Balance using 10.5" DD coils

[Canewrap]

In my experience its easier to swing a machine that's well balanced, than one that is even slightly nose heavy. The torque is the main enemy and will put a hurtin' on your elbow and or shoulder in short order. To that end I've been experimenting with different ways to add a few ounces on the back end of my X-terra to help counter the nose heavy feel with the largest coil. So far, I've determined that adding weight in the hollow tube at the very back does little to help (melted down some lead into a metal tube, removed, and then added to inside tube, behind arm rest). The interesting thing is that where it helps most is by adding some weight on top of "your" arm, as part of the strap. I'm modfiying some wrist weights so I can add either 4oz or 8oz (or none) to the strap. I got this idea from somebody that told me he takes his digger and slides it under the arm strap to add counterbalance weight and when I tried it worked like a charm, but for me is not practical for any extended period of time. I'd love to hear from anybody that has come up with any other ideas or feel free to take my idea and run with it. If you do, please post how it worked out. I'll post some photos when I get done setting up my adaptation.

 

[voyager]

I decided to turn my middle rod over. This doesn't do anything to equalize the weight, it just seems to make it back heavy instead of nose heavy, which I like better.

 

[Canewrap]

I'll have to try that and see if helps. Thanks.

 

[khouse]

I don't know why all the manufacturers just don't make that middle rod strait anyway?

 

[Carolina Phil]

The coil could also be mounted backwards.

 

[voyager]

A few months ago, kraken14 posted an easy conversion to a straight middle rod:

hi all here is a easy way to convert your xterra to the straight rod system instead of the old S rod.
all you need do is buy a tesoro middle rod section and replace the s rod section ,you may have to drill a new hole to make it position correctly,[i did ] pretty easy and i also drilled another hole on the bottom coil rod section [not neccessary] but i did it as it makes the rod much more secure having two pop up lock buttons.
see the pic of finished detecor . the straight rod setup is SO MUCH MORE COMFORTABLE I COULDN'T BELIEVE THE DIFFERENCE
[.WELL WORTH THE EFFORT.]

 

[Steve in Idaho]

I use a bungee cord that I got from Doc's supply in Los Vegas, NV. I hook one end to my back pack arm strap "D" ring and the other end to the detector stem below the electronics box. I adjust it so that I have to push down slightly with my hand. This works well when you are out for a long day using the large coils. It sure saves your arm and sholder.

 

[blowfly1967]

i found that problem on my detector using a 11"dd coil,nose heavy.so i just turned the coil around and ran it backwards,now it even allows me to get in closer to immovable objects.it doesn't feel nose heavy any more.it pinpoints either heel or toe,no problems! hopes this helps.hh see ya blowfly

 

[TomB]

I decided to turn my middle rod over. This doesn't do anything to equalize the weight, it just seems to make it back heavy instead of nose heavy, which I like better.

voyager.....you may be on to something here. I just changed my X-70 and it sure has a good feel. I'll give it a field try in the next few days. Thanks for the tip. TomB

 

[garydl63]

Can you explain by what you mean by "turn the rod over?" I've looked at you're pic and nothing seems different?.
HH
Gary

 

[Digger]

Stock assembly suggests the "S" part of the middle rod raises the rod in the direction of the coil. He's turned his middle rod 180 degrees. Now the end going toward the coil is lower than the end going into the housing rod. HH Randy