Considering an Excalibur 1000

[txbluesman]

Can anyone give me some advice regarding this detector? I currently own a White's DFX and it has proven to be solid performer on land. I have taken only once to the beach and it perform equally as well. Of course, while hunting the beach, I looked towards the sea thinking I would much rather be hunting out there. Since then I have been looking at different detectors by the various manufacturers. I think I have settled on this particular unit for several reasons. 1) On my DFX, I use Tone ID exclusively and can ID most targets by sound. It is my understanding that the Excalibur has Tone ID as well. If it performs similar to my DFX, I would think that I would be more comfortable than the usual two-tone sounds. 2) The BBS technology appears to be quite capable of providing depth while still providing discrimination capabilities (particularly Ferrous items). Although, I rarely use discrimination above the iron level, I still like the option if time is limited and I'm hunting a particular range of targets.

Now the questions:
1) Is the tone id similar to the DFX? Does each non-ferrous material have an unique tone?
2) Does the iron discrimination really work? Is there a large depth penalty when using it?
3) How does the BBS technology really compare to the Pulse Induction technology?
4) I have read some complaints about the knobs being flimsy or weak. Is this true?
5) I have read some complaints about the weight and balance of the unit? Some recommend a straight shaft?
6) As a SCUBA diver, how does this unit perform at depths beyond the surf?
7) Does anyone have the AA battery system (vs. the rechargeable battery system)? How many hours do you get on it?
8 ) As I live over 500 miles from the nearest saltwater beach, how does this unit perform in fresh water?
9) Can this unit act as a backup unit to my DFX for coin shooting on land (not beach)?

Thanks in advance for any assistance you may provide me in finalizing my decision.

 

[bdahunter]

1) Excal is tonal and differentiates between metals but get the Koss headphones for superior performance
2)Ferrous discrimination really works without loss of depth
3)BBS has pros and cons depending upon your local conditions
4)ML says they have fixed the knob problem
5)Excal is heavy out of the water and you will want a straight shaft to make it workable for long hunts, especially out of the water
6)Can't say, don't know - taking PADI course this fall
7)I've just switched to a NiMh system as the NiCad pod doesn't last
Fresh or Salt no difference except that the Excalibur excels against many detectors in the Salt
9)Several relic hunters use the Excal with a straight shaft in all metal mode and say it has good punch, it's heavy with the 10 inch coil though so it will spend most of the time in the water - once you get in the water you won't really be interested in the dry sand because the real loot is in the water

Hope this Helps,

BDA

PS: Fit and finish is not that great on this machine so expect to spend some dollars on aftermarket upgrading - the guts of the machine are good though and that is really what you are buying

 

[Steve and Bia]

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[Bottomfeeder]

Thought you'd be clinging to an inner tube, yelling for help!!
Glad you all came through the last one ok.