Monday, November 23, 2015

Cricut Explore VS. Pazzles

I am actually dreading this versus post...it is almost making feel like some kind of traitor but in the fairness of versus posts I have been doing and me being a person of honest opinions I am begrudgingly writing a comparison post. 

After my DIVORCE from Provocraft almost 3 years ago I started looking at other machines, ones that I felt could cut a little better, heavier material, and allowed me to have more creative abilities with making my own design files and after looking into several different ones I had decided on the Pazzles. I knew it would work with Make The Cut and had heard wonderful reviews. As fate would have it there was a long time reader that wanted to gift me her Pazzles because it was in storage not being used and she wanted me to have it *okie knows she has been very blessed in the crafting sector of her life over the years*. Once I got it set up and started using it I did notice it cut more intricate details than what the Expression would cut and I was in love. The Pazzles was good at cutting most things perfectly but there were still some issues with certain papers and materials. 

One area where the Explore has the Pazzles beat hands down is the settings. With the Pazzles there are literally hundreds of settings you can use and it was always hard for me to remember what settings to use with what materials since one little setting off would work for one cardstock or material and not the next. The pressure range alone went from 0-50. I did come up with a method to keep them straight by having little tags with settings written on them. Of course I thought this was wonderful but it was also a pain in the arse to have to look up a tag when I couldn't remember off hand what settings to use. 

With the Explore all I have to do is turn the dial or use the custom settings options when I get ready to cut, nothing to pull out and go through, nothing to remember...just turn the dial or use custom settings and POOF, perfect cuts every time. Yes, I mean every time! Okay it did mess up a time or two but it wasn't the Explore's fault but my own for not paying attention and changing the setting from my previous cutting *okie remembers how pissed she was when she first reviewed the Explore and wanted so much for it to cut things wrong and it wouldn't*. This is a total time saver when I'm crafting and one less thing to worry about. 

The Pazzles produces about the same amount of sound as the Expression did when cutting so it is quite a bit louder than the Explore, and if you aren't familiar with the level of sound just know that sometimes it seemed like it was loud enough to wake a sleeping baby. There was no sneaking to use your machine with the Pazzles. 

When I reviewed the Explore for the first time one of the things I cut was vellum and it cut perfectly. I did try cutting vellum with the Pazzles but never had good luck with anything intricate and even with larger things it seemed to rip the vellum rather than cutting it. There were a few cardstocks the Pazzles had difficulty cutting as well, mostly the cheaper ones and when I tried cutting the same cardstocks with the Explore I had no problems *okie wonders if people really understand how hard she tried to get the Explore to mess up cutting different materials*

Okay, so far I have said the Explore is easier to get correct settings and that it cuts better than the Pazzles but now I want to talk about the downfall where the Pazzles beats the Explore. It is no secret to anyone that I love Make the Cut and have been using it for a few years now and even sold off my cartridges because I didn't have a need for them anymore and the one thing I loved about my Pazzles was that I could connect MTC directly to my Pazzles for cutting. With MTC there is no need for an internet connection and the program has a lot more features than what the Cricut Design Space program has...A LOT MORE! So POOF there ya go...Pazzles over Explore!

But wait...now let me tell you where I messed up! Pazzles came out with the Pazzles Vue about the same time that Provocraft came out with the Cricut Explore. Both had a lot of the same features including print and cut but I already had a bad taste in my mouth about Provocraft and there was no way I was going to consider the Explore so the Pazzles Vue was coming to my house! All of this was happening during a time where I wasn't doing much crafting and I wasn't keeping on top of all the latest and greatest of things. I did however go ahead and order the Vue feeling fully confident that the developers at MTC would make the plugin for the Vue. My confidence faded over time and now I am quite confident it will never happen. I do have the Pazzles software but have no idea how to use it. I opened a few times and stared at the screen with a WTF look on my face and then would close it. I even tried watching a video or two and with my impatient nature *okie wonders who all remmbers that her motto is "I just wanna make chit"* it just never worked out for me. 

*okie takes a deep breath and can't believe she is going to say what she is about to say* I have to say that when I did spend a few minutes with Cricut Design Space I found it quite easy to upload my SVG files I made in MTC and then cut the files. It was much less complicated than trying to use the Pazzles software. 

The Explore beats the Pazzles due to being able to cut more accurately and setting the machine is much more simple but the Pazzles is better because I could use it with a program that doesn't require an internet connection and has a lot more features. The Explore beats the Pazzles Vue because I don't know how to use the Pazzles Software and I can't connect the machine to MTC.

