Ascent Vaporizer by DaVinci

[Delta3DStudios]

So charged and did the burn offs on my Ascent. Received the glass beads today, they're much tinier than I thought. I put about 7 on the bottom of the oven and put some herb grinded but not very fine as I'm not sure how effective the built in screen is at the bottom of the stem. Then layered on top with about 9 beads and packed down tightly as this is conduction so its better to have it tight unless that's wrong and we still need to leave space for air flow in conduction too?

I started at 195C, took a few hits, wow the flavour is beautiful! I love how the steam is the right diameter(in my opinion Solo's was a little on the big side). I then went up to 200, took a couple of hits, flavour gone ish by now but still hitting. 210 and I started tasting the burnt popcorn taste but the clouds were bigger now than they've been the whole session. I was getting big clouds but the very harsh popcorn taste was killing my throat with the cough. I pushed it up to 215 and hit one more before it was unbearable. Is that part not something I'm supposed to be vaping because normally you stop when you taste burnt popcorn? I was under the impression that you should keep hitting till the clouds don't disappear. I was sharing this with a friend and it got me where I needed to be but I dont know if I'm doing something wrong because I don't think this lasted me more than about 5 minutes from what I recall. It seemed to finish pretty quickly. I had about four vape sessions with it today and all similar results in terms of hits, flavour and the high.

How many hits approximately, or how long are people's sessions lasting them? I used about 0.3 I think. Obviously this information varies depending on temperature and herb strain etc but could I possibly get more than I'm currently getting?

This beads method is a bit of a pain with refills though, take the beads out and separate from the ABV, a little difficult to do this very easily while out and about. I'm partially sighted so won't be great dropping the beads and trying to find them. I want to try the glass jar on top method but does the jar stick? Do I use it without the cap? I suppose it'll be easier than the beads method for sure.

Overall, some positives from the vape session. I can't tell you how great it feels to be able to vape and just push the stem in, you're ready to pocket this. It got me pretty baked I must say, just wondering if I could possibly increase it's efficiency a bit more.

The only negatives I found were some vapor leaking through the unit's bottom and the buttons being too clicky and slightly unresponsive in my opinion. Both not major gripes but still rather annoying indeed. Overall, I think I've found my daily driver. The battery after four(albeit rather quick sessions) was showing 25%(one bar out of 4). I hear that the battery gauge is temperamental so I don't know how true that is. The battery is pretty decent if I can get 5 ish sessions. I suppose for now at least.

Now want to get some advice on how to max this thing out to its full potential. Is it a bad idea to fill up the bowl completely and keep turning on to take 4 - 5 hits and re-using it for a long-ish period of time instead of refilling everytime? Is it less efficient? Even if I manage my hits by turning the unit off for the last few? I'd like the easiest route in terms of filling up. Due to my eyesight(partially sighted) and not being able to vape at home, I'm forced to vape outside around my estate building where lighting isn't great so anything to make my life easier and reduce refilling sessions or make them easier.

Sorry for the very long post but I get carried away with detail lol

Vaping gives you such clear headed high - Just wow!

I'm not sure what beads you're using, but you might want to try the glass flowers, many of us have found success with them, although I haven't heard from anyone who has tried beads and flowers.

195C is WAY too high to start at! I suggest you start at 170C and move up 5 or 10C at a time. I find i get several puffs at each setting. I usually STOP at 205C - but this is all about personal preference at which temperature you stop. You will found clouds at 170C, and the taste is absolutely amazing.
I have yet to try any vape which has nearly the taste (Although my Lotus Vape arrives tomorrow, we'll see how THAT does).

From what i'm hearing, it sounds like it's best to "stoke" the bowl - and finish half or all in one session. Although, what I did (before my Ascent died!) was vape from 170C to 185C in one "session" (about 10 minutes) early in the day, and finish later after work was over. This works, but it's important to remember the oven is still hot after the Ascent is off. Be sure to take 1 or 2 more nice long puffs after you turn off your Ascent

 

[CarolKing]

Gee_Grover, Go over the post from Nigel and Of over the past 50 pages. That will help.

 

[Quetzalcoatl]

@Gee_Grover adding to what has been said above, regarding your question of how many sessions/hits from a load... it's not something that can be quantified. You could get 4-5 sessions out of that 0.3, someone else could milk that in a half dozen rips, etc. Some strains produce a lot more vapor than others, some people like smaller hits, some weed isn't as potent as other so you need more, etc. Instead of saying how many sessions we get per X amount of herb, it's easier to say how much you use per session.

 

[OF]

I'm not sure what beads you're using, but you might want to try the glass flowers, many of us have found success with them, although I haven't heard from anyone who has tried beads and flowers.

