for e-trac. Sunray probe or detector pro pistol probe? which would be best?

roundhat · Mar 15, 2009

i'm getting an e-trac and was wondering what probe would be the best to get. most people say the sunray probe is excellent but i have seen some videos of the pistol probe... and it seems very impressive. what do y'all think? Price is very close on both.. thanks. :icon_study:

liftloop · Mar 15, 2009

I use a white's pine pointer never used a probe the only thing diferent is, you can't loes a probe like a pin poiter.I think your detector's batteries don't last as long useing a probe. :thumbsup:

camperlee · Mar 15, 2009

I use a garrett pro pointer just got it this spring and it's wonderfull good depth wonder how I did without it.

999slvrfx · Mar 15, 2009

Every detector I have has Sunray probe on it .
Always there and you can't lose it .
Also carry a Garretts Pro Pointer just in case .
These are about the best I have found, Just my
opinion if it means anything.

roundhat · Mar 15, 2009

i like the pistol idea but i think i will stick with the sunray. thanks to you guys who have replied to me. :wink:

Monty · Mar 16, 2009

I vote for Sunray. No muss with batteries and it's always there. Monty

Big Red · Feb 1, 2015

Yeah, loved the Sunray! Only problem is, it is on a cable and you have to switch it over each time and remember to switch it back? You get used to it pretty fast! Really don't think it affects the batteries much, if at all? Don't know why you would need a "back up probe" though? Sunrays are known to be very durable and operate off your detectors batteries, so?.....

Mike70 · Feb 1, 2015

I have the Pistol probe, got it while I was in Canada, it will detect up to 6" but I have not had much of a chance to try it in the field yet.

pepperj · Feb 1, 2015

Operate the Sunray since the Etrac came out and the only problem was with the inside cabling jacket and had to send it in for a repair. Besides that I would say that it out performs the Garrett and the Minelab, or Viba-probe pin pointers. One of the nicest features is that it's just an extension of what the coil is, so nothing changes for tones or discrimination. The one draw back is hunting in - temps where the soils are damp and then it freezes on the probe, a plastic scraper or digger works well to keep it clean enough to put it back into the holder clips.

mrwilburino · Feb 1, 2015

I have both probes & love them both, but if I could have a SunRay on all my machines, that's what I would do. It does add some weight to the detector, and if you want to get one for the Etrac, expect to pay a lot for it since they don't make them anymore for that machine. The Pistol Probe is a deep one, and would probably be more popular if it was marketed the way the more well-known brands are. The only issue I have with it is that it doesn't seem to get along well with my CTX. I'm wondering if the FBS machines don't like PI pinpointers?

And speaking of the CTX...... I noticed that you have one in your detector profile, roundhat. Just wondered why you're getting an Etrac?

pepperj · Feb 1, 2015

mrwilburino said:
I have both probes & love them both, but if I could have a SunRay on all my machines, that's what I would do. It does add some weight to the detector, and if you want to get one for the Etrac, expect to pay a lot for it since they don't make them anymore for that machine. The Pistol Probe is a deep one, and would probably be more popular if it was marketed the way the more well-known brands are. The only issue I have with it is that it doesn't seem to get along well with my CTX. I'm wondering if the FBS machines don't like PI pinpointers?

And speaking of the CTX...... I noticed that you have one in your detector profile, roundhat. Just wondered why you're getting an Etrac?

I didn't realize that there was a probe for the CTX, I looked into it before and spoke to Sunray and he said that there wouldn't be any made for this series.

Jason in Enid · Feb 1, 2015

pepperj said:
I didn't realize that there was a probe for the CTX, I looked into it before and spoke to Sunray and he said that there wouldn't be any made for this series.

There isn't one, never was, never will be.

pepperj · Feb 1, 2015

Jason in Enid said:
There isn't one, never was, never will be.

That's what I thought also Jason. I was just surprised at mrwilburino saying it doesn't seem to get along with his CTX.

Jason in Enid · Feb 1, 2015

I think he was referring to the pistol-probe.

CincinnatiKid · Feb 1, 2015

Does SunRay make new probes for ETracs?
Peace ✌

Jason in Enid · Feb 1, 2015

CincinnatiKid said:
Does SunRay make new probes for ETracs?
Peace ✌

No, that is why used ones sell for $300

CincinnatiKid · Feb 1, 2015

Thanks Jason. I didn't think so.
I've casually looked for used, but have found none. They must be cherished.
More questions; Why did SunRay discontinue production, and does SunRay fix em if a problem occurs?
Thanks
Peace ✌

Jason in Enid · Feb 1, 2015

Sunray stopped production because he claimed the cost of the components were too expensive, although many of us feel that was a BS excuse. I have heard they will not repair X-1s either.

CincinnatiKid · Feb 1, 2015

What a shame.
Seems SunRay cornered the market with their inline ETrac probe.
Any chance of SunRay resuming production? A profitable price would surely be paid.
Peace ✌

Charlie P. (NY) · Feb 1, 2015

Problem is the original post/question was from five yers ago. Sunray discontinued the version for e-tracs. Solves the problem.

Great probes - I have one on my F-75. No additional battery use (maybe less) as you switch from the main coil to a 1" coil for pinpointing.