Ascent Vaporizer by DaVinci

[Bezerkben]

Not sure about this product

Can't seem to get ripped off it, unlike my da buddha

The unit is also unstable as it does not heat itself sometimes.
I have to turn it off and on to resolve (minor annoyance)

Just not sure about it, as when I turn the heat up to high 300s and 400s it doesn't taste great but I get vapor

What's the sweet spot for these or is every unit different?

can you be a little more specific? are you using glass flowers? tightly packing your material in the bowl?

in my trials i have found the sweet spot for my sessions at least.
i grind my material fairly small then tightly pack the bowl. probably close to .3. i don't use the oil can or glass flowers. i start at 365f for about 5 min depending on the bud(absolutely amazing flavour) then move up to 385f(less flavor) for 5-10 min then 400f 5-10 and last temp is at 420f for 5-10min.
i have found that if i sesh 5 min at every temp the abv comes out medium brown. perfect for my uses.

i hope this helped.. let me know how you guys sesh or have any tips.

 

[OF]

You know, I've been thinking of this 'I've got X defective Ascents in a row' next to the 'I've had Y with no problems'. posts. In a random population of units and owners this is statistically impossible. I'm not accusing anyone of anything, and I'm sure not sucking around for a lot of 'I'm telling the truth about what I saw' posts. I'm just saying there has to be at least one other significant factor here.

Something is not random, statistically this is not possible, we can have zero confidence in the data. Zero. At least from a scientific standpoint. The QA (Quality Assurance, as opposed to QC) guys know what I'm talking about I'm sure. If the majority of your products have no issues and the few issues you do have are confined to a small number of customers with multiple failures "something else is up". Again, a general comment, not specific to anyone here.

Statistical Quality Control is all about statistics. And these don't add up.

So, still thinking out loud, what can be going on? I'm wondering if it might have to do with battery usage? Specifically over discharge. No, I don't want angry, defensive, 'I never did that and.....' posts, I'm just asking what happens to the unit? I never tried it on Nigel's loaner, but I wonder how it handles 'lock out'.

Here's the thinking. We have two cells in series like the Solo and VB. And Persei and TV stuff in HV modes. The unit can only sense the total voltage. It can only assume the two cells are equal in charge, and act on the total. Against this is, most likely, a protection PCB that will save the individual cells from instant death by discharge below about 2.5 Volts (easily possible if the other one is pulling stong still). How such things recover is not always seamless. Often there's no way to ensure the cells will ever again be balanced. The weak one gets weaker all the time while the stronger one goes along just fine? With TV and Persei this is not an issue since we can remove the cells and treat them as individuals with every charging. Not so in the pack.

When I rebuilt my Solo battery, one cell of the two was just fine, the other had about 1/3 the capacity of it's stronger brother. I wonder if this is a factor here????

Again, please, this is not an accusation of anyone or any report here. Just an 'off the cuff' thought or two and some conjecture.

Anyone out there in DV land have a thought here? I can't get past the idea that failures have to be fairly uncommon (or DV would be broke long ago replacing every unit over and over). Why do they seem concentrated????

It's Sunday, a good day for such thoughts I think. Thanks for listening.

OF

 

[Glass004]

You know, I've been thinking of this 'I've got X defective Ascents in a row' next to the 'I've had Y with no problems'. posts. In a random population of units and owners this is statistically impossible. I'm not accusing anyone of anything, and I'm sure not sucking around for a lot of 'I'm telling the truth about what I saw' posts. I'm just saying there has to be at least one other significant factor here.

Something is not random, statistically this is not possible, we can have zero confidence in the data. Zero. At least from a scientific standpoint. The QA (Quality Assurance, as opposed to QC) guys know what I'm talking about I'm sure. If the majority of your products have no issues and the few issues you do have are confined to a small number of customers with multiple failures "something else is up". Again, a general comment, not specific to anyone here.

Statistical Quality Control is all about statistics. And these don't add up.

So, still thinking out loud, what can be going on? I'm wondering if it might have to do with battery usage? Specifically over discharge. No, I don't want angry, defensive, 'I never did that and.....' posts, I'm just asking what happens to the unit? I never tried it on Nigel's loaner, but I wonder how it handles 'lock out'.

