Ascent Vaporizer by DaVinci

[Glass004]

I am still waiting for my ascent to use up its power. The on /off button is non responsive Maybe when it loses power it will reset.
The display is stuck on the cycle programming and values do not change.
The menu button seems to have shifted and I have to push the lower edge to activate. Using menu/up and menu/down gives no response.
From the beginning I thought my on/off button did not function easily. The menu button shifting down in its position is enough for me to send this brand new unit back even if it starts to work again .
I hate the taste of burned herb!!!!
I appreciate all the tips. It really improves my learning curve.
I also like talking to fellow heads. Later folks

 

[Glass004]

Where do you find the serial # that IDs the production run?

I am still waiting for that 4400 milliamp battery set to run down.

I hate combustion. My backup Ascent will arrive Friday. I usually don't eat it but, times are rough without a functioning vaporizer.

 

[bambithedeer]

Hey guys I'm new to the forums and I am waiting on an ascent from MD. What advise do you have to get the best performance out of the device? I had a knock off Pax a while ago and really liked it. I jumped on the ascent when I saw that it was almost 90$ off. I'm also coming off of a long T break. I would like to be as stealthy as possible with the device. Has anyone tried Ed's TnT stems? I love the look of the black stem on a stealth ascent. Thanks for all the help in advance. I'm pretty new to the whole vaporizing scene.

 

[Krizzle]

Where do you find the serial # that IDs the production run?

I am still waiting for that 4400 milliamp battery set to run down.

I hate combustion. My backup Ascent will arrive Friday. I usually don't eat it but, times are rough without a functioning vaporizer.

I believe the serial number is located on the bottom bowl section that swivels out. Its black printed on black so may need angling under light or something to see correct.

So many mixed reviews on this I just don't know what to do now. They do come with a 2 year warranty and I know vapefiend doesn't mess around when it comes to warranty that's covered. Hmmm I do want one I just want a reliable unit I can use 4-5 times a day without it dying on me.

 

[CarolKing]

Krizzle, it's sounds like you really want to buy one. Just pull the trigger and know there is always a chance that any of the vaporizers you buy may need to be sent back for some reason or another. Ive been really happy with the Ascent and notice others have to.

If you are confident with the online store or the mom and pop store that you do business with is going to make an exchange if needed. Just make sure they are an authorized seller of a particular vaporizer that you purchase.

Some sellers are quick to take your money, but make it difficult if you have issues with your purchase. At least you know with Davinci you're dealing with a stellar company. Buy from the companies that are highly recommended on FC.

Just make sure you have a back up unit that you can rely on while you wait for the replacement. You dont want to go back to combustion.

 

[nigel]

I am still waiting for my ascent to use up its power. The on /off button is non responsive Maybe when it loses power it will reset.

Wish I could tell you a way to reboot the device. But I have a feeling it might need to go back.

Where do you find the serial # that IDs the production run?

If you look down on an open bowl, it is printed on the leading edge in the black. On mine it is near impossible to read as it is worn down.

Hey guys I'm new to the forums... What advise do you have to get the best performance out of the device?

Reading a thread before posting in it, even if it is just the 50 or so most recent pages.

So many mixed reviews on this I just don't know what to do now.

If you mean by "mixed reviews" that people didn't like it, then perhaps you are reading the wrong reviews? The device DOES have a learning curve (quite a few do), and a lot ("a lot" but I'm not saying "every"*) of the "I didn't like it" seem to come from people that didn't bother with learning the unit. Some of the early video reviews were made by people that used it just a time or two before reviewing. (There's a "publish or perish" element here, where a lot of the reviewers are after traffic and page-hits and would rather get a review up quickly, than take time to learn a unit. Especially if they have to move on to the next unit.) If you read the thread, you'll see a lot of us that have played around with unit to get it to perform in a manner that best suits our (INDIVIDUAL) needs. I enjoy the flavor and long sipping sessions temp-stepping. Others go for high-temp big hits. We've found different ways to use it.

