I wanted to wrap this up with some of my concluding thoughts. I decided to do it in a more graphical form than the previous posts.
As you may be able to tell by now, I’m not really all that impressed by the software. I am intrinsically opposed to the software (and thus the machine) being able to be used only when you’re online. I like that it’s easier to set up how your design will cut and lay it out, but it’s very difficult to create the design. I can only hope that Cricut will change some of this, since software is in generaly easier to upgrade than hardware.
I’m impressed by it’s ability to cut. It’s not perfect, but it can definitely handle more material types, thicker material, and firmer material better than the Cameo can. I can’t compare how it handle’s delicate cuts just yet, but in sheer cutting force, I find that it is definitively better. Of course, that’s only an issue if you are interested in cutting those materials to begin with.
And overall, I like the machine design in general. All of those little details, like places to put your tools, add up to a nice machine. Here’s my final list of pros and cons, in pinnable form for you.
And the big question for those who are interested in purchasing a new machine: what would I suggest you purchase? Here’s a flow chart. This in version 1.0. I’ll update it again after I do a side by side comparison with different materials and more intricate cuts. Update: Kay mentioned three other machines in the comments: the Zing, Pazzles or Silver Bullet. Check those out as well if you’re interested in cutting thicker materials!! Thanks for the heads up Kay!
For those who already have a Silhouette, whether or not you would want to purchase an Explore entirely comes down to whether or not you want to cut a wider variety of materials. I do think that anyone who already owns a Silhouette will be sorely disappointed by the Cricut Design Space. Incidentally, you can use the software without having an Explore. Head over to cricut.com/design to try it out and see what you think. Be aware that you will need to install a plugin to make it work.
Did reading my series help you decide to purchase a machine? Here’s a link to the Cricut Explore, and another to the Silhouette Cameo. Both of these links are affiliate links through Amazon. If you click through using them, any purchase you make through Amazon will provide a small commission to me at no extra cost to you to help keep this blog running. Thanks for the support! I love my Cameo and am excited about the possibilities that the Explore provides.
So, what do you think? Does anything about the Explore excite you? Or does it leave you out in the cold? I’m somewhere in between. I’m happy with it’s cutting abilities, but don’t care for the software as a design experience. And then there’s that whole online thing. Enough about me already, let me know your thoughts in the comments below! Or ask me questions, I’d be happy to try and answer them!
This post is part of a series. Go ahead and click on one of the links below, you know you want to!
Cricut Explore: First Impressions
Cricut Explore: The Machine
Cricut Explore: The Software
Cricut Explore: Cutting Materials
Cricut Explore: Conclusions <– You’re here!
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All opinions expressed on this blog are always my own.
Thank you for all of your work rating the Cricut Explore. I recently purchased a Silhouette Cameo during their latest product push and then felt buyers remorse when the Explore was released. However, your chart made me realize that I made the correct choice for me. Now I just need to get up the courage to actually turn it on and cut something!!
I’m so glad you found it useful Alyce! And don’t worry, you are going to LOVE your Cameo. Even after having a Cricut in my hands I can see myself using the cameo more often and the Explore just for the heavy cuts.
And I love the way you put it – the machine you choose is the one that’s the right choice for you. That’s so much better than thinking one is better than the other!
If you’re looking for some group support, I highly recommend joining the Silhouette Challenge Facebook group (of which I am a support team member). They are some of the kindest, most helpful,and most knowledgeable people I know when it comes to all things Silhouette!
Here’s the link if you’re interested: http://www.thinkingcloset.com/the-silhouette-challenge-facebook-group-new-members-welcome/
THanks for your advise and being so truthful regarding both machines. I have the silhouette but am tempted to buy the Explore but I think I will wait and see if they do an update to the software! SO far I love the silhouette!
I love my Silhouette too! Having an Explore in my hands hasn’t changed that, and I’m kind of glad. Hopefully having both machines on the market will spurn on some healthy competition between the two companies!
I’ll be sure to let you know how the software moves along, if and when it does.
This infographic is pure genius…and oh so helpful! Now I’ll know where to send people when they ask about which machine is right for them. Thanks for the hard work of pulling together this series. You’re a rockstar!
Lauren @ The Thinking Closet recently posted…Instagram-Themed Graduation Party {In a Box!}
Thanks Lauren! I admit, I went through several times making sure I was fair with both machines. I’m glad you find it a useful resource! I’m always happy to have some Thinking Closet love.
Wow, good to know Explore requires Internet connection. That’s a deal breaker for me as sometimes I take my Cameo along with me to use where there’s no internet!
I know, right?! I’m still mind boggled over the fact that they did that, especially after some of the recent debacles with the gaming community outcry over similar issues. I could understand if they took a two pronged approach, with a paired down version of the software to use off line, but they didn’t even do that. I just keep thinking to myself “Software can be upgraded, maybe they’ll change it.”
Two things.
1) I love that you made a real flow chart.
2) I am glad it didn’t point me directly to a new machine!
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Yay! You liked my flow chart! I admit, I used process boxes where I shouldn’t have, but it made it so much easier to read with some of those larger bits of text.
And I’m so glad it leaves you happy with your machine! Another commenter said it just right, you need to make the choice that’s right for you. Plus, I know you’ll love your Silhouette even more than you already do as you continue to use it!
