best shaft for hip mount gt

[Jiminsandiego]

I've been using a hip mount gt with a 12x15 sef for the beach and was wondering how to improve on the stock shaft. I know Critterhunter made a super light gt, but it was shaft mounted. What I want is the best option in a shaft for a hip mounted gt with a 12x15 sef. I've read that one guy prefers the s shape. Does "plugger" offer a shaft designed for my set up? The balance is very "coil heavy" so I have the handle way down the shaft leaving the cuff at about my elbow,(this seems to be the most comfortable), but is still not "balanced". I tried shaft mounting with a bungee but really didn't like it. My set up is not that bad...It's just that with the extra weight of the shaft mount bracket, the heavy arm cuff, heavy shaft, awkward ergonomics of the arm cuff on my elbow..as well as the balance issue..... There has got to be a better way!
Any input is always appreciated. Thanks,
Jim

 

[xGregx]

Pluggers rod setup is nice, the gt mounts on a separate rod if you want it mounted. Its also mounted behind the arm cuff so it has a better balance feel to it.

If you are hip mounting that mounting rod can be taken off. I have hip mounted mine using the stock coil and the arm cuff sits almost at my elbow in relation to the hand grip. I have also found adjusting the lower shaft in more so my arm is almost straight down instead of my forearm being parallel to the ground has taken alot of weight off my elbow(detector elbow issues . I am still adjusting the lower arm so the angle i am detecting at feels balanced and is easier on my elbow. I have orderd a whites lower rod to try also, Its cheaper and lighter then the SOV lower.

Greg

 

[synthnut]

There is really no particular shaft out there that will give you good balance unless you mount the control box and battery BEHIND the arm cuff ....I just built one for my Excal , and you can imagine what it was like with the OLD 10" boat anchor coil !!......You then place your handle to where it balances best .....OR ....if you want to hip mount the GT, use a Swingy Thingy to hold up the weight of the 12 x15 .....It works great !!.....Some folks don't like it as they say it gets in their way, and they don't want extra stuff to add to the gear ....Anytime I use a Minelab machine , I don't leave home without it ....It adds so much more time to my hunt , as it balances out the shaft so nicely and holds up the weight ....BY ALL MEANS get one for the 12 x 15 ....My hunting partner also uses one on a 12 x 15 E Trac and we hunt all day at the beach ......If you find you don't like it , it's a small investment and you will EASILY sell it .....Jim

 

[xGregx]

Pluggers rod setup mounts the box behind the arm cuff on the extra rod thats like 10inches, If i get a chance today i will take a pic of the box mounted

 

[xGregx]

This is my setup so far only need to add a whites lower rod and my meter when its gets here.. The rod behind the arm cuff is removable if you want to hip mount.