Ascent Vaporizer by DaVinci

[dudesickle]

i just developed a hairline crack on the very top of the bottom glass piece (the one that fits inside the other), going about 1/3 of the way around the circumference. is it still okay to use, or should i switch to my backup glass?

also, i'm not that experienced so i haven't really noticed all that much by myself, but should i be worried about the too much air thing? do i need to send it back?

thanks for any help.

 

[Adobewan]

Also, @Adobewan and @Ratchett, I'm not sure if this feels like we would derailing the Ascent thread or not?? I mean this *IS* relevant to the Ascent, but A) not all users care about this and B) there are probably other vapes that people might like to print stuff for. So, I've created a new thread here: http://fuckcombustion.com/threads/3d-printing-some-vapor-related-equipment-ascent-others.12990/

Agreed @Nigel , @Ratchett and I have already started corresponding thru PMs.
I sent him this image and the image that includes stem holders.

 

[Delta3DStudios]

@nigel - thanks for that! Yeah, I'd rather switch it over to another thread because I'm sure there will be a lot of questions, and discussion about the topic, not just related to the Ascent. @Adobewan did PM me and has sent me some other concepts

I did get my Ascent yesterday, and started using it, I'll write up a nice 'first thoughts' review of my unit tonight or this weekend.

By the way - my glass flowers didn't arrive yesterday in the mail, so I went to my LHS because I know they have them. They wanted $1.50 EACH!!! I laughed and said I bought 50 for $8 and walked out. No way am I paying $1.50 for one!!

 

[KeroZen]

It works without flowers though, just need to be careful it makes contact at all times. You can really pack the load hard and it still works very well.

 

[Delta3DStudios]

@KeroZen - I'm sure that's true, but I am currently loading micro-packs (0.1G) with the glass oilcan on top of it. This has been working GREAT to start.

But I really believe the glass flowers will give me a better rip than a full packed bowl. And for that matter - I can't imagine a tight pack being too effective without any glass in the middle of the bowl to help dissipate the heat evenly. Won't the heat travel through corridors caused by the air channels created taking the first few rips of a tight packed bowl?

 

[OF]

But I really believe the glass flowers will give me a better rip than a full packed bowl. And for that matter - I can't imagine a tight pack being too effective without any glass in the middle of the bowl to help dissipate the heat evenly.

I agree with that opinion, it not only fits with my experience but I believe the measurements I reported here prove that point and explain why it is.

The flowers not only distribute the heat but store a lot of the energy that will be used on the next hit. The low 'thermal mass' of bud (compared to glass) prevents this.

Another point worth making is to the best of my recollection not a single owner who's actually tried them has reported anything but useful improvement with the glass flowers? Not one who's actually tried?

Well OK, some have reported that they break too many flowers too easily......Nigel, care to take a bow?

I think the flowers are cheap enough, and generally easy enough to come by if you check around, so that any owner who takes someone's advice here and doesn't try them is missing a sure bet..... Their call, of course, but IMO the real value of places like this is to get useful information and good advice?

OF

 

[Sonics420]

About the flowers breaking, I use a square glass bead that probably wont ever break.. I just push all the bud down with it and leave it on top and close the bowl. It gives me thick hits compared to solo/pax it also keeps the load from moving up and stops you from eating your grind.. You guys should give it a try.

I got it from vapedandconfused.

 

[KeroZen]

@KeroZen Won't the heat travel through corridors caused by the air channels created taking the first few rips of a tight packed bowl?

I'm not saying flowers are not an improvement, just saying that I'm not using them, I'm also using small loads, and never have to stir. And I also never experienced any black spots, charred corridors or whatever mishap some people report with other vapes. The ABV is super even, all the time.

The way you guyz word it seems to imply the device doesn't work without them. But long live the flowers and let's hope DaVinci finally release their custom solution!

 

[mmenzie]

The way you guyz word it seems to imply the device doesn't work without them. But long live the flowers and let's hope DaVinci finally release their custom solution!

i have a feeling this will NEVER happen. they stopped talking about it long ago (even though we have not) and never released one. now they release different "outside" designs like crazy and still no in house made spacer. so i don't think you will ever see one unless davinci wants to come in here and say otherwise. what say you @Davinci_vaporizer???