*[Do I think this vape is for everybody? Nope. For example, I have a friend that, despite lending him one for a few weeks, just didn't like the way it hit. That's great. But I know he took the time to play with it. A lot of people don't, and that's what I'm suggesting is noise. And I guess other people can argue "why should there be a learning curve at all?" My desktop vape is about as dumb-simple to use as is possible, and I enjoy that (and other things) about it. But I come back to the Ascent all of the time, as it is worth it.]

If you mean by "mixed reviews" units with problems, there were a lot at first. Most of them have been resolved, and DV is constantly updating. Will there be more problem units? Sure. Even Apple will have an occasional device come off the line with problems. (I got a bad motherboard in a laptop once, that took several service trips before they just gave me a new laptop.) But, I'm seeing the rate of problem units drop off as time moves forward (as it should). If I were you, I'd buy it straight from DV. Not that I don't have love for the LHS, but there's no telling how long a unit has been sitting around. Regardless, DV has been really good about replacing units. If you do have an issue, they will take care of you.

And there is no correlation between usage and issues. Or perhaps I should say there is not causation. If a unit has a problem, it has a problem. Period. Might mean you find it sooner with heavy use, but that doesn't change the fact it had a problem before usage.

 

[bambithedeer]

I've read a large amount of the forums pages on here but for the most part it seems as though its mostly the problems that everyone has with the device. I was just wondering under what circumstances and conditions were people having the most success for themselves. What stem do you use, what temperature do you like the most, thoughts on the wooden stems that I see all over the place and the concept behind the glass beads and flowers. Things like that. I'm sorry if its repeating something you have said or expressed before. I'm just curious and wanted to find out user to user. I'm also not used to being apart of a forum so please let me know if my posting "etiquette" is out of line in any way.

 

[CarolKing]

I've read a large amount of the forums pages on here but for the most part it seems as though its mostly the problems that everyone has with the device. I was just wondering under what circumstances and conditions were people having the most success for themselves. What stem do you use, what temperature do you like the most, thoughts on the wooden stems that I see all over the place and the concept behind the glass beads and flowers. Things like that. I'm sorry if its repeating something you have said or expressed before. I'm just curious and wanted to find out user to user. I'm also not used to being apart of a forum so please let me know if my posting "etiquette" is out of line in any way.

A big welcome, folks are very friendly and ready to help each other when they can. It is a bit scarey when all you see is negativity. Plenty of folks on this thread have been happy with the Ascent, yes we are hearing some problems too.

I like to use my unit anywhere from 380 to 407 degrees or so, it really depends on the herb that I am using. When loading I add a couple of the glass flowers with some herb more flowers and herb, then I top it off with organic cotton and pat it down. I use cotton but only a very thin layer. Only enough to keep the herb from entering the stems.

I start out at 380 or 385 and work my way up, if it's too harsh I turn it down. If it's too whispy of clouds I turn it up. Sometimes it's personal preference, I like the great vapor flavor that you get with the Ascent but I also like the pain releaving medication of the higher temps. I feel with the Ascent you can get good flavor at higher temperatures.

This my second unit. I had to send the first one back, it's been doing a great job since October. I use a variety of portable vaporizers and plan on adding more to my collection further down the line. I prefer something that is small and light weight. I use my Solo as a desk top vape as well as a portable.

I enjoy using the glass gong as well as the wooden stems with the Ascent. I have not been using the stock stems here lately. I may play around with them one day and see if I can match a pair that I have that will give me a tighter draw. Someone mentioned matching the sets of glass stems to see which pair work best together. That was a very good tip. Where else are you going to see such useful info.

I think it's important to have fun and enjoy life.

So here's to good times!

 

[Krizzle]

Thanks for the info @nigel @CarolKing I have found your posts in this and other threads very helpful. I was leaning more to buying direct from DV as the water tool and RYOT smell proof bag are free! Awesome, I would get it for about the same price as buying from Vapefiend. He has the latest models in I think as he has been waiting for stock for a few weeks. But he doesn't have a bag for it and odor control is an issue for my current situation. The only thing that put me off buying from DV direct was the warranty business and the expected costs/turnaround times....but I think it would be about the same for sending it back to vapefiend. Can any UK owners who have sent there's back tell me how much it cost please? Also did how much customs Tax and was the package discreet? Thanks again.

