Ascent Vaporizer by DaVinci

Last night before bed I thought I would try the spacer flat side down. I loaded some herb about filling 1/4 of the oven and tamped it down then I added the spacer, pressed it down moderately. For me that was the best way so far. Nice flavor, very noticeable clouds and easy to do. The ABV was evenly browned.

Since I received the new glass spacers, I decided to give it a try this morning with some wild berry Indica. I have neglected this piece for so long. The taste was so good, tastes like grapes. Filled the bottom half and threw the spacer on with the holes touching my load. Hooked it up to my vb bubbler and got 10-15 flavorful hits. I need to put this definitely back in the rotation. Been playing with desktops more since I'm vaping at home. The only thing I don't like is when I flip the ascent, some vapor leaks.

I had a near disaster with the beta spacer. I use a very small amount of flowers for a few solo hits and have been using an oil bottle to hold it down in a tight pack. Works well. I tried the same with a spacer - holes down, not up. Unfortunately the spacer has a slightly wider and narrower profile than the oil jars and it jammed tightly in the bowl and was almost impossible to remove. I attempted to push it out from below with a regular sized paper clip and simply bent the clip - that is how tight it was. I then tried a heavy duty clip and accidentally pushed against the bottom of the ceramic bowl which started to come out of its surround. I was afraid I had destroyed the Ascent. I was finally able to carefully extend the large clip thru the grill and thru a hole in the bowl and was able to dislodge the spacer. I pushed the bowl back in (it seemed to click into place) and so far the Ascent seems to work fine. I hope so since I don't want to have to mail it back.

Why would you guys make these things wider than the oil jars? Makes no sense to me. Why not call this an alpha spacer and send some more out that are the same width as the oil jars and call those the betas?

MedicatedPensioner said:

I had a near disaster with the beta spacer. I use a very small amount of flowers for a few solo hits and have been using an oil bottle to hold it down in a tight pack. Works well. I tried the same with a spacer - holes down, not up. Unfortunately the spacer has a slightly wider and narrower profile than the oil jars and it jammed tightly in the bowl and was almost impossible to remove. I attempted to push it out from below with a regular sized paper clip and simply bent the clip - that is how tight it was. I then tried a heavy duty clip and accidentally pushed against the bottom of the ceramic bowl which started to come out of its surround. I was afraid I had destroyed the Ascent. I was finally able to carefully extend the large clip thru the grill and thru a hole in the bowl and was able to dislodge the spacer. I pushed the bowl back in (it seemed to click into place) and so far the Ascent seems to work fine. I hope so since I don't want to have to mail it back.

Why would you guys make these things wider than the oil jars? Makes no sense to me. Why not call this an alpha spacer and send some more out that are the same width as the oil jars and call those the betas?

Click to expand...

What would happen if it did wreck your Ascent??

MedicatedPensioner said:

Why would you guys make these things wider than the oil jars? Makes no sense to me. Why not call this an alpha spacer and send some more out that are the same width as the oil jars and call those the betas?

Click to expand...

I get the frustration, but what you suggest is probably impossible. These are molded glass parts, holding tight tolerances aren't realistic due to the cooling process in manufacture. Flat is pretty easy (the float the glass sheet on a molten bath of liquid Tin in fact to make 'Borofloat' window glass). To hold tight tolerances like you suggest probably means grinding.

To be 'safe' would mean a huge gap around it (relative to the herb size) inviting ABV to act as grout.

BTW the bowls will have the same issue, their inside dimensions will differ part to part.

Being sure your spacer fits freely and the area is clean are real important. Not a good time to wedge it in tight (as things change size in the session) then glue it in good and proper with condensate.

Fun little accessory.

OF

My spacer fits loose.As a matter of fact the first time I used it I had material stuck between the spacer and the sides of the oven.It always just falls out when I turn it over to dump it out.
Sorry to hear about your troubles with it @MedicatedPensioner.Any chance your oven has some reidue
build up.Just wondering i'm not trying to imply anything.



Edie:Nice info on all that glass @OF

My oil jars actually fit pretty tight in my Ascent. Tight enough that if their is a little build up in there they wont just fall out when I go to empty the bowl. I think the tolerances just arnt very tight for either the spacers or the oil jars. Its understandable though for such small and irregular pieces of glass.

MedicatedPensioner said:

I had a near disaster with the beta spacer. I use a very small amount of flowers for a few solo hits and have been using an oil bottle to hold it down in a tight pack. Works well. I tried the same with a spacer - holes down, not up. Unfortunately the spacer has a slightly wider and narrower profile than the oil jars and it jammed tightly in the bowl and was almost impossible to remove. I attempted to push it out from below with a regular sized paper clip and simply bent the clip - that is how tight it was. I then tried a heavy duty clip and accidentally pushed against the bottom of the ceramic bowl which started to come out of its surround. I was afraid I had destroyed the Ascent. I was finally able to carefully extend the large clip thru the grill and thru a hole in the bowl and was able to dislodge the spacer. I pushed the bowl back in (it seemed to click into place) and so far the Ascent seems to work fine. I hope so since I don't want to have to mail it back.