 

[nigel]

Well OK, some have reported that they break too many flowers too easily

Who are you to say how many glass flowers I break is "too many"? Maybe I'm breaking the exact perfect amount.

i have a feeling this will NEVER happen. they stopped talking about it long ago (even though we have not) and never released one. now they release different "outside" designs like crazy and still no in house made spacer. so i don't think you will ever see one unless davinci wants to come in here and say otherwise. what say you @Davinci_vaporizer???

Nice call to comment. But in all honesty, the different designs were on the table long before the device was even released. A glass spacer is a relatively new thought in contrast. I know the "sombrero" didn't pan out as well as anticipated, but other ideas are being worked on.

 

[KeroZen]

Maybe it's also a bit problematic to sell a vape with what looks like a very precise temperature control, then add an accessory that effectively makes the temperature reading useless because it completely messes the heat distribution...

They could sell it as an "add-on for experienced users only" and with a disclaimer... I don't know...

Actually @Ratchett's idea of using the oil can is brilliant for small loads if it works! Gonna try tonight!

 

[mmenzie]

but other ideas are being worked on.

forgive me but maybe i missed that. i remember the sombrero idea falling flat and Davinici saying so but that was quite some time ago. unless i missed it (which is extremely possible) i do not recall any more discussion that other ideas are being developed.

 

[nigel]

Maybe it's also a bit problematic to sell a vape with what looks like a very precise temperature control, then add an accessory that effectively makes the temperature reading useless because it completely messes the heat distribution...

They could sell it as an "add-on for experienced users only" and with a disclaimer... I don't know...

Actually @Ratchett's idea of using the oil can is brilliant for small loads if it works! Gonna try tonight!

To be clear: I think the add-on of the can or glass flowers is more about reducing the size of the bowl. (Maintaining efficiency whilst advantaging a smaller bowl.) DV gave us all a fairly big bowl (I forget the count, but 3.5 solo stems or more???), and there are quite a few users here who have stated that they love the big bowl and use it to capacity all the time.

Then there are those of us who prefer less product. The flowers/can/bead/whatever grant this group of us the advantage of smaller load, while not actually restricting the device. I rather like the fact that I can load a full bowl when I'm heading out with friends and everyone is happy, but yet when it is just me and the GF I can downsize accordingly.

The oil can solution has been around since before @OF suggested the flowers. It does indeed work and is less work. But I don't believe that anyone has said that it works *better* than the glass flowers. It is certainly easier to use (until it gets gunked up and sticks in the bowl... I broke one trying to get a stuck one out... yeah, yeah, yeah, @OF... shut up. I break glass. That's my super power, and I am content with that fact. ) and will produce effects on par, but still the glass flowers are the champ.

 

[Vape 4 Life]

To be clear: I think the add-on of the can or glass flowers is more about reducing the size of the bowl. (Maintaining efficiency whilst advantaging a smaller bowl.) DV gave us all a fairly big bowl (I forget the count, but 3.5 solo stems or more???), and there are quite a few users here who have stated that they love the big bowl and use it to capacity all the time.

Then there are those of us who prefer less product. The flowers/can/bead/whatever grant this group of us the advantage of smaller load, while not actually restricting the device. I rather like the fact that I can load a full bowl when I'm heading out with friends and everyone is happy, but yet when it is just me and the GF I can downsize accordingly.

The oil can solution has been around since before @OF suggested the flowers. It does indeed work and is less work. But I don't believe that anyone has said that it works *better* than the glass flowers. It is certainly easier to use (until it gets gunked up and sticks in the bowl... I broke one trying to get a stuck one out... yeah, yeah, yeah, @OF... shut up. I break glass. That's my super power, and I am content with that fact. ) and will produce effects on par, but still the glass flowers are the champ.

http://imgur.com/e14eFKD
I hope image shows with this reply. I used a 1mm diamond tipped drill bit with dremel. I've used flowers (& broke some 2), 8mm glass square/chiclets & a combo of filling the glass jar with each. The glass jar needed the bottom to be thru holed to maintain the Ascent's draw.

