Alternate Detector suggestions for beach water hunting

[GuerillaBill]

Let me start by saying I already have an Excalibur II with a 10" coil. And while it is an excellent detector (I found two rings with it yesterday), it can be a hassle trying to adjust the sensitivity and threshold to reduce the falsing when in the water.

A few months back, I bought a BeachHunter 300 ID as a backup detector. And after using it for a few weeks, I decided I preferred it to the Excal, mainly because it is more stable (at least on the beaches I detect on), and seems to find more targets - probably because I search in all metal mode with the BH.

So I'm planning on selling my excalibur, and was thinking of getting another BeachHunter as a backup detector. But a detecting buddy suggested I use the opportunity to try another detector instead of getting two identical detectors.

So here's the question - what other high quality beach and salt water detectors would you recommend?

Or would you just get two identical detectors - with the idea of it being easier to learn one detector than two different ones.

Bill

 

[Florida Sand Digger]

Have you considered a PI machine, such as your IDs cohort the Whites surf master PI?

I have both the ID and a PI (9.5 inch coil) and am think of selling the PI, and getting an Excal, maybe we need to talk. I am right across the state from you, my first thought is to bring my PI over and you get your Excal, and lets go to the beach. It would be a great opportunity for me to try out an Excal and for you to try out a PI, without it costing either us very much.

What do you think?

HH
Sand Digger

 

[Bootyhunter1971]

Have you ever tried "reverse" hunting with your Excal? CJC explains it in his Advanced Methods book for the Excal and I think it is the best way to go with this detector most of the time. Basically you hunt in "Pinpoint" mode and when you get a signal that sounds good you switch to "Disc" to check the target. The detector will detect deeper in the pinpoint mode and I have personally had targets that would sound off in Pinpoint mode but not the Discrimination mode until a few scoops of sand were removed. However, if you really want to get something different I would try out that fellows PI and see if you like it, if not then get 2 of the same machines so the transition would be seamless if it became necessary. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Indasurf]

Let me start by saying I already have an Excalibur II with a 10" coil. And while it is an excellent detector (I found two rings with it yesterday), it can be a hassle trying to adjust the sensitivity and threshold to reduce the falsing when in the water.

A few months back, I bought a BeachHunter 300 ID as a backup detector. And after using it for a few weeks, I decided I preferred it to the Excal, mainly because it is more stable (at least on the beaches I detect on), and seems to find more targets - probably because I search in all metal mode with the BH.

So I'm planning on selling my excalibur, and was thinking of getting another BeachHunter as a backup detector. But a detecting buddy suggested I use the opportunity to try another detector instead of getting two identical detectors.

So here's the question - what other high quality beach and salt water detectors would you recommend?

Or would you just get two identical detectors - with the idea of it being easier to learn one detector than two different ones.

Bill

Since you already own the "FINE" Beach Hunter 300, I would suggest trying a PI as the two technologies work fabulous together!!!

This is the setup I use and I feel "ALL" bases are covered between the two of them!!!

If you like running the 300 most of the time, it might not be a bad idea to have another as a spare too. As you already know, the Beach Hunter hits DEEP in all metal, has super fast recovery, and is just a perfect all around beach/water machine!!!

Thanks!

 

[FloridaBill]

I have to agree with all of them on the PI machine. Why get another beachhunter it would be like owning two blue Buick's boring. I have to agree with MT that there is probably an issue with your machine. The ex cal is a great machine however I myself couldn't get one that would work as many of you know so after three bad ones I chose the beachhunter300 and I don't regret it. After getting three brand new ex cal. that didn't work I didn't want to spend all summer shipping detectors back and forth.

you have many die hard ex cal lovers that no matter what happens or is said that will say the ex cal is the best out there. I rate them all around the same if its a good quality detector when your coil passes over it you will find it. Its about what you enjoy and like, there were several things I just couldn't stand about the ex cal, does that mean its not a great machine no , does that mean I will never buy one no all I am saying is try different machines and what ever you end up liking go with your gut....

 

[Diver_Down]

I use a Garrett Sea Hunter II. It is a PI machine with the ability to discriminate. It isn't the top of the line, but it is rock solid and goes deep. For trashy beaches, I can tune it to eliminate bottle caps. I might be leaving some items behind, but I'm not digging every foot a bottle cap, either. You can get a Sea Hunter rather cheap. Watch for them in the for sale section. People will buy a new one, and then sell it as it is like swinging a cinder block unless you mount the control housing on your person. If you insist on a new one, check out Brent-Krueger. They are located in Jersey and will ship it anywhere. Their price is ridiculously low as they are a coin supply store. They do a tremendous volume in coin supplies to wholesalers and don't rely on metal detectors for their bread and butter.

