Ascent Vaporizer by DaVinci

[virtualpurple]

I still would prefer for DaVinci to create a stainless steel alloy canister similar to the Haze. I think it would be nice to be able to pre-load canisters and swap them out on the fly. I think it will also allow for better carryover heat than what the glass oil jars allow for.

 

[Davinci_vaporizer]

I still would prefer for DaVinci to create a stainless steel alloy canister similar to the Haze. I think it would be nice to be able to pre-load canisters and swap them out on the fly. I think it will also allow for better carryover heat than what the glass oil jars allow for.

Are you talking about for herb or oils? Or both? We have considered using metals, but that takes away from the glass on glass experience. If it is something enough people want it would be easy enough to do.

 

[virtualpurple]

I don't know that I necessarilly agree that it takes away from the experience. Maybe it will, I could be wrong. But I would gamble that one would taste little if any difference between a metal canister or the ceramic bowl. And people will likely have better success with both herbs and oils than they are getting from the glass jars at this point due to the conductivity.

I'm sure the glass jars have their uses for some, but I think far fewer are using them in the manner in which they envisioned.

Stainless steel alloy canisters could be cast in the same shape as the oil jars, meaning the silicon lids have two uses. And having little pre-packed canisters will make the Ascent much more attractive for use on the road.

I would really like to see something like this drafted. I think it could really add another dimension to the Ascent.

 

[OF]

I don't know that I necessarilly agree that it takes away from the experience. Maybe it will, I could be wrong.

Stainless steel alloy canisters could be cast in the same shape as the oil jars, meaning the silicon lids have two uses. And having little pre-packed canisters will make the Ascent much more attractive for use on the road.

I agree, to many (perhaps even most?) it doesn't seem a deal breaker (lots of guys add SS screens to 'all glass vapor path vapes for instance), but for some that's not the case it seems. There are lots of folks for whom this is a deal breaker. Once they 'hear' there's anything else (including ceramics in some cases) they pass on the whole idea and move on to the next vape.

Unfortunately you can't cast SS in a shape like that. Not only would the tooling be very expensive, but the wall thickness would have to be large to ensure filling the mold (before the steel cooled too much). And we want thin for a number of reasons. The most likely technique would be 'drawing' I think, that is punching pieces out of a large sheet into a cavity that would give you a tube with a flat bottom. Like a bottle cap is made. Then machine off the top, make a few holes in the bottom, tumble it for a while and fit a different cap (probably more like a cork?). The same sort of thing from SS mesh might be a better way?

Fun stuff, but not all that easy. It would be handy, although the current bowl does hold a lot compared to some other vpaes.

OF

 

[virtualpurple]

@OF, Thanks for typing that out. I feel like I have a better understanding with that having been said.

 

[OF]

@OF, Thanks for typing that out. I feel like I have a better understanding with that having been said.

Yer welcome. IMO that's why were here, right? Good folks, trying to help each other when possible, collectively doing what we can to advance the cause......

Lots of Members, doing what they can to contribute......most cool.

Thanks for being part of that.

OF

 

[nigel]

I believe @nigel has a spare ascent dedicated to EEBs. - those jars do work nicely for that intended purpose.

Good points in your post, but slight clarification on my usage. I keep three Ascents around (four if you count the GF's), and one of them is for "other things" (ie, not MMJ) which includes EEBs and other herbs. So not just essential oils. I do experiment with quite a few other herbs, but I found out the bad way that some of them can leave a lingering flavor which I do NOT want with my normal flower. So after the first few mistakes, I keeps em' separated.

The issue is the temperature, not the accessory trust me. If it were as simple as making different glass jars we would have done that.

They clearly state the max temperature of the vaporizer is 430F. Obviously this is the upper limits the device was designed to handle. It would require a redesign of the vaporizer to reach higher temperatures safely without damaging the batteries due to excessive heat.

Josh from Herbalizer did a good write-up on higher temps. Basically, before their device was on the market, a few FC people asked to bump the max temp. He thought about it for a few days and then wrote this: http://www.herbalizer.com/blog/so-what-really-is-combustion-why-herbalize/

tl:dr -- combustion will happen and that's a bad thing. Fuck combustion.

So, if it takes jacking the Ascent up to unsafe territory (ignoring the fact that it wouldn't be possible without a complete redesign), I'd say that isn't a risk worth taking. If the device is capable of being set at 500°F, some people will do just that, oil or not.

