Ascent Vaporizer by DaVinci

[KeroZen]

Alright I stand corrected then, thank you @OF and @Davinci_vaporizer for your answers. So it means the better taste comes from 1) precise temp regulation 2) glass lining and glass vapor path 3) using the entire height of the device for the vapor path, allowing to cool it somewhat (creating a smoother experience)

Now I agree that whatever the source, calories are calories. So is it some kind of urban legend on this forum when so many people praise convection vapes and their supposedly greater taste? It's really puzzling. For instance I find that my Firewood appears to have a "fuller taste" but that is expected: it has strictly no temperature control and is all manual drive, so the temperature fluctuates between low and high, meaning you extract the full spectrum at once (or rather that a given hit will contain actives from many vaporization temperatures at once). Many people say the Firefly has the best taste of all portables but it's the exact same principle, there is no set point etc.

The main difference I can see is how much the load will cook when you don't draw. With conduction it cooks at all time and you get plenty of vapor on the first hit. With convection it doesn't (or less at least) and the start of the first hit is often only hot air (I don't like that aspect btw, sometimes with my Firewood I feel like I'm just inhaling way too much hot air for the amount of vapor I get)

EDIT: I forgot to add that I was very perplex when I read in the S&B crafty thread that not only can it have as much as 7°C of overshoot, but also all users report that whatever the set temp you select, once you deplete that level there is nothing left when you raise the temperature. For instance if they vape at 185°C they got nothing when they raise the temp afterwards. Whereas in the Ascent when we vape at 185°C, there is plenty left at 195°C and then some left at around 210°C++. Maybe our Ascent temperature drops easily when drawing too hard, but at least I'm under the impression it rarely goes above what you set it to.

 

[stark1]

AA+

 

[OF]

3) using the entire height of the device for the vapor path, allowing to cool it somewhat (creating a smoother experience)

So is it some kind of urban legend on this forum when so many people praise convection vapes and their supposedly greater taste?

The main difference I can see is how much the load will cook when you don't draw. With conduction it cooks at all time and you get plenty of vapor on the first hit.

For instance if they vape at 185°C they got nothing when they raise the temp afterwards. Whereas in the Ascent when we vape at 185°C, there is plenty left at 195°C and then some left at around 210°C++. Maybe our Ascent temperature drops easily when drawing too hard, but at least I'm under the impression it rarely goes above what you set it to.

Interesting point. I'm not sure about taste and long stems cooling it off. I agree it's less harsh, but I'm not sure it changes the taste really? I sometimes put a hose on a vape so I can watch the vapor passage, I guess I never considered the taste at such times. One factor that might be in play is condensation in the stem? Seems to me that would be selective to some extent on what it 'trapped' maybe? Food for thought.

Like many 'old wives tales' I think this idea might be rooted in experience? That is, over time, guys noticed they liked convection vapes more. And remember, Ascent is atypical as a vape in two important differences: The maximum temperature is very exact (like to within a single degree in some of my measurements) and there is basically zero 'overshoot' or sag. The tempera rue regulation technique used seems to be t he vastly superior "PID" classed type rather than the "setpoint" type usually used. It's like your car's cruse control where power is varied (gradual changes) rather than switched on and off like say your home heater or most vapes (like HA, Solo, VB and so on.....including I assume the S&B?). The long 'thermal path' tends to also shield the load from rapid changes another feature that keeps the temperature from excursions upward in temperature. FWIW, I'm not all that sure that such 'simmer at the magic temperature' really effects the taste or delivery. I think, rather, what's going on is the THC and other fractions that make the vapor are 'moved around' in the load. That is in rest periods they can condense again and drop their heat in the process allowing more vapor elsewhere in the load to evaporate. Nothing gets chemically altered to a great extent, no vapor really escapes. Many of us have experienced leaving a fresh stem in a stem vape for long periods and still getting vapor. I left a typical .035 grain load in my PD for hours on end and finally overnight and was still able to satisfactorily hit it. Some/most of the goodness didn't disappear even though it 'cooked' a very long time.

In some interesting ways I think Ascent is a 'rule breaker'. Some of the familiar rules seem in play, others not?

