Explorer II Vs Etrac

Digger2

Bronze Member
Apr 9, 2013
1,099
204
Vacherie Louisiana
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XP DEUS,Garrett AT Pro, GTI 2500 ,
Minelab Explorer II
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Vibra-tector 730
Vibra-Probe 580
Primary Interest:
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I am wondering how much difference could I expect when hunting with an Etrac vs my Explorer II.
I would image depth with a 12 x 10 SEF on either machine would be about the same, but would target separation be faster with the newer machine? Does the Etrac have a greater number of tones than the Explorer II? What other advantages would I have with the Etrac?

At first I was looking at the 3030, but I read of a few issues with it, and I don't need a lot of the bells and whistles that the ctx30303 has, besides 2500 bucks for a machine that I cannot use my existing coils on is a lot of $$$$$, so now I am considering the Etrac.

What do you folks think, especially the ones who have or do own both machines.

Roy
 

Fletch88

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Mar 7, 2013
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Valdosta, GA
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Minelab Xterra 305
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One of the most important advances is in the alogaritms used in Etrac. This straightened out the FE line on many targets and helps alleviate the "Explorer Bounce" on deeper targets in mineralized ground or near trash. Also the Sensitivity circuit has been greatly enhanced on Etrac allowing better depth in auto mode. I'm actually reading a book that compares the 2. Will post more benefits later!
 

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Digger2

Digger2

Bronze Member
Apr 9, 2013
1,099
204
Vacherie Louisiana
Detector(s) used
XP DEUS,Garrett AT Pro, GTI 2500 ,
Minelab Explorer II
Garrett pointer
Garrett Pro Pointer
Detectorpro Uniprobe

Vibra-tector 730
Vibra-Probe 580
Primary Interest:
Metal Detecting
Thanks, what is the name of the book?

Roy
 

Fletch88

Silver Member
Mar 7, 2013
4,841
2,367
Valdosta, GA
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Garrett ATPro- 8.5x11, 5x8, CORS Fotune 5.5x9.5
Tesoro Silver microMax- 8 donut, 8x11 RSD, 3x18 Cleansweep
Minelab Excalibur ll- 10" Tornado
Minelab CTX 3030
Minelab Xterra 305
Primary Interest:
All Treasure Hunting
The Minelab Explorer & E-Trac Handbook by Andy Sabisch. It's a great resource for Etrac and Explorer users.
 

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BryanM362

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Mar 22, 2013
870
426
Cincinnati, OH
🏆 Honorable Mentions:
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The Minelab Explorer & E-Trac Handbook by Andy Sabisch. It's a great resource for Etrac and Explorer users.

I went directly to Andy's site and got a signed copy for about $20. I see them on ebay for $40. Good book.
 

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Digger2

Digger2

Bronze Member
Apr 9, 2013
1,099
204
Vacherie Louisiana
Detector(s) used
XP DEUS,Garrett AT Pro, GTI 2500 ,
Minelab Explorer II
Garrett pointer
Garrett Pro Pointer
Detectorpro Uniprobe

Vibra-tector 730
Vibra-Probe 580
Primary Interest:
Metal Detecting
The Minelab Explorer & E-Trac Handbook by Andy Sabisch. It's a great resource for Etrac and Explorer users.
Thanks, I have a signed copy of it. I thought there might have been another book.
 

kyskinner

Full Member
Oct 9, 2012
199
109
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I went directly to Andy's site and got a signed copy for about $20. I see them on ebay for $40. Good book.

Hey BryanM362,
i went to that website last nightand thought of buying me one of those books,but i couldnt find where they charge you for the shipping of the book,do they charge you shipping? Thanks for any info
 

BryanM362

Hero Member
Mar 22, 2013
870
426
Cincinnati, OH
🏆 Honorable Mentions:
1
Detector(s) used
E-Trac with Sun Ray probe, Garrett AT Pro, White's Classic SL, Garret Pro-pointer
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Sorry, I really dont remember. You'll have to ask them.
 

