Ascent Vaporizer by DaVinci

[nigel]

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?

The average American telly drama is about 44 min. (Minus things like commercials and what not.) I can put on an episode and vape the entire way through. Now, that's not every 5 seconds on the second, but it's fairly regular puffing. I've mentioned I used to smoke a tobacco pipe. For those that have, it's like that -- absent minded puffing while engaged in thinking. For those that haven't: Ever gone out to the movies, bought the big American tub of popcorn, only to notice 3/4 of way through film that your fingers are hitting the paper/wax base that is under what used to be a absurd amount of popcorn?

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

I'm a "session vaporist" and the journey is it's own reward. (Understand not everyone shares this) but I kinda like the hot bowl in hand... Kinda soothing.

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.
!

In another thread I had suggested Kapton tape to solve a coupling issue. It is high temp rated and used all the time in electronics. That might be a better idea that subjecting normal scotch tape to temp.

replaces both the glass draw stem(obvious) and glass snorkel/screen(?).

"snorkel" is normally used to describe the airpiece on the original DaVinci.
Jus' sayin'....

 

[hologramsam]

What do you think @nigel , do I need the bottom glass stem? I won't call it the snorkel anymore , but I'm thinking it will help keep the wooden stem clean if anything. About ready to test it for the first time. I wonder what Ed would say?

 

[Glass004]

I love the 430° hits that are available at the end of a 30 minute session. Although these hits don't taste as flavorful as the initial hits at 360°, they have a very delicious taste and butt kicking affect. I have found that you need to have a relatively large load packed into the oven to really enjoy the 430° affect. As a 40 minute session vaper I appreciate the different affects of the different temperature ranges that you can dial in with the Ascent.
I have two Ascents, that are used heavily. They have been functioning without failure since late May. My initial experience with durability sucked. I had to return 3 units before I got 2 units without defects. I had two button failures and one poor solder connection at the charging port. I bought my first Ascent in April.
In spite of the mentioned defects, the fact that I have two Ascents tells you that I really like them. The portability, taste, stealth, and cool factor are nicely packaged together.
I use my Ascents for medication of chronic pain. It is so nice that even as I am very chronic, I still can get a nice rush from each hit, from 360 to 430.
Nobody in this region knows about herb vaporizors. This vastly accentuates the stealth effect. If people inquire I simply state that I am a nicotine addict or that it is my medication inhaler device. I just don't use it in close quarters.
In so far as customer service, the two year Warrenty is always honored. It is just a pain to deal with shipping of the replacement. You are likely to get a rebuilt unit from the DaVinci if you have a warranty issue. If you buy from GotVape.com you will get a new unit shipped to you to honor the warrenty. If sold for the same price I would rec buying from GotVape so if there was a Warrenty problem you get a new unit rather than someone else's problem DaVinci might not have fixed properly.
DaVinci does up the ante with the superb carrying RatPack and glass stem adaptor it gives away with each purchase. GotVape only gave you a free plastic grinder.

 

[nigel]

What do you think @nigel , do I need the bottom glass stem? I won't call it the snorkel anymore , but I'm thinking it will help keep the wooden stem clean if anything. About ready to test it for the first time. I wonder what Ed would say?

Nope. Don't need the glass screen. But you will need *a* screen. Your choice: you can use Ed's sipping stem with his wood screen stem (metal screen) or with the glass DV screen. My suggestion would be Ed's WonG with the DV glass screen stem, but that's just me.

 

[hologramsam]

@nigel I believe you are correct, I came to the same conclusion after looking at it for a couple minutes. I have been using the Wong with the DV glass screen stem for 2 or 3 sessions now, and it appears to be the most perfect choice.

I have to say, the Cocobolo Wong has opened up a whole new world for my Ascent usage. It turned me from a long sipper into a short sip puffer instantly. Short puffs with a pallet taste, like with a wooden tobacco pipe. My ascent is now a sophisticated puffing vape! I like it much better than the original glass draw stem or the DV Gong as a mouthpiece. I haven't actual attached it to my bong, just wanted to vape through wood.

 

[MrNaturalAZ]

I'm still on the fence with Ed's wood pieces. I read nothing but good things about them here, and I'm very tempted. I'm also not sure if I'd rather get the wong or the telescoping stems.

It seems that the wong completely eliminates air leakage issues, but reduces portability and stealth. OTOH, the telescoping stems maintain the original form factor, and, from what I've read, make a very good, if not perfect, seal.

