Best at the Beach

[atexaspete]

Not trying to start a brand war here, but am planning to get into beach hunting and would like advice on the best machine to use. I have an Xterra 705 now with 3 coils, one of which is a 10.5 HF coil that I plan to start with in the dry sand. I know that I will want to venture into the wet sand and possibly into maybe knee deep water as time goes on. That will be about the extent of it. Don't really want to start with a "cheap" machine that I will outgrow, but also don't have to have the "top of the line" (unless I should) and spend big bucks if I don't need to.

Any help and suggestions appreciated.

Mike

 

[BHNugget]

Dry sand, wet sand, no more than knee deep............sovereign gt

 

[sonnar28]

Sovereign GT would be my choice (in fact it was my choice several years ago!)

 

[GeorgeinSC]

I use the Gt on the Sand but I am afraid that I might get hit by a larger wave or drop the detector and there goes a mighty good machine to where ever dead detectors go. It works great on both the wet and the dry sand.

I purchased the Excalibur II for the water. I feel much more secure around the water with that machine. I have been trying to learn the tones on the Excal so I have been using it at the beach on the wet, dry and the water. The waterproof headphones do not do as good a job with the tones as a quality set of headphones do on the Gt. So Far the Xcal has repaid me with two 14K mens rings and one gold grill. Plus 50 or so dollars in clad.

 

[tomcatpl]

yes if u never going into the water than the gt but u can get and excal and take the dip when u ready

 

[atexaspete]

Well, I pulled the trigger on an EXCAL II. It will arrive here on Wednesday. Can't wait. Now I'll have to get my ears tuned up. I've become a little too dependent on the TID's on the 705, but I have been trying to "listen" a little bit closer lately. I'm already planning to upgrade the headphones to the Peltor mod.
I plan to do a lot of practice in the yard with known targets. What settings will be the best to begin with?
Thanks,
Mike

 

[atexaspete]

Got my Excal today and took it out in the yard for a test spin. There will be a learning curve here, I can tell. Couldn't tell much difference between coins (maybe the nickel was a little lower tone than quarter, dime and penny). Four more (junk) objects didn't really sound much different than the coins???? I really have to get my ears tuned up. The Machine works and sounds great, but with the 10" coil this thing is heavy! Got the straight shaft coming Friday and hope that gets things a little better balanced.

Mike

 

[jeffc]

Glad to hear it arrived safely. Enjoy!

JC

 

[GeorgeinSC]

Before I even tried to use the Excal I put the balanced Straight shaft from "Rods by Plugger" on mine. Makes all the difference in the world as it puts the control/battery under your elbow. I also needed the extra length that the straight shaft gave me. Makes the machine feel much lighter.

At the Beach/Water you want to dig everything that the Excal does not discriminate out. Yes you will dig some junk but the tones that you get from some jewelry will surprise you.

I purchased my Excal in August and so far it has rewarded me with two 14K mens white gold wedding bands and one gold Grill. Also a few pieces of sterling jewelry. Even one Mercury Dime. Of course the usual assortment clad coins. And far too many corroded zinc pennies.

HH

George

 

[atexaspete]

n/t

 

[DnD]

You made a great choice when you invested in the EXcal. Definately a learning curve but its the weapon of choice by most of the guys around here that "actually" find good stuff.

 

[stemp]

I use the explorer ll in the wet sand. And I use the Excalibur ll in the water. You don't have to worry about dropping it. It's waterproof! I only go chest high or lower. Get there 2 hours before low tide. When the tide is out its much easier to detect. Read your tide charts. Go at minus tides. Water is the lowest. Don't forget! Maintenance is Most important on your Excalibur. Get to know your beaches, and where the people sit. Clive Clynick " The Minelab Excalibur From Beginning to Advanced" gives you settings that do work. You will still have to tweak your detector. Don't forget to bring your 705, you may want to work the dry sand. I'm not up on the settings in wet sand. It's good to have a backup with you.
Enjoy,
Stemp.