Fletch88

Silver Member
Mar 7, 2013
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Valdosta, GA
Detector(s) used
Garrett ATPro- 8.5x11, 5x8, CORS Fotune 5.5x9.5
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Minelab Excalibur ll- 10" Tornado
Minelab CTX 3030
Minelab Xterra 305
Primary Interest:
All Treasure Hunting
Hey BryanM362,
i went to that website last nightand thought of buying me one of those books,but i couldnt find where they charge you for the shipping of the book,do they charge you shipping? Thanks for any info

I paid $19.95 delivered. It took approx 2 weeks for delivery. Good luck!
 

Talon

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May 18, 2012
633
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NE Ohio
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The 20 bucks covers the shipping. I just picked one up last week. Signed and in my mailbox in less than a week.
 

kyskinner

Full Member
Oct 9, 2012
199
109
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T2se. tesero tejon. white xlt
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The 20 bucks covers the shipping. I just picked one up last week. Signed and in my mailbox in less than a week.

i going to the sit to buy one right now thanks to all
 

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Digger2

Digger2

Bronze Member
Apr 9, 2013
1,099
204
Vacherie Louisiana
Detector(s) used
XP DEUS,Garrett AT Pro, GTI 2500 ,
Minelab Explorer II
Garrett pointer
Garrett Pro Pointer
Detectorpro Uniprobe

Vibra-tector 730
Vibra-Probe 580
Primary Interest:
Metal Detecting
Maybe I just ought to start another thread.
 

kyskinner

Full Member
Oct 9, 2012
199
109
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T2se. tesero tejon. white xlt
Primary Interest:
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yep i sorry to hope you get your answer
 

Fletch88

Silver Member
Mar 7, 2013
4,841
2,367
Valdosta, GA
Detector(s) used
Garrett ATPro- 8.5x11, 5x8, CORS Fotune 5.5x9.5
Tesoro Silver microMax- 8 donut, 8x11 RSD, 3x18 Cleansweep
Minelab Excalibur ll- 10" Tornado
Minelab CTX 3030
Minelab Xterra 305
Primary Interest:
All Treasure Hunting
Sorry we couldn't help you. The book you said you already had, lists all the differences between the two machines in a very detailed manner. Good luck with new post though.
 

fistfulladirt

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Feb 21, 2008
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I own both machines. The Explorer 2 has greater depth capability.
I used a coin garden to test.
I borrowed a friends Etrac to eliminate any doubts.
 

Fletch88

Silver Member
Mar 7, 2013
4,841
2,367
Valdosta, GA
Detector(s) used
Garrett ATPro- 8.5x11, 5x8, CORS Fotune 5.5x9.5
Tesoro Silver microMax- 8 donut, 8x11 RSD, 3x18 Cleansweep
Minelab Excalibur ll- 10" Tornado
Minelab CTX 3030
Minelab Xterra 305
Primary Interest:
All Treasure Hunting
I own both machines. The Explorer 2 has greater depth capability.
I used a coin garden to test.
I borrowed a friends Etrac to eliminate any doubts.

We're you running manual sensitivity? Minelab pattern? etc. There are many variables that could have been off. I'm not sure a single garden test is a valid comparison on depth capabilities. No offense meant here.
 

fistfulladirt

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Feb 21, 2008
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We're you running manual sensitivity? Minelab pattern? etc. There are many variables that could have been off. I'm not sure a single garden test is a valid comparison on depth capabilities. No offense meant here.
Hi Fletch. Yes I run manual sens (28), gain 9. Deep on, fast off. Open screen. Both machines equipped with 10X12 sef coil. The best test of all is in the field, and I've compared signals with both machines. Explorer 2 wins.
 

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Fletch88

Silver Member
Mar 7, 2013
4,841
2,367
Valdosta, GA
Detector(s) used
Garrett ATPro- 8.5x11, 5x8, CORS Fotune 5.5x9.5
Tesoro Silver microMax- 8 donut, 8x11 RSD, 3x18 Cleansweep
Minelab Excalibur ll- 10" Tornado
Minelab CTX 3030
Minelab Xterra 305
Primary Interest:
All Treasure Hunting
Hi Fletch. Yes I run manual sens (28), gain 9. Fast on, deep off. Open screen. Both machines equipped with 10X12 sef coil. The best test of all is in the field, and I've compared signals with both machines. Explorer 2 wins.

Just out of curiosity did you try Auto +3 on Etrac? The sensitivity circuit is totally different on Etrac than Explorer. Also did you swap coils and repeat test to see if one may be hotter than the other?
 

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