Garrett 2500 vs minelab SE ?

[ibbasser123]

have a garrett 1500 & love it but I am thinking about a 2500 or a SE. here alot of good on both, but we are all looking to get deeper, what do you guys think.

[mainer]

Had the Garrett 2500 for a couple years. Now have an Explorer II. And for me there is no comparison. The Explorer is better hands down.

[Sandman]

I don't own the 2500 anymore but kept my 1500. The Minelab is the deepest if that is what you are looking for.

Ask Iron Patch, he knows more about the SE than I do.

[Trigger]

If you go for the SE,then try to get one with the newer Pro coil.
It's very sharp on the small bits.
The 10 x 12 SEF coil is also very good.

[U.K. Brian]

I also would go with the Minelab (and I don't really like BBS or FBS) because apart from the all metal mode on the 2500 there didn't seem much advantage between it and the 1500 and the 1500 is more comfortable in use.
If buying secondhand without the Pro coil I would go for the SEF but if its equiped with the Pro coil I would be happy to stick with that.

[ibbasser123]

thanks guys that helps.

[dogpound]

have ya tried any bigger coils on your 1500? if your happy with the detector and are just looking for extra depth a bigger coil just might be the way ta go.

[AUDuke]

If you want more debth, forget the Garrett. Minelab FBS. Etrek or explorer. No comparison.

[Keppy]

If you want more debth, forget the Garrett. Minelab FBS. Etrek or explorer. No comparison.

Garrett GTI 2500 will go just as deep as any minelab....................and cost less........... Don't be misled.............and you don't have to spend half your time in the field setting up programs with the 2500 like you will with the Minelab..... and of course you could fall asleep waiting for your Minelab to recover after each target hit...........

[fistfulladirt]

I use Minelab and 90% of the good finds are less than 6" deep. So, if you want that extra couple inches, get extenze uh I mean Minelab.

[Keppy]

I use Minelab and 90% of the good finds are less than 6" deep. So, if you want that extra couple inches, get extenze uh I mean Minelab.

***************Not gonna help ya..................************

[Willy]

Why not just get a White's V3? ..Willy.

[dbsmokey]

Why not just get a White's V3? ..Willy.

Maybe because he wants to avoid EMI problems. The Noise cancel with the explorer series makes that more possible!

[Bill_S]

I have tried 3 different Garretts. The Ace 250, the Gtax 550 and the GTP1350. I have not tried the 1500 or 2500 but if they are close to the 1350 in peformance then they are not even in the same league as the Explorer or the E-Trac. Yes the Minelabs are more expensive but worth it to me. I don't know why some people say (try to make others believe) that you have to spend half an hour setting up the minelabs. This is not true. I turn on the E-Trac, hit noise cancel, wait 30 seconds or so and start hunting, thats it. It remembers your last settings when you turn it off. Sure you can play with the settings just like on any detector but you don't have too.

So coming from someone who has used both brands I can tell you the Garretts are good quality built detectors but are just not on the same level as the Minelabs in performance.

[mainer]

I have tried 3 different Garretts. The Ace 250, the Gtax 550 and the GTP1350. I have not tried the 1500 or 2500 but if they are close to the 1350 in peformance then they are not even in the same league as the Explorer or the E-Trac. Yes the Minelabs are more expensive but worth it to me. I don't know why some people say (try to make others believe) that you have to spend half an hour setting up the minelabs. This is not true. I turn on the E-Trac, hit noise cancel, wait 30 seconds or so and start hunting, thats it. It remembers your last settings when you turn it off. Sure you can play with the settings just like on any detector but you don't have too.

So coming from someone who has used both brands I can tell you the Garretts are good quality built detectors but are just not on the same level as the Minelabs in performance.

I could not have said it better myself. Everything you just said is 100% true.

[ibbasser123]

thanks guys! after Christmas it's time to Move on UP!!! E TRAC here I come.

[Bill_S]

TY Mainer.....
ibbasser123....The E-Trac is one awesome machine. Take time to learn it and you wont be sorry.

[earthmansurfer]

Look over at Finds Garrett forum. There are some videos comparing the recovery speed and depth between the AT Pro and 2500. It appears the AT Pro has about an average of 2" more air depth and is also has a faster recovery speed. I mean, this is not shock, the 2500 is over 10 years old (technology). There is no way I would buy the 2500 over the AT Pro. I believe someone asked Vaughn Garrett about a new detector and he said they are working on some incredible imaging technology, so have a feeling that next year we'll see a replacement for the 2500.

Due to the balance, weight, great depth and over all functionality of the AT Pro, I would choose it over both the E-Trac and 2500, really. The E-Trac is for sure a high performing unit, but the weight and balance are terrible. If you have any issues at all with your back or elbows, don't even think of it (unless you hunt for very short periods). I am in Europe and so far I'm looking at the XP Deus and the AT Pro for next year as they both seem a bit deeper than what I have. Nothing can seem to tough the Deus in iron though.

I have an Omega 8000 btw and have been researching the AT Pro. Outside of some small problems it looks like an incredible unit. The iron audio feature is excellent for the field. The unit is not as fast as a T2 or F75 but is still pretty fast. Depth reports are still coming in, but it seems in the same league as all the before mentioned units (bit more than the Omega is my guess).

[Bill_S]

So earthmansurfer are you talking from experience with the Garretts or just what you read on the forums? Have you got to try out the AT Pro yet? Unless you have tried them both (E-Trac and AT Pro) it would be hard for you to give anything other than speculation as to which is better.

I am keeping an eye on the AT Pro, but I would not be willing to say I would take it over the E-Trac based on what someone else said because I havent even got to use the AT Pro yet.

[Willy]

Why not just get a White's V3? ..Willy.

Maybe because he wants to avoid EMI problems. The Noise cancel with the explorer series makes that more possible!

That's why the V3 has a frequency offset and, if the interference is extreme, the ability to operate in single frequency mode. Also, the Etrac is totally outclassed by the V3 when it comes to gold, especially small gold. ..Willy.