FYI you have to use Imgr to post pictures on this site.

So you all see that safety pin. Well, as you may all be wondering, you notice the sticky THC resonating and clogging those tiny holes. Problem solved. Perfect fit. You won't have some weird glass stem melting problem.

Well... you don't *HAVE* to use imgr. You can use any image hosting, including your own server if you run one. You just can't post the images on *this* server.

Also, I'd be *VERY* careful poking a safety pin in the screen holes. Knowing how delicate it is, the wrong wrist action might chip/crack it. Perhaps a soft toothpick might be best? Only downside is they would be disposable so you'd have to keep a few around, but luckily, last time I checked, they sell them in boxes of more than 1.

I keep all of my stems soaking in a sealed glass jar with the real Everclear in it. When it is time to swap sets, the dirty ones go in, and a clean set comes out. A quick rinse under the kitchen sink spray nozzle will knock out anything still stuck like small leaf bits on the inside.

Plus, I get all of the reclaim that way.

To all you people who are posting those really nasty pictures of those dirty glass stems with what looks like burnt resonated oil probably mixed with herb, buy a new one... You cannot be okay using a badly resonated stem like that. I guarantee you it's bad like combustion.

I'm not sure this accurately reflects what is really going on. I'm not sue how you can GUARANTEE that is "bad like combustion". What you are seeing is a build up of the oils that have been brought to volatility and re-condensed in the unit. Well... that and little bits of plant matter that got snuck it. It is an impossibility that is subjected to anything more intense than what those exact chemical compounds were subjected to in the first place that allowed them to be transported to the stem. To suggest that somehow the laws of thermodynamics are violated here is on par with claiming MAGIC forces are at work.

Nope. It is just the same stuff you have been intaking... just condensed before you had a chance.

[SIDENOTE: Perhaps a slight argument could be made for the decay of the plant matter trapped in there (Mildew or something), but the resin itself should provide anaerobic encapsulation, and the vaping proces should leave detritus mainly anhydrous, so hardly a fertile ground for that. And the resin itself, although potentially subject to chemical break-down, should be as stable as any extraction being sold on the market, for which the extraction will have a SIGNIFICANTLY longer shelf period than just forgetting to clean one's stems for a month.]

We have considered using metals, but that takes away from the glass on glass experience.

I don't know that I necessarilly agree that it takes away from the experience. Maybe it will, I could be wrong.

You could -- indeed -- be wrong. When i was testing the Beta Indicav2, for example, I could taste the metal.

That being said, I'm sure most people either won't notice or won't care. But some percentage of the population will. I think it is just one of those sensitivities that affects some and not others. Another example would be something like silicone, for which some people are SUPER sensitive to, and others, like me, don't care. We all have different things that effect us each differently.

 

[Davinci_vaporizer]

I don't know that I necessarilly agree that it takes away from the experience. Maybe it will, I could be wrong. But I would gamble that one would taste little if any difference between a metal canister or the ceramic bowl.

You could, indeed, be wrong. When i was testing the Beta Indicav2, for example, I could taste the metal.

So, if it takes jacking the Ascent up to unsafe territory (ignoring the fact that it wouldn't be possible without a complete redesign), I'd say that isn't a risk worth taking. If the device is capable of being set at 500°F, some people will do just that, oil or not.

Nigel I have to agree with you. I know I can personally taste the difference with metals being used. A good example of this would be the PNP, ceramic heater, stainless steel herb bullet but with a "glass" mouth piece. Solid vape, not glass on glass taste. Just because metals have a better thermal conductivity than glass does not mean it will get hotter than the 430F max temp. It just means it would get there quicker so the only advantage I see to this would be for pre loaded bullets, but wouldn't an accessory that dumped your load in rather than you actually having to load be better? For example maybe something spring loaded so you could pack in the canister, then push it out right into the bowl? It doesn't have to be a canister that would get heated.

Yes the Ascent is not designed for combustion and that could prove problematic. A redesign is necessary to reach these temperatures.

 

[OF]

. Just because metals have a better thermal conductivity than glass does not mean it will get hotter than the 430F max temp. It just means it would get there quicker so the only advantage I see to this would be for pre loaded bullets, but wouldn't an accessory that dumped your load in rather than you actually having to load be better?

