Ascent Vaporizer by DaVinci

[OF]

Hey everyone! We have been tossing the idea around about doing some experiments that will give us a better understanding of what you are actually getting out of our vaporizer. Any tests you want to suggest us conducting?

Very cool if I'm reading this right. I'm assuming you're talking about our favorite herb, not mint......

Depending on how much instrumentation you can bring to bear on it, IMO some exciting information is available. If you have HPLC available multiple runs to demonstrate separation by slow temperature steps against 'full blast' at say 410 would be useful I think. If you can standardize the draw (should be pretty easy) some vapor concentration vrs draw rate tests would be very nice. I suspect we'd find increased volume but not necessarily higher concentration?

Particle size is a whole other area ripe for understanding. I've been told there's a several fold change in uptake efficiency between say 10 micron particles and ones a few times larger. That is the exact amount of herb can be several times more effective with the ideal size. There are some excellent particle size rigs used in the study of aerosols, they tend to be pretty pricey, but perhaps you could rent time to run the few dozen tests. I understand the nebulizer guys have this stuff pretty tied down?

I'd also like to quantify the apparent increase in production from the glass flowers. This should be pretty easy data to capture, it could probably be done by weighing captured good stuff via methanol? That wouldn't tell us much if anything about fractions of course, but it could be useful to know the difference in production rate.

You could also probably find some fun stuff with a "mass spec" that is a residual gas analyzer. A very common and useful tool. For instance, you could track the water content of the vapor over the session?

Cool plan, I hope you can make it happen.

Thanks for the word.

OF

 

[CarolKing]

I would like to see Davinci finally get some kind of spacer to sell with the Ascent similar to the glass flowers.

 

[Norcalsun]

I would like to see a single piece spacer/conductor for the bowl. More of a heat conductor than spacer.

 

[fft]

Hey everyone! We have been tossing the idea around about doing some experiments that will give us a better understanding of what you are actually getting out of our vaporizer. Our goal is to have an understanding of the compounds the vapor from the Ascent is made up of, as well as an idea of the effect that will provide with your various herbs. Is there anything you would like to see? Any tests you want to suggest us conducting?

This is a great idea and something that makes sense for a higher-end vape manufacturer to be doing. I always find it interesting just how little has been quantified about how to optimize vape performance given how many variables there are. For Davinci, publishing data that suggests to customers how to optimize results in its vapes might be a unique differentiator and fairly inexpensive marketing.

Its easy to get carried away with kid-in-candy-store ideas about what could be done. But at a basic level, simply measuring what's in the vapor and what's in the ABV as a function of # of draws makes sense. ("How many draws do I need to get the best experience") There was a post a few months ago where a Massachusetts lab did some basic measurements that would be a simple starting point. Duplicating that for the Ascent would be great. Being able to test for even more compounds would be even better.

Then there are other variables you layer on depending on what you are looking to demonstrate. OF laid out a few interesting ones and I'll add a few too:

1) Temp setting. Probably the most basic. Would be interesting to duplicate the basic experiment at a range of different temp settings. Since the Ascent allows for such precise settings, spreading the word on how to dial in different effects by using different temp settings would be interesting. Some related questions... "what is the mix of different goodies extracted at different temp settings"; "Do I need to take fewer draws at higher temps to deplete the goodies and if so does this imply that individual draws are stronger at higher temps"; "If I use a lower temp setting do I end up extracting less total THC from the weed no matter how many draws I take?"; "how does programming my Ascent to raise the temp over the course of a session improve performance compared with just starting at higher temp"

2) Packing variables. These get to how customers could optimize air flow, heat transfer, and mass transfer in the bowl itself, based on variables that they can easily control. OF mentioned particle / grind size and the use of glass flowers to improve heat transfer. Also since the Ascent has a big bowl, fill size could be interesting too. Draw strength might be another one. When testing some of these variables you could even put a thermocouple or two in the bowl to measure temp drop and heat distribution. Or try one of those infrared cameras that a reviewer used on the Ascent a while back. This is an area where its easy to get carried away with ideas.

3) Comparison with different vaporizers. This is something that's maybe more appropriate for reviewers to do, but there could advantages for you to do a little of this too. For example, my subjective impression of the Ascent is that compared to other portable vapes I've used its "harder hitting", which I think should mean that I am getting larger, more concentrated hits that deplete the bowl in fewer draws compared to other vapes I use. Which is nice in a portable since, combined with the fast heating time, means I can medicate more quickly with the Ascent than with other vapes. Being able to differentiate by providing data that backs this up would be an interesting marketing angle. Another comparison could be against tabletop vapes. Since DaVinci does not make a tabletop model it would be neat if, by quantifying the differences in vapor composition, you could demonstrate that the gap between tabletops and the latest generation of portables is narrowing. Or not.