Why would you guys make these things wider than the oil jars? Makes no sense to me. Why not call this an alpha spacer and send some more out that are the same width as the oil jars and call those the betas?

Click to expand...

Hey! It sounds like your bowl should be just fine. The spacers are the same width as the oil jars, they're just not as tall so it's easier to get them lodged in there like that if the angle is slightly off. The tolerance in glass manufacturing is 1mm. There's nothing we can do about that so just like some people had issues with odd shaped and angled oil jars that is bound to happen with these. Just be careful and make sure you're putting them in absolutely straight. This is part of the reason why we are doing this beta test.

I recieved my spacers from Davinci and tried to use them tonight. Unfortunately they seem to be a little too snug for my oven and get stuck. While I am unable to remove them with the pick tool I was able to push tgen out from the bottom with a needle.

I did do one short session with the herb on the bottom and spacer flat on top, but it was difficult to tell if I got it in properly and against the material.

I did get some vapor but I used too small of an amount of herb to really say I tested it appropriately.

I hope I have better luck with the spacers, but they're so snug I'm wary of putting them back in the oven.

Davinci_vaporizer said:

Hey! It sounds like your bowl should be just fine. The spacers are the same width as the oil jars, they're just not as tall so it's easier to get them lodged in there like that if the angle is slightly off. The tolerance in glass manufacturing is 1mm. There's nothing we can do about that so just like some people had issues with odd shaped and angled oil jars that is bound to happen with these. Just be careful and make sure you're putting them in absolutely straight. This is part of the reason why we are doing this beta test.

Click to expand...

Yes, I took another look and realized they are the same size. It looked like a different profile when it was stuck in the bowl but I probably had it angled. Seeing that no one else has had the problem I will probably HTFU and give it another try. In case I ever get it totally jammed any suggestions on how to break the spacer without breaking the bowl? After all, I don't want to find my self sans vaporizer, even for a short period. I can't go back to combustion and remain a member in good standing on this board. Just a suggestion. If you ultimately decide to sell these things why not offer two version: one like this and a larger one the same size as an oil jar but with the holes? It is easier to get the bigger jar in and out with a tiny load like I use.

I am curious about full loads and multiple sessions. I use a tiny load because that is all I need. I primarily vape shortly before going to sleep. The next day I clean out the ABV and reload. It seems like many people here use full, or at least much larger, loads and go for longer sessions. Do any of you use a large load over multiple sessions? If I had a full bowl, I could probably go for a week based on the amount I use. But I worry that the material would either get wasted thru residual heat or the effect would be uneven. Does anyone use a full bowl over multiple sessions? If so, do you figure out when you need to reload by the effect, by looking at the color, or both?

I'm really looking forward to beta testing, but alas, have yet to receive any glass spacers yet. I gave my information to DaVinci 10 days ago, so perhaps USPS has lost my package.

MedicatedPensioner said:

Do any of you use a large load over multiple sessions? If I had a full bowl, I could probably go for a week based on the amount I use. But I worry that the material would either get wasted thru residual heat or the effect would be uneven. Does anyone use a full bowl over multiple sessions? If so, do you figure out when you need to reload by the effect, by looking at the color, or both?

Click to expand...

Yes, I do. I tend to load the same way each time (full load, usually with seven flowers) and use what I want 'saving' the rest for the next time. I usually do two, sometimes 3 sessions per load. The taste profile is different of course, but the effects are still there.

I don't think any good stuff is really lost in letting it coast to cold. The vapor doesn't escape, or get destroyed, it simply recondenses elsewhere in the load for next time. Similar to the way liquor is repeatedly redistilled many times in a column still (as opposed to a pot still) in normal production.

I judge the load by production volume/ease and taste. IMO it falls off pretty fast at the end. Some guys bump the temperature up, I usually don't.

Let me suggest and experiment: Save a week or two worth of ABV from your current technique than load that up and see what you've been discarding?

Vicki said:

I'm really looking forward to beta testing, but alas, have yet to receive any glass spacers yet. I gave my information to DaVinci 10 days ago, so perhaps USPS has lost my package.

Click to expand...

When you gave it to them is irrelevant really. You 'made the cut' or didn't since they basically went out as a batch half a world away from where the list was compiled. There may be a foul up (like bad address) but in such cases the package would be returned to DV in Las Vegas. Probably 'any day now' if not already.

