And that it does reappear only to a very small degree.
As an owner of 3 Apilus machines i must say, i really did not like what i read.
Therefore i can actually understand the motivation of deleting it, but a forum is a public place, and it is the word speaken out that counts. Speakers on the forum romanum 2000 years ago in Rome or on Speaker’s Corner in London could respectively can not post out loudly and then silently take back everything without even an excuse.
I thought I had problems with my browser cookies not working right when that long post by Dectro President disappeared. Their polished marketing team must have felt the president was too passionate in his defense. 
Let’s all hope Seana gets a quick resolution to her epliator problem and can continue to help her clients.
I’ve had a couple people fill me in on some of the dirty details. If it’s as bad as all that I hope never to read it.
Seana
I’d like to read it, too. I’m going to check some things and will get back to you.
The person that wrote it must have deleted it. May have had second thoughts? There is a certain amount of time (hours) that one can delete their own post.
I don’t see it in the administrative section. If something is deleted, that is where it goes for future reference, if needed. We don’t like to delete here, but occasionally, it is appropriate.
I agree. Calling their product “craptacular” on an open forum like this wasn’t very nice , Seana. I can see why a business owner would want to passionately defend their product and business. I thought Dario’s post was very helpful and polite. I hope that Dario or someone comes to Hairtell to report what they found?
Not to belabor what I already said, but I am very, very happy with my Apilus XCell Pro. I use it heavily for hours and hours almost everyday. It hums along nicely with no problems. It is worth every penny and when I did need service once to upload a new version of the software, Jean-Louis couldn’t have been nicer, as he guided me through the process.
Dectro is a wonderful company to work with. I thank God they exist. My colleague in north Columbus works longer hours than I do. She is insane and I don’t know how she physically does it. She has had the PURE since 2011 and has never had a problem. We both have said that we would quit doing electrolysis if we didn’t have our epilators anymore.
There are tons of electrologists working away with their Apilus’s, worldwide, with no problem, like Dario said.
It sounds like the folks at Dectro are bending over backwards to help you. They are a high class business, in my opinion. I’m sure they will figure this out.
It may not have been nice, but it sure was accurate of my experience.I do want to say, that Dectro, up until said presidents message, had been very professional about the whole affair.This is consistent with my experience of dealing with them for 3 or 4 years now.We still however , had the problem 9 months after we purchased this epilator.
There is something we do here at hairtell when one of us has a problem with a machine. We assist in troubleshooting until we can find a resolution. On multiple occasions Dectro has been invited to comment or take part in such discussions when it has been their product that is affected.Never once to my knowledge have they done so before now.I’ve gone over every comment I’ve made in this thread and never once have I insinuated that Dectro were anything other than professional.The discussions regarding inconsistent power issues on the platinum platform have similarly been spot on from every person that posted.
This is a couple quotes from another electrologists review of the platinum . I was aware of this review PRIOR to our purchase of the platinum:
I wrote the first review prior to having my machine serviced and, at that time, it was delivering current inconsistently. One day the setting would be x for a particular area and the next day the same setting on the same patch of skin would produce a puff of smoke!(Every veteran electrologist I’ve spoken too agrees this unit is too hot!!!) It sounds hilarious now but it was definitely not cool at the time. For months I was on constant watch for the most minute changes in the current output because I never knew what to expect. I contacted both my local Apilus dealer and Dectro and I was assured that "these units never break’ and that the problem was with the needle cord.
The servicing was fairly quick. I think my unit was there for a week or two before it was fixed. I was told my unit had not been calibrated properly and was also afflicted by a faulty pair of capacitors
One thing that struck me though is that prior to servicing my Apilus Platinum settings were closely in line with the recommended settings in the user manual. My properly calibrated unit, however, requires settings that are considerably higher than they were previously in order to achieve a clean release.
What strikes me about this review, is how closely this electrologists experience matches our own and several other experiences from other electrologists, though it apppears that should you get a good working unit, they work reliably continuously.If you were buying a car, you would pay attention to consumer reviews. You wouldnt necessarily discount a manufacturer because one model car had a problem, though you might avoid that model.You wouldnt expect that when you buy a used car from the GM dealership to have the transmission die on the way into your driveway especially after inquiring as to whether this was a problem car, and being assured that GM was extending the warranty so you ca nbe assured it will run for many years. After talking to the dealership to resolve the issue and still having that car sitting in the driveway 9 months later, you would not expect that when you post to a forum of mechanics to find some solution, that the president of GM would post and say it’s your fault for buying a “used car” from GM, rather than their newest model, and that you are debasing the fine GM name , nor have them attack the production of volkswagon or toyota because you considered other models.
Darius has been eager to help in his reply.There is that.I cant continue this post, as I have to run to work.It’s a full day of clients today.
Seana
Thanks for your input, Seana. Good to know.
Two questions for you:
I think Dectro calibrates their epilators in relation to their Pro-Tec probes. A ballet gold or Laurier IBP may cause a puff of smoke - you may may need less current or more current. Keep that variable in mind. What probes were you using?