Here's the thinking. We have two cells in series like the Solo and VB. And Persei and TV stuff in HV modes. The unit can only sense the total voltage. It can only assume the two cells are equal in charge, and act on the total. Against this is, most likely, a protection PCB that will save the individual cells from instant death by discharge below about 2.5 Volts (easily possible if the other one is pulling stong still). How such things recover is not always seamless. Often there's no way to ensure the cells will ever again be balanced. The weak one gets weaker all the time while the stronger one goes along just fine? With TV and Persei this is not an issue since we can remove the cells and treat them as individuals with every charging. Not so in the pack.

When I rebuilt my Solo battery, one cell of the two was just fine, the other had about 1/3 the capacity of it's stronger brother. I wonder if this is a factor here????

Again, please, this is not an accusation of anyone or any report here. Just an 'off the cuff' thought or two and some conjecture.

Anyone out there in DV land have a thought here? I can't get past the idea that failures have to be fairly uncommon (or DV would be broke long ago replacing every unit over and over). Why do they seem concentrated????

It's Sunday, a good day for such thoughts I think. Thanks for listening.

OF

If you don't have all the data, your analysis is meaningless, statistically speaking. And you give no accounting of all the bias, in that failures are more frequently heard from than successes in a forum. And if you have reason to doubt the validity of the multi failure reports of individuals, present evidence please as your statements tend to cast doubt on those people.
I think that they can build the ascents so cheaply that they can easily absorb the cost of replacing them. They really were not to concerned with getting back the broken Ascent from me.
There are two recent posts of failures out of the box, mine being one of them. I don't think that you can pin those failures on the consumer or the rough shipping.
IMO Until you can show evidence otherwise, the blame for failures and lack of reliability is in the build of the product and its engineering, and wrong should not be implied on the consumer.
Two out of three of my failures were related to button malfunction associated with high heat, one during the break burn recommended by DaVinci, and another while unit was running in my pocket. The third model crashed because of a failure of the power plug receptacle.
I wonder about your objectivity as before.

 

[OF]

I wonder about your objectivity as before.

I was trying to keep personalities out of this......

In case you don't know, I don't have a dog in this fight. I don't own an Ascent (just tested Nigel's for a while) and despite recurring claims have no financial interest in this or any other vape.

Can you say the same?

OF

 

[Krizzle]

Ok seeing a lot of negativity in this thread. Thought I would throw some positives in from myself (if anyone cares). Had my Stealth ascent for over a month now, wanted to play with it at least this long before commenting here again as I was very apprehensive about purchasing the ascent even though I've wanted it from day 1. So far I love this device used if nearly every day since. Got to admit it blows the pinnacle pro out of the water. I had to use the pinnacle dry a few times recently and it sucks! Taste and heat are total garbage. I am thinking of selling my pinnacle and just keep my solo as back up. The ascent really is a awesome little unit and I can go up to around 205-215C working up from 190. Tastes amazing. Unit does need a full packed bowl I don't tamp down just pack down with organic cotton on top. My only real gripes about this unit is the glass screen. The 2 outermost holes are too small they clog with oil every time(even using cotton this happens, any tips?) So I think an Eds stem is next for me or is anyone out there making custom glass stems with bigger holes or even just one big hole? (PlanetVape?) I love the flavour of the glass but I have also managed to put hairline cracks in both sets of my glass stems(unclogging the oil with included pick caused this I believe)! Grrrr, other than this I love my ascent so far! Keep you guys posted. I haven't tried the flowers yet only because I think they will hinder the loading and unloading too much but I will some point. Currently on hols with the Ascent at the Port!

 

[Glass004]

I was trying to keep personalities out of this......

In case you don't know, I don't have a dog in this fight. I don't own an Ascent (just tested Nigel's for a while) and despite recurring claims have no financial interest in this or any other vape.

Can you say the same?

OF

Seems like instigation to me. You acknowledge negative responses are possible to your post. And yet you go a ahead and stir up the crap,it smells. Then you turn and blame the stink on the one you offend. I have you tagged.

 

[pakalolo]

Seems like instigation to me. You acknowledge negative responses are possible to your post. And yet you go a ahead and stir up the crap,it smells. Then you turn and blame the stink on the one you offend. I have you tagged.

This post is inappropriate and violates the spirit of our "Be nice" rule. Please do not comment on another member's posting style or character. If someone is breaking the rules, report it and do not respond. If you feel a response is necessary, please confine it to a PM.

