Ascent Vaporizer by DaVinci

SinewStew

Well-Known Member
I was an early buyer of the Ascent Aug 2013 and I had to return a unit but I've had the same Ascent it will be 2 years this Oct. Its not my daily driver but I haven't had any problems with it. It's in the line up.

The Ascent has one of the best vapor flavorls of all my portables. It could be so flavorful because of the all glass airpath. Your exact temp can be dialed in. You can use a large full load or use the glass spacer for a smaller session.

If a person has a problem with their Ascent they are more likely to complain here on the thread. If their unit is running smoothly they may not even comment at all. You hear the complaining loud and clear but not always the compliments.

It's your money to invest in whatever portable that you want. Do your homework and read and investigate. Don't just take a couple peoples word as gospel.
That's a very good point.
 

Davinci_vaporizer

Clean First Technology
Manufacturer
That's a very good point.
Hey there! Just so you know, I have since messaged OP to mend the situation. We always take care of our customers the best we possibly can when issues arise, especially here on FC. Unfortunately, of course the bad experiences are talked about more often and louder than the great experiences, because the people who don't have issues are just happily using their Ascents. :)

If you ever have any questions please feel free to reach out!
 

vapen00b

Many vapes & accessories. Always happy to help
In my point of view - just my experience I had personally with the ascent and what I can read about it - the build quality of the ascent not very reliable. I had 3 devices , they all were plastic smelly and tasty, battery/temp display making sounds and soon after the whole thing died. Wanted to love that thing and bought A LOT of accessories... Even imported stuff. But I was really disappointed and converted to AA - no problems, all good
And
@Davinci_vaporizer: in the topic over there people DO share their great moments and how much like the device. And there are some guys from here as well - so I think people do talk about positive stuff generally...

Just take it is a personal opinion and feedback - had the 2AA1 models btw, hopefully the 3aa1 is more reliable and neutral in taste.
Don't mean to offend and truly wish every one the best time you can have with the ascent! Always being reminded of it when I see my additional stuff I bought for my "love"... Didn't match for me :(
 

Davinci_vaporizer

Clean First Technology
Manufacturer
In my point of view - just my experience I had personally with the ascent and what I can read about it - the build quality of the ascent not very reliable. I had 3 devices , they all were plastic smelly and tasty, battery/temp display making sounds and soon after the whole thing died. Wanted to love that thing and bought A LOT of accessories... Even imported stuff. But I was really disappointed and converted to AA - no problems, all good
And
@Davinci_vaporizer: in the topic over there people DO share their great moments and how much like the device. And there are some guys from here as well - so I think people do talk about positive stuff generally...

Just take it is a personal opinion and feedback - had the 2AA1 models btw, hopefully the 3aa1 is more reliable and neutral in taste.
Don't mean to offend and truly wish every one the best time you can have with the ascent! Always being reminded of it when I see my additional stuff I bought for my "love"... Didn't match for me :(
Yeah, we have a lot of issues with the wiring through the hinge. We have updated the casing for the wires and done our best to mitigate this issue and our efforts have proven successful when we look at the numbers. Other than that the build quality is great. There are rarely any other problems with the unit and believe me, we have learned a lot! I'm sorry to hear the Ascent didn't work out for you. We are going to keep striving to innovate and make great vaporizers though so hopefully we can convert you to the dark side one day..
 

Hubs88

Feeling The Buzz
If you ever have any questions please feel free to reach out

I have a question about the batteries. I've had my Ascent for about 45 days and use it everyday. To get a full charge takes just over 3 hours and this is good for about 1 hour of vaping. My sessions are about 10 minutes long at 365 to 400 F. Does this sound about right? Thanks.
 

MrNaturalAZ

Tree hugging dirt worshipper
For the record, I've had my Ascent for over 18 months with nary a problem. It's been a great vape for me, and I have no regrets. It is also nice to see the manufacturer maintaining an active presence here on FC.

As you read some of the complaining posts, notice how few are actually about defective or failed units compared to simple disappointment resulting from unmet expectations. The latter are usually a result of failure to do sufficient research and expecting a different experience than the Ascent is designed for.

IMO, the Ascent's strong points are precise temperature control, awesome flavor, and adequate capacity. It certainly accomplishes the intended task of delivering the active ingredients of my herbal medication, and does so with style.

