First Impressions of my new Explorer SE vs My Trusty XLT

[skispeed69]

Well just got back from doing a farm field here in Germany. I have to say I'm not going to be getting rid of my XLT just yet. I don't know if its a balance issue but the SE is way hard to swing around then my XLT. Funny thing.... I did not really pay attention to the people who said this thing is heavy, since they said the same thing about the XLT. I bench over 300 lbs. and I still felt worn out after only two hours. I'm going to try and move the forearm rest, I think Its to far back for the size of my forearm.

Now one thing that I did notice, huge improvement in depth ( one of the reasons I got it) When your looking for 2000 year old Roman and Celtic coins you have to go deep and still be sensitive. I think I need a whole lot more time to learn the beast, but I think in the future, I'll survey new sites with the XLT and clean them up with the SE. I don't think I can do one without the other now. SE finds 1/4" small lead seals at 12", now that is awesome.

Ski....

 

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[brnn53]

I agree. I use the older XS and the XLT. The Minelabs are way too heavy for all day hunting. I will use the XLT for a quick read of a new area and if I get lots of good hits, then I will use the XS for deeper slower detecting. I also have a Tejon and a Nautilus DMC II B. For brass relics the Tejon is amazing and the Nautilus is the deepest detector of them all though more complicated to set up. The Tejon is my favorite machine as I prefer Civil War relic hunting and it is dead on for that. I have found good relics with all 4. HH!
Mike

 

[Ron B]

Hello Skies!
The SE is the best unit available for the money bar none! And, like you at first I thought "My God; what have I gotten myself into?"

After using my two SEs unrelentingly, I have found the only way to go is AMM for maximum depth. Please do not let all the sounds confuse you as, if you set your detector up "one way" you'll quickly learn to interpret the sounds. Forget about all the DISC PATTERNS Minelab wasted so much time covering as IMO they are a total waste of time and effort.

Here is my setup:

(1) Sensitivity 32. Yes, that is right --- MAXED out.
(2) Iron Mask ON @ Level 22

MAIN MENU

DISCRIM
Ignore for now

AUDIO
RESPONSE -- Normal

VOLUME
Max Limit --- 10
Gain --- 10

TONE
TH Tone 5
Variability 10
Limits --- 10

SOUNDS
Conduct

SELECT
"CLEAR" all

OPTIONS

NOISE
This is actually an AUTO setting unless you wish to make it manual.
Always use NOISE CANCEL at the start of hunt and when changing coils - Be sure to turn IRON MASK temporarily to "OFF" to be certain no metal is beneath coil before beginning NOISE REDUCTION!!! Be sure to turn IRON MASK ON once NR's (a slow count to 11) cycle completes itself.

RECOVERY
FAST - OFF
DEEP - ON

CONTRAST
@5 (a personal preference)

SAVE DISC
Ignore for now

USER
Save the above settings under USER A

I detect using SMARTFIND.
Any target in the bottom left (nickels-gold) and upper right (silver) I dig. This is the area un-marked by IRON MASK (right side of screen).

I adjust THRESHOLD (far right side of screen) to 15 but this is a personal preference.

IN using IRON MASK, I find if I have an iffy sounding target (getting a good response in both east to west movement but not swinging north and south or vise versa by turning ON-OFF IRON MASK I can determine if the target is good or bad by the increase or no change in sound.

If you haven't already purchased the SunRay in line probe, do so. The nice little probe will save you time locating targets and digging of excessive holes. You'll also want to consider no less than a 5 to 8 inch coil and a 12 to 14 inch coil along with lower rods and hardware. I personally use the Gray Ghost NDT headphones; they are one of the best far out-shining the non-adjustable volume Model 30s you received with your SE.

Good hunting!
GRB

 

[Jack(IN)]

I don't understand the weight thing with the Minelab?? I've used one since 2001, my 75 year old dad uses it as well I hunt(when time allows) six to eight hours and I'm not wore out, tired of bending down and digging deep coins. I read and hear about the weight issue and its not been a problem?? I used the XLT before my explorer and it is heavier than the XLT, but I just don't understand it honestly. NOT saying it isn't heavier than many detectors, just saying its not been an issue??

 

[John (Ma)]

I think it's like anything, "Knowing your equipment" The XLT has surely proven itself and will still serve well for some time to come and those that get to know their minelab will again open new doors as all detectors have their pro's and cons. Key = Know the equipment.