Thinking about Minelab SE

[hanjixlt]

Hello All

I currently own a White Spectrum XLT which has served me extremely well for the last 10 years. Lately, I've been thinking about picking up a new detector. I want a new detector for two reasons..

1. Take advantage of new technology to improve/increase my finds
2. To try something different

I've been kicking around the idea of picking up the newish White's DFX, but responses from the White's board indicate that XLT might be better, or the DFX is not much of an improvement.

I asked what others thought about all the other brands out there, and one person suggested a Minelab. I've been extremely curious about this detector, so I wanted to post this here to see what other have to say.

I'm looking specifically at the Explorer SE Metal Detector.

I primarily relic hunt and coinshoot. My stuff isn't too deep 4"-6" range. Depending on what part of the state I'm in, I do experience mineralized soils, but my town is pretty standard 'dirt'.

What I want from a detector
1. accuracy
2. depth (not too critical, but is important)
3. comfortable to swing

I do not plan on getting rid of my Whites, but would like something that can compliment it. Depending on my mood and the condition of th area, I would like to swap the rigs out.

Anyway, thought this would be a good place to start asking these questions.

Thanks in advance!
hanjixlt

[hanjixlt]

I see some posts suggesting that pinpointing is an issue. Is this correct? Is pinpoinint a pain with Minelabs??

Thanks!
hanjixlt

[John's Detectors]

Hi and welcome to TQ, I use the Explorer SE almost daily and I have to tell you that it is a fine machine. I don't have an issue with the pinpointing myself. The SE is a much different machine compared to previous Explorer models. I am a dealer for Minelab but I am a straight shooter too. I will not try to mislead you about buying the SE just because I carry them. But you will not regret purchasing the SE who ever you purchase one from. So I highly recommend the SE and it is the world's finest deep seeking digital metal detector. Ok God Bless and I hope you give one a try.

John Tomlinson,CET
John's Detectors
Blackwell,Tx.
Welcome to John's Detectors

[hanjixlt]

Thanks everyone for your input.. very valuable. I'm going to think about it, but the SE sounds very promising and should be a good move for my next detector.

Thanks!!!
hanjixlt

[hanjixlt]

Originally Posted by boobieinPa

I am probably the only one that had trouble pinpointing with my ExplorerII.
I even purchased the small coil because I was having so much trouble pinpointing.
After I got adjusted to the larger coil and the machine I found it much easier to pinpoint. I went and got the X-1 SunRay probe for the Minelab. That made a world of difference for me.
This is just a thought but if most of your coins are in the 4 to 6 inch range,why not think about the ACe 250. You would get a darned good machine and save close to $1000.

I think I might need to try the Ace.. I'm sure the Garretts have changed considerably over the years.. but I hated my GTAs. Didn't realize how bad they were until I got my XLT. Not sure if I can pick one up again.. but I should try one. There is a Garrett dealership in a town nearby. I'll put it on the list before making any purchases.

As usual.. thanks for your input.

hanjixlt

[Larry(IN)]

First off the SE is a great machine. I personally would save some $$ by buying a nice used Explorer2. I'm not sure where people come up with pinpointing being a problem? These are DD coils and all you have to do is drop your signal off the front or rear of the coil. There isn't even a need to push the pinpoint button! Pinpointing is no different then using the 10x6 coil on a DFX or a 4x6 shooter coil for your xlt. I know you said you may consider a Garrett 250. I think a much better choice would be an Xterra 50. Simple to use, fast, light, deep. Excellent prices on new and used. Also can change frequencies with a change of a coil.

[hanjixlt]

How does the X-Terra 50 rate compared to SE?

hanjixlt

[John's Detectors]

If weight is an issue for you then yes the Xterra 50 would be much easier on the arm and shoulder. The good part about the Xterra 50 is you can fine tune it being it has the adjustable ground balance. And the digital display is awsome! Vflex is where a uchip is incorporated into both the control head and the coils so that they are able to talk to each and digitally adjust the machine for optimum performance. But remember that only the Minelab brand coils will work on the Xterra 50. The Xterra 50 is a featherweight machine and you can hunt all day with it. Also as with most machines made today the surface mounted components offer a very very stable platform for the machine to operate. They are not as susceptable to climate changes. Also they will stand up to external shock better. The electronic components have tighter tolerances too. And with all of this comes the DSP circuitry that can operate efficiently at a low voltage and current draw so you can use the batteries for greater lengths of time. The largest current draw is the internal speaker because it takes more power to put out a reasonable amount of audio to be heard by the operator but the use of headphones will solve that problem. Another really cool tool built into the physical part of the Xterra 50 is you can pop the control pod off of the handle and stow it in a large coat pocket if needed. So this is an awsomely designed instrument that will last for years of metal detecting the beaches, inland relics, coins in parks and even a gold nugget or two in the goldfields. I forgot to mention jewelry too. Ok I hope this will help you out even more. Happy hunting!

John Tomlinson,CET
John's Detectors
Blackwell,Tx.
Land of the Mighty Minelab Detectors!

[hanjixlt]

After heavy thinking.. and the great advise from everyone, I'm going to pick up the Minelab Explorer SE. I had a discussion with a White's rep today on the phone, and he told me the DFX isn't that big of a jump from XLT.. only if I was thinking about beach hunting. I'm days away from the beach.. so that sealed the deal for me. I was glad the rep didn't try to 'sell' me.. and was honest.

Talking to a Minelab rep, I really was interested in the ferrous/conductivity readout on the Explorer SE and the similar pinpoint functionality to White's, introduced in the SE model. I think the DD coil will take some time getting use to.. but that's the fun part.

I think the X-Terra is a sweet machine as well, and definitely worth a look.. but my gut keeps saying SE.. SE.. SE.

I'm excited to do some side by side searching with the XLT.. and to hunt my old stomping grounds with a new unit.

Thanks again everyone!
hanjixlt (might need to change handle to hanjiSE)

[FinalLastDays]

hanjixlt - Please let us know how the SE works for you. I am planning to purchase the SE also in the weeks to come. Good luck with your new purchase!