It is not, however, the fastest or easiest portable to use, and won't give you room-filling clouds of vapor. But that wasn't the devices intent. If you want quick and easy, it's hard to beat the MFLB (which I also own). For room-filling clouds, good luck finding that in a dry-herb portable. Cloud-chasers, IMO, would be better off with a e-cig style vape and VG tincture.
 

CarolKing

Singer of songs and a vapor connoisseur
Most portables aren't intended on being a daily driver. Your battery sounds about right. It does degrade over time. Do you have more than one vaporizer? If you do I would alternate between at least another unit.

IMO probably most of the issues have been resolved with the Ascent. It a nice portable with awesome flavor. Being able to dial in your exact temp is probably one of the best features with this unit. Davinci has added glass spacers to its accessory line. You can use a spacer and use less cannabis in the oven or fill it up.

If you don't have another vaporizer I would buy another one.

Look through the forum, you may want another portable or a desktop unit to add to your arsenal. If you want a portable the Solo has been around for awhile, but don't take my work for it.
 

Hubs88

Feeling The Buzz
If you don't have another vaporizer I would buy another one.
Yeah I have a couple of Flowermates to use for a change or when I'm charging the Ascent. Instead of using spacers I fill the chamber less than half way and do a session. When it's time for more I put some fresh bud on top of the abv and I get more tasty hits just like a fresh bowl. For an enjoyable evening this is repeated up to 3 times before the oven is full and all the abv gets recycled for eating.
 

SinewStew

Well-Known Member
Yeah, we have a lot of issues with the wiring through the hinge. We have updated the casing for the wires and done our best to mitigate this issue and our efforts have proven successful when we look at the numbers. Other than that the build quality is great. There are rarely any other problems with the unit and believe me, we have learned a lot! I'm sorry to hear the Ascent didn't work out for you. We are going to keep striving to innovate and make great vaporizers though so hopefully we can convert you to the dark side one day..

I just replaced my at home unit with a Silver Surfer and I'll probably replace my Iolite with a Da Vinci in a few months.
 

OF

Well-Known Member
I just replaced my at home unit with a Silver Surfer and I'll probably replace my Iolite with a Da Vinci in a few months.

Interesting change. I like Iolite (especially with 50mg or so of bubble hash in the middle......), great for relaxed sipping in the garden. Ascent is, IMO, very different. In construction, control and stealth. With care you can emulate Iolite no doubt, but it's flexibility in terms of loading and temperature control give it possibilities not possible in Iolite. Since Ascent, my Iolites are not getting much use.

I think you're in for a treat.

OF
 

SinewStew

Well-Known Member
Interesting change. I like Iolite (especially with 50mg or so of bubble hash in the middle......), great for relaxed sipping in the garden. Ascent is, IMO, very different. In construction, control and stealth. With care you can emulate Iolite no doubt, but it's flexibility in terms of loading and temperature control give it possibilities not possible in Iolite. Since Ascent, my Iolites are not getting much use.

I think you're in for a treat.

OF
I actually had a Wispr. It was my daily driver for about 1.5 years but things inevitably break.
 
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Davinci_vaporizer

Clean First Technology
Manufacturer
My sessions are about 10 minutes long at 365 to 400 F. Does this sound about right?
So you can get 6, ~10 minute sessions per battery at various temperatures? That sounds about right, it just really depends on what temperature you heat it up to. For example you mentioned 365-400 F. Is that in one session over time or several sessions gradually bumping the temperature up? The biggest strain on the battery is heat up time so the more you heat it up, the quicker your battery will die. So if you finish your load every time, you will be able to get more fresh sessions than if you consider one session one load.

Some advice for preserving battery: If you like low temperature for the flavor then higher temperatures for the vapor production, you should only use it at a low temperature (in your case, you mentioned 365) until that fresh flavor is gone. After that, go to your maximum temperature (again, in your case you mentioned 400 here) until you're finished. This will get you everything you're looking for, in less time using less battery life. Of course, if you are splitting the bowl into multiple sessions, this technique is not for you. This might help you squeeze an extra session or two out of the battery.
 

