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!
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!
laura @ the experimental home recently posted…The easy way to make a dog-shaped cake
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!