Ascent Vaporizer by DaVinci

[CarolKing]

I guess my main blockage towards the glass flowers is the fact that I enjoy simply blowing the puck out into the trash can while hot, or onto the ground when outdoors. I really don't like touching the ABV. I am excited to see how they affect vapor production after reading SO MUCH about them.

CURRENT ODYSSEY: So I just realized how I haven't touched the glass oil jars in weeks, and one of them is still preloaded with a dual layering of hash and wax. It was waiting on me and then I landed upon the 'sandwich method' of packing without the jar and I never got around to giving the jars another go as intended by DaVinci.

I had problems initially with the jar lid popping off and lack of vapor I thought. So I decided "why not experiment again". I popped the jar in, which still had the lid sealed on, and put it around 410F.

The results this time were fantastic! Big clouds of pure taste until the end, ending on 430F. The heat never caused the lid to pop off either, which surprised me considering how full the jar was. It was a cleaner taste than the 'sandwich method' somehow.

I believe now that many of the jar lids are probably imperfect, and that the user might have to experiment to find their good lid if there is one in their set. I noticed one of my lids doesn't fit in as well and will pop itself off in the travel pouch. This little lid worked wonders, I just won't mix them up. I believe now that the Ascent CAN have success with concentrates in the oil jar, depending on the lid choosing by the user. That was delicious.

Welcome, I think you are the only one so far that's had any luck with the oil jar. You'll have to tell us what your secret touch is? I've been using the regular oven making a sandwich out of herb and wax. The herb absorbs the wax with no mess. Also the cotton method too. Folks were having troubles with the wax and oil making a big mess inside the unit. It would get hot and bubble over or spill.

This vape has good flavor and also is a very beautiful piece of equipment. It doesn't look like something you would vaporize with if the glass stem isn't showing.

 

[hologramsam]

Glad to hear someone got good results using oil/wax in the glass jars, maybe there is hope for vaping pure concentrates. Over cleaning might stretch the seals too much, resulting in air leaks. Not saying cleaning will cause this but I could see over time this could happen. That being said I clean my unit about every 2 or 3 weeks when using it 3 or more times per week.

Thanks guys, I am digging the advice so far. The super tasty oil jar session earlier did stain the ceramic walls pretty good, and the jar was a bit tricky to get out. That's the main turnoff I think with this jar method- the mess. You would have to clean it constantly if you used it this way often.

When I first got my Ascent I tried vaping concentrates using the oil jars several times, with varying success. Then I gave up on that idea. Now I'm tempted to reopen that realm. What if I used the jar with some cotton on top instead of the jar lid? To prevent....'the stickiness'....from oozing out.

@CarolKing : filled bottom third of jar with bubble hash, second third with wax. Stuck on and sealed silicon lid as tight as possible. Looked like a brown and tan sand layering. Put in oven and set to 410-415. Used the Gong as mouthpiece. Could taste both concentrates throughout the session, with more wax taste in the beginning and more bubble hash towards the end.

Now can I ask you for more details regarding the wax sandwich, like are you using ground herb or sticking the wax between two big chunks of solid herb bud? I have been doing the sandwich with ground herb on top of and underneath the middle concentrate layer. Thinking of tinkering around with the 'two chunks' idea or just a barely opened nug with shatter slipped inside.

 

[CarolKing]

I use herb then wax in the middle. Ive been using 4 or 5 of the glass flowers. If I have extra space I use cotton on top. I've also wrapped wax inside of cotton. I like the herb wax sandwich better. More flavorful IMO.

When using the wax I use the higher temps. I work my way from 375 to about 415 degrees depending the harshness of the flavor. If it's too harsh I adjust the temp lower.

 

[CheeseHead]

Now that i've been using my Ascent next to my Solo for the past few days with the same strain i've noticed the following (opinion):

• Solo tastes better IMO, still can't put my finger on it exactly. I think there is a slight rubber / silicone taste from the Ascent, which i cannot taste via the Solo with the same bud. This might fade with time, but it was the same with the one I got replaced, and this one has had at least 3 full charges of use (more than the Solo), so would have expected it to be gone by now.

• Ascent's hits are noticeably weaker (using the same amount of herb in the oven) - I don't have any glass flowers to try yet, have been pressing the load down with the oil jar, and leaving it in there with no lid on to act as the glass flowers would (i like the added draw resistance it gives) , but the hits are nowhere near as strong as the ones you get from the Solo at same (indicated) temps - I have some glass flowers on route from eBay, so when these arrive my opinion here might change, however i think i actually like the draw resistance (and resulting clouds) you get from the Solo

.