 

[Quetzalcoatl]

I've read a large amount of the forums pages on here but for the most part it seems as though its mostly the problems that everyone has with the device.

One of the things you have to keep in mind when reading through this site is that people are more likely to leave negative posts/feedback than positive. If someone's happy with it they probably won't bother signing up for a random forum and going to the thread to post about how great it is. If they have an issue with it, and this is one of the top results for it, they're more likely to post about it. It's also kind of cathartic when your $200+ electronics aren't working and you just want to blow off some steam.

The whole thread is worth a read, you'll find all the answers and lots of ideas throughout. This applies to pretty much every thread on the site, but some are huge (the Solo thread broke 1k pages) so I can see why you're asking questions as you work through. The temp stuff is going to be preference, some people like sipping barely-visible vapor and others like going to max and taking huge hits.

 

[Glass004]

OK!!! I got it started, only by pushing the decrease button and on off button and holding. The menu button is very hard to activate.

The Plan: Going to nurse it along until I get my backup Ascent Friday. I'll call Davenci to arrange an exchange. Gosh...that vapor tastes so good.

 

[bassman]

I am still waiting for my ascent to use up its power. The on /off button is non responsive Maybe when it loses power it will reset.
The display is stuck on the cycle programming and values do not change.
The menu button seems to have shifted and I have to push the lower edge to activate. Using menu/up and menu/down gives no response.
From the beginning I thought my on/off button did not function easily. The menu button shifting down in its position is enough for me to send this brand new unit back even if it starts to work again .
I hate the taste of burned herb!!!!
I appreciate all the tips. It really improves my learning curve.
I also like talking to fellow heads. Later folks

Your menu button is stuck on. I had the same thing happen. It is probably pushed in at the bottom. Try to straighten it out. I used a pin.

 

[Glass004]

The menu button does not seem stuck. It takes focused pressure to activate. It is not functioning properly.
The power button does not respond on its own. Pressing the power and decrease button for 5+ seconds together and then release turns the unit off then it turns on. The Ascent folks do not know this trick. I was dancing a happy dance when it cut on.
After a week my model number is worn off . Lol. Heavy use.
It us nice to have the folks on this forum that care. For some of us it is so much more than a buzz (although that is great). Combustion gives me CHS and vaporization provides me analgesia.
Thanks to you all !

 

[Tony Hemp]

So, it's been a while since I've been on here. Many events have taken place since my last post. I had a 2AA1 carbon fiber model. That was my replacement for the stealth model, of which the heater stopped working. I didn't like the way my carbon fiber hit at first. It didn't seem to put out clouds like the stealth, but everything worked flawlessly. I changed out the screen to the one that was on the stealth and it was the fix. Never used a glass flower again. I brought it to work with me, and I put it in my gfs purse (we work together). While we were working someone took the ascent out of her purse. It was a devastating blow because that was my primary portable.

We couldn't stand the thought of just using the davinci, so Saturday we ordered another carbon model. One good thing was that it's now offered in a bundle with a GonG attachment and a ryot case for the original ascent price. Guess there was a little light in the situation. Well it's now Thursday night and still the order hasn't been fulfilled. They emailed Monday to confirm billing information,but even that was 3 days ago.

I always raves about davinci's customer service, but they've dropped the ball majorly. Two of my friends ordered ascents within 30 mins of each other on a Wednesday and paid $40 to have it overnighted so they could have it for 420 and both orders didn't even ship until the Monday after. Then davinci put up a fight about refunding the $40 "overnight fee". Well, one friend got it 3 days before the other, and the one who got it later has already broken in less than a week. He got the croc skin model, and within a week and a half, it will not turn on unless it plugged in. That's 3 bad experiences within 3 weeks time with davinci smh.

I know this is a long rant, but since my first ascent that I bought in February, they've sold around 4,000 units. Still they have these major problems, and it's very disappointing. I'm almost inclined to cancel the order and get an indica vaporizer. Any thoughts?

 

[Glass004]

So, it's been a while since I've been on here. Many events have taken place since my last post. I had a 2AA1 carbon fiber model. That was my replacement for the stealth model, of which the heater stopped working. I didn't like the way my carbon fiber hit at first. It didn't seem to put out clouds like the stealth, but everything worked flawlessly. I changed out the screen to the one that was on the stealth and it was the fix. Never used a glass flower again. I brought it to work with me, and I put it in my gfs purse (we work together). While we were working someone took the ascent out of her purse. It was a devastating blow because that was my primary portable.