I disagree somewhat, unless the entire unit was redesigned to remove the ceramic and glazing from the heat path, SS (or anything else) will only lower heat transfer, making it slower to make temperature. As an accessory it would slow it up relative to 'barefoot'.

There are some advantages to pre loading a cartridge over a 'fast loader' I think. Less chance of spills, containing the ABV, ability to set packing level, and ability to include 'glass flowers' or other such heat reservoirs in the load come to mind.

I too think I can taste metal in many cases, perhaps I'm fooling myself. But until it gets coated with condensate I can taste it......and at that point it's already sliding toward the grody end of the taste anyway and is ready for a cleaning. While lack of 'all glass vapor path' is not a deal breaker for me, having it is a plus when considering the next vape.

OF

 

[Davinci_vaporizer]

I disagree somewhat, unless the entire unit was redesigned to remove the ceramic and glazing from the heat path, SS (or anything else) will only lower heat transfer, making it slower to make temperature. As an accessory it would slow it up relative to 'barefoot'.

There are some advantages to pre loading a cartridge over a 'fast loader' I think. Less chance of spills, containing the ABV, ability to set packing level, and ability to include 'glass flowers' or other such heat reservoirs in the load come to mind.

I too think I can taste metal in many cases, perhaps I'm fooling myself. But until it gets coated with condensate I can taste it......and at that point it's already sliding toward the grody end of the taste anyway and is ready for a cleaning. While lack of 'all glass vapor path' is not a deal breaker for me, having it is a plus when considering the next vape.

OF

Yes I agree. Anything in between the heater and the load is going to increase heat up time. I was just thinking the a steel jar would become hotter quicker than the jars because of the thermal conductivity. Good point about containing the AVB, but I think you would be able to load glass flowers into a quick loader. We really don't see a reason to stray away from the all glass. Someones gotta do it

 

[nigel]

pre loaded bullets, but wouldn't an accessory that dumped your load in rather than you actually having to load be better? For example maybe something spring loaded so you could pack in the canister, then push it out right into the bowl?

Iseewhatyoudidthere.jpg

I too think I can taste metal in many cases, perhaps I'm fooling myself. But until it gets coated with condensate I can taste it....

Nope. Either you taste it or you don't. [SEE: previous statement about individual perceptions/proclivities.] Not "fooling yourself." Some of us just don't like it. The rest of us scratch our head and think the "other" us weird.

While lack of 'all glass vapor path' is not a deal breaker for me, having it is a plus when considering the next vape.

I'm in the same boat. "All glass vapor path" isn't a make-or-break for me... rather it's an indicator of a probability.

[Rather like how I interpret the classification of 'GastroPub' on social sites when traveling in a strange city as "might be tasty."]

Good point about containing the AVB, but I think you would be able to load glass flowers into a quick loader. We really don't see a reason to stray away from the all glass. Someones gotta do it

Hmmm.... so pre-consumption containment for both product and thermal/space modifiers with the advantage of post-consumption ABV management?

 

[Aner]

I continue to have problems with the Ascent

1st Unit - The buttons all stuck - simply stuck in place and did not bounce back. However, much worse, it smelled toxic - significantly so - even after burn-offs.

2nd Unit - The buttons were different material (more rubbery) and worked fine. However, ultimately, after 4 - 5 mos, it stopped charging. However, much worse, it smelled toxic - significantly so - even after burn-offs.
3rd Unit - It smells toxic - significantly so - very similar to intense black pen ink - trapped in the plastic surrounding the bowl and the stem.

What in God's name is Da Vinci thinking about such cheap manufacturing - and the use of toxic materials???? I would honestly love to return this piece of crap and find something that was well made. However, only another replacement will be provided apparently.

I admit that the design seemed really good - and I was greatly looking forward to it - but it has been a significant disappointment (not even a very good vaporizer - my VaporDoc box is much better) and dangerous failure.

Recommend NOT buying this product.

My only positive is that the Customer Service person was very positive and willing to work with me... I will see whether anything good comes out of this - not holding my breath!

 

[Davinci_vaporizer]

I continue to have problems with the Ascent

1st Unit - The buttons all stuck - simply stuck in place and did not bounce back. However, much worse, it smelled toxic - significantly so - even after burn-offs.