If you find yourself commenting about someone's style or character, stop immediately and do not post! You are risking a warning point. I am not giving you one this time, but further posts along this line will not be forgiven.

 

[Amoreena]

... My only real gripes about this unit is the glass screen. The 2 outermost holes are too small they clog with oil every time(even using cotton this happens, any tips?) So I think an Eds stem is next for me or is anyone out there making custom glass stems with bigger holes ...

Uptake holes in the internal tubes were too small for me to comfortably inhale through when vaporizing herb. My husband got a 3/32" bit (made to drill glass) for his Dremel tool and enlarged one or two holes in each. That helped a lot with air flow. Maybe it would help you avoid oil clogs, too, if you have a steady hand for drilling. The glass does chip easily when using the metal pick from DaVinci. I'm breaking up buds by hand to avoid making it fine enough to be sucked in but using a lot of product to fill the darned bowl. Good luck!

 

[OF]

I love the flavour of the glass but I have also managed to put hairline cracks in both sets of my glass stems(unclogging the oil with included pick caused this I believe)! Grrrr, other than this I love my ascent so far!

I haven't tried the flowers yet only because I think they will hinder the loading and unloading too much but I will some point.

First off, glad you're enjoying your Ascent (that was, after all, why you bought it?), I'm confident you've plenty of company there. I liked Nigel's when I had it for sure. But for whatever reason(s) I bought another Solo rather than an Ascent of my own. Part of that is I wouldn't be carrying it in my pocket for public use as a rule.

The glass cracks are a big deal as you probably know. They are almost guaranteed to spread, and fairly quickly, with the heating/cooling cycles. My advice would be to watch them like the proverbial hawk and order a replacement at the first sign of either degrading?

I agree, a metal tool in those tiny holes is going to eventually cause problems. I recommend caution and wood toothpicks. The problem is again in the nature of glass. Levering on the tool even slightly forces the glass (actually a very thick fluid....) to distort locally (where the contact is) which can concentrate that tiny force (amplified by a very large lever constant since the hole is small and the lever much longer relatively) at a single point in the glass. Glass it tough stuff, but push hard enough and it can separate at the atomic level (crack) and once done it doesn't have the necessary energy at that point to repair the bonds (it needs to melt). The crack will 'run' eventually.

As to the flowers being hard to deal with, true enough I think. You get to decide if the hassle is offset by advantages. I'd dump the load while hot into a small tin (from mints), and poke the mass apart. I'd use a toothpick (again) to help get it out if needed (including a gentle ream on the holes as needed) before setting the unit down (and letting the flowers cool a bit) while I opened up the ground herb container. Being thin, the flower cool quickly (one of the things, rapid heat transfer, we were looking for). I'd drop a couple in the bottom on their sides followed by a pinch (either literal or poured on from a vial), a few more flowers and a final pinch. Overfilling with herb and wiping the excess off makes this part easy. Finally two more 'thumbtack style' on top before closing. These last two help keep those very little holes clear as well.

IMO it didn't add that much time/effort to the loading (which I tend to be a little fiddly with anyway) and it definitely paid off in vaping. Even if you aren't trying to generate a personal cloud bank, it makes casual sipping (my favorite) trouble free. And enjoyment is the goal?

Thanks for the positive and informative post. Best wishes with your new found best friend.

Cheers,

OF

 

[RD]

I liked Nigel's when I had it for sure. But for whatever reason(s) I bought another Solo rather than an Ascent of my own. OF

OF As you read, I've just had my 3rd failure of an Ascent. One DOA and two with no heating (Wire problem?) after aprox 60 uses each. An RMA has been requested. Thankfully, I have a Solo for a back up that has not failed me in the 6 months I have had it. Also use my modified Q at home most of the time.

I would love to hear your comparison of the Ascent vs. Solo. I like the Ascent, but I love the Solo. This is the wrong place for me to rave about the Solo so I won't. As for the Ascent, it seems to be more of a hassle to fill, use, empty and clean and is less versatile. I did find an old cell phone case that it fit perfectly in and is VERY stealthy. Not a requirement I need very often. I think the Ascent releases more smell during heat up.
For me, I seem to enjoy convection vapes more than conduction vapes.
Just hoping my replacement Ascent is Carbon Fiber as requested and more importantly, I hope it works for the full two yr warranty. Once it fails after that, I'll replace with something else. Maybe another Solo.
We all need to get stoned and lighten up a bit.