We couldn't stand the thought of just using the davinci, so Saturday we ordered another carbon model. One good thing was that it's now offered in a bundle with a GonG attachment and a ryot case for the original ascent price. Guess there was a little light in the situation. Well it's now Thursday night and still the order hasn't been fulfilled. They emailed Monday to confirm billing information,but even that was 3 days ago.

I always raves about davinci's customer service, but they've dropped the ball majorly. Two of my friends ordered ascents within 30 mins of each other on a Wednesday and paid $40 to have it overnighted so they could have it for 420 and both orders didn't even ship until the Monday after. Then davinci put up a fight about refunding the $40 "overnight fee". Well, one friend got it 3 days before the other, and the one who got it later has already broken in less than a week. He got the croc skin model, and within a week and a half, it will not turn on unless it plugged in. That's 3 bad experiences within 3 weeks time with davinci smh.

I know this is a long rant, but since my first ascent that I bought in February, they've sold around 4,000 units. Still they have these major problems, and it's very disappointing. I'm almost inclined to cancel the order and get an indica vaporizer. Any thoughts?

I like the product, but have only the iolite and a wooden box vaporizer to compare to. If I knew of a better product, I would buy it.
I look at the $250 I spent for the Ascent as a lease. For the next two years they will provide a working vaporizer. If one unit breaks, they will give me another. That is the way the Iolite worked for me, I sent back two of those, and had purchased two so I had a spare. I purchased a spare Ascent.
Vaporizers were cool four years ago and they are cooler and better now. They will continue to improve, but being in the infancy of their design and use there have been and will be growing pains.
Vaporization aint cheap. The positive effect on my health is priceless. When Ascent could not provide a solution over the phone, the first thing I did was not complain, but order another spare.
I too would be pissed with basic customer service problems involving shipping. I wonder if it was a FedEx/UPS thing or a problem in the Davinci shipping department. I don't know so no comment. Keep in mind, in spite of the crappy shipping, the service of easy product exchange for two years is the most important customer service issue.

 

[OF]

I like the product, but have only the iolite and a wooden box vaporizer to compare to.

The positive effect on my health is priceless. When Ascent could not provide a solution over the phone, the first thing I did was not complain, but order another spare.

Excellent post, point and attitude! Health is the goal. The prime one for many, and should (and some might say 'eventually will') be for all. This, like other vapes, is a tool. What it does for you, now much you can count on it to do that, is 'where it's at'. "Big clouds" not withstanding.

I think a serious owner needs a solid back up vape (same as any mission critical piece of gear). You need an alternative to blazing should your 'main vape' hit a rock.

The suggestion I do have is rather than buy a second identical unit, consider a similar (but equally good, whatever that is....) one. For instance a Solo or other with a solid following? Who knows, you might end up liking that one better, moving the beloved Ascent to backup status?

Best wishes.

OF

 

[Nesta]

One of the things you have to keep in mind when reading through this site is that people are more likely to leave negative posts/feedback than positive. If someone's happy with it they probably won't bother signing up for a random forum and going to the thread to post about how great it is. If they have an issue with it, and this is one of the top results for it, they're more likely to post about it.

Just to weigh in on an Ascent that's working well: I bought a 1AA1 Stealth in October. I use it irregularly but so far, so good. I even dropped it six feet onto concrete (accidentally) & aside from a small dent it keeps on chugging. The glass stems even survived the fall.

I wanted to get some culture last night so I went to see Madame Butterfly at the Metropolitan Opera. I used the Ascent, outside on the plaza, during the intermission before the last act. I had 6 glass flowers in there & set the temperature to ~ 177C - didn't want too much visible vapor, there were quite a few people around. Man did I get blasted. Had a bit of a hard time keeping myself together amongst the NYC elite, but really enjoyed the show. And, magically, the 3rd act was far superior to the first two!

 

[gangababa]

Now I know why the Ascent was so attractive and familiar.