Posting about it here is not likely to resolve the issue either way. I suggest you contact DV by PM and see where that goes?

Good luck, I'd love to get your 'take' on them and am sure I'm not alone in that.

OF

OF said:

Yes, I do. I tend to load the same way each time (full load, usually with seven flowers) and use what I want 'saving' the rest for the next time. I usually do two, sometimes 3 sessions per load. The taste profile is different of course, but the effects are still there.

I don't think any good stuff is really lost in letting it coast to cold. The vapor doesn't escape, or get destroyed, it simply recondenses elsewhere in the load for next time. Similar to the way liquor is repeatedly redistilled many times in a column still (as opposed to a pot still) in normal production.

I judge the load by production volume/ease and taste. IMO it falls off pretty fast at the end. Some guys bump the temperature up, I usually don't.

Let me suggest and experiment: Save a week or two worth of ABV from your current technique than load that up and see what you've been discarding?



When you gave it to them is irrelevant really. You 'made the cut' or didn't since they basically went out as a batch half a world away from where the list was compiled. There may be a foul up (like bad address) but in such cases the package would be returned to DV in Las Vegas. Probably 'any day now' if not already.

Posting about it here is not likely to resolve the issue either way. I suggest you contact DV by PM and see where that goes?

Good luck, I'd love to get your 'take' on them and am sure I'm not alone in that.

OF

Click to expand...

I was told they were coming out of Las Vegas when I suggested they were being shipped from China. At this point, if they show up, they show up. I'm not going to put anymore effort into it. I'm just not well enough right now.

I ordered a new charging adapter for the Ascent from DV and it only took 2 days. Ordered one Tues and got it today. Now I will can be all charged up. I actually used my Ascent car charger yesterday (with the short cord). My other adapter refused to work any longer.

EDIT
Got some Candy Kush in the Ascent and using the spacer, getting good vapor and clouds. I filled the oven half full and put the spacer in flat side against the herb pressed down a bit, but not hard.
Nice flavor at 375 degrees.

I can't seem to get the Ascent back to Fahrenheit.

@gangababa That worked, thanks.

CarolKing said:

...
I can't seem to get the Ascent back to Fahrenheit. Don't I press the on switch quickly twice for that?

Click to expand...

Quoting the Ascent manual
Push 4 times and hold the settings button for 5 seconds to
toggle between Celcius and Farenheit

So, this is going to sound like a lot of other posts in this thread;

I just got an ascent, which I've been Looking forward to and reading about for months. I hadn't realized the extent to which this thing would reek of 'new car' smell though...

I've done at least 12 burn offs, applied ISO on all silicone and glass parts, including the bowl, and the thing still just tastes like its poisoning me. I ensured there was no visible off gassing by lightly blowing through the unit during burn offs to eliminate any trace of unnecessary vapors.

After reading about the idea that you must use it for the smell to go away, I packed a bowl and attempted to give it a go, but the taste worries me incredibly. I feel like I most definitely should not be tasting silicone when exhaling; that has to mean I'm inhaling some amount of silicone offgassing; correct? Seeing as how some people say they've tasted absolutely nothing when first using the unit, I can't tell if there could be something wrong with mine, or if I'm just more concerned and notice it more. I also start at fairly low temps (320) and work my way up slowly, so it's probably easier for the silicone to overpower it on my first use

It seems like there is little sense in trying to get it exchanged if it's just a fault in design, as it has been suggested, so I'm just trying to make the best of the situation. I was hoping to get something to compliment my DBV, but seeing as how the DBV tastes wonderfully clear in comparison to my ascent (in its current state) I feel very tempted to just not even touch the ascent. I'd be upset about the wasted money, but money can't buy you new brain cells(yet).

Does anyone have any input as to the extent at which this could be harmful? I know da Vinci has claimed everything is non-toxic; but is it really? Does it just conform to a below minimum level of toxic ingredients, to the point where it can be considered 'non-toxic'? Kind of like how 'organic' doesn't always mean it's fully natural. This silicone smells nothing like tons of other silicone items I've used in the past...

Any input or words of comfort are greatly appreciated!

MedicatedPensioner said:

I am curious about full loads and multiple sessions. I use a tiny load because that is all I need. I primarily vape shortly before going to sleep. The next day I clean out the ABV and reload. It seems like many people here use full, or at least much larger, loads and go for longer sessions. Do any of you use a large load over multiple sessions? If I had a full bowl, I could probably go for a week based on the amount I use. But I worry that the material would either get wasted thru residual heat or the effect would be uneven. Does anyone use a full bowl over multiple sessions? If so, do you figure out when you need to reload by the effect, by looking at the color, or both?