Thanks, good stuff to ponder when the time is right.

OF

 

[MrNaturalAZ]

On the matter of a smaller bowl, while that might improve performance (faster initial heat-up as well as better temp control and faster recovery) it would require more frequent filling. Fine if you're sitting at home, not so much while on-the-go. One of the things I like about the Ascent is the big bowl. It's enough to last one person all day, or at least the out-and-about portion of it (depending of course on individual needs, tolerances, and preferences), or to have enough to share, on one filling.

Yeah, like with inserts maybe....or a movable bottom.... Some scheme to preserve dense pack and solid contact to take full advantage of the Ascent's excellent temperature control.

The Ascent Adjustabowl? I like it already

That would be a great way to have the option of High-Performance (small bowl) or Long-Lasting (big bowl) modes. Something some already do with various sorts of spacers (glass flowers, ceramic screens, concentrate jars, etc.). I still think a custom-made, manufacturer-supplied spacer would be an awesome solution, and could easily be retrofit (add or remove as needed) to any existing Ascent. Probably inexpensive enough to include with all new Ascents without having to raise the price (much?) and offered inexpensively to current owners.

 

[stark1]

Consider having 3 different sized inserts (S,M,L) as part of the Ascent package, the user can customize the Ascent with the appropriate sized capsule for the occasion.

The thermal properties for maximizing the vapor quality of each size would have to be determined, and implemented, accordingly. Etc.

Just blowing some hawt air....

 

[Delta3DStudios]

Consider having 3 different sized inserts (S,M,L) as part of the Ascent package, the user can customize the Ascent with the appropriate sized capsule for the occasion.

Sadly, according to @Davinci_vaporizer the "inserts" or spacers are already on their way from china to the US - no word on what the design looks like, not sure if it's a single sized spacer or multiple different sizes. Assuming the cost and shipping on their website is reasonable, I'm sure I'll be one of the first to order when it's available.

 

[KeroZen]

What they did in the Indica appears to work pretty good, let's hope they came with a similar solution! I'm eager to get one.

 

[Norcalsun]

For what it's worth I also like the large bowl. I'd actually like it even bigger.

 

[slatihe]

Late to the party as usual.... just got to wait for it to charge!


Will peruse the thread...

How go you all feel about the water adapters that bought them? Thoughts on regular straight stem vs u stem?

 

[Delta3DStudios]

How go you all feel about the water adapters that bought them? Thoughts on regular straight stem vs u stem?

Straight WPA is great as an air-tight mouthpiece for the Ascent. Bit too long for use with a PNWT in my opinion. The U-stem version is easier to break, i think most people go with the straight stem

 

[Norcalsun]

I'm completely sold on the WT adaptor as a mouthpiece. It made the draw and the vapor production much better.

 

[slatihe]

Any one try edd's tnt wood on wood stem replacement? Any thoughts? Not sure if wanted with WoG

Not sure which glass piece to go with. .. like right side up, but looks to thin for having this dangling on it. :s

Still paying with it..
Umm, my lil' black mouth piece plug DOES NOT fit my mouth piece. Mouth piece is too big, pops right back out again. Assume this is not how it was intended? O.o
Haven't tried on replacement set...

Thanks

Edit: @CarolKing thanks... you find WoG change the taste much from GoG?

 

[CarolKing]

I've only been using a GonG or a WonG with my Ascent for the last 6 months. A much tighter draw. No air loss at all. This is the only way to use the Ascent IMO.

 

[Barbertov]

Just wanted to sign up to thank all for the hints and tips in this thread, have taken the plung to save my lungs and am so far pretty pleased with Ascent, could definitely do with the spacer when it comes out as I'm not a big bowl user but have it found it to work ok with small amounts providing you pack it down against the ceramic. not much in the way of clouds but plenty o medication. Interesting high as well, really spacey.

 

[slatihe]

@Barbertov you should try using something as a spacer like ceramic or glass screens. Or loading a full bowl.... it really does make a world of difference.