Lastly, may I exclude one word in the subject of this thread? May I delete the word " Craptacular"?
All I can say is, WoW.
For what ever little it is worth, allow me to say that I have had Apilus flagship products as far back as the SM-500 and have always found customer service and warranty service to be exceptional. It was always my way to have two machines at a time, and the only thing I can say that would compare to your experience is that when I had two Platinums, I sold one, which I had never had a problem with, and the person who bought it started having problems with it, but the company honored their warranty and even eventually swapped out the machine and later gave credit towards the purchase of an Xcell to that person. The only other issue I ever had of a mechanical type was one travel machine had a thermal coil for the printer break free (rough handling by the airlines no doubt, as they would no longer allow it to be carried on the plane because it had a perceived to be dangerous radio transmitter on it) and Dectro fixed that.
Having said that, I have also had a collection of Instantron machines and have NEVER had to service them at all. I have even had them checked out to see if they needed service, and other than replacing some wire, or strengthening a solder point or two, no service need was ever found. Of course, there is less that could go wrong on an Instantron. That’s like comparing a Volvo to a Lexus. One tends to give you more reliability, the other more automatic features that can break down… but some will ask, “Do you really need automatic retractable side mirrors?” Well, if my ex-wife is driving down your street and you are parked on the street, yes, you will appreciate not needing to pay to replace your mirrors after she knocks them off from driving too close to your car as she passes by. Trust me, on that one. 
I can honestly say that the worst service I ever got was from Silhouet-Tone. In the end, I started sending my S-T’s to Texas Electrolysis for Myran Heimlich to fix, since their service team was more responsive, and if I was going to pay for something that should have been a warranty issue anyway, why not pay someone who is nice to me.
Once I sold my last VMC, I can say that the service experience is the main reason I would pause before ever buying another new Silhouet-Tone. I don’t have that reservation with Dectro/Apilus, Instantron, or The United Fischer/Hinkel company. While I have worked with Clarablend products, I don’t recall ever owning one for any significant period of time, so I won’t comment on them.
Dee, we use all protec probes, mostly IBL and have since febuary, and if you want to change the word, go for it.We’ve discussed Dectro’s products here dozens of times before especially when problems have occurred with themI dont care. Actually dectro themselves have recommended te IBL over the ISotherm probes in the past ( yes, I know the differences) .
James, I share your positive experience in the past with Dectro, however it hasnt been the case this time.Now every company can have a bad machine.Seriously! Even a bad model.On friday I had been talking to Eric at Dectro and let him know I was looking for a machine, however I was holding off until Veronicas issues were resolved and I wouldnt be looking at a platinum for that reason. I had every faith Dectro could turn what had been a poor experience into what it should have been and in fact had already spoken to eric and the technician from Quebec city in an effort to resolve the problem in recent weeks. And it’s entirely possible, the technical issue isnt even their fault! It could well be with power in the building which is why we went down the ups and medical power cord route to solve it, and remembering the power inconsistency issues werent problematic until we changed offices . However the few things relayed to me by longstanding members here about the presidents message, well, I’m not happy. At all. We discuss technical issues here all the time. This isnt a marketing affront to any manufacturer. We’ve discussed problems with sil tones, with clareblends, just about every manufacturer out there. Hell I know for a fact that Dectro has been invited by comment before on power inconsistency issues on this board, about the platinum in the past and failed to do so.That message has put an extremely sour taste in my mouth.This is in no way a kick at their marketing,I discussed a problem with an epilator, as I’ve done dozens of times on varying epilators here before.
When I asked on EI if people could have any epilator, which would they buy, I got a lot of varying answers, as expected. Clear leaders were the Instantron Spectrum K and the Clareblend Elegance plus, and a bunch of Dectro votes.I could literally own the Instantron AND the clareblend and have enough money left over for a OPMI microscope, for what an Xcell costs.
I’m holding off on any decisions regarding purchases until my employers machine is back. I want to see it functional. Then I will re-evaluate the experience.Right now I have a little too much personal emotion involved to be making smart business decisions.
Seana
Okay, thanks Seana for answering my questions. Gosh, I use Pro-Tec probes at times BL’s for deep hairs, and I always felt that there was not enough power, but the hairs released nicely. I use Laurier IBP’s, too and I definitely need to adjust the power down for that excellent brand.
Thanks James for your input. I’m surprised that you haven’t had a lot of problems with all the transporting you do with your Platinum. You are always driving somewhere.
An update to this is certainly necessary.
On saturday the Platinum Pure arrived back in our office. I worked with it a bit on saturday , and all day sunday and monday.
It’s working wonderfully. Spot on.
I spoke to Darius on the phone, and they threw everything they had at this epilator to make sure it was right 100%
They performed a thorough burn-in test and the epilator performed perfectly in every respect except one, the output power intensity was significantly underneath specification.I did ask for a figure, and was given one, but I do believe Darius was being a tad conservative.Regardless it was enough, that smooth operation wasnt possible with this epilator.