• Even when the Pinnacle water tool is used with both vapes, I still get bigger clouds / stronger high / better taste from the Solo. I imagine this would change / or at least even out if I were to fill the bowl on the Ascent completely, but really, who can afford to do that? It holds upwards of 1g of ground bud. I'm vaping to try and conserve herb (among other reasons), so this isn't really an option for me.

• Even although the Ascent is the much more portable of these 2 devices, the fact that it leaks vapor, and really starts to smell of vape / weed and a slight smell of heated / burning rubber or silicone when heating up discourages me from wanting to take it with me while on the go.

Edit: Has anyone also got both and could compare the flavour? Does your ascent have this taste? Does it take a while longer than usual burn in time to fade away?

 

[nigel]

Hey! Been kinda MIA due to summer travel. I do catch up on all of the posts in batches, even if too late to leave a stale comment. I see @OF @CarolKing @KeroZen @Ratchett and everyone else is holding down the fort.

Congrats on the avatar @OF. Only took you how long?

I use the pinnacle WT on mine and really like it despite small H20 volume. At first I put mouth to it like bong, but that was tad awkward. Then I tried more like sipping from a glass. Diameter is small enough to seal against upper lip. You get a better angle that way. Much easier.

The number of glass flowers I use is: "as many as it takes." I will use some in/below product, than shove as many on top as it takes to fill. Usually total is ~6-8ish

On travel, I spent some time were glass flowers just not practical. The Ascent worked like a champ without them, and I was able to get a lot of people well dialed in at the event. Think I musta made at least 18 new sales for @Davinci_vaporizer

@OF -- on 1 min thermal recovery. Think u don't allow for us sippers properly. Bigger hits, sure. But small sips every few seconds works great!

I'm sure there was more I wanted to comment on, but typing on mobile device != fun.

So I have been reading this thread for about 100 pages, over the course of the past couple weeks. I found it like many others; when I received my Ascent about a month ago, I had many questions- which led me here via

Great posts! And welcome!




EDIT:
=======================
don't have solo myself, but when I've tested it, I think the Ascent tastes much better. Could be lack of familiarity w solo, but I still think Ascent is taste champ.

Also I'm testing a new version of the Indica, which I will comment more on later.

Also, I didn't realize how far the ascent bowl opens. I think perhaps my early test unit might not have opened all the way?? Anyway I just got used to only opening 1/4 turn... Easier for me to hold/fill. But that might explain a lack of stress on those solder point in all of my units

EDIT EDIT
================================
I said the Ascent worked like a charm when traveling w/o glass flowers. I was also loading big to share w as many ppl as possible (or just for me! ). When at home however, glass flowers still preferred. Better extraction/efficiency and, of course, better thermal recovery

 

[worst egg ever]

Now that i've been using my Ascent next to my Solo for the past few days with the same strain i've noticed the following (opinion):

thank you so much for this. Ive seen that the Solo is usually the most recommended in the price range/use area, and I see that they are about the same price, and I have been very unsure about which I should buy.

I would love to hear anyone else's opinions on this comparison, personally. Im planning on ordering one of the two this month

 

[nigel]

thank you so much for this. Ive seen that the Solo is usually the most recommended in the price range/use area, and I see that they are about the same price, and I have been very unsure about which I should buy.

I would love to hear anyone else's opinions on this comparison, personally. Im planning on ordering one of the two this month

I think the Ascent wins for portability, taste, temp control, and IIRC batt life. (Oh, and style)

On the other hand, the solo is a damn fine vape. Plus, I think you can get it much cheaper in a few places.


But, I think the consensus here is: BOTH!
(See comments RE: having a backup)

Cheers!

 

[OF]

@OF -- on 1 min thermal recovery. Think u don't allow for us sippers properly. Bigger hits, sure. But small sips every few seconds works great!

Agreed, but (we) sippers aren't chasing clouds so don't hammer the store of heat near as fast. Even so, pausing for a bit can give useful results I think. IIRC it's a good way to get the remaining flavor? That is as you sip and it loses taste a pause can give one more tasty sip? I see it as 'chicken soup' (can't hurt, might help), everyone should give it a lash and see?

OF

 

[nigel]

Agreed, but (we) sippers aren't chasing clouds so don't hammer the store of heat near as fast. Even so, pausing for a bit can give useful results I think. IIRC it's a good way to get the remaining flavor? That is as you sip and it loses taste a pause can give one more tasty sip? I see it as 'chicken soup' (can't hurt, might help), everyone should give it a lash and see?

OF

The longer the pause, the better the recovery... Up to a point. If one cools it down little, than little recovery needed.

