Looking to Upgrade......Need Advice

[fng68]

Hello to the FBS veterans,

I'm an XT-70 user for about a year,the 70 works great but a want to add a multi freq machine to my arsenal.
I 'm stuck between the Etrac and Explorer.My hunting is mostly coins and occasionally old homesteads and the beach,more fresh than salt.

People keep saying a ET is not a Explorer,but is in that niche of "coin and relic machines.
I've been reading all the arguments about the Display,F12 linear target line of the ET as opposed to the S type target response of the explorer.
I realize the sound of the target gets priority and the screen confirms what your ears hear as a rule.
So I decided to order Andy Sabisch's books about both to help me get my head around both units and their strengths and weaknesses.
There are even discussions about the merits of the different Explorers, it really gets confusing.

I live in an area where there are not many detectors,compared to the target rich enviroment available.But like its been said the deep stuff can be elusive,and the reason it's still there is because of the iron(junk) masking these keepers.
As equipment gets better, more may be found,I'm hoping that's the case.
I hunt everyday and think I'd enjoy the challenge of learning one of these productive machines.
I live an a fixed income,and I want to get the most machine for the money.Whatever I get I will use allot,so it will be worth it to me.

So the talk about processor speed,nulling and recovery,all metal mode, bounce etc; really has me confused.
For my hunting requirements,which would you recommend.

Thanks for any help,
Ron

 

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[Brett]

Hi Ron,

It looks like you’ve done your homework.

If this is your first FBS, and you want the most for your money you could buy a used Explorer XS or II with a Sunray X-1 probe but you would want to upgrade it with the Pro coil. Buying used could end up costing you more in the long run, especially if it breaks and the warranty is non-transferrable. I’m not sure how much it would be to completely replace the electronics in an XS or II if it was out of warranty, you might want to ask.

I’ve used an SE Pro, and now roll with the E-Trac. You seem well aware of the advantages of the E-Trac… but one more is the Trash Density feature. Read up on that and see if it sounds appealing. I’ve read tests done with TD set to Low and High with amazing results, so it’s a deal sealer for me. I hunt with it set to High all of the time. The dual digital display and smartfind screen is great too, and now I’m hunting with the LARGE FE:CO numbers since they update so quickly and are easy to see when there is glare on the screen.

If you are scared at some of the new prices you see for an E-Trac, give Ron Shore from http://www.windycitydetectors.com a call at (773) 774-5445 and ask him what his best price is. Tell him Brett W. sent ya ;-) He’s definitely earned my loyalty as my dealer for life.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

 

[fng68]

Thanks Brett,

I got Andy Sabisch's books today and I'm reading up on them now, good stuff.
I see what you mean about TD feature, boy oh boy, that sure is sweet.

Got many old places that are polluted with iron,trash etc. But have found 1906 1903 quarter and dime there.
I know it's there, just so much junk,this TD feature should really help.
I scanned the books,jumped around alittle,now I am starting on page one.
I didn't realize what powerful instruments the explorer and by extension the ET are, I am really impressed.
I'm definitely gonna have a chat with Ron, I may have bought my Garrett CXIII off of him in mid '90's.Still have it.
My son reports it still works fine!

So,back to reading for me.I have a ton of learning to do,and thanks again Brett (can't forget that name,it's my Grandson's)

Good Luck out there,
Ron

 

[Brett]

No problem Ron! May your learning be speedy. HH!

 

[123jerry]

 

[Irontask]

Ron,get a used Explorer ll these units find the deep stuff and you will be please with the money you save and performance.Good luck HH

 

[gibsondan]

Ron, I'm in the same boat as you. I sold my Fisher CZ-7a and now am thinking about getting an E-Trac or an Explorer SE Pro. I too bought Andy Sabisch's book on the Explorer and E-Trac. It helps a great deal. I think they both sound like excellent detectors...but I've never used either one. Tough decision. I like the High Trash Density setting and the faster processor on the E-Trac but I've heard some depth is sacrificed (in comparison to the Explorer) because of those features. I don't know if that's true or not, but the pros and cons make it tough to decide. I'm leaning more towards the E-Trac because even with the possible loss of depth, it still goes deeper than my old detector. There are loyal Explorer users out there who don't like the E-Trac...and there are former Explorer users out there who think the E-Trac is the best detector to ever come down the pike. It's hard for someone like me, who has never used a Minelab detector before, to separate biased info from cold hard facts.

 

[fng68]

iRONMASK,

Thanks for the heads up.That is definitely worth thinking about.
But there are somethings about the newer software which appeals to me,Faster adjustment interface for one.
Maybe a little lighter also.Coming off the Xterra 70, one gets spoiled with the lightweight machine.
I use a detector pro pocket uniprobe which is a super probe,and can use with any detector I own.
I don't know how it stacks up to the X-1, although the tones of the X-1 sure would speed up recovery, is it worth the weight to me?

Dan,

I can relate, I believe both are very capable machines in the right hands.
The question about hunting in fe sounds, and the lesser degree of tone separation for the ET ( Caused by the F12 line) is a concern.
Since I've never used either and how this limitation would impact hunting in a real world environment still needs clarification.
I 'm not sure how often I'd use FE tones,but it's a limitation nonetheless and maybe the ET has compensated for it with other features I'm just not aware of yet.

I believe either would increase finds,maybe sooner with ET as opposed to SE.But once learned both are killers!
The Xterra 70 will stay for cherry picking sites, then I plan to comb the area with one of the above.
And to add to the dilemma, now white's has a new kid on the block!

 

[Trezurehunter]

I have used a Fisher CZ 5 for about 8 yrs. now. I also wanted to upgrade & went with the SE Pro from Ron Shore at Windy City Detectors. I wont be selling the CZ, as it has been an excellent machine & made me some outstanding finds. I will use it as a backup. I just wanted to get a machine that goes deep & has the numeric readout on the screen. Ron

 

[Woodland Detectors]

Heres the truth. The explorer is a great machine indeed but, I own the etrac and I just love how flexible the machine is. You can totaly customize this machine for any situation. I have used the etrac on the beach in Folly SC with NO problems with excellent finds. This is a true all around great machine.The Excalibur is an awesome underwater machine but, it isn't the best relic hunter.UPGRADE to an Etrac you wont be sorry. mike

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

fng,

Just want to throw this at you, don't rule out the Sovereign GT with a WOT coil with out giving it a thought, true there is no screen, but it is a fantastic multi freq machine and when you throw in the WOT coil, you will be seaching pretty deep.

 

[Woodland Detectors]

Treasurehunter has given you some great advice. These new wot coils are indeed an excellent upgrade to your detecting unit. I also can help fit you with coils and accessories. I sell authorized Minelab after market coils and would be glad to help anyone with questions and price quotes. ...mike