This PI machine is wearing me out

[boss driver]

My Sand Shark is wearing me out. Hits deeeeeep, but hits everything with no clear indication of composition (as advertised). I'm looking to move to something that will give some iron discrimination and although I understand the trade-off is a little depth...I'm good with it. Don't want to break the bank, would like to stay in a price comparable to my Shark, but looking for input from others who've made the switch or who can speak to the pros/cons of their saltwater machines. I don't go deeper than chest high and usually only waist deep...or more often knee deep or less. Thanks!

 

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[penzfan]

Watch TNet, eBay, Craigslist etc for a good used Excal 1000. They can be found for less than $500...

 

[goldkey]

ebay you can get a good Fisher CZ-20 for around 500...........I would get the 10-1/2" coil if you get one.

 

[QMaze]

Does the AT Pro interest you at all? Ive read a lot of good reviews and it is fully submersible, even new i'snt too bad for price but used I'm sure it could be had for under $500.

 

[QMaze]

Just noticed your profile says you have the AT, ignore my comment and ill second Goldkeys recommendation.

 

[flgliderpilot]

I don't think you'll necessarily lose a lot of depth, maybe just depth for the tiny little staples and things you don't want anyway.

The CZ-21 or Excal are prob what you want next, or maybe the CTX-3030.

Be CAREFUL buying one used. My buddy bought one used for between $600 and $800 (I dont know how much) and it leaked. It was still working fine so he sent it to have it checked out, and they quoted $600 to repair it (?!). That would make it cost more than a new unit.

Although if I could find a water tight CZ for around $400 I'd probably jump on it and be ultra careful with the seals, etc.

 

[jeepGold]

used excal 1000. Ask me, I did!!! The thing is a work horse. Yes you'll pull pennies but you won't pull iron.

 

[Fletch88]

Ive never seen a Sand Shark add that said you could tell what a target was other than somewhat being able to tell SOME targets are iron.
That's are no VLF machines in the Sharks price range. A used cz or Excal are your best bet. Both of these will approach PI depth in all metal mode and you can usually decide a target is junk by flipping to disc before digging down 16" to actually see it.

 

[Terry Soloman]

Man Up! Digging it all is not like lifting bricks all day. Join us in the surf and laugh at all the Minelab and Fisher guys jogging up and down the wet sand like Sandpipers. Keep digging and grow strong. Use the Sand Shark, BE the Sand Shark!

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

Dump the Sand Shark and buy an excal and you want be digging iron trash any longer..

 

[boss driver]

Thanks for the comments so far. Terry...I'm torn to put it down but geez...I've got piles and piles like that. Ready to work a little smarter and less harder. 3 years of the Shark is wearing me out. But it sure hits the stuff!

Flglider...which detector leaked for your friend?

 

[DewGuru]

Dump the Sand Shark and buy an excal and you want be digging iron trash any longer..

Thats a false advertisement if i've ever seen it, lol.

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

Thats a false advertisement if i've ever seen it, lol.

Dew, I dig no small pieces of iron ever... Only Iron I ever dug with my excal was when I first started and dug all null signals, I stop digging nulls years ago and a couple pieces of long Iron rebar... I dig no fish hooks or tiny pieces of iron at all, but I sure pass it up........

I have had 3 previous hunting partners who used pulse detectors when we met and all 3 switched to the excal after hunting together a few months.....

 

[Billinoregon]

How does the Excal handle black sand beaches?

 

[jeepGold]

Has its good and bad days. I've only had to leave one beach one time from this issue. Then again I also use a 15" wot and it's very sensitive.. It's Kind Of Like A Gun fight. Not every gun suits the situation. That's why I trust my wall of weapons .

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

I also use 15" coils, never had an issue with black sand and I have hunted all over Florida..

 

[OBN]

Man Up! Digging it all is not like lifting bricks all day. Join us in the surf and laugh at all the Minelab and Fisher guys jogging up and down the wet sand like Sandpipers. Keep digging and grow strong. Use the Sand Shark, BE the Sand Shark!

You Pirate!





Beach's can be so different, I would suggest a setup like Treasure Hunters or Jeepgold.. Or like me, I prefer the stock coils for versatility.... my locations can be so different. And I like the Idea of having a PI, just not the best to use all the time.

 

[Fletch88]

I second the stock coil. It is the perfect size for all around hunting.

 

[dbsmokey]

How does the Excal handle black sand beaches?

I got 3" max in Longbeach, WA with an Excal. Of course, no VLF detector really works there. Out of all of the VLF detectors I have tried there (haven't tried my CZ-20 yet) the Excal was the best. A PI is a must on this beach in my opinion.

 

[Terry Soloman]

Dew, I dig no small pieces of iron ever... Only Iron I ever dug with my excal was when I first started and dug all null signals, I stop digging nulls years ago and a couple pieces of long Iron rebar... I dig no fish hooks or tiny pieces of iron at all, but I sure pass it up........

I have had 3 previous hunting partners who used pulse detectors when we met and all 3 switched to the excal after hunting together a few months.....

Ahh yes, spoken like a true senior citizen from the sugar-sand beaches of Florida!