Does anyone here have both and care to compare/contrast actual performance (or any other opinions, for that matter)?

 

[CheeseHead]

I'm still on the fence with Ed's wood pieces. I read nothing but good things about them here, and I'm very tempted. I'm also not sure if I'd rather get the wong or the telescoping stems.

It seems that the wong completely eliminates air leakage issues, but reduces portability and stealth. OTOH, the telescoping stems maintain the original form factor, and, from what I've read, make a very good, if not perfect, seal.

Does anyone here have both and care to compare/contrast actual performance (or any other opinions, for that matter)?

Sorry, can't comment on either as i've not used them, but eager to know more about these "telescoping stems". Never heard of them before? Are they similar to the standard stem / mouthpiece set that comes with the Ascent?

 

[MrNaturalAZ]

Sorry, can't comment on either as i've not used them, but eager to know more about these "telescoping stems". Never heard of them before? Are they similar to the standard stem / mouthpiece set that comes with the Ascent?

Yes. They are similar to the glass stems that come with the Ascent, but without the integrated "screen". And made of wood. See them here: http://edstnt.com/index_files/Davinciascentwoodenvaporstems.htm

 

[CarolKing]

I prefer the Eds Wong with the Ascent, and I do have the wood telescoping stems also. Just my preference. I prefer the glass Gong over the other glass stock stems too. Better draw IMO.

 

[CheeseHead]

OK, so i received my glass flowers today and was itching to try them, so fired a couple in the ascent bowl, put some herb in, then tried use 2 on top like tacks to compress the load down as instructed, but because of the ones on the bottom, the load won't really pack down, and unless you really fill it to the top, its difficult to put 2 flowers on top seated perfectly and push them down.

I did notice denser clouds at lower temps though...

How do you guys pack the load down tightly if using flowers on the bottom?

 

[OF]

I did notice denser clouds at lower temps though...

How do you guys pack the load down tightly if using flowers on the bottom?

Glad to hear you're including them in your experiments.

I don't pack all that tightly. With all the extra hot glass surface it's not as important I think (and in any event it gets looser as soon as it 'cooks down some'. I tend to fill the bowl and use it for multiple sessions anyway, but I lay the bottom layer on it's side which might help your problem.

Remember, with Ascent you don't have to finish the load in one session. Because the mass of the heater is pretty small and it is 'just barely hot enough to vape' you can very easily overrun it shutting down. Cut the power, take another (normal) hit or two. But when it starts to get weak, hit it long and hard. The measurements I made showed that the load is pulled down over 100 degrees this way. If you were running say 390, this will take it down into the 200s. And it will only recover into the low to mid 300s if you hit it a couple of long slow draws of fresh cold air. This will 'soak up' a lot of the stored heat. No more vapor.

OF

 

[Delta3DStudios]

I don't pack all that tightly. With all the extra hot glass surface it's not as important I think (and in any event it gets looser as soon as it 'cooks down some'.

I disagree - I believe my testing has found that performance is better when the load is compacted, even when using the glass flowers.

I use 1 glass flower on the bottom to cover the 4 holes (perfectly aligned, I try to use the biggest glass flower I have. I then use the rounded end of my DVA tamping tool (3D printed) to tamp down herb on both sides of the glass flower stem. Then I put down a nice load of herb and tamp it down with the oval side of my tool (a glass oil can from the box also works good for tamping). Once I get the load tamped down I finish with two glass stems poking down through the herb. Note, I always pack my oven completely full, never leaving space for the 'puck' to float upwards when hitting it)

I've tried both tight and loose packing using only 3 glass flowers and found greater vapor production at the same temperatures when packed tighter.

Note - there is a point at which you can pack TOO tight and restrict the airflow too much

 

[OF]

I don't pack all that tightly.

I disagree - I believe my testing has found that performance is better when the load is compacted slightly, even when using the glass flowers.

OK......and what exactly is the difference between "I don't pack all that tightly" and "compacted slightly"??????

Which is tighter than the other? Where, specifically, do we disagree?

TIA

OF

 

[Delta3DStudios]

OK......and what exactly is the difference between "I don't pack all that tightly" and "compacted slightly"??????

Which is tighter than the other? Where, specifically, do we disagree?