They replaced all of the peripheral parts: pedal ( #4? ) probeholders, power cords, some internal wires also were replaced ( I think to the connectors) , they updated the softwware to the latest version, and they recalibrated the machine with respect to output power.They then had the instructors at the Quebec City school work with the machine to make certain it was right.It was.
I took Darius to task over the post fromthe president. I’ve also spoken to Andrea, and confirmed that she deleted the post at Dectro’s request.I therefore havent read it , but have had a few details relayed to me.Darius tells me the comments were out of character for Mr Beaumont Clement.
What was most important to me, as the person who recommended this machine to my employer, was that she had a 100% working to perfection epilator when she returns from maternity leave. The team at Dectro including Eric, Louise director the acadamie Dectro montreal, Darius, and the quebec city technician did not rest until that epilator was spot on.
To Louise , some very specific comments. First, I did not lack confidence to speak to you, and i f you think back I think you will remember me mentioning we had had problems. There were 2 things getting in the way of this message however, first we both had limited time and you had to catch a flight, and second, I dont think that you understand everything said to you in english language. If I’m going to say theres one area Dectro could improve greatly, it’s having someone good with the english language on your team.There’s been a lot of miscommunicatons because of language through this lengthly process.
To Clement Marchand:
We bought a trade-in epilator from you under warranty with the promise at the time that Dectro would repair any failing. Whether an epilator is new or used, should not make a difference. The machine came out to be underpowered on it’s output. There is no attack on Dectro, there definitely was criticism of this machine, which did, in the end have deficiencies. Over the years here at hairtell the professionals have helped each other out on dozens of occasions trouble shooting equipment by all manufacturers, Dectro, Silouette Tone, Clareblends, Every make on the market.
Your team, including Darius, did everything in their power to make this epilator right. They deserve due credit for that achievement. I will say I am less pleased about some of your reported ( deleted ) comments, but I delivered on monday of this week exactly what I promised them before your post, that is, if they delivered me a properly working machine that met expectations, I would deliver a bank deposit for a brand new Xcell pro with accessories additional for our practise.The team knocked it out of the park.
To Darius and Louise,
You’ve both mentioned that you dont often come to this site, however I’m going to suggest that is a error in judgement. There are several times over the last few years people have come right here for problems with their platinums. There are some of the finest minds in Electrology right here at hairtell and they regularly use this site to troubleshoot varius mechanical failings…I know that several here are eager to engage Dectro over what appears to be very Anogen only teachings. There has been considerable evidence presented in the last few years which directly contradict anogen only theory.As company Dectro could do much worse than occasionally paying attention to this space. I’m one of a team of electrologists who have helped build this site up to what it is, many with decades of experience and some of whom regularly produce teaching materials in print and on youtube.
Well, someone here has just inadvertently reminded me that I’ve spent 2 days writing this post again, so I am going to finally hit submit.
Okay. Good to know that your problem has been resolved. Dario is truly a little darling. He helped me troubleshoot my iPad back in 2011 when attended the symposium that year. Dario is a certified genius.
Professional discussions have shifted to Facebook now because it is a closed site. Dectro and other manufacturers hopefully are tuned in to EI and HairShoot, especially. So, I don’t think Hairtell is where they want to be right now? What do you think, Seana?
I’m going to respectfully disagree with this opinion Dee.While I see the attraction to manufacturers, I have never been a fan of the “closed group” idea. For one, such areas are blocked to those that sometimes need such advice or discussions most, those starting out.While I understand the attraction on the part of manufactures , it does come at a cost. Not having taken part in such groups for several years after I was discussing here, I’m keenly aware of this. At this time, there are at LEAST 5-6 junior electrologists that I have personally invited here, lurking and reading. I dont think any of them are on EI? I’m not saying EI is not useful, it is, but it is NOT a catch all.
Darius did a fine job organizing and giving a “face” to Dectro. In the end however, a machine that worked with no issues was the item delivered that turned it around. It was the one thing I made certain was the focus.
Well, consider this, Seana: On Hairshoot and Electrology International, those closed groups are open to students and new electrologists especially, who are just starting out. They just have to have proof that they are enrolled students and electrologists to get added to the group. The closed group offers professionals the freedom to discuss in detail the electrolysis process or to just let frustrations all out about NO SHOWS, late arrivals and difficult cases. A public forum like this inhibits that exchange, in my opinion. When a neophyte electrologist comes aboard and asks a question, she or he is surrounded, most of the time, by dozens of peers trying to help by unselfishly offering advice that one can’t find in any textbook or DVD. This real time help is fabulous because it isn’t outdated and people can’t get away with spouting voodoo electrolysis myths or the group will descend on them like an eagle catching a mouse.
The only problem is, with the closed facebook sites, there is no search feature, like there is here, to find something of interest from months or years ago.