I tried a couple of glass beads (different sizes and shapes, the wife collects 'em.....) as well as some 3/16 or so diameter glass balls salvaged from an old distilled water maker (used in vapor separation above the boiling liquid) in the quest that led to the glass flowers. I think the big advantage of the flowers is lots of surface area (to transfer the heat) for the mass and the fact that they're pretty thin in cross section so the heat can move faster though them. Any heat stored in them you can't strip out in the hit due to time is a waste.

If we could somehow keep Nigel from breaking them.......

OF

 

[hamburgerman]

My Ascent won't turn on now. No battery indicator when it goes to charge, so I guess it's the battery. Anyone know if there's a common issue or fix? I bought mine off eBay so I doubt DaVinci offers any kind of protection or return policy, do they? This thing has been a pain.

 

[salivape]

Hey guys it's a been a long time since I've been on here.. bad habits have returned if you catch my drift. To try and rid myself of said bad habit I decided to finally get myself an ascent.

It's charging as we speak, but I do have a slight concern. Apologies if this has been covered recently..

Basically my unit has the exposed wires and circuit board in the grill. Was this not an issue that was meant to be resolved or is it nothing to worry about? Should I send it back for a replacement or are they all still like this?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Delta3DStudios]

My Ascent won't turn on now. No battery indicator when it goes to charge, so I guess it's the battery. Anyone know if there's a common issue or fix? I bought mine off eBay so I doubt DaVinci offers any kind of protection or return policy, do they? This thing has been a pain.

There are several wires which go through the hinge between the oven and the main unit - the charging cables, and the heating/thermistor cables. It seems they didn't do enough durability testing on how many times you can open/close the unit before the wires fail. If you read enough of this thread, you'll see it's a common issue. For daily users, the Ascent dies between 1-3 months (unless you are lucky and got one with well soldered connections!) - the same story every time - The heater won't work, or the unit won't charge.

In my case, one month after purchasing my Ascent and using it daily for multiple sessions, my heater stopped heating (It would turn on and charge when plugged in, but stayed at room temperature). I called Davinici immediately and reported the issue so I could get the RMA process started.

More than likely, one of the charging wires came lose. There is no way to repair the unit yourself. I would still call Davinici - explain your problem. This is a major defect (in my opinion) and they should be responsible for fixing it.

For the record, when I called DV, I was informed that they are currently not repairing units, but instead replacing with new ones (not refubs!). Also I was shocked when they told me they do not currently have access to the product registration records (what's the point of filling them out??) - I had to run home at lunch-time from work to find my serial number so I could get my Ascent shipped out before the weekend.

Hey guys it's a been a long time since I've been on here.. bad habits have returned if you catch my drift. To try and rid myself of said bad habit I decided to finally get myself an ascent.

It's charging as we speak, but I do have a slight concern. Apologies if this has been covered recently..

Basically my unit has the exposed wires and circuit board in the grill. Was this not an issue that was meant to be resolved or is it nothing to worry about? Should I send it back for a replacement or are they all still like this?

Thanks in advance.

Wow, haven't heard any complaints about exposed wires or circuit board in the grill for a long time. Do the buttons seem flimsy? Sounds like you have one of the early models. I'd call Davinci immediately, and ask about it. If they say keep using it - simply use the crap out of it - as mentioned above, the units seem to fail after a month or two of heavy use

 

[salivape]

@Ratchett Yes that was my concern. I have contacted vapefiend and they have told me it is not an issue but I am still a little worried. I have an EU model so surely it can't be that old? They've not been over here that long. I'd rather not deal with DV purely because of the time it will take and the cost of shipping. I suppose an email to DV wont hurt though.The buttons do not feel flimsy. Infact I'm very impressed with the build except for this possible issue.

So, you can confirm that your unit/s has/have no exposed wires or pcb within the grill? Anyone else care to chime in?

Thanks so much for your response so far!

e2a: I know too much emphasis is put on serial numbers but just in case it helps, mine is 2AE1

 

[Delta3DStudios]

Interesting! You have a 2AE1! I thought the issue of exposed wires and circuit boards was only with some early 1AA1 and 1AE1 models

No, when I first received my Ascent, I looked for those exposed wires and circuit board as I had heard other people complain about it. But I couldn't see anything when I looked inside the grill on mine. Unfortunately I don't have an ascent currently to re-check, but once I get my new one, I'll look again!

 

[jkwarrior200]

Hey guys sometimes when I use the ascent it makes me cough a lot after every hit and I'm not sure if that's just normal or if there is a way to avoid it?