I haven't timed myself, but I vape at about the speed a casual cigg smoker smokes. So maybe 5-15 seconds at most between. But then again, I'm not doing a cigg sized drag either.

So I'll get 40+ min session off of 0.14g load, by just savoring sips, and starting low and temp stepping. I really milk the bowl...

 

[OF]

So I'll get 40+ min session off of 0.14g load, by just savoring sips, and starting low and temp stepping. I really milk the bowl...

You say that like it's a bad thing.......

OF

 

[nigel]

You say that like it's a bad thing.......

OF

Never, my friend. Never.

 

[gangababa]

...
So I'll get 40+ min session off of 0.14g load, by just savoring sips, and starting low and temp stepping. I really milk the bowl...

Results are anecdotal. One's own actual time/load/savor satisfaction may vary.

However, I can confirm my similar to @nigel's "40+ min session off of 0.14g load" sessions.
Never tried glass flowers though, only the Ascent glass jars.

 

[worst egg ever]

I think the Ascent wins for portability, taste, temp control, and IIRC batt life. (Oh, and style)

On the other hand, the solo is a damn fine vape. Plus, I think you can get it much cheaper in a few places.


But, I think the consensus here is: BOTH!
(See comments RE: having a backup)

Cheers!

your sig makes you seem a little biased to be honest!

the price difference at the store nearest to me is about the price of a beer, though it is in favor of the solo.

style 100% goes to the Ascent and it also seems way more discreet for on the go vape action

 

[CarolKing]

I like both the Ascent and the Solo. They are the two vapes I mostly use these days. I like nice vapor taste so these vaporizers work for me. Some folks they don't care about flavor they just care about getting medicated. I care about both.

 

[worst egg ever]

could someone please link an example of glass flowers? can I just use any glass beads or?

 

[CarolKing]

could someone please link an example of glass flowers? can I just use any glass beads or?

Look back a few pages. It will help anyone new to the read through the thread back about 20 pages. A lot of these questions have been answered several times. Look on post #6331 about 4 pages back.

I like to use about 4 flowers usually. I put 2 on the bottom. Put some herb in the chamber then 2 on top. Sometimes I use cotton on top to fill space, not always. You can probably fit as many as 8 I think. Use as many as what works for the particular load. If less herb, use more flowers. The flowers work as a spacer and to distribute the heat. The 2 on top, stick in like tacks. The stems pointing down. That way your herb isn't flying around up into the mouthpiece.

 

[worst egg ever]

Look back a few pages. It will help anyone new to the read through the thread back about 20 pages. A lot of these questions have been answered several times. Look on post #6331 about 4 pages back.

I like to use about 4 flowers usually. I put 2 on the bottom. Put some herb in the chamber then 2 on top. Sometimes I use cotton on top to fill space, not always. You can probably fit as many as 8 I think. Use as many as what works for the particular load. If less herb, use more flowers. The flowers work as a spacer and to distribute the heat. The 2 on top, stick in like tacks. The stems pointing down. That way your herb isn't flying around up into the mouthpiece.

Perfect, thanks

 

[nigel]

your sig makes you seem a little biased to be honest!

the price difference at the store nearest to me is about the price of a beer, though it is in favor of the solo.

style 100% goes to the Ascent and it also seems way more discreet for on the go vape action

Ha! I am indeed biased. But only because I really do think the flavor is better, and I'm a real flavor snob.
(Plus other reasons stated. I try to remain as transparent as I can in my posts to the point of (perhaps!) over-explaining things)

That being said, I think the solo is is an absolutely solid device, and you won't see me say otherwise. It's just they each have different sweet spots.

In private convo with XXXX (name deleted so I don't break forum rules. Okay... It was of), I've heard there is no personal interest in desktop vapes. I couldn't understand this for a long time. But now I do. If one has unlimited resources, problem solving isn't interesting. Plug a vape into mains, and one can do anything. Restrict resources (in this case power for a portable) and one has to find a "sweet spot" between a lot of variables.

I think each portable vape has it's own sweet spot, and different users have their own needs. There is a device that's "perfect" for each user.

The new test Indica I have, for example, i love for its own reasons. Will it replace my Ascent? No... In most cases. But there are times I'm willing to sacrifice one sweet spot for another.

I will say that I *have* seen solos for much cheaper. I cannot attest to it being an authorized channel, but it was from an FC post so one could hope. I will most likely pick one up.

And I promised myself, before going down this rabbit hole, that I wouldn't contract VAS. But these portables have me intrigued...

 

[Norcalsun]

↑
So I'll get 40+ min session off of 0.14g load, by just savoring sips, and starting low and temp stepping. I really milk the bowl...