Each one by itself worked well, but filling the jar with more glass created a ABV oven for small/micro loads.

Kinda like a plancha (for those familiar with Cuban sandwiches) or a panini press.

DV gave me an RMA & my plancha is on the way to be evaluated. Hopefully they'll send me one of their latest models as a replacement vs repairing it.

mod note: Edited to fix broken image link. You have to link to the image, not the host page.

 

[Baked55]

I did try the oil can a few times when I first got the ascent, while I was waiting for the glass flowers to ship. I did find that it definitely did make a difference especially when using micro loads. But found the flowers work even better and haven't looked back sense. They are more hassle for loading but work so well it's more then worth it. Tho I would recommend buying a good amount of them because I first ordered 20 thinking that would be enough. But quickly found out how easy they would be to break and lose and had to order 80 more then next week. Having a one piece spacer from davinci would be great. But only really interested if it works as well as the flowers.

 

[Vapodudule]

I have 3 sort of glass flowers but the oil can is more convenient in the long term. I drilled 3 holes in 2 oil cans and recently switched back to the classic oil can to reduce the airflow.

Always press the load with the can (conduction). It limits the size of the load to a puck of few millimeters high.

Hits like a champion with combo flower+bubble. Car charger/PA too!

 

[Tony Hemp]

I checked my email today and just wanted to let out my frustration with davinci. It's been way too long since I've sent my ascent to them, I was hoping to have it by today and that's not going to happen. The tracking said it was dropped off at the post office on the 26th, so I figured my chances were good since it's priority 2-day shipping. Well, I was wrong. Instead it's been sitting in the Vegas sort facility since the 26th. And it's still sitting there! What the heck are they doing?! So now I might not get it until next week and if it doesn't come in by Monday I won't get it until Wednesday because Tuesday is a holiday here! So furious! I'll be even more furious if I have to send it back in another month. Ok end rant.

 

[OF]

Who are you to say how many glass flowers I break is "too many"? Maybe I'm breaking the exact perfect amount.

Now, now, now....you don't really want us putting this up to a vote now do you?

It is certainly easier to use (until it gets gunked up and sticks in the bowl... I broke one trying to get a stuck one out... yeah, yeah, yeah, @OF... shut up. I break glass. That's my super power, and I am content with that fact. ) and will produce effects on par, but still the glass flowers are the champ.

So, OK, you break glass....... You ain't a patch on Ataxian, even when he's off his feed.

Still, by all means keep at it, 'First Runner Up' is still open. You never know when Ataxian might fade and not be able to make LHS openings and other functions......

OF

 

[chester222]

So I'm down to 1 jack style glass screen. Just ordered a 150 from amazon for like 30$. Didn't feel good but better than local prices.

Ordered through goodealusa on amazon. I'm in canada.

 

[Baked55]

Yea couldn't believe I seen them going for like $3 each most local places!

 

[CarolKing]

I checked my email today and just wanted to let out my frustration with davinci. It's been way too long since I've sent my ascent to them, I was hoping to have it by today and that's not going to happen. The tracking said it was dropped off at the post office on the 26th, so I figured my chances were good since it's priority 2-day shipping. Well, I was wrong. Instead it's been sitting in the Vegas sort facility since the 26th. And it's still sitting there! What the heck are they doing?! So now I might not get it until next week and if it doesn't come in by Monday I won't get it until Wednesday because Tuesday is a holiday here! So furious! I'll be even more furious if I have to send it back in another month. Ok end rant.

Tony, just keep checking because you may check in a few hours later and it could be at the airport destination ready to be sent to the local post office (or UPS) I can't remember how DV sends shipping.

You should be getting it soon.

 

[farcus2323]

@Tony Hemp I received my carbon fiber unit yesterday. I am not rubbing it in at all I just wanted to let you know, it's worth it. My device almost seems totally different. The latch is different, the silicone is different, the latch where the bowl hinges open moves better. The power button seems more sturdy and easier to push. The thing even takes draws smoother.