 

[Tony Hemp]

So to my surprise my ascent came in today. Still hasn't been updated on the website but that's ok. Charging now, then doing my dry runs. Looks great, first thing I noticed though, is my first carbon fiber unit had a much stiffer hinge and it clicked when it went to each position. This one is kind of easy to open and close with no clicks. Can't say that's a good thing for the future, but we'll see. I completely agree with @Glass004 it's very much like a 2 year lease. I'm about to sell my regular davinci and put that towards an indica vaporizer more than likely. Just need to do it haha

 

[MrNaturalAZ]

The suggestion I do have is rather than buy a second identical unit, consider a similar (but equally good, whatever that is....) one. For instance a Solo or other with a solid following?

Excellent advice! I have a Dragon Lite (cheap MFLB knock-off - a genuine MFLB would be even better ) as my backup - it's pretty much foolproof and almost indestructible as long as you don't rip the screen - no fancy electronics to go wrong, as long as you've got a charged battery you're all set.

And while it's in poor taste to admit it around here, I'll bet most of us have at least one pipe and/or some papers lying around somewhere in case of a real emergency.

 

[ipax]

Hey guys I'm new to the forums and I am waiting on an ascent from MD. What advise do you have to get the best performance out of the device? I had a knock off Pax a while ago and really liked it. I jumped on the ascent when I saw that it was almost 90$ off. I'm also coming off of a long T break. I would like to be as stealthy as possible with the device. Has anyone tried Ed's TnT stems? I love the look of the black stem on a stealth ascent. Thanks for all the help in advance. I'm pretty new to the whole vaporizing scene.

where was it $90 off? I'd totally pick one off for that

 

[Glass004]

So to my surprise my ascent came in today. Still hasn't been updated on the website but that's ok. Charging now, then doing my dry runs. Looks great, first thing I noticed though, is my first carbon fiber unit had a much stiffer hinge and it clicked when it went to each position. This one is kind of easy to open and close with no clicks. Can't say that's a good thing for the future, but we'll see. I completely agree with @Glass004 it's very much like a 2 year lease. I'm about to sell my regular davinci and put that towards an indica vaporizer more than likely. Just need to do it haha

I got my new Ascent today as well. I called GotVape and they are arranging a replacement for my unit with the broken power button. I got the croc leather this time instead of the carbon fiber. I like the carbon fiber better.
I use the jars for two purposes. I load up "bowls to go" for easy loading and cleaning on the go. I also like to pack loose hits and use an upright empty glass jar to compact and minimize particle contamination.
I would like to caution everyone about the front consule buttons. On my busted model I removed the top silicon seal and inspected and tried to jump the button. It is a tiny fragile looking thing. I believe the same type of buttons are on the front and vulnerable to being knocked by items/keys in your pocket. This is not a pocket phone but a delicate finely tuned tool. I would treat the Ascent like a pair of glasses, always in a case when not attached to your face.
Did I mention that after vaporizing for 2 years, my dental hygienist accused me of going to see another hygienist. She had never seen my teeth combustion free. Don't ya know I am lookin forward to my next visit with her.

@MrNaturalAZ , You are damn right.....but that bowl tastes worse every time I go back to it. Kinda like cigarettes. You imagine they are gonna taste like the best one you ever had, NOT.
I also tried to set up some primitive vaporizing using a heat source and straw with some success (light bulb).
Please stop exposing my faults.

 

[KeroZen]

So you removed the top seal and was able to put it back in place safely? It didn't develop any play? Could you check battery type brand and capacity for us, as well as confirm they have a JXT plug?

 

[Glass004]

So you removed the top seal and was able to put it back in place safely? It didn't develop any play? Could you check battery type brand and capacity for us, as well as confirm they have a JXT plug?

I got the top seal out, no problem. It is very tightly packed inside. Battery features are not apparent I did not explore into the innards. The button and its two connected wires are exposed. The button is fitted into the seal and the seal reset in body. Not really difficult. No plugs observed via top seal removal. My tubes retained a solid seal.
The battery power is provided by two 2200 mamp units together for 4400 mamps from Wiki.

 

[bambithedeer]

@ipax it was on mass drop last week!