Equinox Ergonomics

[Redbullwings]

Hello all,

I've been struggling with wrist and hand pain from swinging the Nox. I've tried adjusting the shaft to be shorter, longer and neither have helped. I've seen the aftermarket devices that attach on the handle of the nox to supposedly take some stress off you wrist...anyone use one? Any other suggestions? I've considered the Counterbalance shafts but don't know much about them or that would help. Thanks in advance

 

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[smokeythecat]

I've heard great things about Steve's Detector Rods. He is a supporting vendor here. The ergonomics issue is a known design flaw. The only way out is to send some cash to get a lower carbon fiber shaft. Adding weight probably won't help.

 

[Donut]

I had the same problem.
i went with Steve’s carbon fiber rod with the counterweight that offsets the weight of the coil. Steve’s is the only one with the counterweight.
also when holding the detecting don’t grab the handle hard. I grab mine lightly with my little finger below the shaft and my detector kinda floats in my hand like a spinning reel.
I think Minelab got the head angle shaft on wrong angle.
Doug

 

[sgoss66]

Redbullwings --

Counterweighting DOES help; in fact, it is the SOLUTION. It can entirely resolve hand/wrist pain. That may sound like a "sales pitch," or an "awfully bold statement," but it's the truth. It's that simple. A lighter "base" shaft, but then with weight added IN THE RIGHT PLACE (at the butt end, opposite the coil), is the solution to the issue. Physics will attest to this, as will dozens of my customers (some former skeptics). There's no "voodoo" here, no "snake oil" being peddled. It's just science; the fact is, the wrist is the focal point for stress, caused by a nose-heavy, imbalanced shaft (though forearm/elbow/shoulder/back pain can also result). I can explain it pretty easily, in a way that makes sense, but it's easier to do verbally, than via text. I may just do a video on this, since these ergonomic issues with the Equinox are easily explained, and yet are such a problem, for so many users. I can easily explain to anyone interested, why the pain and fatigue experienced by Equinox users occurs, and why counterweighting is the solution.

Let me know if I can be of assistance, and as I said, I'm always willing to explain the concepts to anyone who wants to understand the "hows" and "whys" of this whole thing.

Thanks,

Steve

 

[sphillips]

Counter balance is the key. When I bought my Excal two years ago, the S shaft was a killer for me, constantly switching hands to relieve the stress. I went to my local marine store and bought 3/4"ID aluminum tube and mounted the controls behind my elbow. Made all the difference, can swing without changing arms. I have recently purchased a box 800 will soon be ordering a shaft from Steve

 

[Toecutter]

I wrapped my handle with handle bar tape to make it bigger around now I get better balance and able to swing with very little pressure to the handle,, it has helped me alot...

Iv seen the device for the handle but to me it seems like the stress would be worse...

Roll of handle bar tape = 10$

 

[MackDog]

have you tried a detector buddy strap? I love mine it puts the weight on my shoulder.

 

[gene the machine]

Steve's carbon fiber shafts aren't much lighter than the stock Nox shaft but feel so much different. I can't explain why but it does. Better able to adjust the length too which I do often while detecting. Much more comfortable. I have the counter weight but haven't used it and didn't feel the need except when using the 15" coil, then once you get that configured to suit you, it handles like a dream. I have used a harness and that takes a bit of getting used to but can help as well. Keep it low and slow.

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

Use a detector harness, takes weight off your arm and puts it on your shoulder.

 

[smokeythecat]

Treasure_Hunter, if I did that I'd probably wind up getting tangled in a tree!

 

[ColonelDan]

I use Steve's rods (the only rods I'll use now and I've tried them all at one time or another) and the Pro Swing 45 harness. No perceived weight at all. Steve's counterweight system is the key. I use the harness primarily so that I can let go of the detector without having to sit it on the ground or beach. Just my system of creature comfort. Your view of the battlefield may vary.

 

[Donut]

I may understand a harness in the serf but on land I don’t think I could be harnessed like a horse but that’s just me.
At a seed hunt yesterday I and a couple detecting friend their had a chance to compare Nox detectors with and without Steve’s fiber shaft and counterweight and wow I didn’t realize how unbelievable it is without the counterweight. That actually surprised me how much difference it made.
Donut/Doug

 

[Irishgoldhound]

I may understand a harness in the serf but on land I don’t think I could be harnessed like a horse but that’s just me.
At a seed hunt yesterday I and a couple detecting friend their had a chance to compare Nox detectors with and without Steve’s fiber shaft and counterweight and wow I didn’t realize how unbelievable it is without the counterweight. That actually surprised me how much difference it made.
Donut/Doug

I don’t see a harness working in the water. It would bug the heck out of me being all slung up in the water. In the water your detector is almost weightless it’s just the drag that’s hard on your wrist, elbow and shoulder. If you need a harness for that light of a detector then maybe it’s just the ergonomics of the Equinox that bothers you.

 

[Donut]

It’s not me that is using a harness. It’s Treasure-Hunter above.
I am using Steve’s shaft with the counterweight and I don’t have any pain of fatigue while detecting.

 

[saanich2018]

It’s not me that is using a harness. It’s Treasure-Hunter above.
I am using Steve’s shaft with the counterweight and I don’t have any pain of fatigue while detecting.

Due to tearing up both shoulders in a car accident (and surgery), based on what I found on this site and and online, I designed and made my own harness/strap. It works great. The full support of the unit is carried by the harness and all I have to do is swing the unit back and forth. The bottom end of the harness is made of small bungee cords so there is some give and spring. Plus, when I find something I just swing the unit to my side and I can bend over without my unit falling into the dirt/sand/water. It is great in the water, as I do not have to worry about the head falling into the water. I can use my unit for hours with little to no fatigue

 

[MackDog]

I use the harness on land and in the water. When you bend down your detector lays down and when you stand up it's pulled back up with you. It's tight in close to your body and doesn't snag.

 

[relicmeister]

Due to tearing up both shoulders in a car accident (and surgery), based on what I found on this site and and online, I designed and made my own harness/strap. It works great. The full support of the unit is carried by the harness and all I have to do is swing the unit back and forth. The bottom end of the harness is made of small bungee cords so there is some give and spring. Plus, when I find something I just swing the unit to my side and I can bend over without my unit falling into the dirt/sand/water. It is great in the water, as I do not have to worry about the head falling into the water. I can use my unit for hours with little to no fatigue

I made something similar and I agree that it makes for effortless swinging. Not a replacement for counterweight but used with.

 

[Normsel]

I had an Etrac and tried the harness and it didn't work for me. I just toughed it out and got used to it and after awhile I didn't notice. With the Equinox I thought it was a bit awkward at 1st and still do in a way but it's lite enough it don't bother me. The last thing I want to do is add counter weight. I adjusted the cuff position and that helped but I only go out for 2 hours at a time and that's because at 75 I am wore out by then

 

[Minrelica]

I wrapped my handle with handle bar tape to make it bigger around now I get better balance and able to swing with very little pressure to the handle,, it has helped me alot...

Iv seen the device for the handle but to me it seems like the stress would be worse...

Roll of handle bar tape = 10$

Vet wrap bandage tape works very well on detector grips. I wrapped my torn Explorer grip a few years ago and it's great. May even be great over the handlebar tape. It's cheap enough to be worth a try.

 

[Calabash Digger]

Steves rod user here...very happy.