DFX user considering Explorer SE, would like to see one in action first

[monindou]

Hi guys,

I've been using a DFX for about 3 years now, and I like it. In a conversation with one of my son's he got me all excited about the Explorer SE and now I'm seriously contemplating getting one.

I've read the users manual for the SE, and it seems straight forward enough - a little confusing on some things but not bad. How much heavier is the SE than the DFX? I can swing the DFX with standard 9.5" coil most of the day with no problems but if I switch to the heavy White's 1400dd I need to take breaks about every 45 minutes which I don't particularly like. Besides that recommended book, is there a lot to learn about the SE before one is good with it? It took me about 2 weeks to get used to the DFX, and about a year before I was really confident in making changes (but I didn't read the DFX manual either! What a dummy).

I guess if there are DFX converts or dual DFX / SE users out here and you're willing to be straight up on the likes and dislikes and any 20/20 hindsight on your decision on going to the SE from the DFX, etc., I'd greatly appreciate hearing from you. Also, if there's a SE user on this forum from the Omaha, NE or Sioux City, IA area that wouldn't mind me getting in contact with you to talk more I'd appreciate hearing from you as well.

Thanks a lot,
Doug

 

[Stormtrooper154]

I owned the DFX for 4 months. I like the detector but I wasn't able to get the deeper targets with it, so I switched to the SE. I don't think there is much of a weight difference, however I am 29, 6'2" 240lbs....So I really never had a problem swinging anything. But I am sure the weight is about the same, or the SE is a little lighter.

Here is my finds with both machines so far, you can judge.

35-40 Trips out with the DFX = About 10 Wheaties and 1 silver dime.

6-8 Trips out with the SE = 40+ Deep Wheaties, 6 Silver Dimes, 5 Indian Heads, 2 Buffalo's, 2 Silver War Nickels.

 

[alton]

I had both the DFX and the Explorers (XS and SE) the last 5 or 6 years and I used the Explorer most of the time. Like you, I liked the DFX, but in the end I liked the Explorer(s) a little more.

Yes, they are a little heavy, but that is overblown. I swing mine all day with the stock coil, and I use the Swingy Thingy for the 14" coil. It is not really an issue with me, but I'm pretty healthy.

The learning curve was also exaggerated in my experience. Like you said, the manual was straight forward enough, and so is the detector.

The bottom line is the Explorer is a very powerful tool, as is the DFX, and in the right hands one can make incredible finds with it. If you decide to get one, and spend some time getting used to it, I'm pretty sure you won't regret it.

HH Alton

 

[Tommybumkin]

I own a dfx and an SE , i can tell you this whatever you do don't sell the dfx if possible keep it and buy an se to complement it , this combination works great! You won't be able to swing an se all day (not without arm ache anyway) , if you do start trying to swinging an SE all day you will get tennis elbow for sure- i got it from using the SE. The only thing i like about the SE over the dfx is the flutey sounds on coins. I would never sell my dfx to replace it with just an se - no way!.. The dfx is one of the most underrated detectors ever made and the SE is probably one of the most over hyped detectors ever made. On beaches i always use the dfx over the se because its easier and faster to swing and finds stuff. For coin shooting in trashy sites both are good but i prefer the SE on this kind of site because i can tell coins from rubbish alot better. On sites with low to moderate rubbish then the dfx wins for me. You ideally need to keep your dfx , you will regret selling it honestly... The dfx is a great detector... So is the SE , the se is very tetchy to stubble stalks and wet grass and falses lots. You would be better getting an explorer 2 in my opinion - its better than the se , i know because i have owned an explorer 2. Happy hunting.......

 

[rottonr53536]

I used my DFX last year and have been using my new SE this year. At 43 years old I do notice the weight difference, I just occasionally use my left arm for a Short while, awkward but it works for a rest period.

To me the big difference between the two machines is if you want to start up and go with a great detector the SE is for you (That's me). If you love to tweak, learn, experiment and can remember the results and apply them, the DFX is the better machine that will get you better results.

To summarize, my personal opinion is that both machines are created equal, but with the great many more adjustment on the DFX the right kind of person / personality will win with the DFX.

 

[Ed (Upstate NY)]

I use the Explorer 99% of the time. Weight is an issue but once you start digging those older, deeper coins the pain isn't so bad !!! The only time I use the DFX now is for planted hunts and when out looking for clad.

 

[Dan-Pa.]

I guess as long as we have two detector companies we will have these types of discussions and really all comes down to how well we learn a unit and what our priorities are and indeed personal preferences do come into play..
I might suggest you plan a hunt with an experienced Explorer detectorist as eyeball to eyeball input is invaluable.
I know a DFX can be a bear to learn with its complexity of facets but imagine you know a DFX fairly well having used one. Personally had no problem learning an Explorer but it has less facets which really count and have excellent tonal hearing while other real struggle and some never learn an Explorer which I am sure is also true of a DFX also.
My personal preference would be an Explorer even though it is heavier and ergonomics not as good but am sure many would prefer the DFX..My feelings are do your homework get to try an Explorer with a competent mentor and go from there..Certainly would not suggest having both and alternate using them as you may get toally confused but these are just my personal feelings..
In addendum to cut it short some like apples and some like oranges and good luck in your ventures..

 

[monindou]

Thank you for the information guys. I'll take the plunge shortly!

-
Doug M.
Nebraska

 

[jackintexas]

Been detecting thirty years. Owned about 50 detectors. Now own 11. Had the DFX about a year and a half. XLT had been my number one detector for 15 years. Could never get the DFX to do what the XLT would do for me. Sold it. Now have an Explorer XS with 6 inch Excellerator coil. I can swing it all day. Love the XS. I am 74 years old.

 

[Holedigger]

I use my White's XLT for club planted coin Easter egg hunts only, I don't intentionally hunt clad coins anymore on purpose. I always use my Explorer II for serious old coin hunting. With my mandatory X-1 probe installed and a 15" WOT coil or my 10 x 14" excellerator coil installed, it's a bear on the arm and I have to switch swinging arms frequently and take a break now and then. It's much different than a White's or Garrett to understand and learn. But, I like finding deep old coins and neat stuff that is missed by others, so I suffer. Since I made the switch from other detectors to an Explorer, I can honestly brag I have found 20x the goodies with the ML compared to other MD's.
Proof positive: Check the finds over the years on the ML forum compared to all the other forums combined. Just my 2 cents worth. Good Luck and HH!!!!

 

[Mike C...]

Hi all I've been comparing the dfx to my EX2 and the EX2 ate it up-I was even running the whites super 12" coil on the Dfx thinking maybe I could come close with the EX2 with the stock coil-not-I wish the EX2 was as lite as the Dfx and I wish that a bigfoot coil was an option for it also-Right now I'm trying to sell the dfx and if I don't I guess I'jj have a good competion/clad beeper-hard to beat with a bigfoot on the other end-just my 2 centavos worth-Mike C...AZ

 

[scars]

I use a DFX when trying to locate new site's and then slow down with a Exp II. The 12" coil and being light you can cover a good bit of ground quickly. A few weeks back while in the woods it picked up a conn. copper before I even got to the nails and this is not the first time. DFX is a bit harder to use for me if not just hunting in the basic relic mode set a little hotter. They make a very good combo.