Again, its easy to get carried away. Even a basic experiment that simply duplicates what that Massachusetts lab did with a MFLB would be extremely useful. It all depends on what you (since you are paying) want to get out of it. For Davinci (or other premium vape mfrs), if done correctly I think you should be able to get a return on the investment you make in this kind of testing. Publishing this type of information tells customers that you know exactly how your device works and implies that your designs are rooted in science/engineering and not just a bunch of hippie black magic (no offense to the hippie magicians out there, whose skills are useful in other ways).

 

[buddhakevz]

@KeroZen, I also noticed that rubber smell for the first few dry-run (bowl empty). I also have that solder / electronic overheating smell in mind, I know exactly what it is.

I've found that... since I'm cheap and I tend to overheat my herb to extract the max out of it. I would say that at a certain stage it taste a bit like rubber/overheated electronic device. To reassure you, I smell / taste the exact same taste with my vapman.

Please, clean your bowl, make it shine like a brand new one and tell us if that smell is still there. Also, I'm thinking (really just overthinking maybe) that maybe the ABV layer you have in your blow might act as an insulation that could protect your bowl to receive all the heat and that would result in over-heating the interior of the Ascent !?!?

 

[Longen]

After my pinnacle pro unfortunately cracked, I now have the ascent and water pipe adaptor coming tomorrow, should be a good weekend lol happy vaping :-)

 

[CarolKing]

The @Ed's TnT WonG works really great with my Ascent. I also use the glass GonG. I haven't been using the telescoping stems. You'll be happy with the temp controls and the vapor flavor. A very nice portable.

It's a great vape for a walk or on the go. Maybe a little outing at the Farmers Market. I have the black unit, it doesn't seem to stand out, it seems stealth enough. The battery that I have is just about an hour and I've had this unit since Oct 2013.

 

[Longen]

:-) it's the weekend I've grafted this week I've done nearly 1000 miles driving and a 60 hour week so once my ascents arrived and charged tomorrow I will be chilling for the weekend :-) many thanks CarolKing ^^^^ I have Eds tnt stem for the solo, although no solo anymore lol and it is such an amazing piece, I took it on a dog walk once over the Downs and it was hitting cloud after cloud for ages I was gobsmacked, I will most certainly get me one for the ascent :-) happy Friday everyone and happy vaping, one love

 

[Vape Dr.]

Hello my friends! I just got a new ascent as a gift!
I also got the tiny glass flowers suggested by fellow FCers.

I am curious, do you get the best results with a loosely packed oven (as recommended or seen on most videos) or with a tighter packed oven?

I was going to use 2 glass flowers on the bottom stem side up, and 2 on the top stem side down.

For all you veterans of the ascent out there, is this the proper method to use?

My herb is on the perfectly cured to just a wee bit dry side.

Any help to enjoy this beautiful machine at its peak performance would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you kindly in advance!

 

[OF]

For all you veterans of the ascent out there, is this the proper method to use?

My herb is on the perfectly cured to just a wee bit dry side.

I don't know if there's one perfect technique, each guy should fish around a bit for what suits them I think.

Anyway, so as not to repeat myself too much, here's what I had to say on the subject a couple weeks back:
http://fuckcombustion.com/threads/ascent-vaporizer-by-davinci.9885/page-262#post-656321

As in most vapes, I think the best results come with bud on the dry side and fairly finely ground. Sometimes whole buds is fun too, but again best on the dry side.

Or not......

OF

 

[Vape Dr.]

Thank you for all the advice @OF I really appreciate all the help!
I have had 2 great experiences with it so far!
I just want to make sure I'm not missing any "tricks of the trade" for the ascent to make me love it more!

 

[CarolKing]

@Vape Dr., Try packing a firm load, as firm as you can. Kinda difficult packing herb using the glass flowers. The 2 down on the bottom is what I do and 2 down on top, sometimes I go with one flower in the middle. You may end up finding a different technique that may work better for you.

I also get the best results using a WonG or a GonG. Your unit is newer so it may not make a difference in your case.

The Ascent's vapor flavor and the Indica vaporizer's flavor are quite similar.

 

[Vape Dr.]

