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Decision time... Explorer SE or II

C

cobbonthecorn

New member
First post but not the last....

I've decided to join the hobby after following it at arms length for too many years. I have narrowed down my choice of detectors to either a used Explorer II or a new Explorer SE. Based on the choices of used detectors available at this minute (that changes day to day) the difference in price makes the SE about $400 more than a good used II. Putting aside the concept of the latest and greatest, is the SE really worth $400 more? If you have used both can you provide insight that may help me decide? Also, the set-up I am considering is a stock coil (10 inch) and a Sun Ray pointer. What additional coil might I consider? (Before you ask, I live near fresh water lakes and plan most of my time in parks and along the lake shore.) Thanks in advance for your inputs!
 
If you have an extra $400 to spend then by all means get the SE. The main thing is, is that you are getting an Explorer! The se has a few nice changes but the Ex2 will serve you well. Besides the coil you mentioned, I would look for a small 6 inch coil for the trashy areas in those parks.
 
Ok well i can advise you only from my own opinion based on my own experience of using and explorer 2 for just under 2 years and now i am using an Explorer SE. I can say that if i was in your shoes i would buy a new SE . The Se is much better than the ex 2 , not just a little bit better but a lot better. I have read on some forums of people saying that the difference between the two detectors is small and that the explorer 2 is just as good or almost as good well thats there opinion. My own opinion is that the SE is a lot better both "on paper" and more importantly in the field. The se is a coin shooter that will find smaller targets missed with the explorer 2. I have done some highly mineralised sites with the SE that have produced some amazingly small deep coins and other types of non ferrous targets that the explorer 2 missed. The smaller coil on the se out performs the 10.5 explorer 2 coil on both depth and sensitivity and target seperation in high trash it is great. The explorer 2 is a superb detector , the Explorer Se is also a superb detector but with more ability to find many more deeper targets especially smaller targets. Any one who uses A se is insane if they ever even think about g0ing back to an explorer 2. The SE is the ultimate metal detector at the present time.
 
It looks like those that have used both prefer the SE for its improvements. The $400 is not such a big deal when I consider the length of ownership and the fact that this is a hobby, not an investment. So if I go with the new SE it comes standard with a 10.5 inch coil. Some have suggested a larger coil, while others have suggested a smaller coil. I think I am leaning toward a smaller coil to start as some have suggested it will make learning the SE a little easier.

One suggestion is the 4.5 X 7 EXcelerator. Any others?

What about the larger coils? How about a Coil TEK 15 inch?
 
The coil that comes with the SE is smaller than the explorer 2 coil which i have found gives the SE the edge over the ex 2 on trashy and iron infested sites. Only half an inch smaller but surprisingly it makes all the difference at getting smaller non ferrous on trash loaded sites. With great depth on larger targets too. In a nut shell the explorer SE has smaller coil but still gets the depth of the explorer 2 on larger targets but with better target separation in trash, this is the perfect performance increase over the XS and ex 2!. What more could any one ask. The looks of the SE are better than the white models too - the SE just inspires confidence to find coins and rings because you know you have an awesome detector in your hands - the worlds best by far. Once you master the explorer SE you will leave virtually nothing for others to find on your sites!. :thumbup:
 
I believe a smaller coil is the smart way to go with the type of detecting you wish to do. A 15 inch coiltek would be great for the beach areas. You can't beat the excelerator 4.5x7 in trash. The depth is very impressive for this size coil and it seperates the trash good.
 
Looked around on the Internet but could not find a 4.5 X 7. Any ideas in case my local dealer doesn't have one available? Listed as a 4.5 not as a 4.5 x 7.
 
Sun Ray Stealth 8 is very light, tough, goes deep (9" to 10" on a cent around here) and you will use it more than your stock coil.

The larger coils are good but usually heavier than the stock coil. The larger the coil gets the more targets it will see at one time. Figure: trashy areas = smaller coil, clean area = larger coil. I truly believe that in trashy or iron infested areas a smaller coil will get better depth because it is seeing less targets at one time. Sort of like it can peek around the trash targets and see the goodies laying close by.

I do not know about you but I would say 98% of my hunting is in trashy areas, and that is about the percentage I use the smaller coil vs. 2% for the larger coil.

Plus I can swing the smaller coil longer without getting tired.

Hope this helps!

HH - BF
 
And ... you MIGHT get lucky and find a dealer that still has combo package available with the stock 10" and the 7.5" Minelab coils for that discounted price they had awhile back :) Just make some phone calls and ASK around.
The 4.5 EXcelerator is a killer little coil with exceptional depth and stability as already suggested. I love mine, of course I love the 7.5 Minlab too, each has it's place and time.
 
I have seen a lot of posts about the 5 inch EXcelerator, are you referring to the 4.5 X 7 inch or a round 4.5 inch? Also, do you know off-hand if the lower shaft from an Explorer II fits the Explorer SE?
 
It's football shaped and will get closer to and in between objects that a round coil will not. Same depth in my area as any name brand coils already mentioned by others and better stability than most, can run it wide open here.
Just a real nice coil to have in my arsenal :)
 
Thanks for the feedback! I've heard and read good things about this coil. Looks like a keeper for my start-up list.

List so far... Explorer SE with assorted factory goodies and 10.5 inch coil, Sun Ray X-1 probe (mounted), a digging tool, pouch, cheap bag for the machine, and an extra lower shaft with an EXcelerator 4.5 X 7 coil. Almost forgot, some good luck and fair weather.
 
clap:The only way to get deeper than an se or an f75 is to use a pulse induction with discrimination such as the new pulse devil.
 
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