So in a final note it's the Explore over both Pazzle machines for me due to the following:
1. Simple settings
2. Cleaner, more accurate cuts
3. Easy of uploading SVG designs I make in Make the Cut
4. Quieter performance
5. Not as bulky
6. Machine closes for self containment
7. Bluetooth capabilities
There are probably a few more reasons that are escaping my brain at this moment. When anyone asks me what machine I recommend I tell them the Explore and give them the reasons I love the Explore, but I also tell them they only drawback I have about the Explore is the dependency of an internet connection. 

So there ya go folks...I have finished my series of Explore VS. every other machine I have owned and yep Explore wins over them all. Now with that said make sure you come back tomorrow because to celebrate I think I will do a giveaway of some sort!

39 comments:

  1. Thanks Shirley for a great review of the Cricut Explore. Yep, I too had sworn off Provocraft and went to the Cameo side. Could never make heads or tails of that program. Regretted selling my cricut expression but SOOOOO glad I found my Explore. Love your blog post!!
    Marilyn

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  2. Can't wait. I love the explore too!

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  3. I've read everyone of your comparisons and really appreciate your straight forward approach and honesty. I've been a follower of your blog for years now, and my appreciation has only grown over time. Keep up the great work, and thanks!!

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  4. Great honest reviews thanks. The Ecplore is an amazing machine.

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  5. I had the original Pazzles, At lease they improved it by making it electric...:)

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  6. I still have a bad taste in my mouth for Provo Craft! I will not be tied to the Internet to use my machine. Here in NW Oklahoma, my internet is not the best. And they also took my ability to cut with my machine. I use MTC. I did not like those stupid cartridges. Did not take me long to get rid of it. I might consider their machine if it was not tied to the Internet. I would like to save my images on my computer and use them without Internet connection. Love the fact that it is wireless, it is quiet and cuts good. Thanks for taking the time to write your review on the two machines. I always read your reviews even if I don't have the machines. Never know when my Silhouette might give up and I need to consider another one. It has been a good machine but would like a wireless.

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    1. Girl when they first asked me last year to review the Explore machine I actually laughed and laughed thinking "do they really want me to do that" and then I was pissed because it cut so well. When I first got the Explore I had just moved and I had to go with U-Verse and it was painfully slow and it was a pain to try and cut things. I was finally able to up my speed and now I don't have too many issues. Right now they are really pushing how you can use the IOS platform (aka apple products) and cut without internet but I don't have any of those products and don't want to invest just so I can cut without internet.

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  7. i would have bought the explore before now, if only i didn't have to learn another software. it took me a year to get good and comfortable with my silhouette software, and i'm getting good at it! i love it and there is still so much i 'don't know' about it and really....'i don't care' if i ever learn 'all' of it, because it is doing what 'I' want/need it to do! i do however like the ability of the explore being able to cut those 'thin' and 'intricate' cuts and wish my cameo would/could do that a little better. i'm good with what it does for me, but 'sometimes', i just wish i could do a little more. i think the explore wins over that, but until i can 'win' an explore, i'll settle with my current investment and make do with what i have!
    kat

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    1. There is a lot that Make The Cut can do that I don't know how to use but like you, it is good for what I need it to do. It's pretty simple for me to export my SVG and upload into DS and cut so it works out pretty good for me.

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  8. Sounds like a fair comparison to me. We share the same drawback for the Explore. I've never used a Pazzles but if the software isn't user friendly enough that you could step in and use it, I'd never figure it out! One plus for the Explore is that accessories for it are available at more places. That way if you need a blade or mat you don't have to rely on doing an online order and waiting for delivery. JoAnn's and Hobby Lobby both keep accessories in stock.

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    1. Linda I think you would do fine with an Explore if you used it like I do, just using their software when you are ready to cut. I literally have done nothing in their software other than what was a sample project with the machine when you open it.

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  9. Okie,OKie,Okie..........Now you have done it again ;)

    It wouldn't be very nice to just buy my self an explore for Christmas and tell my other family members just Merry Christmas would it. ;)
    Nope, didn't think so. Just on your reviews I will have that Explore one day but not until after Christmas and my surgery........even though it would be nice to have it to play with while I am healing :) :) :) but I will patiently wait. Thank you for all the comparisons on the different machines.