Assent really likes to be packed. The tighter the better, in my experience! Seriously, gave up on even trying to grind stuff, just a complete waist of time. In my opinion anyway. My unit actually produces much bigger clouds in the lower temperatures, if packed ungrounded. Does produce noticeably less @ around 380+ f. Not enough to really matter and I'm sure i could still get it all out if wanted to wait a moment or two longer.... if i wasn't LONG past being done long before that-- and/or maybe had a water adapter. Do find a lot or irritation from 378 f up, but also hate mouth stem (both retracted and extended)... still probably wouldn't matter.

P.s. for every one who finds that they need a lil' more restriction in air path the silicone mouth piece from the old omicron essential oil carts works grate! Lol.
Find it stops the super aggravating viable vape leak out extendable mouth stem! Good for me as my stem plugs just pop out and are completely useless. Lol.

May your heavy breathing friends, also see CLOUDS!

 

[Glass004]

Straight WPA is great as an air-tight mouthpiece for the Ascent. Bit too long for use with a PNWT in my opinion. The U-stem version is easier to break, i think most people go with the straight stem

You can get a $3 three corner file and cut the stem shorter. First you score around the circumference, then grasp with two hands, thumbs on glass next to scored mark. Push/support tube with thumbs while bending back tube with fingers. The tube will break at scored mark. I did this with my broken U-stem version.

 

[slatihe]

You can get a $3 three corner file and cut the stem shorter. First you score around the circumference, then grasp with two hands, thumbs on glass next to scored mark. Push/support tube with thumbs while bending back tube with fingers. The tube will break at scored mark. I did this with my broken U-stem version.

@Glass004 would you please give more details about u stem breaking, please? Would like to hear your story, still want one but looks far too thin for 35 bones and shipping. Thanks for your thoughts.

Also would think Dremel with cutting disk would be faster and my first choice, if you have one around. Not a big deal but honestly just don't like scoring and braking fragile round glass... And I'm a klutz lol.

 

[Barbertov]

@Barbertov you should try using something as a spacer like ceramic or glass screens. Or loading a full bowl.... it really does make a world of difference.

Assent really likes to be packed. The tighter the better, in my experience! Seriously, gave up on even trying to grind stuff, just a complete waist of time. In my opinion anyway. My unit actually produces much bigger clouds in the lower temperatures, if packed ungrounded. Does produce noticeably less @ around 380+ f. Not enough to really matter and I'm sure i could still get it all out if wanted to wait a moment or two longer.... if i wasn't LONG past being done long before that-- and/or maybe had a water adapter. Do find a lot or irritation from 378 f up, but also hate mouth stem (both retracted and extended)... still probably wouldn't matter.

P.s. for every one who finds that they need a lil' more restriction in air path the silicone mouth piece from the old omicron essential oil carts works grate! Lol.
Find it stops the super aggravating viable vape leak out extendable mouth stem! Good for me as my stem plugs just pop out and are completely useless. Lol.

May your heavy breathing friends, also see CLOUDS!

Already using the flowers but would like a single piece ideally.

I love the hit @ 360, really tasty.

 

[Glass004]

@Glass004 would you please give more details about u stem breaking, please? Would like to hear your story, still want one but looks far too thin for 35 bones and shipping. Thanks for your thoughts.

Also would think Dremel with cutting disk would be faster and my first choice, if you have one around. Not a big deal but honestly just don't like scoring and braking fragile round glass... And I'm a klutz lol.

I have set up glassware for chemistry projects and blown a little glass.
IMO 3 corner file technique gives more precision.
I ordered a U stem water adaptor. It was not sturdy enough to withstand the stress of putting it into the collar. These are hand made, to the feel of my hands, this piece was defective.
Initial communication with DaVnci was not productive. A young lady then agreed to send out a replacement. I got pissed at the first customer rep for his being out of touch with reality. It only costs DaVinci a buck to buy one of these in China, are they really gonna make me pay another $35?.
The pleasant young lady made the correct call and sent me a straight stem by my request. I agree with Ratchet that the U water adaptor is too fragile. I don't think you really need the U shape anyway.
You can buy straight water adaptors cheap from DHgate for a buck fifty, but DaVinci has theirs made to specs to fit the Ascent.
I am not gripping about the expense of the U stem, DaVinci needs to stay in business and honor my 2 year warenties.