 

[pakalolo]

...get stoned and lighten up...

That's heavy, man.

(I love English!)

 

[OF]

I would love to hear your comparison of the Ascent vs. Solo. I like the Ascent, but I love the Solo.

For me, I seem to enjoy convection vapes more than conduction vapes.

We all need to get stoned and lighten up a bit.

I'm not sure how my personal opinion should effect you, but since you asked I too think Ascent is an excellent vape in some areas. Handled carefully, it can truly deliver the goods. And it is a much better unit to put in your pocket and hit the great outdoors I think. And it's less obvious in 'semi public' settings. That is there's a chance it'll be taken for an e-cig. Even with Ed's excellent wood stems, dropping a Solo is a heart stopper.

I agree, too, that smells seem to 'leak' out more with Ascent, and it's much easier to get the stems squeaky clean that Ascent.

Since I don't depend on many of the features it excels in, I opted for another Solo rather than an Ascent. In any event, as your experience points out, a guy needs a solid backup so life doesn't stop when some vape decides to have an off day.

I too like convection over conduction even though it costs more heat (kills the battery faster)......until I pick up the MFLB. FWIW, I consider Solo to be 'mostly conduction' anyway. Heat for the most part enters the system through the cup and stem walls, convection spreads it through the load or so thermocouple testing seems to show. Again, I think this too is a personal call?

I'm not so sure about the getting stoned part, some of us are MMJ users and often avoid that aspect, but taking this good stuff a bit lighter is good advice indeed.

Thanks.

OF

 

[RD]

I'm not sure how my personal opinion should effect you, but since you asked I too think Ascent is an excellent vape in some areas. Handled carefully, it can truly deliver the goods. And it is a much better unit to put in your pocket and hit the great outdoors I think. And it's less obvious in 'semi public' settings. That is there's a chance it'll be taken for an e-cig. Even with Ed's excellent wood stems, dropping a Solo is a heart stopper.

I agree, too, that smells seem to 'leak' out more with Ascent, and it's much easier to get the stems squeaky clean that Ascent.

Since I don't depend on many of the features it excels in, I opted for another Solo rather than an Ascent. In any event, as your experience points out, a guy needs a solid backup so life doesn't stop when some vape decides to have an off day.

I too like convection over conduction even though it costs more heat (kills the battery faster)......until I pick up the MFLB. FWIW, I consider Solo to be 'mostly conduction' anyway. Heat for the most part enters the system through the cup and stem walls, convection spreads it through the load or so thermocouple testing seems to show. Again, I think this too is a personal call?

I'm not so sure about the getting stoned part, some of us are MMJ users and often avoid that aspect, but taking this good stuff a bit lighter is good advice indeed.

Thanks.

OF

Aloha OF Mahalo for the great response. Your opinion won't effect me, but others who are on the fence may benefit from our experience.
I carry my Solo in a zippered bottle coolie. Looks like a straw sticking out when in use.
Ya old school term, sorry. I understand MMJ uses.

Thought I should add how I use the Ascent;
Fill chamber to the top with loose, freshly grd herb,
Compress once with MODIFIED jar (I drilled 2 holes in the bottom of several jars w/ Dremel)
Enjoy at 385*F via 4" silicon snorkel attached to the tip of the stem. IMO Lose of pure glass is worth good seal and no glass breakage.
As soon as the load is done. While still "extremely hot" I open it up and dump the jar in an ash tray. "Do Not Touch" and then just shake out the very solid puck. Blow through the bottom if needed. Other nice benefit is no residue left in the bowl. Super clean every time. If dumped when hot.
Once cooled down this task can become frustrating. (Carry an oil cap & use tool in emergency.)
Glass, I just soak in 91% iso and install spare.
Always use inner stem with biggest holes for better draw.
Mahalo

 

[Vapx_Brazil]

Hey guys just got one Ascent Carbon Fiber here in Brazil... this product is AWESOME.

 

[CarolKing]

Welcome Vapex, You will find there are a lot of helpful folks here on FC.
The Ascent is a great little tool that can help you in your quest to be combustion free. I've had mine since last October and it's been working like a charm. It's scary when you see some of the posts. People post more if they are unhappy than if they are happy, so the results could seem worse than it is.

The Acsent gives the herb a nice vapor flavor. It's pretty wonderful to be able to get a precise temp.