2nd Unit - The buttons were different material (more rubbery) and worked fine. However, ultimately, after 4 - 5 mos, it stopped charging. However, much worse, it smelled toxic - significantly so - even after burn-offs.
3rd Unit - It smells toxic - significantly so - very similar to intense black pen ink - trapped in the plastic surrounding the bowl and the stem.

What in God's name is Da Vinci thinking about such cheap manufacturing - and the use of toxic materials???? I would honestly love to return this piece of crap and find something that was well made. However, only another replacement will be provided apparently.

I admit that the design seemed really good - and I was greatly looking forward to it - but it has been a significant disappointment (not even a very good vaporizer - my VaporDoc box is much better) and dangerous failure.

Recommend NOT buying this product.

My only positive is that the Customer Service person was very positive and willing to work with me... I will see whether anything good comes out of this - not holding my breath!

The buttons haven't changed material. We have used the same silicone supplier for the entirety of the Ascent's production because he provides us with high quality material. I actually just toured the silicone factory for the first time today. Very clean production, brand new machinery and they're in a brand new building. We use only food grade silicone and I got to see the process myself.

 

[OF]

I continue to have problems with the Ascent

However, much worse, it smelled toxic - significantly so - even after burn-offs.

However, much worse, it smelled toxic - significantly so - even after burn-offs.
3rd Unit - It smells toxic - significantly so -

What in God's name is Da Vinci thinking about such cheap manufacturing - and the use of toxic materials????

Sorry you're having troubles, you buy a vape to enjoy not stress over.

Smell is a pretty subjective thing, it effects people differently. While there are many complaints in the thousands of posts here, including non functional units, there are also LOTS of reports of smells going away and lots of us that have had no troubles at all. It's in the nature of Forums to hear mostly bad news I think, this too can change perspective?

I hope you get it sorted out, if the maker is working with you IMO that becomes much more likely.

Out of curiosity how did we get from repetitive "it smelled toxic" to the flat out statement that they are indeed using toxic materials? IMO it a big jump. Which materials did you believe are really toxic? That's not allowed in food grade materials, smell withstanding? TIA

OF

 

[Stu]

I continue to have problems with the Ascent

1st Unit - The buttons all stuck - simply stuck in place and did not bounce back. However, much worse, it smelled toxic - significantly so - even after burn-offs.

2nd Unit - The buttons were different material (more rubbery) and worked fine. However, ultimately, after 4 - 5 mos, it stopped charging. However, much worse, it smelled toxic - significantly so - even after burn-offs.
3rd Unit - It smells toxic - significantly so - very similar to intense black pen ink - trapped in the plastic surrounding the bowl and the stem.

What in God's name is Da Vinci thinking about such cheap manufacturing - and the use of toxic materials???? I would honestly love to return this piece of crap and find something that was well made. However, only another replacement will be provided apparently.

I admit that the design seemed really good - and I was greatly looking forward to it - but it has been a significant disappointment (not even a very good vaporizer - my VaporDoc box is much better) and dangerous failure.

Recommend NOT buying this product.

My only positive is that the Customer Service person was very positive and willing to work with me... I will see whether anything good comes out of this - not holding my breath!

Implying that toxic materials are being used without evidence is going a bit far. You've made your point perfectly clear that you don't care for the Ascent, however per our rules:

Don’t attack products or companies. You can post your opinion, and you can criticize, but posts written to offend are not allowed.

• Please do not revisit an issue unless you have helpful information or constructive comments to add.
• Use of the forum to blackmail companies will not be tolerated.
• Posts in this regard will be evaluated based on perceived intent.

Let us know if your situation has any new developments, but please refrain from any further attacks on the company or unproven toxicity claims. Warning point issued.

 

[virtualpurple]

Nigel I have to agree with you. I know I can personally taste the difference with metals being used. A good example of this would be the PNP, ceramic heater, stainless steel herb bullet but with a "glass" mouth piece. Solid vape, not glass on glass taste. Just because metals have a better thermal conductivity than glass does not mean it will get hotter than the 430F max temp. It just means it would get there quicker so the only advantage I see to this would be for pre loaded bullets, but wouldn't an accessory that dumped your load in rather than you actually having to load be better? For example maybe something spring loaded so you could pack in the canister, then push it out right into the bowl? It doesn't have to be a canister that would get heated.

Yes the Ascent is not designed for combustion and that could prove problematic. A redesign is necessary to reach these temperatures.