HD Springer

Well-Known Member
I was messing around with my ascent trying different stuff with it and I put some shatter wrapped in a little cotton and damn. At 390 it's producing huge clouds. Huge. I don't know if I've seen it on this thread with cotton or hemp fiber with waxes or concentrates. But I was surprised the how low the heat can be with this setup.
 

Hubs88

Feeling The Buzz
So you can get 6, ~10 minute sessions per battery at various temperatures? That sounds about right, it just really depends on what temperature you heat it up to.
Thanks for your advice. My use of the Ascent has been changing as I get to know it's performance better.What I've been doing is to start a session with half a bowl and bump up the temp as needed. When that load is used up I stir the abv and add a fresh layer of herb for the next session. I do this once more before emptying the chamber. This gives me a fresh taste every time and to keep the batteries alive I'll charge up for a short time so I can be sure there's enough power to finish the full bowl.

The real game changer was when I started using a ss screen in the chamber on top of the load. Made a huge difference in vape quality and much less clean up.
 
Hubs88,
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Hubs88

Feeling The Buzz
This is the 5/8 inche ss screen I use to keep the load in place. I just bent it "U" shape to fit snugly in the chamber. Really keeps everything clean and greatly improved the Ascent vaping experience. I also use hemp wax ("Grinder Grease" from Puffitup) on the silicone seal to keep it sliding smooth.
Yub1KFR.jpg
7jFfmoz.jpg

7jFfmoz.jpg
 
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Sativape

Well-Known Member
This is the 5/8 inche ss screen I use to keep the load in place. I just bent it "U" shape to fit snugly in the chamber. Really keeps everything clean and greatly improved the Ascent vaping experience. I also use hemp wax ("Grinder Grease" from Puffitup) on the silicone seal to keep it sliding smooth.
Yub1KFR.jpg
7jFfmoz.jpg

7jFfmoz.jpg

Nice! I do the same thing for smaller loads, but that was until @Davinci_vaporizer generously sent out some sample glass screens! Thanks again BTW.

I also have a screen on the upper side for full loads.

This allows me to pack the sh!t out of the Ascent while on the go.

This also keeps both the stationary and moving stems clear of any bud debris.

@Hubs88 "hemp wax ("Grinder Grease" from Puffitup)"!?!!!
Good looking out, what an awesome idea.
Gonna scoop some up ASAP.
Genius!

JZtIvz7.jpg
 
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ChooChooCharlie

Well-Known Member
Ascent was my first vape. I'm new to vaping, quit camels and other combustion last Xmas.
Reading this forum was very helpful. Folks like @CarolKing with the glass flowers idea let me enjoy Ascent more. Got those glass disks, place two on top of load as spacer/screen. As you folks know, one can go a bit overboard with accessories. @Ratchett makes great stuff, got his charging stand, etc. Then got F-Bomb inline bubbler and a couple 14mm water adapters. Really enjoy the Ascent. Invaluable backup to Crafty. Ascent has nice feel in hand, ergonomically stealthy. Just want to throw some kindness out for the Ascent. Never had an issue. Nice to see rep from DaVinci participating. Rare.
 

OF

Well-Known Member
The glass flower idea was our FC friend @OF so we all can thank him for that great idea.

Guilty. Gotta remember not to use my real name when I come to town........

Some might thank me, others view their credit card bill and curse away. They have evidence.

Come to think on it, it's really Nigel's fault? After all, he loaned me his 'spare Ascent'?

OF
 

ChooChooCharlie

Well-Known Member
@OF and @CarolKing -- Thanks again to both of your work helping others. What it's all about!

The ideas, techniques, debates ... can feel the patient frustration, but you two and others soldier on.

Off to Gathering of Vibes in beautiful CT today. Ascent stem change time. Will enjoy the relaxed nature of Ascent sessions, and won't fear the dreaded red/orange eyed monster of another failed crafty.
 

MrNaturalAZ

Tree hugging dirt worshipper
Well, folks, I'm kinda bummed right now. My Ascent (which, ironically, I'd just publicly praised for its 18 months of faithful service) seems to have bit the dust. And I'd just bought the shiny new spacers, too.

I grabbed it last night for a quick session before bed, but it wouldn't turn on. That surprised me, because even though I hadn't used it in several days, I knew it had a charge and a load in it. In fact, that's exactly why I chose it at that time - I knew it was ready-to-go.

