Minelab Excalibur2 vs Equinox 800 YOUR THOUGHTS

[WaterScoop]

Other then scuba capability why would anyone want to invest in an Excalibur2 instead of an Equinox 800.


I’m asking because I am about to get a smoking deal on Excalibur and lots of accessories from a local seller and having some second thoughts.

. Vs



Thank you in advance for your wisdom

 

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[DeepseekerADS]

I can't compare the Equinox with the Excal II because I don't have an Equinox. But I do have the Excal and can shed some light from that end.

I don't scuba, so don't submerge the Excal but to about 5 feet. So, there's a case where the Equinox would suit me in the water.

The Excal is nose heavy, cranks my elbow. So, I had to purchase a straight shaft assembly - around $100 or so.

Then there's the pin point mod which would be desirable = around $150 to $175.

During the off season, the knob o-rings needed replacement and the seals. That was around $175. Fortunately the cabling was okay - you have to secure the headphone cable so that it doesn't flex. In all flex locations I smear with silicone grease to prevent dry rotting.

You need a knob guard to protect the knobs as if you're careless and bang a knob it may break it off the circuit board.

These cautions aside, I love my Excal and can't wait to get back in the water. great depth and easy to learn. I scooped a whisper year before last at at least 12" under the sand, a small child's sterling ring - just a whisper.

 

[Terry Soloman]

Equinox all day, every day for the beach. SCUBA no, but up to your waist and wet sand - Equinox!

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

I get 18" on a stock coil with the excal in pp mode, don't think your going to get that on the Equinox. I have equinox 800 on order but it will not be replacing my excals.

 

[WaterScoop]

I get 18" on a stock coil with the excal in pp mode, don't think your going to get that on the Equinox. I have equinox 800 on order but it will not be replacing my excals.

I was looking for a good reason and you just gave me one Treasure_Hunter. Sometimes the ocean doesn’t get all of its sand back and give me that amazing cut I always dream of...so depth is a BIG DEAL .

Thank you gentlemen!

Cheers

 

[DeepseekerADS]

Another absolute advantage with the Excal is that iron isn't a problem.

 

[smokeythecat]

I have seen the Excal in action and for salt water don't think it can be beat. If you get a larger wave in on the Equinox, and all of a sudden you and it are under water, would that cause a problem with the machine and it's warranty? There's waterproof and there's waterproof. I don't know, just asking.(That's why the chicken cat here doesn't go in the water, plus all those nasty broken beer bottles I saw this week out about 20-40' when the wind blew the water out. Ick.)

 

[WaterScoop]

The Excal is nose heavy, cranks my elbow. So, I had to purchase a straight shaft assembly - around $100 or so.

The one I’m looking to invest in has a straight shaft conversion.

Then there's the pin point mod which would be desirable = around $150 to $175.
I am very interested in this conversion where would be the best place to get this done or any other conversions for the Excal2, knobs, guard etc. I have seen YouTube videos for the DYI guys but I am got better things to do with my extra time...like detect. . .L L

During the off season, the knob o-rings needed replacement and the seals. That was around $175. Fortunately the cabling was okay - you have to secure the headphone cable so that it doesn't flex. In all flex locations I smear with silicone grease to prevent dry rotting.

You need a knob guard to protect the knobs as if you're careless and bang a knob it may break it off the circuit board.

These cautions aside, I love my Excal and can't wait to get back in the water. great depth and easy to learn. I scooped a whisper year before last at at least 12" under the sand, a small child's sterling ring - just a whisper.

I am very excited now after chatting with you fellas, this by no means is going to keep me from getting the Nox800 as well...however I believe I’ve reached my legal limit of detectors in my arsenal and need to say good bye to one or two detectors. I have a feeling that the Garrett ATP is going soon.

Cheers

‘Scoop

 

[WaterScoop]

I have seen the Excal in action and for salt water don't think it can be beat. If you get a larger wave in on the Equinox, and all of a sudden you and it are under water, would that cause a problem with the machine and it's warranty? There's waterproof and there's waterproof. I don't know, just asking.(That's why the chicken cat here doesn't go in the water, plus all those nasty broken beer bottles I saw this week out about 20-40' when the wind blew the water out. Ick.)

It’s supposed to be good to 10ft

If a wave takes you down deeper then 10 ft you will be in a world of hurt and the detector will be the last of one’s worries.

Any good YT videos you guys can suggest on getting familiar with Excal2 that you can direct me to?

‘Scoop

 

[smokeythecat]

Water scoop, you nailed it. 3 feet or so of water and a 5 foot boat or ship wave could be an issue. However a temporary one. There is a main shipping channel a few hundred yards from this one real popular beach nearby and when those freighters go by, you notice it. Get both machines!