I would prefer cans I can pre-load and drop in over a spring loaded loading device. I like being able to pop out a used canister and drop in a fresh one without a lot of messing around if I'm somewhere other than home. The ascent is also not the easiest to load if you don't have a little surface to work with, it is much easier to load a lid that will stand up on its own.

I also have an index of suspicion that a thin metal can will make the ascent a bit easier to work with in regards to reclaimed oils or concentrates. With steel being a much greater thermal conductor than glass it will come up to temperature faster and it will cool off faster (one could take a few puffs and pop out their canister, which will help the herb cool off quicker, resulting in less unwanted cooking).

I would also feel much more comfortable attempting reclaim in a canister that I can soak in ISO. As it stands I would not put any reclaim in my Ascent oven.

I just feel that metal canisters will offer the ascent some other options for use, which is never a bad thing.

 

[CarolKing]

Some of us have had luck with just putting wax or shatter in the middle of the herb. After is easy cleanup when it's still warm.

I've had some problems with another vaporizer (not the Ascent) I finally decided to cut my losses and move on. It wasn't worth stressing over.

Plenty Ascent owners are happy with their units. There have been those that have had numerous units and still are having problems, it's only natural for those voices to be louder. I understand your frustrations maybe the Ascent isn't for you.

For the most part if you are the majority that haven't had issues you are quietly enjoying your Ascent and possibly not commenting at all. You're blissfully in happy land, no problems for you.

 

[virtualpurple]

Oh Carol,

I'm not sure if any of your post was in my direction or to Aner. If I have given anyone the feeling that I am unhappy at all with my Ascent please be rest assured that I am quite happy with the device. It was my first vaporizer and I am quite attached to it. After my second unit was eaten by our pup I was without an Ascent until recently so I have found I need to get reacquainted with it.

I only make the suggestions for the device because I enjoy coming back to it as much as I do. I certainly will continue to use the device in my regular rotation

I just hope I haven't given anyone the wrong impression.

 

[OF]

After my second unit was eaten by our pup I was without an Ascent until recently so I have found I need to get reacquainted with it.

You know this might be an excellent opportunity. Teach him to fetch......

Then you can make the rounds in the dead of night while he goes in doggie doors, quietly sniffs for Ascents, then quietly brings them back to you without damaging? You trade it for a dog treat........

OF

 

[GeekyGodiva]

I recently decided to try my Ascent with a water tool. I like it very much this way, but eventually I want to get the U stem. I can plug the basic Ascent stem straight into my bong with a bit of help, but having the bottom pointing up seems to a, let some vapor escape out he "bottom" of the oven and b, stink up the room like herb in a major way.

 

[Delta3DStudios]

I recently decided to try my Ascent with a water tool. I like it very much this way, but eventually I want to get the U stem. I can plug the basic Ascent stem straight into my bong with a bit of help, but having the bottom pointing up seems to a, let some vapor escape out he "bottom" of the oven and b, stink up the room like herb in a major way.

The U-stem worries me about how thin the glass is. I prefer the straight stem + PNWT, but it's a bit too tall, might need to trim down the height of my straight adapter

 

[llama1892]

Hey guys, just picked up an Ascent off of the classifieds, and am supposed to be getting it on Monday . I've been skimming through the 300+ pages while waiting. Would you guys happen to have any advice when it comes to the Ascent? As always thanks for being an awesome community

 

[KidFated.]

Hey guys, just picked up an Ascent off of the classifieds, and am supposed to be getting it on Monday . I've been skimming through the 300+ pages while waiting. Would you guys happen to have any advice when it comes to the Ascent? As always thanks for being an awesome community

I asked the same thin waiting for mine fine/medium grind, dry herbs, tamp it in the bowl but not tight. Glass daisy screens helps with taking up some of the huge bowl. I think CK uses cotton on top of her load to keep stuff clean.

 

[llama1892]

Fantastic! Thank you @KidFated. I see you have the pax listed, how would you compare the two??

 

[KidFated.]

Fantastic! Thank you @KidFated. I see you have the pax listed, how would you compare the two??

I used the same glass screens in the pax actually, so I had a couple that didn't get lost in the overlap time. I actually liked the pax. I just didn't like cleaning it.

Flavor is amazing in the ascent, but I like conduction vapes. Other than size, ascent wins in every way. Ymmv of course.