@Ratchett

I also get the best results using a WonG or a GonG. Your unit is newer so it may not make a difference in your case.

The Ascent's vapor flavor and the Indica vaporizer's flavor are quite similar.

I do agree about flavor @CarolKing I had a couple sessions and was pleasantly surprised! This was using 4 glass flowers.

@Ratchett hooked me up with an awesome charging dock, stand up loader and 2 tampers. So thanks to him, tamping is a breeze!

I did also receive a water tool adapter which I plan on trying very soon!
I somewhat loosely packed the oven (no tamping the first time) but I will definitely try your 5 flower tamp method! Thank you so much @CarolKing! I appreciate all the knowledge anyone is willing to share!

@Ratchett your the man! Everything you sent me is amazing! I LOVE THE CUSTOM CHARGING DOCK!
Here is a picture of Ratchetts awesome charging dock, 2 tampers, and stand up loader!
[URL='http://s1291.photobucket.com/user/Vape_Dr/media/Misc/20140917_224745_zpsda5e3505.jpg.html'][IMG]http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b548/Vape_Dr/Misc/20140917_224745_zpsda5e3505.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
Will have better pics up soon!

 

[Glass004]

@Ratchett
You folks should be jealous of the translucent green Ascent charging station I bought from Ratchett. Way Cool to have a 3D printed item.
I particularly like its ability to hold the unit upright with the attached F Bomb micro bubbler so water is not spilled.
The charging cord fits and functions perfectly in its base.
I am thinking X-Mas present for son.

 

[Techmob]

Before I return this I would like your opinions. I am struggling with this vaporizer.

i have a question and i dont know who else to ask this question to other than the other users on the forums, however general opinion seems to be the other end of the scale compared to my experiences.
how would you describe the smell of the vaporizer when you open the bottom part to empty the contents. how would you describe that smell....
reason i ask is because i was describe what i experience as i would like to compare
i would describe mine as the following, in fact to give you an idea
i filled the bowl approx 1/4 to 1/2 of herb. the herb was nicely cured for approx 6 months.
i put the glass oil can on top of the herb which compacted it down nicely. (this helped allot with the air movement and gave more of a thick draw), FYI i removed the plastic lid
i set the vaporizer to 390
taste whilst using this again did not have a pleasant taste. as soon as the temp gets to a heat that produces blue vapor that is when all taste and quality goes. NB: whilst it is heating up i can smell herb and taste it but no vapor, (not hot enough)
not once when it produces the vapor do i get any nice taste or the herb or even familiar taste to such type of herb
once i finished i opened the compartment and smelt it and the only way i can describe it is as follows
an oily smell, but with a rubber smell. doesnt smell like herb or the type of herb. this same smell is what i think i am tasting. for me that is not a true vapor and that concerns me as the whole point of vaporizing for me is for health issues. this just does not seem to stack up compared to peoples opinions online.
so this was i felt my last attempt at it. i would appreciate your opinion on how you would describe the taste and smell in the above scenario please?
the glass jar/can for the oils made a big difference on the air issue on this unit. if the contents are not compact down then this makes a big different to the draw quality or lack of on this unit.

 

[OF]

i filled the bowl approx 1/4 to 1/2 of herb. the herb was nicely cured for approx 6 months.
i put the glass oil can on top of the herb which compacted it down nicely.

i would appreciate your opinion on how you would describe the taste and smell in the above scenario please?

I would have to say, from your description, things seem fairly normal to me. That's really not very much herb, and will be fairly quickly depleted (and with it taste, etc) at that temperature. I suggest you try again with a full load. As you note, it's a conduction vape, it needs to be packed enough to eliminate air pockets in the load. I'd also suggest you try the glass flowers, AFAIK nobody who's tried them has failed to report improved performance. They are much different than the glass jar.

Do you have any other vapes to compare this one to? Could we be addressing issues here as well?

Bottom line is if it's making and holding temperature (which it sounds like it is?) there's not much more the Ascent can do for you. It's down to goods and technique I think. All the unit does is get hot and let air through?

Anyway, how does it compare to your other vapes WRT vapor production and ABV? Do those results seem normal to you?

OF

 

[virtualpurple]

Hello my friends! I just got a new ascent as a gift!
I also got the tiny glass flowers suggested by fellow FCers.

I am curious, do you get the best results with a loosely packed oven (as recommended or seen on most videos) or with a tighter packed oven?

I was going to use 2 glass flowers on the bottom stem side up, and 2 on the top stem side down.

