Taking the Excal plunge. Questions

[eathabs]

After much debate I have decided on purchasing an Excal. I have watched numerous videos and read as much as I can about the Excal and 3 other machines. That being said, what would be your top tips for getting started at the beach. I will be searching the OBX, not in the Hatteras Nat. Seashore area for those that would be concerned. Been going there for years so I know the boundries.

Thanks much and HH,
habs

 

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[ChampFerguson/TN]

My best advice would be to read thru the archives of this and other forums (do a search on Excal). Everything we could tell you will be there.
Good Luck!

 

[fish1on]

Tip #1

HAVE FUN!

We often get all caught up in things and make it too complicated and forget to enjoy just getting out.

 

[vferrari]

Excal. Great machine that you can literally take a plunge with. Best thing you can do is rack up swing hours with it to ingrain the muscle memory of tone vs. target. For me, an Anderson straight shaft works bbetter than the stock shaft, and get a decent heavy duty water scoop. And yes, have fun.

 

[cudamark]

My settings are: Disc 1, Sens auto or just off auto depending on mineralization, Volume max, Threshold wherever it's comfortable, and hunt in Pin Point for max depth. Switch over to Disc to eliminate iron. As mentioned, a straight shaft is much more comfortable. If yours is a new machine, other mods will have to wait until it's out of warranty or have Kellyco do the mods. Mine have improved headphones, aftermarket knobs, BIG coils, and best mod of all.......the remote pin point switch on the handle. Dig everything that doesn't grunt a solid iron null sound.....unless you like digging iron! But then you bought the Excal to eliminate digging iron, right?

 

[eathabs]

Been doing tons of reading, it will continue!!

 

[eathabs]

My settings are: Disc 1, Sens auto or just off auto depending on mineralization, Volume max, Threshold wherever it's comfortable, and hunt in Pin Point for max depth. Switch over to Disc to eliminate iron. As mentioned, a straight shaft is much more comfortable. If yours is a new machine, other mods will have to wait until it's out of warranty or have Kellyco do the mods. Mine have improved headphones, aftermarket knobs, BIG coils, and best mod of all.......the remote pin point switch on the handle. Dig everything that doesn't grunt a solid iron null sound.....unless you like digging iron! But then you bought the Excal to eliminate digging iron, right?

What mods does Kellyco do? That's who I'm buying from.

 

[eathabs]

Excal. Great machine that you can literally take a plunge with. Best thing you can do is rack up swing hours with it to ingrain the muscle memory of tone vs. target. For me, an Anderson straight shaft works bbetter than the stock shaft, and get a decent heavy duty water scoop. And yes, have fun.

Looking forward to racking up some swing time. So far most users have recommended an Anderson shaft as they are more comfortable for extended sessions.

 

[eathabs]

I forgot to ask the other question.
Other than a straight shaft and heavy duty sand scoop, what else is recommended? For example, are the knobs that fragile that they should be upgraded right away?

 

[ChampFerguson/TN]

Yes, straight shaft and a knob guard. Basically its a flat piece of steel that keeps the knobs from being bumped. (or mostly does that). Makes it a bit harder to work the knobs, but its worth it.

Serious good advice on getting a good scoop. Let me recommend Sunspot Stealth- fantastic people to deal with and a warranty that beats everyone everywhere.

I'd wait until you are out of warranty before doing any mods other than add ons. But that's me.

 

[cudamark]

What mods does Kellyco do? That's who I'm buying from.

I'd ask them which mods they will do that still keeps the warranty in effect. If you have to pick just one mod, I'd get the remote pin point switch first. Next most important mod to me is a BIG coil, such as the Coiltek WOT or, my favorite, the NEL 15" Attack coil. I have both the Anderson metal straight shaft and the Plugger carbon fiber shaft. I like the Plugger setup better.

 

[ROBOTCOP13]

Did someone say an Excal plunge?

 

[eathabs]

Another question. The stock lower shaft is too short, options?

 

[cudamark]

Another question. The stock lower shaft is too short, options?

If you're going to go with a straight shaft setup, you might check with Plugger or Andersen to see what options they have.

 

[eathabs]

Thanks to all that took the time to reply guys!!

hh,
habs