 

[nigel]

Basically my unit has the exposed wires and circuit board in the grill. Was this not an issue that was meant to be resolved or is it nothing to worry about?

It's nothing to worry about.

There is actually more insulation between that equipment and the bowl, than there is between the bowl and your hand. At one point, I do believe a cover was added, but it wasn't for thermal protection, as the board is protected beyond spec by the insulation.

Hey guys sometimes when I use the ascent it makes me cough a lot after every hit and I'm not sure if that's just normal or if there is a way to avoid it?

Only the Ascent and not other devices? Or is that all you have to test with?
I will point out that your product has some pretty strong bronchodilators in there, expectorants. Add to that a small number people might find some of the terpenes to be mild irritants if they have a sensitivity. [IIRC, people that exhibit this also have a reaction to hops. β-myrcene is volatile in the 330°F range. ] You are certainly exposing yourself to significantly more terpenes than you would, say combusting (annihilated terpenes and gain of carbon-monoxide, tars, and the like -- so different reasons to cough there). And, if you do the Ascent right, IMHO, you maximize the exposure to terpenes.

But if you are one of the aforementioned people with a sensitivity, I might suggest taking it to about 310°F and stripping off everything you can. Shouldn't be too hot to blow through the grill slowly a few times (with a 60-90sec pause between each) until there is no visible vapor coming out the top. Then flip it around and try drawing at a 10°F increase after giving it some time to get to temp. [Δ-9 should be volatile at 315°F.] If you don't cough (or cough significantly less), then you have your answer. If that doesn't work, try another day at a higher range. Be aware of Myrcene as the next suspicious temp range. Then try it again a different day at a higher again range. Rinse lather repeat.

Actually, doing this kind of experimentation through various temp ranges is something I would encourage everyone to try, coughing or not. It's a good chance to familiarize one's self with the range of effects the plant can produce. (Although one could read a table of effects, that doesn't necessarily tell you how *your* physiology will react. People are different). One might be surprised, say, at the effects one can generate at <299°F....

 

[hamburgerman]

Where do I find the serial number? Is it on the box after 1AA1 or whatever? Or is that part of the serial too?

 

[Delta3DStudios]

Where do I find the serial number? Is it on the box after 1AA1 or whatever? Or is that part of the serial too?

When I provided my serial to Davinci, I included the 1AA1, but I *think* 1AA1 is the revision/model number (although that isn't really true apparently).

It's nothing to worry about.

There is actually more insulation between that equipment and the bowl, than there is between the bowl and your hand. At one point, I do believe a cover was added, but it wasn't for thermal protection, as the board is protected beyond spec by the insulation.



Only the Ascent and not other devices? Or is that all you have to test with?
I will point out that your product has some pretty strong bronchodilators in there, expectorants. Add to that a small number people might find some of the terpenes to be mild irritants if they have a sensitivity. [IIRC, people that exhibit this also have a reaction to hops. β-myrcene is volatile in the 330°F range. ] You are certainly exposing yourself to significantly more terpenes than you would, say combusting (annihilated terpenes and gain of carbon-monoxide, tars, and the like -- so different reasons to cough there). And, if you do the Ascent right, IMHO, you maximize the exposure to terpenes.

But if you are one of the aforementioned people with a sensitivity, I might suggest taking it to about 310°F and stripping off everything you can. Shouldn't be too hot to blow through the grill slowly a few times (with a 60-90sec pause between each) until there is no visible vapor coming out the top. Then flip it around and try drawing at a 10°F increase after giving it some time to get to temp. [Δ-9 should be volatile at 315°F.] If you don't cough (or cough significantly less), then you have your answer. If that doesn't work, try another day at a higher range. Be aware of Myrcene as the next suspicious temp range. Then try it again a different day at a higher again range. Rinse lather repeat.

Actually, doing this kind of experimentation through various temp ranges is something I would encourage everyone to try, coughing or not. It's a good chance to familiarize one's self with the range of effects the plant can produce. (Although one could read a table of effects, that doesn't necessarily tell you how *your* physiology will react. People are different). One might be surprised, say, at the effects one can generate at <299°F....

Jesus! Someone know's their sh*t!

 

[pakalolo]

Where do I find the serial number? Is it on the box after 1AA1 or whatever? Or is that part of the serial too?

The serial number is on the bar code sticker on the box. The number on the Ascent itself is quite difficult to see. Hold the Ascent with the logo side facing you. Swing open the chamber. The serial number is faintly imprinted right under the bowl. You'll need a strong light to see it.

 

[CarolKing]

Here is a picture of my Ascent with my Ed's stem. See Nigel I finally figured it out!

 

[mollee]

My special edition Ascent Skulls version arrived today.

