three. I know you weren't thrilled with the Solo. Just my opinion.

Now you're really confused.

Click to expand...

Especially confused because your name is Pinnacle Pro ....

virtualpurple said:

How often are you guys taking a hit when you use your vape?

I understand that tolerances vary and I'm trying to determine if my worries are unfounded.

I think in an ideal world I would be taking a hit off the vaporizer, letting that settle in for a few minutes, then hitting again if need be until I reach satiety.

What I currently do though, for fear of wasting material, is take about one hit per minute, I'm sure sometimes more.

I'm newer to the world of marijuana, so I really don't know how long after taking a hit I should be feeling the effects from that hit.

After I do get hit with the effects I will usually power off and smoke again as needed, hoping that I'm still producing vapor when I re-fire. Occasionally I'll stir my material to make sure I'm circulating any green that is in the bowl.

Also, I am usually just packing the bowl to full and counting on it to last several sessions.

Am I doing things correctly by taking so many hits up front until I feel something or am I needlessly worrying about wasting material?

I currently vape between 375 and 385.

Thanks in advance folks

Click to expand...

I'm not too sure, but I think if you leave it powered on and don't hit it at a regular pace it would be wasting some herb. I'm sure you've noticed but the Ascent leaks a little vapor out of the bottom of the device, and a little out of the mouth end as well if you aren't hitting it.

I start at 375, and vape until i notice it thinning out a bit. Then I've been moving up to 385, then 395, and finishing at ~410. Usually that fresh piney taste (OG kush from the Valley, be jelly) is gone after 2-3 hits though

kDot said:

Especially confused because your name is Pinnacle Pro ....


I'm not too sure, but I think if you leave it powered on and don't hit it at a regular pace it would be wasting some herb. I'm sure you've noticed but the Ascent leaks a little vapor out of the bottom of the device, and a little out of the mouth end as well if you aren't hitting it.

I start at 375, and vape until i notice it thinning out a bit. Then I've been moving up to 385, then 395, and finishing at ~410. Usually that fresh piney taste (OG kush from the Valley, be jelly) is gone after 2-3 hits though

Click to expand...

When I first joined FC I was very excited about the Pnp and named myself that. I tried to change my FC name but I couldn't. I know there is a conflict.

Pinnacle Pro said:

When I first joined FC I was very excited about the Pnp and named myself that. I tried to change my FC name but I couldn't. I know there is a conflict.

Click to expand...

Hey, it could have been a lot worse......like a tatoo involving and ex girlfriend? Or worse still, a wife getting alimony?

IMO it speaks well of your objectivity that you moved on, wear the screen name with pride, Bro.

OF

OF said:

IMO it speaks well of your objectivity that you moved on, wear the screen name with pride, Bro.

Click to expand...

Yeah it shows that you're the Pro of the Pinnacles! I'm downright certain that someone on FC uses their PnP more effectively than anyone else, and that person could very well be you, or me, or anyone else here haha. No shame in passion, even if it is in the past

Norcalsun said:

One way to conserve your bud is after you turn the unit off keep hitting it until it cools, usually one or two smallish hits.

Click to expand...

I wondered if anyone else did this. I can usually tell when I'm "almost there" and purposely turn it off before taking that last (planned) hit or two (as opposed to taking "extra" hits as it's cooling simply to avoid waste).

MrNaturalAZ said:

I wondered if anyone else did this. I can usually tell when I'm "almost there" and purposely turn it off before taking that last (planned) hit or two (as opposed to taking "extra" hits as it's cooling simply to avoid waste).

Click to expand...

I do plan the cut off time also, I just didnt word it very good. Also like I stated I sometimes swivel open the bowl for a quick cool down. You do need a place to sit your Ascent down to keep it upright. I'm still wondering if the glass oil cans actually work for concentrates. I guess I can sacrifice one oil can since there are extras. Ill try some crumble wax in a can tonight.

....I've mixed concentrates in bowl with flowers (layered)....many times...works great but concentrates really require diligent cleaning (of ascent bowl) after use...

Got some different type of bud, vapes wayyy differently then other bud that I have had, I have to purchase from a friend so my choices are limited. There is a definite difference though depending on type of bud.

farcus2323 said:

Got some different type of bud, vapes wayyy differently then other bud that I have had, I have to purchase from a friend so my choices are limited. There is a definite difference though depending on type of bud.

Click to expand...

Absolutely. These things aren't magic, you gotta put it in to get it out. The most you can hope for is most of what goes in.

I think many of us get spoiled with the wonderful bud on the top shelf in the Dispensaries. Not only tested for contamination (bugs, chemicals, etc) but also tested for THC (and other) levels. We tend to buy pretty potent and uniform stashes. Way different than the 'friend of the guy at work that has a favorite taxi driver that.....'.

OF

Is anyone's Ascent too hot to handle after extended use (10+ minutes) - in some spots I can't handle my unit when running around 400F, there are a few spots which m IR Temp read between 150F and up to 170F

OF said:

I think many of us get spoiled with the wonderful bud on the top shelf in the Dispensaries. Not only tested for contamination (bugs, chemicals, etc) but also tested for THC (and other) levels. We tend to buy pretty potent and uniform stashes. Way different than the 'friend of the guy at work that has a favorite taxi driver that.....'.

OF

Click to expand...

And then there is the rest of us that live in states that do not have dispenciries and are subject to whatever we can find and hope to meet a friend with access to some quality product so we don't have to go into the bad parts of town to try and get something that we hope is herb and not sprayed with raid bug spray or dipped in embalming fluid

Ratchett said:

Is anyone's Ascent too hot to handle after extended use (10+ minutes) - in some spots I can't handle my unit when running around 400F, there are a few spots which m IR Temp read between 150F and up to 170F

Click to expand...

At the end of a long session the bottom section of my ascent is hot as Lucifer's taint. I don't know the exact temp, but those temperatures you listed do not sound out of line to me. It isn't burning myself hot, just warmer than I want to hold onto. At that point, I just shift my grip up. This is only an issue for me when the bowl is a full one and I have turned the unit back on after the auto shutoff.

mmenzie said:

And then there is the rest of us that live in states that do not have dispenciries and are subject to whatever we can find and hope to meet a friend with access to some quality product so we don't have to go into the bad parts of town to try and get something that we hope is herb and not sprayed with raid bug spray or dipped in embalming fluid

Click to expand...

Agreed. As I said, we with access to MMJ are spoiled for sure. Many of us know the black market from experience and know how big the difference is.

I think the 'remove the unsafe drugs from the street' argument is a good one. It was often used in scare tactics around legalizing abortions. Sadly, many aren't interested in why it should be more legal, they want the other way........

Sad, really, and it's feeding organized crime as it puts otherwise honest citizens at risk. Still, the worm is slowly turning. Unlike so many other social trends, this one's getting better over time. It's much better now than even a few years back.

OF

Can I use very little. I'd, go at 360 for around 8-10 hits.... Then got to 384 for a couple.... Then 400.... Even if I don't see vapor am I getting something? Or does all the canna aroids get used at the 360 temp?

Ratchett said:

Is anyone's Ascent too hot to handle after extended use (10+ minutes) - in some spots I can't handle my unit when running around 400F, there are a few spots which m IR Temp read between 150F and up to 170F

Click to expand...

Only on the oven part for me (bottom half), not to the point where it would burn but if I held on for long enough it would burn..