Also, I got glass flowers, I am throwing 2-3 in bottom of bowl, no particular arrangement just drop 3 in there. I put some herb in, probably around 0.5g. Then I put 2-3 more flowers on top then slightly give the whole bowl a soft pack down.

Am I doing this correctly? Anyone have a more efficient way to use the flowers?

Any tips or thoughts would help

 

[konekt]

I own a solo and an ascent and i goto say i find the ascent to be superior in every aspect, at first I found efficiency to be a problem with the ascent then i purchased these:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B007H4G06K/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I put about 8 of these in the bowl first which A. stops any fine ground dropping out and B. Seems to reduce escaping vapour.
Then i pack my fine ground herb in, press it down pretty firm and then a few more faceted glass beads on top which stops all that mess around your seals. You can control how much herb your using by just adding more beads in the bottom so in the moring i just have a .1 blast.

The vapour clouds surpass anything I ever achieved with my solo and the unit just seems much better built.

I couldn't find much info on optimum charging cycles but have been sticking to this general Li Ion guide if it helps anyone:

http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/how_to_prolong_lithium_based_batteries

My battery always says it fully charged after 3 hrs not 5 and i know the charger won't overcharge but I put it on a timer for 2.5 hrs to avoid full charges and prolong battery lifetime.

I looking forward to the first teardown as I'm in the UK and taking advantage of any warranty ids probably going to be pricey.

 

[Delta3DStudios]

I own a solo and an ascent and i goto say i find the ascent to be superior in every aspect, at first I found efficiency to be a problem with the ascent then i purchased these:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B007H4G06K/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I put about 8 of these in the bowl first which A. stops any fine ground dropping out and B. Seems to reduce escaping vapour.
Then i pack my fine ground herb in, press it down pretty firm and then a few more faceted glass beads on top which stops all that mess around your seals. You can control how much herb your using by just adding more beads in the bottom so in the moring i just have a .1 blast.

Ohh myyyy - the man is a genius. I like the concept!! And they will be easier/faster to load and store than these flowers! Thanks for the tip! I've found a similar product on Amazon US (non prime, unfortunately), Ordering them later today.

Still waiting for a good time to writeup my first opinions on my Ascent, but I'll post that later (I'm sure it'll rival the length of my first post, ha ha ha).

I couldn't find much info on optimum charging cycles but have been sticking to this general Li Ion guide if it helps anyone

Mine came with a 'full' charge (but I suspected the battery meter was lying to me).

After my initial ISO cleaning, I fired up the Ascent an ran through a burn-in at 400 for 15 minutes (draining the battery before charging for first time on purpose).

I then charged for 4-5 hours, and then started to use.

After I drained 2/3rds of the battery, charged full again and repeated cycle.

I'm going to try to follow the "charge every other day" policy since this will be my daily driver.... (unless charging is required more frequently! ha ha)

 

[OF]

I own a solo and an ascent and i goto say i find the ascent to be superior in every aspect, at first I found efficiency to be a problem with the ascent then i purchased these:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B007H4G06K/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Ohh myyyy - the man is a genius. I like the concept!! And they will be easier/faster to load and store than these flowers! Thanks for the tip! I've found a similar product on Amazon US (non prime, unfortunately), Ordering them later today.

Two thoughts here, both repeats. First off, I'd be cautious about using crystal glass in any vape, typically to get that lovely 'texture' they put LOTS of lead in it. Enough to contaminate (to some extent) some food products simply dispensed in them (like wine). The added lead is why such crystal is so much heavier than normal glass. Most guys are trying to limit lead uptake, it makes you stupid and lazy.......THC is my preferred agent here......

I'd suggest sticking with glass intended for human contact at elevated temperatures like the 'tobacco pipe screen' flowers.

Secondly, glass is only a (pretty unimportant) part of the puzzle. It's actually not ideal since it conducts heat so poorly (metals would be better, but most guys are hung up on 'all glass vapor path'?). If you check back you'll see I tested glass beads (a fair bit actually), they lack an important feature of the flowers, surface area. That's important, it's compensating at some level for the poor thermal conduction.

Try both and see what you think?

OF