A question to Minelab? Are you listening???

[bulletman]

I just completed a week long trip to Stockton Lake, my favorite water hunting site. Charged up my excal battery, and then found out that it would not take a charge. Had to drive 120 miles to retrieve my alkaline pod, so the trip was not a bust for water hunting. When we arrived home, I started the search for a replacement. As expected from Minelab, the cost of a replacement battery is astronomical. Why should a rechargeable battery pod cost $175.00?????? I love Minelabs products and own 4 detectors from your company, however, I disagree with the EXTREME costs of parts, batteries, chargers and such. I just replaced 2 truck batteries in our diesel pickup. 2 very large diesel truck batteries cost me $200.00 for the pair, only $25.00 more than one minelab excal pod!

If I were to purchase a CTX 3030 from an individual who lost the battery and charger components, then, the replacement cost of those components would be well over $300.00. It's clear to see that Minelab is raking in the dough with batteries and parts. Needless to say, the search was on for an alternative to purchasing a genuine minelab product. I found a solution for the excal battery which involves disassembly of the pod to replace the battery components at a cost of $30.00 plus $5.00 shipping. Wow - we have gone from an average cost of an excal battery of $175 to $35.

What gives?? Minelab???


Bulletman

Shalom

 

[bulletman]

n/t

 

[bulletman]

Charged the battery according to the recommended time upon the instruction sheet. Connected the new battery to my Excalibur - works like a charm. Very pleased to say the least. As I retired 10 months ago, I have to live a more frugal life. If any of you want to know about the battery replacement, or just have a question. Just ask, and I'll try to provide beneficial info and save you about $150.00.

Bulletman

Shalom

 

[MINELABMIKE]

Nice to know of a better battery and a whole lot cheaper, yes minelab is way over priced. Thanks for the info on saving a lot of money

 

[GeorgeinSC]

It appears that Minelab is not familiar with the term "Economy of Scale" The set up costs to manufacture a new item drive the price of the item high. The more of that item one can manufacture without having to change anything the larger number of items the set up costs are spread over cutting the final cost of the item.

Minelab changes virtually everything on each new detector so set up costs are absorbed by fewer items than if they kept more things constant between detectors.

As long as the consumer will continue to pay the exorbitant prices for coils, batteries headphones, shafts, washers, cuff covers etc Minelab will never standardize anything that goes with their machines.

 

[ronaldj2]

Never trust just one battery pack, I try to remember to always bring spare batteries whenever I go out . Its a different story if you only have the one pack. That said, I agree some of the battery prices are crazy.

 

[Kraemer]

All components in a battery pack are of a standard size and voltage in almost all cases. Lots of battery shops can replace the cells in a battery pack for a fraction of the cost of a new pack. I would think that the most difficult thing is just dissecting the pack or holder. Whole reason I haven’t jumped on the Equinox bandwagon is their enclosed battery system. What a way to screw their customers and ensure future profits.