 

[slatihe]

@Barbertov if you don't like using glass flowers/Jacks try the ceramic or glass screens (as in a snall preferated disk), that would reduce you to sets if two pieces per spacer layer wanted. Best you'll get less you want a LOT of then custom made for you (or make then your self as needed).... like davinci is supposed to have done for us all ready. You may have difficulty in finding them as glass Jacks/flowers are usually called (and used as) screens. Amazon link a few pages back. .. will repost for you if interested. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00LEWLLF6
-ceramic. Can find glass there too, also on ebay, cheapest from china.

P.s. Oh and you could tie/bind screens into sets w organic cotton string or ss wire or what have you, to make one unit spacers instead of 2 to 4 separate screens.

@Glass004 thank you for the info. How did you find stems on dhgate? Just type ascent? Lol my searching skills stuck.

P.s. not knocking glass scoring w/ a file or at all. Just offering another approach. I can get as precise as i want with a Dremel.... and i can score glass as well. The sharp file edge would make scoring easier too. Just another option for peeps with clumsy big hands that don't like working with glass to choose from. Some may fill safer cutting vs breaking.

Like dressing and/or skinning rabbit, there are many ways to reach same result.

Edit again: oh yeah and @Glass004 the u shaped stem's purpose is just to keep ascent up right when using oils in oil jar as oil will obviously just leak out all over the place if ascent was inverted while used as such.

Since u stem is garbage... i don't know?

Most people probably just use "green" screen, organically produced un bleached cotton or w.e preferred method of soaking up/hold in place oil while it slowly boils into vapor, any way...

 

[stark1]

I no I should man up, and read all 284 pages of the thread, but is there some kind knowledgeable soul who could Cliff note major differences of the first production line, and the latest version of the Ascent.

I am maxing out with my ADD.

 

[Glass004]

@Glass004 thank you for the info. How did you find stems on dhgate? Just type ascent? Lol my searching skills stuck.

You're pretty funny. Never had visions of a skinned rabbit on a vaping forum before.
On DHgate I found this 18.8 mm Gong with fitted glass bowl for $1.46 per unit in lots of 100. http://www.dhgate.com/product/6-8-i...n-glass-down/206002909.html#s1-4-1|2586616556
It was part of a discussion about the cost of the GonGs given away by DaVinci. My point was that if they buy these by the thousands, I am sure they are very cheap per GonG. They are ordered with specs to fit the Ascent.
I am not sure if anything you buy off of the Chinese market would fit the Ascent properly. Please let us know if you order and score a cheap GonG for the Ascent that fits.
I do not think there are many people vaping oils using the glass cans. The U stem was not my most appropriate purchase.
I really like the glass flowers as a screen. I have a spongy stuff. If you have stuff that powders, the cotton screen would be my preference. At one point before using cotton with dry powdered stuff, my sputum was black from black ABV particles. I tended to have more powdered stuff when I pulverized using a coffee grinder. I like the spongy stuff that results from my hand powered metal grinder. It packs better, and particles are not a big issue as with the stuff via the coffee grinder.

 

[computermole]

Hey,

I just wanted to ask if there is someone who has some experience comparing different portables in various terms of quality?
The reason for asking is that, once again, my ascent has stopped working due to the display's being defect . The oven seems to work but there is no way of using it properly without the display's functioning.
This is already the second time that an ascent I've had ceased to work(the first time, the inner part of the display cracked although the device never fell down and was treated carefully; therefore, the unit was replaced), making it very likely to assume that the apparent nature of the many problems affecting the ascent units (not only speaking of my devices, but also taking into account the average complaints raised in this board) hints at low / inconsistent build quality inherent to the ascent's production. Now, come as it may, I still think that the ascent has a number of distinctive qualities which makes it a very good portable in many respects , except for the build quality (which alone makes it wholly unacceptable ).
As far its qualities are concerned I think that the taste it delivers is very good, moreover it is quite efficient in vapor production and sedative effects once the flowers are in the bowl. Battery life is really good, and it's discrete outer appearance allows for inconspicuous use public.