For all you veterans of the ascent out there, is this the proper method to use?

My herb is on the perfectly cured to just a wee bit dry side.

Any help to enjoy this beautiful machine at its peak performance would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you kindly in advance!

Oh you lucky duck! One down, one to go!

 

[Techmob]

I would have to say, from your description, things seem fairly normal to me. That's really not very much herb, and will be fairly quickly depleted (and with it taste, etc) at that temperature. I suggest you try again with a full load. As you note, it's a conduction vape, it needs to be packed enough to eliminate air pockets in the load. I'd also suggest you try the glass flowers, AFAIK nobody who's tried them has failed to report improved performance. They are much different than the glass jar.

Do you have any other vapes to compare this one to? Could we be addressing issues here as well?

Bottom line is if it's making and holding temperature (which it sounds like it is?) there's not much more the Ascent can do for you. It's down to goods and technique I think. All the unit does is get hot and let air through?

Anyway, how does it compare to your other vapes WRT vapor production and ABV? Do those results seem normal to you?

OF

Hi OF

I have just read your impressions of it.

My concern with it is the taste or flavour. To me it does not taste nice.

I have tried all sorts of methods. Packing it allot but then it still felt airy.

Willing to give anything a go and will follow advice I really do,want to like it.

Glass flowers, what are these glass flowers I keep,reading. I don't seem to have any with this unit or is that the glass jars?

I also own the da buddha and I get good results from this, prefer the flavour and hit.

Only thing I can compare it with

 

[Norcalsun]

Don't get too caught up in what some people claim that the Ascent tastes great. Everybody is different, some people think it tastes great others not so much. I have to admit I much more prefer the taste I get from smoking joints but not the feeling in my chest. Although I don't think the ascent tastes bad, I don't think it tastes all that good either. I can detect distinct scents from different strains of bud; I can smell the same smells in both the Ascent and in a joint. The smell from the Ascent gets more "off" the more the bud is vaped. The end product definitely has an odd smell.

 

[CarolKing]

That's right everyone has different taste and tolerances. Some medicinal herbs have a wonderful taste. While some have an absolute terrible vapor taste. If you vaporize you can really tell the differences in the strains you are using.

Whereas in the day when I smoked joints or my old wooden pipe it was more difficult for me to tell the true distinct flavors of the cannabis. I wasn't a smoker of tobacco. I did smoke cigarettes a few years in my 20s. I can see if you smoke cigarettes a joint wouldn't bother you much.

I tried a draw off a joint a month ago and it tasted terrible. I hadn't tried a joint for over a year and a half. I coughed and felt awful after.
I felt like I had just breathed in smoke off a camp fire. Never again for me. That is my tolerance. I did damage to my lungs from smoking a pipe and joints over the years. Vaporing was a blessing.

So you may like the vapor taste of the Ascent or maybe you won't. It doesn't cook your herb to a burnt taste minutes after you have started your session, unless you start out too high of temp. You are able to adjust your temp up or down to suit your own needs in vaporizing. Only you can judge for yourself whether or not the Ascent is for you.

I happen to enjoy using my Ascent and it's been a good medicating tool for me.

 

[Tanz]

Before I return this I would like your opinions. I am struggling with this vaporizer.

i have a question and i dont know who else to ask this question to other than the other users on the forums, however general opinion seems to be the other end of the scale compared to my experiences.
how would you describe the smell of the vaporizer when you open the bottom part to empty the contents. how would you describe that smell....
reason i ask is because i was describe what i experience as i would like to compare
i would describe mine as the following, in fact to give you an idea
i filled the bowl approx 1/4 to 1/2 of herb. the herb was nicely cured for approx 6 months.
i put the glass oil can on top of the herb which compacted it down nicely. (this helped allot with the air movement and gave more of a thick draw), FYI i removed the plastic lid
i set the vaporizer to 390
taste whilst using this again did not have a pleasant taste. as soon as the temp gets to a heat that produces blue vapor that is when all taste and quality goes. NB: whilst it is heating up i can smell herb and taste it but no vapor, (not hot enough)
not once when it produces the vapor do i get any nice taste or the herb or even familiar taste to such type of herb
once i finished i opened the compartment and smelt it and the only way i can describe it is as follows
an oily smell, but with a rubber smell. doesnt smell like herb or the type of herb. this same smell is what i think i am tasting. for me that is not a true vapor and that concerns me as the whole point of vaporizing for me is for health issues. this just does not seem to stack up compared to peoples opinions online.
so this was i felt my last attempt at it. i would appreciate your opinion on how you would describe the taste and smell in the above scenario please?
the glass jar/can for the oils made a big difference on the air issue on this unit. if the contents are not compact down then this makes a big different to the draw quality or lack of on this unit.