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  10. I'm still using my Expression, but your reviews (and other people's) have convinced me that the Explore is the way to go!

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  11. my 2nd post since my first is in my grand daughters account. (mistake) great review. glad i didn't buy into the puzzles.

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  12. Whoo hoo!!!! You have sold me. As soon as we can cut offline I am there.

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  13. Great comments Okie. Now I just need to learn how to move my svg to design space haha

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    1. It's pretty simple to do. I'll see if I can't do a walk through in the next few days.

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  14. Good review. Maybe MTC will come out. With the plugin to let you use your new Vue.
    Out. Of curiosity, have you actually used their Design Space without using MTC. I just want to know what your opinion is on the online only software? Maybe if Ashish saw what you had to say about it, they would listen. Given. The fact that they don't seem to be listening to the hundreds of users having issues.

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    1. I really haven't tried to use their software because I have no cartridges anymore. I know a lot of people like it but I'm thinking they don't know how much easier othe programs are or how limited DS is HA HA HA

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    2. Your review has completely side stepped the Design Space software that you have to use to design, save a file and cut. You do not have to have any cartridges to use Design Space, just use the free images they give you, did you see them in the library. Are you aware of the issues a great many people have with it being online. It is as you say limiting compared to normal software and i feel that because you cant use the Explore machine without the online Design Space browser window this should all be mentioned in your review, not to do so would be leaving out a large chunk of information.

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    3. I said in my review that I use MTC to design and then use Design Space to cut. I have frequently written about how I don't like having to be connected to the internet to use their software. I have made it very clear that I don't use cartridges anymore and haven't for a few years. In the above review I stated "With MTC there is no need for an internet connection and the program has a lot more features than what the Cricut Design Space program has...A LOT MORE! So POOF there ya go...Pazzles over Explore!". I can't review problems other people are having if I haven't experienced the same problems. I can however, and do, review how I use the machine and say what I like and don't like about the product...leaving out no chunks of information on my own experience with the machine or software.

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  15. You crack me up but you are wearing me out just by reading your posts! -- kathy

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  16. Thank you for taking your time to compare the machines. I am one of the ones that never left Cricut and I am so in love with my Explore and glad I never left!
    Sandy

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  17. Thank you for doing all of the reviews - I have the Expression - with design studio and a gypsy! I hardly use it because something always needed to be updated. I was just thinking about the Explore the other day or what options might be out there....you saved me some time! Thank you!

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  18. Thanks for this honest review. I have been back and forth on what I wanted. The software or design space program worried me. Had a cameo. Sold it because just wanted to make stuff and not have to fight program to do it.

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  19. I will agree that the Explore does cut well, but the online software is too basic, limiting and has simply failed me to many times. I also feel that have to wait almost 2 years for features is ridiculous. I have the Pazzles and the Pazzles Vue for me they out perform the Explore on a daily bases. I have never gotten a shockwave error, been told to clear my cache, to close all other windows/programs in order to use the software, to wait as it updates, gotten a an error that my file is to complex or haa changing font to crash my software. I experience this 97% of the time using Design Space. As to the Pazzles not working with Make the Cut, yes it is a disappointment however the same way I export my files from MTC to Design Space, I can be exported to the VUE software. The Pazzles also allows for direct cutting from the Vue software, the Funtime/winsignpc Pazzles versions and from SureCuts a Lot. For reliability, cutting options, and delivering what was promised, fully functioning out of the box, the Pazzles and Pazzles Vue still trumps the Explore in my book!

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    1. I may break out the Pazzles software and play with it to see if I can work it. I just really haven't had the need to do so. I agree that after working with MTC for so many years now that the Design Space software is very limited. It doesn't run smoothly when I try to move things around and that might be my internet connection but for the most part it hasn't been a problem since it's easy for me to upload my SVG file and then just use DS for cutting.

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    2. Gurl, thanks for adding that. I went back to read some of your other replies and appreciate the honest answers. I really do not use Design Space and never try to use fonts in the program. I am using uploads from MTC and SCAL. Still having to many issues. The Explore cuts nice, I will give it that 100%, but it is sad that I will not use it unless I have hours and alcohol to do a 20 minute project.

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    3. I honestly think I've only had one or two times that I've had problems after I was able to up the speed on my U-verse (which I totally hate btw and would love to have my DSL back). I never try to edit anything in DS, I just upload for cut and that is all so my use of DS is very little and I'll keep it that way since the method I am using gives me the best of both worlds at this time..awesome design capabilities with MTC and superior cuts to anything else I've owned with the Explore.

