MINELAB XS OR EXPLORER 2

[nomad 11]

been thinking about buying one,but i've heard parts might be scarce for the older minelabs or not repairable because of this.dont the older models and new ones use the same components?or would i be better off just investing in an se pro or e trec?

 

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[Longhair]

The only difference between the SE and SE Pro is the Pro coil. Minelab no longer services the XS or Explorer II, so I would recommend an SE/SE Pro or E-trac.
And that said, the entire Explorer series has already been discontinued, so the days (years actually) that they will be serviceable is numbered.

 

[gunsil]

Safari add Etrac are Explorer series machines, only the SE Pro has been discontinued, along with the Sovereign GT as far as I know

 

[Longhair]

Safari add Etrac are Explorer series machines, only the SE Pro has been discontinued, along with the Sovereign GT as far as I know

I would (and probably should) agree, but the Safari and E-Trac are FBS, as was the Explorer. I don't refer to them as Explorer series because they don't have the name Explorer, which has now been discontinued.

I expect that Minelab will continue the Safari and E-Trac for years yet. They don't have a record of entirely killing off many of their technologies, just models within them. Next year they are slated to introduce a new low cost machine, which may signal the end of something like the Xterra 305. The 505 and 705 will probably be around for another decade or so like the remaining FBS models.

 

[Mach1Pilot]

The older Explorers can be repaired, but it will not be cheap and it might have to be done by a third party. I'm with Longhair, and would suggest you consider a newer machine - which will have the added benefit of having some better features anyway.

 

[SgtSki in MI]

I own both an Explorer XS and an Explorer II. I'd love to get an E-Trac or a CTX3030 but don't have the funds. Both machines are great if you can find one in good condition. The Explorer II has a few more bells and whistles than the XS and runs smoother as well. The main advantage is bothe a ferrous and conductive number readout and a 1/4" headphone jack. I have added aftermarket coils to mine in the form of 6x8 and 10x12 S.E.F (Semi-Elliptical Field) coils with improves the performance greatly. I've used Explorers since their second year on the market and now over 10 years later, they are still doing the job nicely.

 

[RustyGold]

I just purchased the Explorer SE Pro new, with a 3 year warranty, for under a grand!
What a great detector it is! I recently used the SE Pro on the beach with excellent results.
Although not waterproof (only the coil is), this purchase was the replacement detector for an AT Pro.

I do like the sounds/tones that the SE PRO makes and being able to change the coil for trashier areas.
The display is awesome and very easy to access all the features!
And with a warranty, at least I'm covered for 3 years!

Best of Luck with your choice!

 

[nomad 11]

I would (and probably should) agree, but the Safari and E-Trac are FBS, as was the Explorer. I don't refer to them as Explorer series because they don't have the name Explorer, which has now been discontinued.

I expect that Minelab will continue the Safari and E-Trac for years yet. They don't have a record of entirely killing off many of their technologies, just models within them. Next year they are slated to introduce a new low cost machine, which may signal the end of something like the Xterra 305. The 505 and 705 will probably be around for another decade or so like the remaining FBS models.

thanks longhair for the input.appreciate it.

 

[nomad 11]

The older Explorers can be repaired, but it will not be cheap and it might have to be done by a third party. I'm with Longhair, and would suggest you consider a newer machine - which will have the added benefit of having some better features anyway.

thanks you too FBD for your input.i think if i came across one at a flea market or garage sale at a really good price i would get it.i came close a couple weeks ago on CL someone had an xs for $350 i hesitated and then it was gone but maybe for the best hh-

 

[NeilinFR]

Nowadays you can pick up a used, but still with some warranty left, Etrac, for around $850. I think that's a good deal for a great detector.