Omggg, this baby is beautiful! (I'm also a sucker for great packaging too)

Won't be able to try out for a few days tho. /o\ This will kill me.

I'm addicted to vapes!

 

[turk]

...selling them (all versions) in San Francisco "head shops"...right along side the pax..

 

[peter987]

I am in Australia and have bought from an Australian distributor.
I've now had two Ascent's die on me in 10 weeks
The first a model 1AU died after 8 weeks when the display stopped working and did not turn on/ heat up.
It was replaced under warranty,
The second one a model 2AU has nearly combusted. I turned it off and cleaned the bowl and then laid it down. I noticed a smell in the room and found the Ascent was just about on fire. The top of the unit was smoldering and the plastic was melting and the display bubbling from the heat. Smoke was coming from the plastic. It was so hot to touch I burnt my finger, I knocked it into a pan and took it outside and dropped it on my lawn where it continued to smoke for a while. It eventually stopped smoking and eventually I could pick it up without burning my hand. Interestingly the bowl part had no heat in it in the slightest it was all in the top section.
I haven't touched the motion timer setting and have never ever set it beyond 190C/375F.
I am very sadly the owner of a dead Solo and one very dead Ascent and the soonest I can get one to me is the next mail in 5 days.
I thought the idea was not to combust

 

[CarolKing]

Sounds like you need to return Ascent #2. I don't think I've ever heard anything like that on this thread. That sounds scary, good thing you were aware of what was happening and was able to get it outside.

 

[Grim Chiclets]

I am in Australia and have bought from an Australian distributor.
I've now had two Ascent's die on me in 10 weeks
The first a model 1AU died after 8 weeks when the display stopped working and did not turn on/ heat up.
It was replaced under warranty,
The second one a model 2AU has nearly combusted. I turned it off and cleaned the bowl and then laid it down. I noticed a smell in the room and found the Ascent was just about on fire. The top of the unit was smoldering and the plastic was melting and the display bubbling from the heat. Smoke was coming from the plastic. It was so hot to touch I burnt my finger, I knocked it into a pan and took it outside and dropped it on my lawn where it continued to smoke for a while. It eventually stopped smoking and eventually I could pick it up without burning my hand. Interestingly the bowl part had no heat in it in the slightest it was all in the top section.
I haven't touched the motion timer setting and have never ever set it beyond 190C/375F.
I am very sadly the owner of a dead Solo and one very dead Ascent and the soonest I can get one to me is the next mail in 5 days.
I thought the idea was not to combust

was it plugged in? did you hear clicks/see sparks?

 

[peter987]

It was not plugged in. I saw clicks and sparks. House stinks.

 

[Grim Chiclets]

Sounds like your battery was shorted out on the case- I have never heard of anything happening like this with like- any vape

 

[bt46b]

So mine broke down a month ago. it will have lasted 2 months.
the problem : when turned on , the screen lights up but no heat , it remains at room temperature.
and I 'll leave it as it is, end of the story.
plus no warranty. I have yet purchased $ 250 official price for this add customs and transport
it gives us a big € 250 / unit ( I bought 2).
the seller has actually told me that the center which deliver him asked to sell $249/vape for the warranty to be valid.
he also told me to contact directly Davinci for the guarantee .
but in davinci they do not recognize the seller, they say he is not "authorized" .
so dear Aaron from davinci royally offered me 10% on my next order and guaranteed to be delivered this time ,
while treating the dealer (who delivers well when I order to him) a liar.
thank you Aaron but you can keep your Vapos .

the height is that first I tried twice to buy from them . the first time, after paying via paypal and still no shipping confirmation from them after a week, I contact them and then they tell me that the problem is that the amount of the order exceeds $ 600 and ask me the number of my credit card plus the number behind the card . I told them that there is not question because they were paid via paypal and received therefore money. we agree to a refund.
I reorder, still two units but no accessory to be below $ 600.
result: after a week they refund me without any communication.


result: long live the volcano , long live the pax , and 'hope Storz & Bickel to release quickly their mobile device.

beware, if you are looking for a nice clutch bag for your pax ,
still buy an ascent because the one provided along is very suitable for pax .

 

[hamburgerman]

That blows, did you have it registered?

 

[Osn Dosn]

Sounds like your battery was shorted out on the case- I have never heard of anything happening like this with like- any vape

..or it got too hot which could also cause self ignition. I always worried about that a bit, as the upper part of the case where the cells sit gets quite hot indeed, and lithium cells don't like that. Be lucky it didn't burn your house down.. Great customer service though. Always good to have an excuse to not cover warranties like this 'authorized dealer' bs´-.-