Still, I've been thinking about replacing it by another portable since build quality is one of the most important aspects for me. Which portables in the market may provide a real alternative to the ascent?As I've mentioned, they should fare good with respect to vapour quality, vapour production , battery life, discreetnes? If other portable are worse in some aspects when compared to the ascent , this may be of course be traded off against advantages they may have in others. I am especially interested in how the new stortz bickel portables, the firefly, and the solo compare to the ascent.


Many thanks for your help!

 

[Glass004]

Hey,

I just wanted to ask if there is someone who has some experience comparing different portables in various terms of quality?
The reason for asking is that, once again, my ascent has stopped working due to the display's being defect . The oven seems to work but there is no way of using it properly without the display's functioning.
This is already the second time that an ascent I've had ceased to work(the first time, the inner part of the display cracked although the device never fell down and was treated carefully; therefore, the unit was replaced), making it very likely to assume that the apparent nature of the many problems affecting the ascent units (not only speaking of my devices, but also taking into account the average complaints raised in this board) hints at low / inconsistent build quality inherent to the ascent's production. Now, come as it may, I still think that the ascent has a number of distinctive qualities which makes it a very good portable in many respects , except for the build quality (which alone makes it wholly unacceptable ).
As far its qualities are concerned I think that the taste it delivers is very good, moreover it is quite efficient in vapor production and sedative effects once the flowers are in the bowl. Battery life is really good, and it's discrete outer appearance allows for inconspicuous use public.

Still, I've been thinking about replacing it by another portable since build quality is one of the most important aspects for me. Which portables in the market may provide a real alternative to the ascent?As I've mentioned, they should fare good with respect to vapour quality, vapour production , battery life, discreetnes? If other portable are worse in some aspects when compared to the ascent , this may be of course be traded off against advantages they may have in others. I am especially interested in how the new stortz bickel portables, the firefly, and the solo compare to the ascent.


Many thanks for your help!

I have used the Iolite for 3 years and found ]it to be a little more reliable than the Ascents, but very primitive compared to the Ascents abilities. The Iolites had problems with the burner clogging and the starter button ceased to function.

Most folks have a back up for the Ascent. But nothing performs like the Ascent. A lot of people have a Solo as a backup to the Ascent.

The Ascent is cutting edge with vaping, but I too have had to rely on patience in order to enjoy its unmatched function and utility. I have two Ascents, and view my purchase of them, as more of a two year lease. After two years I'll see what's on the market.

 

[Norcalsun]

Hey,

I just wanted to ask if there is someone who has some experience comparing different portables in various terms of quality?
The reason for asking is that, once again, my ascent has stopped working due to the display's being defect . The oven seems to work but there is no way of using it properly without the display's functioning.
This is already the second time that an ascent I've had ceased to work(the first time, the inner part of the display cracked although the device never fell down and was treated carefully; therefore, the unit was replaced), making it very likely to assume that the apparent nature of the many problems affecting the ascent units (not only speaking of my devices, but also taking into account the average complaints raised in this board) hints at low / inconsistent build quality inherent to the ascent's production. Now, come as it may, I still think that the ascent has a number of distinctive qualities which makes it a very good portable in many respects , except for the build quality (which alone makes it wholly unacceptable ).
As far its qualities are concerned I think that the taste it delivers is very good, moreover it is quite efficient in vapor production and sedative effects once the flowers are in the bowl. Battery life is really good, and it's discrete outer appearance allows for inconspicuous use public.

Still, I've been thinking about replacing it by another portable since build quality is one of the most important aspects for me. Which portables in the market may provide a real alternative to the ascent?As I've mentioned, they should fare good with respect to vapour quality, vapour production , battery life, discreetnes? If other portable are worse in some aspects when compared to the ascent , this may be of course be traded off against advantages they may have in others. I am especially interested in how the new stortz bickel portables, the firefly, and the solo compare to the ascent.


Many thanks for your help!

I've recently been following the Haze thread. It's an interesting unit. It's got two bowls/cans and is said to vape straight oil/wax very well. Give it a look.