 

[Indasurf]

My Beach Hunter 300 has worked perfect without any issues.


Thanks!

 

[Sandman]

I have used most of the water detectors out there and would still be using the PI's like the Surf PI Pro if I did not get tired of scooping bobby pins. My Excal 1000 is one of the old ones that only got sent in once when a air bubble on the coil broke and let in water. Since the new coil added 4 years ago I have had no trouble and it is used most every day. I don't use the standard battery but a NIMH pak which lasts for days. I have read about a lot of troubles with the newer Excal II being unstable and I personally wouldn't buy one. The Beach Hunter 300 is a nice machine, but I dive also so it is out of the question for me. I also rely on my CZ20 and Tiger Shark with the larger coils.

I had a Tesoro Sand Shark that I foolishly let go and I should get another one. But you should look into the Garrett Infinium LS as it has a two tone reply to help id the target.

 

[FloridaBill]

All valid posts and yes the beachhunter300 also went back. They are all great machines I am not trying to be little or talk bad about any of the machines I actually like them all. As I said there are things I like and don't like about all machines.

Would I buy another ex cal. sure would its a great machine and I have used several that worked and they are awesome machines. Everyone knows they all go bad sooner or later. Most of the folks that have replied to this thread hunt long and hard, so these machines great a real workout. Not like your normal guy that takes it out of the closet once a year when he goes on vacation. I have always said these companies need to send their machines to guys like us that live in the water 365 days a year and we will give them the test they deserve.


And Ex cal pirate I will be hunting with Steve this weekend as I know thats who you are talking about. He is a super guy and really does know his machine....

 

[GuerillaBill]

Thanks for the replies.

I do all my detecting on the beach, in the wet sand, and some in the water. The excal does go deep, and does find the good targets.

But but now it won't hold a steady threshold on sand or in the water. It continually changes tones with every swing of the coil.

I've just cleaned the coil cover, changed to a new battery and lubricated with lithium and will test again this weekend.

I still prefer the simplicity and reliability of the Whites BeachHunter 300, but will give the Excal another chance before I pack it up and send it to the repair center in Vegas.

I did purchase a try a PI machine - a Garrett Sea Hunter - and like most PI machines, it signaled every metal item on the beach - which meant a lot of digging for bobby pins, crab trap remnants, and piles of trash.

Good if you don't mind digging holes all day. Not so good if you want to concentrate on finding better targets.

Bill

 

[Indasurf]

My Beach Hunter 300 has worked perfect without any issues.


Thanks!

2 1/2 years on excal stil works great and i get more gold with it

Funny post I don't post my finds so how do you know what my gold count is

I can tell you I've been hunting since the 70s and have paid for all my machines many, many, many times over!

I paid for my BHID the first month that I had it. Now I don't know what you find, don't really care, did not come here to bash anyone or get insulted.

Happy hunting to all!!!

Thanks!

 

[COTTON]

I have to agree with all of them on the PI machine. Why get another beachhunter it would be like owning two blue Buick's boring. I have to agree with MT that there is probably an issue with your machine. The ex cal is a great machine however I myself couldn't get one that would work as many of you know so after three bad ones I chose the beachhunter300 and I don't regret it. After getting three brand new ex cal. that didn't work I didn't want to spend all summer shipping detectors back and forth.

you have many die hard ex cal lovers that no matter what happens or is said that will say the ex cal is the best out there. I rate them all around the same if its a good quality detector when your coil passes over it you will find it. Its about what you enjoy and like, there were several things I just couldn't stand about the ex cal, does that mean its not a great machine no , does that mean I will never buy one no all I am saying is try different machines and what ever you end up liking go with your gut....

Bill didnt you have the same problems with the Beach hunter when you bought it also?

 

[COTTON]

All valid posts and yes the beachhunter300 also went back. They are all great machines I am not trying to be little or talk bad about any of the machines I actually like them all. As I said there are things I like and don't like about all machines.

Would I buy another ex cal. sure would its a great machine and I have used several that worked and they are awesome machines. Everyone knows they all go bad sooner or later. Most of the folks that have replied to this thread hunt long and hard, so these machines great a real workout. Not like your normal guy that takes it out of the closet once a year when he goes on vacation. I have always said these companies need to send their machines to guys like us that live in the water 365 days a year and we will give them the test they deserve.


And Ex cal pirate I will be hunting with Steve this weekend as I know thats who you are talking about. He is a super guy and really does know his machine....

you know he gets some great items and i almost bought the same machine he has but decided that hunting in all metal with the excal is like having a pi with disc so i decided to modify a md to hunt for chains had to part with some gold sent it in to midwest to pay for this let you know if it pans out good luck with steve ps make sure he takes you to the good spot

All metal on a excal is nothing like a Pi. A vlf is a vlf.