I haven't been able to use mine yet because of this smell you describe. Mine has actual visible fumes coming off it when the grill is held up to a flashlight in a dark room (easy to see whith the first few burn off's and harder to see now but still there). I have returned it many times and have the same problem still. It's the nature of the design. And there is no way to change it.

It has nothing to do with how much herb you use or anything you do. It's the unit itself burning some kind of rubber/silicone off.

 

[Vape Dr.]

I haven't been able to use mine yet because of this smell you describe. Mine has actual visible fumes coming off it when the grill is held up to a flashlight in a dark room (easy to see whith the first few burn off's and harder to see now but still there). I have returned it many times and have the same problem still. It's the nature of the design. And there is no way to change it.

It has nothing to do with how much herb you use or anything you do. It's the unit itself burning some kind of rubber/silicone off.

@Tanz, I do not believe what you are describing is normal for the ascent. Although I have only had my ascent a few days, I have run several loads through the oven and I do not have any off gassing as you described. I even put a light to mine in the dark at 430° and saw no fumes.
Do you think perhaps you may possibly have an older model?
The taste and vapor production of my ascent have been nothing short of stellar.
I am sorry you are having issues with your unit. I hope you can your issues resolved, or get a replacement unit so you can take full advantage of your ascent and enjoy all the wonderful features and the brilliant taste the ascent has to offer.
I hope you get your issues resolved soon my friend!

 

[CarolKing]

I haven't been able to use mine yet because of this smell you describe. Mine has actual visible fumes coming off it when the grill is held up to a flashlight in a dark room (easy to see whith the first few burn off's and harder to see now but still there). I have returned it many times and have the same problem still. It's the nature of the design. And there is no way to change it.

It has nothing to do with how much herb you use or anything you do. It's the unit itself burning some kind of rubber/silicone off.

You have described your issues on this thread several times. I can't understand why you are unable to get this resolved? It sounds like you have given up. It's costly having to pay for shipping if that's the problem. Hopefully Davinci can work with you on the shipping fees. I'm sure that DV wants this resolved. Have you tried giving a PM to the Davinci rep that comes on FC?

Sorry that this is still a problem for you. I disagree that it's because of the style or design. There have been many happy customers just here on FC. We are a very tiny percentage of the Ascent customers.

Good luck.

 

[Tanz]

@Tanz, I do not believe what you are describing is normal for the ascent. Although I have only had my ascent a few days, I have run several loads through the oven and I do not have any off gassing as you described. I even put a light to mine in the dark at 430° and saw no fumes.
Do you think perhaps you may possibly have an older model?
The taste and vapor production of my ascent have been nothing short of stellar.
I am sorry you are having issues with your unit. I hope you can your issues resolved, or get a replacement unit so you can take full advantage of your ascent and enjoy all the wonderful features and the brilliant taste the ascent has to offer.
I hope you get your issues resolved soon my friend!

My model is a 2AA1 and came from Davinci. Does anyone have a newer one? They said it was the newest model available. I wish a new one would do the trick but I have gotten plenty of replacements and all were the same, some worse than others though. I thought it was an old issue too because of the youtube video's showing off gassing were all from 2013, so when I got it I was pretty tripped out to see it.

You have described your issues on this thread several times. I can't understand why you are unable to get this resolved? It sounds like you have given up. It's costly having to pay for shipping if that's the problem. Hopefully Davinci can work with you on the shipping fees. I'm sure that DV wants this resolved. Have you tried giving a PM to the Davinci rep that comes on FC?

Sorry that this is still a problem for you.

Lol, yes, I have given up on it...almost. I have returned it to them for a replacement more than a few times now so what else could be done really. I will try the pm though, thanks.

 

[GeekyGodiva]

I stealthily experimented with my Ascent (now named Guido Sarducci, because it amuses my loving and non herb-using spouse) at a "no smoking, but vapor pens okay" movie establishment last night and nobody said anything about it. Not even the people I was sitting right next to seemed to notice it. The LED is way bright, though and I had to change my hold on it to not blind people. I expect the smell of popcorn helped mask it somewhat, but I am continually amazed at the stealth of the DV product line.