Thanks for the review Kristy. So few of the reviews out are by experimced Silh users. One big factor for people considering a new machine is whether they like/think they will use/already own the Cricut or Silhouette content. Already having a ton of cricut cartridges, for instance, would be a big reason to go with the Explore. But if cutting thicker materials is your main thing, there are other machines that make a lot more sense than the Explore such as the Zing or Pazzles or Silver Bullet. It’s not just a 2 horse race.
Kay, I’m so glad you brought this up! I admit that previous content wasn’t something I had thought about, and I’m not particularly familiar with either of those machines. Sometimes I get so deep into my own little rabbit hole that I forget to come up for air and see what the world around me is like. I’ll be sure to edit the post to reflect the other “horses in the race” as machines people should consider. Thanks for your input! It has been invaluable to me!
Thanks! Your awesome, you’ve answered every question. I was thinking about upgrading to explore but I will now get a silhouette
Maria, glad my review helped. Hopefully I’ll be getting to my Silhouette overview in the next week. Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
Very helpful series
Thanks! I’m glad you found it useful.
HI Kristy,
I found this late, but still very helpful. I already own the explorer. I do own a lot of cartridges so that was a major factor. I do not have a silhouette so I don’t know what I am missing out on but it sure sounds like a favorite… Maybe one day.
Do you happen to know if I can truly cut poster board with the setting with regular blade, and do I need to cut it more than once? PS the software is not user friendly I am really struggling/fumbling to figure it out. Your previous blog posts helped me figure out a lot more. Thanks!!!
Nickey,
Yes! I had not thought to consider previous investments, having not been invested in either previous to this past year. I plan to update the post (and infographic) to reflect then when I have a moment of spare time.
I’ve been finding myself more comfortable with the software as I go along, but it was a bear to work with at first! I’m glad my posts have helped make it manageable for you.
With the poster board, I had originally thought they mean the foam poster board, but this is too thick for the machine to cut (at least the stuff I had was). I tried it with disastrous results. I think that they are instead referring to the really stiff paper that can be used as posters, or possibly the corrugated cardboard type (frequently found as tri-folds). I haven’t gotten my hands on any to try though yet. It looks like I’ll be doing another cut test in a week or so, I’ll make sure to add those in and let you know!
Hi Kristy!
I found your blog after searching for reviews on the Cricut Explore. It launched here today in England. I’m so excited because I’ve been reading so much about it since it launched in the USA!
Thank you for doing your review, especially about the kind of things it cuts. It’s so nice to see the actual results you had, rather than just read what someone can cut with it.
Tammie
Eastbourne, England
How exciting for you! I’m glad you found my review helpful! I’m hoping to do some more cut tests in the near future (this weekend or next), so if there’s anything else you’d like to see, let me know!
~kgd
Hello
Actually, yes… card! Here, in the main big craft store “Hobbycraft” they sell their own basic cardstock, which when putting through my Cricut Mini it gets caught up when cutting intricate things. No matter what settings I use, blade depth, pressure, it still does it.
We’re slowly starting to get more of the brands you know and love over there so the card weights are all different – from basic unbranded cardstock to American Crafts, BoBunny etc. I’d be very interested to see your results with different weights/brands of cardstock – and which settings you have to put your machine too.
My Dad would also like to see leather being cut, now, does that come in different weights because he said he didn’t think it would cut heavy leather, only light leather?
So I didn’t get to cutting last weekend (man, did it get busy!), but I’ll be sure to try a few different types for you.
For the leather, check out the Cutting Materials post in this series to see some of my preliminary stuff. All of the leathers I used there were belly or shoulder cuts and sold at either a 6-7 or 8-9 oz. They ranged from 2.5-3.8 mm in width (thought the 3.8mm is really pushing the edge of what will fit in the machine). Each of those cuts went almost all the way through (or all the way through in some parts). I have had success in running it through the machine twice to get a more complete cut. Usually, I’ve been running it through once (which gets through most of the material) and then use my leather scissors to follow the cut and finish it off. It’s an extra step, but I get a better result then if I were to cut it by hand for curvy cuts.
I’ve also run a 4-5oz tooling leather (1.8mm thick) through, which cut like butter. This isn’t shown on the page (I did it later). That should give him an idea on the capabilities of the machine when it comes to leather.
http://kgdcraftermath.com/2014/03/cricut-explore-cutting-materials/
I got my explore yesterday and so far am impressed but stuck on getting a good cut on small 1 or 2 inch filigree cuts like a butterfly. Do you have any tips? Thanks so much
Woohoo! Congrats on the awesome purchase. I haven’t really done many small cuts with my Cricut. To be honest, I usually switch over to my cameo for those. There I can slow down the cut speed which helps immensely. I haven’t yet seen that option through the Cricut Design space, but I’ll keep my eye out and let you know if I find anything else that might help! Can I ask what it is you’re cutting? I can try a few cuts myself as well to do some experimenting. Sorry I can’t give a better answer.
Hi I used a setting recommended on another blog of putting it between iron on and vinyl and this helped a lot
thanks for replying.
Kim recently posted…More Explore experiments – this time pens.