TIA

OF

I disagree with this statement:

With all the extra hot glass surface it's not as important I think

Even with hot glass flowers, the density of the load still plays a major role in the performance of the Ascent

(Edited previous post to avoid confusion, I do compact my loads in the ascent)

 

[Glass004]

I think compaction is important to the proper function of the Ascent. The characteristics of the substance vaped and the amount used affect how tightly you pack. If you have spongy stuff, or dry powdered stuff, you are gonna pack them differently.
Pack your loads but the degree of packing is a learned process adapted to your own needs, and how you dial in the settings of the Ascent.
Bottom line here. One method doesn't work for everyone the same. Have fun figuring it out for yourself with ideas provided by everyone here . :-)

 

[OF]

I disagree with this statement:

"With all the extra hot glass surface it's not as important I think"

Even with hot glass flowers, the density of the load still plays a major role in the performance of the Ascent

(Edited previous post to avoid confusion, I do compact my loads in the ascent)

Thanks for trying to clear it up.

Please note the part of that sentence you edited out: "(and in any event it gets looser as soon as it 'cooks down some')". I mean that to say that as the load collapses some, the effect is to get looser. No matter what the pack. Any comment there?

I never said packing wasn't a factor, in fact quite the opposite, right?

I was responding to the OP's question, "How do you guys pack the load down tightly if using flowers on the bottom?".

I said "I don't pack all that tightly" meaning I do pack, although not as tight as is possible. You said "compacted slightly". Which is more dense?

Again, on what specifically, do we disagree? I honestly don't see it. Still.

OF

 

[CarolKing]

When using the glass flowers it's difficult to pack very tight. I try to pack a medium pack. You have a bumpy surface. If not using the flowers you can pack tighter.
I've tried not using the glass flowers with a full bowl and a tight pack. I prefer using the flowers. A better air flow and heat distribution IMO.

There is no right or wrong, it's whatever works for you.

 

[Norcalsun]

Two of the flowers that I have fit perfectly in the bottom of the bowl, stems pointing up. Then I put bud in the bowl and pack it down just enough to even it out. I put another flower in the middle then fill the rest of the bowl with bud until it overflows. It then pack the excess into the bowl and "thumbtack" two flowers on top. I usually fill my bowl completely every time. When I use wax/oil with my bud I sandwich it in the middle of the bowl, substituting the wax for the middle flower. There is no right or wrong way to pack the bowl, find what works for you and your bud. I believe one of the biggest factors for making the Ascent work well is how dry your bud is. I always get much better vape when using very dry bud.

 

[fft]

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?

I've had my Ascent for about a month now, and a Solo for about a year and a half. Also own or have owned a Pax, WISPR, original Iolite, plus on the tabletop side a Volcano and Plenty.

I bought the Ascent because I was going on a family vacation (I'm the parent not the child) and needed something discreet. My Pax broke a while ago and I've decided I didnt want to go with a new/reparied Pax (separate discussion). The Solo, while a great everyday home device, is not stealthy (looks like a digital crack pipe) so was not an option. When I bought it I was prepared not to like it, but I've come to like it and find myself using it at home as much as the Solo.

Answering your questions first:

• I don't notice the rubber / silicone taste at all. Think the taste is comparable to the Solo. You might split hairs and call one slightly better but they are both a noticable step up from the Pax.

• Not sure if I would call the hits weaker, as it will definitely you very high. I think the Solo is a great device and probably has the edge here, but its not huge. My perception is that with the Ascent the bowl looks bigger than the solo and it with a full bowl it gets kicked with fewer, bigger hits than the Solo does. It might be because the Solo takes longer to get going so the best hits are 5 minutes in. With the Ascent, the best hits are coming right away so I get there much faster than with the Solo. Which is a big help for stealth since you can step away to the bathroom, etc, and be back quickly with mission accomplished. Again, I think the solo sips weed compared to the Ascent so it may not be a fair comparison.

• I agree that there is more of a smell with the Ascent. While on my family beach vacation my buddy and I noticed this right away and were careful to isolate / ventilate ourselves while using it. That said, with all of these handheld vapes, I never get called out if I am using it in another room with reasonable distance. I use the Ascent at home around my wife and while she doesnt mind my hobby, she can never tell I am vaping unless I do it right in front of her. So the Ascent does have some smell if you are 1-2 feet from it, but in most cases its not a deal breaker.

Other thoughts:

• While the Ascent is a bit larger than the Pax, I find the Ascent to be very nearly as stealthy in practice. It has the same generic-electronic device look when left out on the counter. When using it the fact that it has a screen that you look at makes it seem even more so. People are also starting to recognize the Pax too, so the fact that there are fewer Ascents out there is a plus.