Click to expand...

Given that I only speak for myself, I do pack a half to 3/4 full bowl with 6 or 7 glass flowers used as spacers and to disperse heat. I'm a medicating light weight, only using .05 or so grams per session, so the half to 3/4 fill lasts me 3 to 5 sessions. Yes, that's separate sessions because I only use a small amount to get me through during the day and about twice that before I try to sleep. I suspect I lose a small amount of material to residual heat tho I always pull on the glass mouthpiece until I feel no heat after I've turned it off. So about 4 to 6 long, slow pulls per session on average.

As for the reload, I check when I'm not getting anything from a pull and sure enough the material is evenly brown to dark brown. I rarely check the bowl before it's done because what's the point? The spacer looks good, I'd likely do a quarter to a half pack then put the spacer on top of it. I don't know that it would be more efficient than the flowers but I'd like to try it. I love that the testers are using them in very different ways. Of course there won't be a consensus as to what works best, but a general idea of A+B work well, C kinda works, don't even bother doing D is good information. I suspect most of us will try every way possible because hey, curiosity, but that's a good thing IMO.

BhangalangH said:

Does anyone have any input as to the extent at which this could be harmful? I know da Vinci has claimed everything is non-toxic; but is it really? Does it just conform to a below minimum level of toxic ingredients, to the point where it can be considered 'non-toxic'? Kind of like how 'organic' doesn't always mean it's fully natural. This silicone smells nothing like tons of other silicone items I've used in the past...

Any input or words of comfort are greatly appreciated!

Click to expand...

Welcome to the Forum, and congrats on the Ascent. IMO it's a great vape and not a health issue.

Yes, collectively we've been down this road a lot. Dozens of times. Searching "food grade" posts by me alone returns 25.

Food grade is the key. Yes, we have to trust DV that that is what they use, but that can be easily verified in the laboratory (IIRC the food grade catalysts are Platinum based, unique and 'easy to spot', but more expensive). Offgassing of the catalyst is a 'diminishing returns' game. Time, pressure and temperature all play a role in the rate. When individuals no longer detect it is very subject to the individual. I might very well not smell it when you think it makes the room reek of new tennis shoes.

When you use it for the first few times, condensate seals the surfaces so the gas has to migrate through it and escape the other side. At that point, you can smell it be no longer taste it.

It should not be a health concern (provided DV isn't lying.....), that's exactly what 'food grade' means in this case. OTOH you should be comfortable with your vape purchase, that's part of the idea you know. Being healthy? One thing sure, compared to the junk in smoke........

Your call and a tough one. You have to decide if the smell is diminishing (the rules of chemistry say it has to be or you wouldn't smell it in the first place) and when it's acceptable to you. Or perhaps exchange it for a well respected vape that doesn't have this reputation. Say Solo or Air?

Good luck with it, but advice you see that it does go away is honest I think and based on experience. And I believe there is no significant health risk involved.

OF

I was wondering how you guys carry your ascent around, what kind of case do you use. is it smell proof, homemade or storebought? i usualy wrap my ascent in a sturdy hankerchief (piece of cloth) and put that in my pocket when im on the go

I finally got my glass spacers to test!

I just got back from the doctor and checked the mail, but need to head out to another doctor appointment in a minute. I packed my Ascent, with one of the glass spacers, and am taking it with me now. I am only using one, and am using it right side up, filled loosely. I'll report back when I get home.

mandelbrod said:

I was wondering how you guys carry your ascent around, what kind of case do you use. is it smell proof, homemade or storebought? i usualy wrap my ascent in a sturdy hankerchief (piece of cloth) and put that in my pocket when im on the go

Click to expand...

I use a Ryot smell proof case while I'm out because I don't want my doctors to smell it.

I'm trying something different now. Two spacers on top of each other, upside down. I'm trying to see how small I can get the chamber.

**EDIT---I don't care for the above method as it seems to disrupt airflow, and makes the bowl a bit too small.

My next experiment will be with one glass spacer on the bottom, upside down. The other glass spacer on top of that, right side up.

You can't fit much herb actually inside the spacer. It's been fun trying out the spacer this week. It's always fun to get a new accessory.

CarolKing said:

You can't fit much herb actually inside the spacer.

Click to expand...

I found that out. I tried the method below, and it's ok. It does take up more space.

Vicki said:

My next experiment will be with one glass spacer on the bottom, upside down. The other glass spacer on top of that, right side up.

Click to expand...

Seems like the best method I've found so far is the following:

1) *LOOSELY* fill the oven full with herbs (maybe slightly less than full)
2) Insert spacer, right side up (holes on bottom of spacer)

This method produces the best vapor density of any method I've found so far. Although draw restriction is noticeably increased