Cricut Explore Family Review: Fun Crafting Machines
The Cricut brand is known for many things. For example, the company has adopted Design Spaces software to convert pictures into cuttable parts. But perhaps one of the greatest achievements of all time is the launch of the Cricut Explore product range.
This product range includes the Cricut Explore One, the Cricut Explore Air, and the Cricut Explore Air 2 machine. So, how do these craft cutters’ machines manage, and are they worth their weight in gold?
Take a Close Look At The Cricut Explore Family
The Cricut Explore One is the cutter machine that made a huge difference in the craft cutting world. This is a very basic machine and hence, recommended for beginners. Another member of the Cricut Explore family, The Cricut Explore Air machine, came into the limelight in 2015, offering wireless cutting capabilities.
It came with Bluetooth connectivity unavailable on the Cricut Explore One machine. The new kid on the block, the Cricut Explore Air 2 machine, launched in 2016 to separate the Silhouette Cameo 3 from the best desktop craft cutter status.
One special feature of the Cricut Explore products range is that they are very well priced. Also, they are easy to use and seem to have been created, especially for hobbyists and beginners.
The Cricut brand has tried to introduce more features across the board in recent years. The Cricut Explore Air2 machine has more features than the Cricut Explore One machine. Let’s take a look at each model.
1. Cricut Explore 3 Machine
If you are looking for a craft cutter machine that is easy enough to master, the Cricut Explore One machine will be a great fit. This DIY machine boasts cutting, scoring, and writing technology. Also, it can cut hundreds of different smart materials. It retailed for just under $200.
Do you want to cut out designs or pictures on your smartphone with a die cutter? The Cricut Explore One machine has got you covered. It has a friendly interface that will allow you to easily design your project, even by PC, smartphone, or tablet.
You will also get 60,000+ design and project ideas when you order a piece of it. You can use them to increase your creativity at no extra cost. Usually, other companies require you to buy the project and design ideas separately, but the Cricut brand will save you that cost.
What’s more? This machine is a raccoon as it can cut various smart materials ranging from leather to vinyl. Thanks to the German carbide premium blade, this powerful blade is created for cutting light to medium weight products, which is highly resilient to wear and breakage.
The Cricut Explore One machine cannot function wirelessly. It doesn’t have a built-in Bluetooth functionality, so you’ll need to connect a cable to transfer pictures.
2. Cricut Explore Air Machine
The Cricut Explore Air machine has everything the Cricut Explore One machine has, plus some. Bluetooth connectivity means you can use it wirelessly. Also, the Explore Air machine has a Double Tool Holder. It will give you the freedom to cut and write simultaneously. Therefore, you don’t need to buy a tool adapter for the Explore Air machine.
On the flip side, the machine lacks a rotary blade. As you know, a rotary blade is best suited for all types of fabric material. Hence, its scarcity is a big deal, especially for those looking for a professional use machine.
Also, we don’t like that it doesn’t have a knife blade. As you know, this type of blade helps trim thick smart material. So, while the Cricut Explore AIR is the best DIY machine, it’s best suited for scrapbooking and other light crafting activities.
3. Cricut Explore Air 2 Machine
Three of the Cricut machines named “Explore” and the Cricut Explore Air 2 machine are undoubtedly the greatest. Also, to all the Cricut Explore One and the Cricut Explore Air machine features, this has a double tool holder and 2X fast cutting power.
As you see from the list of extra features, the Explore Air 2 machine is created to provide more power. So, if you want to grow your career, this will be a perfect option for you. Also, if you struggle to complete work deadlines, the extra speed will become easy.
Are you looking for diversity? The Cricut Explore Air 2 product range includes Cherry Blossom, Matte Black, Rose Bundle, and Mint color variants. So, you can always reach the machine with other devices in your office.
This machine has a 3-month membership to Cricut’s premium features. You get a powerful grip mat, light grip mat, extra premium blade, digital cartridge, pen-pals font, and lipstick lettering.
This DIY machine has thousands of pre-made designs. You have the freedom to select between readily available ready-made templates or custom-made designs that you can create using easy-to-use software. Hence, you will have complete freedom to make informed decisions.
In keeping with the traditions of the Cricut Explore product range, it also features a Smart Set dial that will make sure that your Cricut machine is versatile. This way, you can create the perfect cut by selecting the depth and type of pressure to be applied.
The cutter is 12 inches wide and 24 inches long. This may not be the largest, but it should be enough for most crafting projects. It’s worth cutting widths of 11.5-inches and 23.5-inches.
In short, the Explore Air 2 machine enjoys Bluetooth connectivity, auto-settings, and dual carriage functionality. So, this machine goes above and beyond the competition in terms of versatility and cutting power.
Which Is Better: Cricut Explore 3 vs. Cricut Explore Air vs. Cricut Explore Air 2 Machines
If you are entirely new to die-cutting, we recommend using the Cricut Explore 3 machine. If you are a hobbyist who wants to enjoy scrapbooking with the freedom of wireless connectivity, then going for the Explore Air machine would be your best fit. The Explore Air 2 machine comes in handy when you need speed. So, you get more cutting power and the freedom to pick the speed at which you want to make your crafts.
Conclusion
As you see, the Cricut Explore product range offers various options. You need to understand your needs and go for the cutter best suited for your needs and budget.
Sometimes, all you have to do is find one that falls within your budget. But if you are looking to become a full-fledged professional, getting a machine with extra speed and power may be the right thing.
Visit: Cricut.com/setup
Source: https://cricutdesignncut.wordpress.com/2022/05/21/cricut-explore-family-review-fun-crafting-machines/