• Battery life is great. At least on par with Solo maybe better. Blows the Pax away.

• Startup time is the fastest I've seen short of a concentrate pen. Which helps on the go because you are not standing around waiting for it.

• Never tried concentrates, and not sure I'd want to given what I have read.

• Maintenance is way better than the Pax, but not quite as easy as the Solo. The glass parts can be hard to remove and are a little more tricky to clean / dry in ISO since they are smaller.

• No reliability issues in a month but hard to know whether it will last. The Solo is such a simple device in comparison that I can see it being more reliable, but thats just a perception.

My summary is that the Ascent is a solid "in-between" vape that fits between the Solo and the Pax. The Pax is smaller so has a slight edge on the stealth front, put its performance doesnt compare to the Ascent. The Solo has a slight edge on performance over the Ascent, but its terrible on the stealth front.

I can see someone looking to buy a single handheld vaporizer picking the Ascent, because its a solid all-around performer.

 

[OF]

My summary is that the Ascent is a solid "in-between" vape that fits between the Solo and the Pax. The Pax is smaller so has a slight edge on the stealth front, put its performance doesnt compare to the Ascent. The Solo has a slight edge on performance over the Ascent, but its terrible on the stealth front.

First off, howdy! Welcome to the Forum and all the fun.

Fantastic first post! How are you going to top it? I hope there's more such well thought out, insightful observations yet to come from you. I smell a serious asset to the Forum......and it smells like fresh top shelf from here.

Looking forward to the next one, thanks very much for this one.

There is no right or wrong, it's whatever works for you.

Amen on that CK. Well put. While some vapes are less so I think this one is more subject to personal tastes/needs than most. It offers owners wide latitude......a good thing.

OF

 

[CarolKing]

I think with the Ascent folks tend to custom fit this unit to fit their own needs. You can use the glass flowers or not. You can decide how many flowers to use, depending on the amount of herb you are using. Maybe you like the telescoping stems, or maybe you like to use the 14 or 18mm GonG as a mouthpiece. I sometimes use a little cotton on top, but not always.

The temp controls is one of my fav features. I start out at 375 usually, but sometimes I may start at 382. You can do that. The temp controls are at your command. You can even program in your session temps.

There are different ways to use this vape. Taylor this unit to fit your own individual needs.
Happy Vaping and Fuckcombustion.

 

[Amazingkaddycap]

I've been on the fence with this vape since before the release. Seen this on Massdrop today and decided to take the plunge, I only committed to the lowest price, I may just have to pay at the highest, kinda really want this.

 

[hologramsam]

I think compaction is important to the proper function of the Ascent. The characteristics of the substance vaped and the amount used affect how tightly you pack. If you have spongy stuff, or dry powdered stuff, you are gonna pack them differently.
Pack your loads but the degree of packing is a learned process adapted to your own needs, and how you dial in the settings of the Ascent.
Bottom line here. One method doesn't work for everyone the same. Have fun figuring it out for yourself with ideas provided by everyone here . :-)

Does anyone know how to pack the spongier stuff? I just got some new herb that won't produce much taste or vapor.

It is a really nice looking skunk, huge spongy bud. Seems like it needs high temps like 400F to vape. Is it not dry enough or is it a new packing technique I need to master? Or just the strain?

 

[Norcalsun]

I'd try drying your bud more. I've found drier product vapes much better than the moist stuff.

 

[OF]

I'd try drying your bud more. I've found drier product vapes much better than the moist stuff.

Yup. I'm convinced lots of guys make it harder than it needs to be by not using very well cured bud. Any extra water robs the heat that would otherwise make vapor and stretches out the time it takes to exhaust the good stuff by lowering the rate (and "killing the clouds", which some seem to favor.....).

I don't think you want it 'crumbling dry' but you do want it very well cured. "Dank" is not there yet. Dry it more. Then I'm thinking grinding 'medium' or even to the coarse side is a good plan in that being a bit 'springy' (as opposed to 'dry leaves') the load resists 'cooking down' and losing the all important physical contact with the walls.

I've finally got an Ascent of my very own to poke around with. I've had it a week or so and am taking a fresh start. But thus far I've run a dozen or so loads (the last 2 with flowers) and have zero deposits in the bowl. Everything falls or very easily brushes out. Something I credit to dry loads. A lesson from MFLB.

OF