Introducing the Cricut Explore 4 New Generation.
At 2 x faster cutting capacity, the Cricut Explore 4 ‘s speed, precision, and reliability is enabling even greater productivity for crafters and small business users around the globe.
I’ve been privileged to review Cricut machines and their accessories over the past few years, so the opportunity to trial this new iteration was too good to pass up. Let’s jump in the driver’s seat and Explore 4 this new market entry.
What’s in the Box
- Cricut Explore 4 smart cutting machine
- Premium Fine-Point Blade + Housing
- Light Grip Machine Mat
- Fine Point Pen (0.4 mm)
- Mini Weeder
- Materials for practice cuts
Pole Position
The standout feature of the new Cricut Explore 4 is the precision cutting at a blistering 2 x faster than the previous model.
From personalising your daily needs to producing professional level invitations, cards, decals and stickers, and more, the Explore 4 is definitely deserves first place on the starting grid.
Chassis
My newly arrived Explore 4 is a gorgeous light blush pink colour. At 56.4cm (length), 17.8cm (width) and 15 cm (height), it fits into any drawer or cupboard with ease.
Cricut has kept the requisite gear containers on the reverse of the drop down tray. Very handy again for storing pens, spare cutters, and all of your Cricut accoutrements. We continue to see the tools holder on the top left of the machine, although I did notice it is a little less accommodating than previously. Does it make a difference? Absolutely not.
Endless Options
- Works with 100+ materials, including popular materials like vinyl, iron-on & cardstock
- Cuts intricate designs with precision
- Writes, draws, foils, scores & more
- Compatible with your home inkjet printer to print then cut full-color designs
- Free, easy-to-learn Design Space app
- Bluetooth wireless technology
- Make up to 10 projects with included supplies
- Upload & cut your own designs or choose from the Cricut Design Space library
- Online courses & beginner cheatsheets
- World-class customer support is available via phone or chat
- Cricut Manufacturer Warranty
Formation Lap
At the time of delivery I had an urgent commission project to complete, so the arrival of the Explore 4 was timely.
I was tasked with making removable vinyl dates and month lettering for the Gilgandra Film Festival (‘GFF’) banners. These banners were placed outside around Dubbo and Gilgandra. The lettering needed to be durable, and removable as dates of the GFF change each year.
Due to the number of letters and numbers required, purchasing Smart Vinyl 33cm x 3.6m in removable black was a no brainer. This meant I cut everything in one swift go, and without the need for a mat.
Installation Lap
Using the trusty Design Space, I finalised my desired font and sizing, and with crossed fingers, let the pedal hit the floor. Explore 4 away!
With blistering efficiency, the Explore 4 quickly hit top pace and stuck it out for the entire project. Noise is minimal and I admit to sitting and watching the Explore 4 in amazement as it precisely chicaned back and forth across the vinyl medium.
Due to technical issues, video of this event failed to record, however, down further in this article you can see a great example of the Explore 4’s speed and precision.
Next thing you know, I had multiple dates, including numbers and months, ready for placement on a variety of banners around town.
I admit working remotely from a physical banner meant I had to rely upon recommended sizing. This was a little small for my liking. Future sizing will be increased and in line with the banner font, giving greater design continuity and visibility to the Gilgandra Film Festival celebrations. But honestly, I still think it looks great.
Scrutineering
The Explore 4 has multiple uses, not just mass production (although it does this incredibly well).
In the interest of research, a couple of extra projects were undertaken using a variety of Cricut mediums: Vinyl permanent and Hologram medium.
Firstly, a mandala design was chosen and cut. Mandalas are notoriously fickle due to the multiple cuts required, so it seemed an ideal opportunity to critique the Explore 4 accuracy at speed.
Setting up to cut.
And we’re racing! – Click this link to see footage of Explore 4 in action
Post cut
Weeding takes a while!
Voila! Finished travel cup.
I really love Koi fish and thought the Explore 4 gave me a great opportunity to trial a tricker medium – Holographic iron on. Cutting this out can be difficult, as I have found previously. But this time around, I’m prepared. The question is whether the Explore 4 will be too quick for the Holographic medium?
First you place the Holographic iron shiny side face down on the mat. It is important to also mirror the image on Design Space (Cricut’s app). Here you can see the completed cut and yes, it was just as quick as the Mandala cut.
Once removed from the board, you can see here the unweeded Koi image.
Here is the final weeded image. The clear medium you see is the iron on surface. Place this directly onto the desired item, and use the Cricut Heat Press on the appropriate setting to press the transfer (see the app for instructions).
And here is our finished item on a child’s t-shirt!
Grand Chelem
My fears have been allayed. The Explore 4 leads on every lap. Call me a skeptic, but in the back of my mind there’s always concern something has been compromised in the efforts to achieve greater speeds – quantity does not always equate quality.
However, Cricut continue to prove themselves an ethical company by striving to improve without tampering with the already excellent features of the Cricut family.
Reliable, fast and supremely capable, the Explore 4 proves excellence and quality is at the core of Cricut values. Their ongoing efforts to provide the target market with upgraded, high quality products is a lesson in consumer-focused business practices. Cricut, I keep saying this but… you’ve done it again. *round of applause*
Podium Finish
There’s no pit stops required for the Explore 4. Once again Cricut shines in providing a well designed New Generation iteration to an already excellent crafting machine. The Explore 4 can do it all quickly, accurately and at the sort of pricing which is affordable for all. Available from Cricut and all good retailers, the Explore 4 retails at $499.00 at a variety of retailers including Spotlight, and Harvey Norman.
But remember, it’s the end of Financial Year and it is on sale for $449 at Harvey Norman and Spotlight. You might just snag an absolute bargain at the sales! 🙂
Once again, Cricut, it has been an absolute pleasure. Thank you.