I thought it odd that the battery should be dead - in the past I've let it sit unused for weeks and it has always held a charge - at the very least enough to power up the display to show me the battery was low. I connected the charger, thinking I could just operate it off mains supply, but still no love. Didn't light up. Power button did nothing. Tried pressing and holding all four buttons, thinking it might force some sort of master reset. Still nothing.

Oh well. I grabbed my MFLB - simplicity has its merits, not the least of which being reliability - and decided to worry about the Ascent in the morning. Perhaps it will sort itself out overnight.

Of course it didn't magically start working this morning. I connected the charger (I thought about letting it sit charging overnight, but not knowing what the problem might be, I didn't want to risk a possible fire hazard) and it's been sitting for over an hour and still no charging display nor response to the power button. I do notice the oven is getting slightly hot. Nowhere near operating temperature, but fails the "ten second rule".

I wonder if they use the oven heater as a charging ballast (current limiting resistor), but then again, I've never noticed the oven heating, even mildly, during charging. I'm guessing either some wires have worn and shorted where they pass between the main body and the swiveling oven section, or there's some failure in the controller circuitry.

I guess I'll have to give them a call and see what my options are. I acquired it brand new and unused, but not directly from them nor an officially sanctioned dealer. I'm hoping they'll still be able to help me out (do they warranty vapes received as gifts?). I'll tag @Davinci_vaporizer here and see if he has anything to say, or, better yet, if he can suggest something I can do (magic finger-dance perhaps?) to get it working again.
 
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OF

Well-Known Member
I guess I'll have to give them a call and see what my options are. I acquired it brand new and unused, but not directly from them nor an officially sanctioned dealer. I'm hoping they'll still be able to help me out (do they warranty vapes received as gifts?). I'll tag @Davinci_vaporizer here and see if he has anything to say, or, better yet, if he can suggest something I can do (magic finger-dance perhaps?) to get it working again.

Bummer. To me the oven getting warm is not a good sign, but it's also where the battery power is going to (why it won't start up, it can't charge fast enough....). Hopefully the processor has just stalled out. This is about the time I'd be trying a hard reset.......'cept we can't get to the battery.......

Good luck, please let us know what the man says if it doesn't play out here? TIA

OF
 

KeroZen

Chronic vapaholic
'cept we can't get to the battery......

After the puppy attack the device was dismantled with pictures earlier in this thread. And recently someone started a thread called "Ascent repair", with semi-proper instructions to open the beast (I say semi proper because I'm not convinced the panels will stick as well once removed the way he did as he scratched the tape badly... and his battery change instructions are a bit simplistic)

http://fuckcombustion.com/threads/davinci-ascent-repair.18919/

Once inside it shouldn't be hard to spot the 3 wire pairs and check if the solders are still intact. Note that nobody opened the bottom part so far but it's surely done in a similar fashion.
 

Davinci_vaporizer

Clean First Technology
Manufacturer
After the puppy attack the device was dismantled with pictures earlier in this thread. And recently someone started a thread called "Ascent repair", with semi-proper instructions to open the beast (I say semi proper because I'm not convinced the panels will stick as well once removed the way he did as he scratched the tape badly... and his battery change instructions are a bit simplistic)

http://fuckcombustion.com/threads/davinci-ascent-repair.18919/

Once inside it shouldn't be hard to spot the 3 wire pairs and check if the solders are still intact. Note that nobody opened the bottom part so far but it's surely done in a similar fashion.
Please do not replace the batteries by yourself in the Ascent. If you don't use the proper batteries and don't set it up correctly it could be dangerous. (fire, shortage, won't power on, and many other things that can happen if you don't know about batteries) We have an out of warranty repair program where we can replace everything inside your vaporizer including the bowl, batteries and PCB. Check it out: http://www.davincivaporizer.com/ascent-vaporizer-extended-warranty/
I am not going to tell you how to open the Ascent but I will tell you once you pull the plastic shell out you cannot replace it without new parts. You have to break the unit to open it completely. The bottom part is not at all removed in a similar fashion to whats underneath the panels. Our engineers and repair techs have custom tools to do this job. Don't risk your vape, give us a call.

@MrNaturalAZ

Sounds like one of your wires is broken. Have you contacted customer service?
 
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