I use mine about 4 times a week so it's not my daily driver. It has a special place in my vaporizer lineup. I use more than one vaporizer, it's good to have at least a backup.

These portable vapes are getting better and better,

Have fun getting aquainted with your new toy.

 

[Vapx_Brazil]

Welcome Vapex, You will find there are a lot of helpful folks here on FC.
The Ascent is a great little tool that can help you in your quest to be combustion free. I've had mine since last October and it's been working like a charm. It's scary when you see some of the posts. People post more if they are unhappy than if they are happy, so the results could seem worse than it is.

I use mine about 4 times a week so it's not my daily driver. It has a special place in my vaporizer lineup. I use more than one vaporizer, it's good to have at least a backup.

Have fun getting aquatinted with your new toy.

Hey friend thanks for the welcome msg

i hope my ascent dont give any problems

Thanks again =D

 

[smokie]

I just want to say that I'm waiting on I think number 4. One of them worked quite well and was happy. I don't understand why the quality differs so much from unit to unit. When they work they are quite good but I'm done with them now. Have spent as much on shipping and customs charges as the unit and it feels like it's spent as much time in post as in my possession.

Just to add that I have never had a problem with davinci's customer service or getting a unit replaced,it's just the amount of units and cost involved.

 

[gangababa]

Another multiple night stay away where my wife was at a business conference.
Overlooking the pool with Washington State beyond the waters. Too bad the legal store has not yet opened across the bridge.

 

[OF]

Too bad the legal store has not yet opened across the bridge.

Bummer. Check the trunk of your rental car. Sometimes they store a handy tool with the jack and spare tire, you can use it to open up the tardy dispensary early. I suggest a back door and stealth?

I remember many years ago doing some casual drinking with a guy who was in the same training class as I was (St. Louis). We 'crossed over' a few state lines and some rules changed. One bar was dead, I slammed my drink down and said 'let's go try another place'. He slid his fresh drink back across the bar and asked the barmaid, 'put this in a go cup, will ya honey?'. She put it in a Styrofoam cup which he took with him to the car. I was floored. He said 'it's pretty common in some areas' and took me to another bar with a drive up window! Hopefully, some day soon, this will happen in the Dispensary world. Before ATMs banks lived on drive up teller business, seems a natural to me.......

OF

 

[gangababa]

...with a drive up window! Hopefully, some day soon, this will happen in the Dispensary world. Before ATMs banks lived on drive up teller business, seems a natural to me.......

Dispensery drive up window in Olympia (from Arizer thread by @CarolKing)

 

[Hrel]

Guys, I can't make a main post apparently. But the Ascent is on sale on Massdrop right now, $180 if we get enough people. Time is running out!!!

https://www.massdrop.com/buy/ascent-vaporizer

 

[Poopman525]

Hey, I was just wondering. Does anyone have an ascent where the clamp on the side doesn't quite close all the way. It will close if I push it, then it slightly opens back up. I don't know if it's affecting anything, but it is rather annoying. Anyone's Ascent do this?

 

[rudimental]

Hi,

I've tried to clean my Ascent vaporizer the glass path, I can't seem to get the gunk at the sides of the glass path eventho I soaked it with isopropyl alcohol and used the pipe brush to get to it, but because the pipe brush is straight, I can't seem to get the sides of the gunk. Some of the gunk still remains at the sides of the glass path. Can someone guide me on ways to remove it please. TQ

 

[Delta3DStudios]

Hi,

I've tried to clean my Ascent vaporizer the glass path, I can't seem to get the gunk at the sides of the glass path eventho I soaked it with isopropyl alcohol and used the pipe brush to get to it, but because the pipe brush is straight, I can't seem to get the sides of the gunk. Some of the gunk still remains at the sides of the glass path. Can someone guide me on ways to remove it please. TQ

I've heard you can use a magic eraser to clean those walls - do a search on this thread, you should find a few references to them throughout.

Haven't tried it myself, but that's one of the only things I've heard to get that oven spotless

 

[Amoreena]

... I can't seem to get the gunk at the sides of the glass path eventho I soaked it with isopropyl alcohol and used the pipe brush ...

Immediately after a 20-30 minute alcohol soak, I hold the inner glass tube under a faucet with hot water turned up high. I angle it so water goes straight in the tube. The water's force gets into those sides and cleans them. Hope that helps.