 

[COTTON]

Pro excal/pirate.So now we are talking about CZs.Well i tell you this any time you whant to do any of your tests .I will brake out my trusty czs any time .An smoke your ass .By the way i have 3 excalls.2 sov gt.cz-70 ,2 cz-20s an a surf dual field.Do you also whant to take them on also.

 

[COTTON]

All valid posts and yes the beachhunter300 also went back. They are all great machines I am not trying to be little or talk bad about any of the machines I actually like them all. As I said there are things I like and don't like about all machines.

Would I buy another ex cal. sure would its a great machine and I have used several that worked and they are awesome machines. Everyone knows they all go bad sooner or later. Most of the folks that have replied to this thread hunt long and hard, so these machines great a real workout. Not like your normal guy that takes it out of the closet once a year when he goes on vacation. I have always said these companies need to send their machines to guys like us that live in the water 365 days a year and we will give them the test they deserve.


And Ex cal pirate I will be hunting with Steve this weekend as I know thats who you are talking about. He is a super guy and really does know his machine....

you know he gets some great items and i almost bought the same machine he has but decided that hunting in all metal with the excal is like having a pi with disc so i decided to modify a md to hunt for chains had to part with some gold sent it in to midwest to pay for this let you know if it pans out good luck with steve ps make sure he takes you to the good spot

All metal on a excal is nothing like a Pi. A vlf is a vlf.

olny in your mind cotton ps the excal is also deeper than a cz also the excal is not a vlf its a bbs at least thats what ive been told and your right the excal in all metal is nothing like a pi its better at least ican disc but you cant

Ok.BUBBA

 

[COTTON]

Pro excal/pirate.So now we are talking about CZs.Well i tell you this any time you whant to do any of your tests .I will brake out my trusty czs any time .An smoke your ass .By the way i have 3 excalls.2 sov gt.cz-70 ,2 cz-20s an a surf dual field.Do you also whant to take them on also.

hey i dont have to i already know check the boards theirs at least 7 others that own czs that say their not as deep as the excal i guess your another one of those jack of all metal detectors master of none mr pro cotton its been fun talking to ya again i see you havnt changed abit

Bubba what are we talking about the czS,The beachunters ,or the pi. or the Excals.Dam son.i only had 3 beers.

 

[COTTON]

You be so funny.Now we are talking about avaitars.. So lets get back to the excal.Sence your the man to go to.Lets hear somemore.Please tell

 

[COTTON]

You be so funny.Now we are talking about avaitars.. So lets get back to the excal.Sence your the man to go to.Lets hear somemore.Please tell

heres alink some detector company did a test the excal and sovs tell me what you think jimyce.home.netcom.com/test also some pis their to

If the Excal is so great an so dam deep.Why did you go out an buy a 600.00 seahunter.An buy the way what the hell is pis (picture)

 

[COTTON]

Good night .Mr what ever your talking about (dip ----)

 

[Indasurf]

Pro excal/pirate.So now we are talking about CZs.Well i tell you this any time you whant to do any of your tests .I will brake out my trusty czs any time .An smoke your ass .By the way i have 3 excalls.2 sov gt.cz-70 ,2 cz-20s an a surf dual field.Do you also whant to take them on also.

hey i dont have to i already know check the boards theirs at least 7 others that own czs that say their not as deep as the excal i guess your another one of those jack of all metal detectors master of none mr pro cotton its been fun talking to ya again i see you havnt changed abit

Bubba what are we talking about the czS,The beachunters ,or the pi. or the Excals.Dam son.i only had 3 beers.

and what are you smoking im talking about the bhid and the czs hey i was just wondering which one is you on your avaitor i coundnt resist that also id like to say im sorry if i insulted anyone except pro cotton this is the way we talk to each other ive gotton used to it he has his opinon and i have mine that just means he likes his md just like i do cotton you just dashed mts hopes hes a rookie just getting started and his metal detecter would find just as much in the dry sand as ours i mean recent drops

No prob, all in good fun!!! One other thing, BBS is still a VLF as has been discussed many times on different forums .

I also had a SOV and it's an excellent detector too!

If a hunter has a top rated machine, knows how to use it tweaked, runs the coil over the correct spot, then they will most likely pick up the target!

It all has to do with proper coil swing, speed, and practice! I love following someone with the best machine that doesn't know these things

Also, the Infinium did go through update changes within the last couple of years and the latest machines run fine without the issues of the past.

If you pick up a used one make sure to contact Garrett with the serial # to see if any updates are needed!

All the best!!!