So do you leave the unit "on" for 40min. straight hitting it at your leisure? Or do you turn it off and on as needed?

 

[Delta3DStudios]

↑
So I'll get 40+ min session off of 0.14g load, by just savoring sips, and starting low and temp stepping. I really milk the bowl...


So do you leave the unit "on" for 40min. straight hitting it at your leisure? Or do you turn it off and on as needed?

@KeroZen did some extensive research on the subject

I suggest every new Ascent owner take a few minutes to read this comprehensive report - Post 594427 and part 2 Post 594680

 

[Norcalsun]

I was just curious if the OP leaves the unit on for the entire 40min. session. Seems like a long time to me.

 

[gangababa]

I was just curious if the OP leaves the unit on for the entire 40min. session. Seems like a long time to me.

I run long sessions with my Ascent without turning the bowl off. If one wished to drag out a bowl (longest bowl contest?), toggling off the bowl, hitting 'til nada, turning on, heating up, hitting 'til happy, off again- repeat.

 

[Delta3DStudios]

I was just curious if the OP leaves the unit on for the entire 40min. session. Seems like a long time to me.

When I use my Ascent for full sessions, I go 30 to 35 minutes non stop. My only complaint is the excessive heat around the oven when running for extended periods. I don't like how hot it gets

My wife hated how long I was tethered to the Ascent, so I had to upgrade to a vape with a bit more heat to provide quicker sessions. But I still love the flavorful hits only my Ascent seems to yield in the 330 to 350F range

 

[MrNaturalAZ]

Hello! I haven't been here in a few months. Seems the reminder emails of new posts stopped coming and I got busy with other things. Anyhow, just thought I'd report that my Ascent (bought in December '13) is still going strong with daily use.

Meanwhile a few hours' worth of reading was here waiting for me . I even loaded up the quote-o-matic with a couple that are recent enough that I don't feel totally ridiculous replying to .

The only issue I've had was that there was a tense minute or two that my ascent didn't want to swivel open. I think that the glass stem have dropped down a little bit or something, I don't have any other suggestion for what caused the resistance. But once I got it open it was smooth sailing.

I've experienced that a few times and I think you're exactly right about it being the lower "screen" stem slipping down. Since then I've added "gently press bottom stem up to ensure proper seating" to my routine any time I open it, I've not had that problem recur.

I got a replacement ascent yesterday, and one set of the standard mouthpieces is nearly completely airtight, even while extended nearly full length, and mimics the use of the long water tool adaptor stem.

The other set (spare) that came with my ascent, is actually very loose fitting, like my original mouthpieces (both sets), and are pretty much useless when compared with the proper, tight fitting ones.

I think that's something that many of us have noticed. What I did with mine was to swap the parts around and find the tightest fitting set and use that, keeping the loose set as a spare. I found that if I carefully wrapped some clear tape around the inner stem to build up thickness I could get a decent seal with that set as well, though durability and heat resistance might be an issue.

Well, the other day my primary stem set was getting pretty clogged as it was long overdue for a cleaning, even by my relatively lax maintenance standards, and I didn't want to take the time to clean it then and there. So I broke out with the taped set and it works great! It's been on there for over a week and so far no issues with them getting stuck nor the tape getting gummy and sliding. No funny tastes, either, so I'd say the tape trick is now, at least IMO, a legitimate fix for sloppy fitting stems.

I've since cleaned the "primary" set and stashed them away, continuing to use the taped set. Hopefully the tape will hold up until the next cleaning, at which time I may have to change the tape, unless I can carefully clean it without soaking, as the tape's not likely to stand up to an iso soak.

Another dangling thought: I vaguely recall some wondering if grinding is absolutely necessary or if finger-crumbling is sufficient. Well, I tried a couple three crumbled bowls, just for experimentation sake, and have decided that it's ok in a, um, pinch (sorry). It was honestly better than I expected it to be, but not as good as ground. And the used product was not as uniformly spent as ground loads tend to be. So, if a grinder isn't available, do it the old fashioned way and enjoy - crumbled is lots better than none at all!

 

[hologramsam]

Hello again everyone. I am very excited because my cocobolo Wong stem by Ed has arrived. It looks truly beautiful, he picked a good wood.

@CarolKing , I believe you have one of these yourself. I am just wondering: does the cocobolo Wong alone replace both glass stems? I think you posted once saying how the Wong replaces both the glass draw stem(obvious) and glass snorkel/screen(?). Just want to be certain I don't need the snorkel stem in there at all.

EDIT: okay, I just looked at it and realized I still need the glass snorkel stem in there, or else the vapor path is compomised and runs over the silicon before entering the Wong.