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  20. Excellent comparison reviews Shirley ... thanx for taking the time to do them. Now, as soon as I can get a new computer and set it up (which I am hoping to do during the Black Friday sales), I will be opening up that Explore box ... i've had it for over a year now, so it is definitely time I put that little baby to work. I also wish that PC would make some changes with the Design Space Program and make it so that internet connection was not required. Hopefully it will happen one day!?!?! Till then, I will work with it like everyone else is doing that owns an Explore. The important thing is that I will be able to make great detailed cuts that are accurate ... and that is what I want. Thanx again for taking the time to do these comparison reviews Shirley ... they were very informative.

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    1. I swear you neglect more machines by leaving them in boxes! LOL

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  21. Thank you for another detailed, honest comparison between the Explore and Pazzles. I love your reference to a divorce with Provo Craft, I get it and up until now I did not think about it in that manner, but yes it was a divorce for me as well. I have read many reviews in which many are singing the praises of the Explore. I'm glad to see they got it right! Thank you for all your efforts and time to put together the many honest comparisons! Have a great day!

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  22. Have you ever done a comparison with the Silhouette Cameo? I would love to hear what you have to say about that. Especially the new one. I have both the Cricut Expression 2 and the Silhouette Cameo and I love my cameo. The software is very easy to use. Everything was easy to use. I haven't tried the new Silhouette But I am sure I would love it.

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  23. Okie, I have been a follower for many years...since I purchased my Expression in 2010. I have loved everything you have ever written, crafted or reviewed. Your honesty is amazing and welcomed. I love your personal stories as much as your crafty ones. As a mother of 5, 4 of which are are adult children, I have enjoyed the journey of you and your daughter as well.
    I am commenting on this series because I feel like I am the only one out there who has had serious trouble with my Explore.... My kids purchased it for me last Christmas and wow is all I can say, they were so sweet and generous.
    I have trouble cutting almost everything. Paper that tears....even not completing the project on the screen...
    Provocraft has been helpful by sending a new blade housing, blade and mat...but still nothing successful. It takes two or three tries to get a couple of cuts to come out right. I have tried with PTI cardstock which I thought maybe was too thick....but even the Recollections is tearing. Just wondering if you might have any tips or tricks that perhaps I have totally missed. I have watched views and cuts of amazing things this machine can cut and honestly my simple leaf and tie the knot cuts shouldn't have been so complicated.
    Thanks for letting me vent and keep the reviews coming!

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    1. I hate to hear this! I have heard of a few people having problems and I figured it was just some isolated machine problems like when I first go an Expression and had return 2 before I got one that worked okay. The only time I've had problems is when I have forgotten to change the settings on the machine from light cardstock to heavy cardstock. Did PC never offer to replace the machine?

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  24. I tried Pazzles...was not happy with it at all. It was several years ago when I bought one. Not only did I have some trouble with the software, it did not cut chipboard and paper the same. (This was BEFORE MTC and other second party software programs) I was making mini books and when i would cut a page in chipboard, then cut the same shape in paper/card stock. they were different sizes than the chipboard cut. I spoke with their CS and they had no answer for me. I was so disappointed in their CS. I also tried Boss Kut Gazelle, and the Cameo Silhouette. Both had their own problems....Boss Kut tried to help, but the Gazelle still didn't cut like the Expression did (and it was much noisier than the Expression) Same with the Silhouette. I did keep that one (sold the others) and when the Explore came out nearly 2 years ago, I got it (always kept my Cricut cutter) The Silhouette and the Expression have been collecting dust since getting the Explore. Its hands down the best. I don't buy cartridges, I buy the digital images I want/need. I upload other images....its the best of both worlds...and it cuts beautifully. I understand folks don't want to be connected to the internet, but I have never had any troubles with my connections.

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    1. It's good to hear that some people have never had problem with the internet connection. My Pazzles cut really well and I traded it for a kitchen island since I had gotten the Pazzles Vue. The only issue I really had with the Pazzles was all the setting options and if I got it wrong by a few numbers my cuts were a waste. I was totally shocked when I first used the Explore on how well it cut...okay shocked wasn't the feeling. I was pissed...I wanted it to mess up since the CEO seemed to have so much confidence in the machine I wanted to knock him down a few notches. Obviously that didn't happen though did it! LOL

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