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Etrac vs. Safari...which is better?

K

Keithbar

New member
Hello everyone,

I'm new to this forum but I'm not new to the hobby...I've been metal detecting for 28 yrs....I currently use a White's XLT but I'm thinking about purchasing an E-trac or a Safari. I simply can't decide which one I would be happier with....I live in Buckhannon, WV and I do a lot of park, church, and old homeplace hunting, and the occasional relic hunt...Looking for some honest feedback both pro and con.

Thanks in advance

Keith
 
Hi Keith,

I had a Minelab Explorer and before that I had the XLT. I do not have an Etrac but from what I have read it is like the Explorer but I believe you can program it with your computer as well and you can't do that with the Explorer. They both are awesome machines. My opinion is if you have the XLT and like tweaking the settings and adjusting the program then you should go with the Etrac. If you only use the pre set programs with your XLT then you should get the Safari. They both have the same FBS technology. The Safari is a very powerful turn on and go machine and easy to operate. The Etrac is WAY more programable and customizable. If I had my choice it would be the Etrac for sure because I like tweaking things. These machines will be different than your Whites and it will be a big change for you. I know it was for me however I learned to LOVE it. You will need to learn how to go slow for deeper targets and around trash. Have you watched any videos on youtube yet? There are many on these machines. Good luck and happy hunting!

Gregg
 
I have the etrak my buddy has the safari after setting up the etrak the way I like and using his machine for a bit if I was the owner would sell it and get the etrak.This is the best machine that Ive used that I.D.s past ten inches reasonably my first silver dollar at 11-12 inches 2-3 inches above my garrett probe placed on top of the target the probe measures 9 inches.Yesterday found 1936 merc. an area pounded by myself and others changed a part in the program to recovery deep and going slow.You can change the machine to different conditions and the menu is much more user freindly then the xlt however will take some homework getting used to.If you have never used bbs takes considerable time getting familiar but once you do will apreciate how quiet it runs high lonesome sound means deep silver.It has a weakness infested surface nails will just null and not as sesitive to micro jewelry as vlf. however I found a half dime maybe 6 inches.To summerize the etrac is alot more flexible than the safari options that help you determine deep targets iron halos from good targets pitch hold for example where the threshold pitch changes to the last target I.D.Im not an etrak master and dont know half the capabilities but focused on a program and discrim pattern and left the real tek stuff to you computer gurus however Im confident enough to be able to I.D. good targets over ten inches deep.Found a womans hair tie about the size of half dollar close to foot deep.If you get the etrak and want my program email me and I will send it.CEDARSWAMP
 
Etrac or explorer,but not Safari, because Safari is explorer without good things. Etra is explorer with better speed and allot more. If you thinking about new, only one way Etrac. now its cheapest if you compare what you get in the end. Sfari old explorer, but not full explorer 999$, explorerSe 1200$ the same old explorer and Etrac better than explorers and much more easy for new comers 1500$.
 
Thanks Greg,

I typically use the pre-set programs but everything I am reading or watching on Youtube simply points to the E-trac....I have been doing a lot of research on the E-trac, and I have been reading all the reviews---Etrac is the machine. Thanks for your advice and insight.

Keith
 
Thanks CEDARSWAMP,

I really appreciate your feedback....One issue that seems to be popping-up with the E-trac is the inability to find small gold...I wonder if this is true?

I have a friend who found a 20 franc gold coin with his Safari so I'm wondering if this is simply a fictitious statement that the E-trac struggles with gold?

Keith
 
Holler at me with any questions. I can make you a great package on either the Safari or E-trac.

I would for sure look at E-Trac if you have the $. Much faster recovery and more info.

Thanks! Bart
 
My etrak will not pic up a small gold chain that I have but will hit solid on very small cross smaller than a 22 bullett.It will also hit on a 22 cal pellet even a .177 held very close to the coil.Multi frek. machines are not natorius for realy fine items like a gold chain or small gold nuggets,for that a high frek. vlf would be your choice mxt, g2,tesoro super lobo track,but for deep silver make mine a etrak.The safari is a multi frek and will get the same results on fine jewery.I will try to post a pic of the cross in relation to a half dime latter must go hunting now.CEDARSWAMP
 
Keithbar said:
Thanks CEDARSWAMP,

I really appreciate your feedback....One issue that seems to be popping-up with the E-trac is the inability to find small gold...I wonder if this is true?

I have a friend who found a 20 franc gold coin with his Safari so I'm wondering if this is simply a fictitious statement that the E-trac struggles with gold?

Keith
Click to expand...
Etrac and Safari have the same half brains and can pic up the same size items, just Etrac is faster and have more what you can use.
 
If price isn't a factor, get the Etrac. Much better machine and has a lot of options the Safari doesn't. The Etrac can be a simple turn on and go machine and/or allow you to set it up to your preferences when you are ready to make adjustments. JMHO and had both of them.
 
Not really a good comparison, E-Trac all the way. Buy once, buy right and have no regrets. Just look at all the posts in this E-Trac forum section and in the E-Trac classroom forum section.
 
Im New to detecting, I have a f4 since summer and done pretty well (1902 Indian Head, some sliver quarters and wheats and 1907 canadian Silver Nickel. HOWEVER, I have fell head over hills over this new hobbly and do not want to have buyers remorse. Im looking into the ETRAC or Whites V3. I know you guys may be bias for the Etrac and I have seen so many good things on the ETRAC but may not have 1500 to spend. Im pushing it to get 1200 for the V3. Any suggestions...without bashing ....I know they are both good machines but the V3 may be more difficult.
 
I upgraded from an Xterra 705 to the Etrac about 2 weeks ago and the ETrac is amazing!.... it runs diff frequencies which can pick up gold. I found the back of a gold earing in my yard a few inches down. Granted it was only a few inches down, but do you know how SMALL the back of a gold earing is?!?!... it impressed me!
 
Hi i just read your comment about the Etrac an that program you tweaked and use i was wondering if you could show me your program you mention ive had my Etrac about 3 months now an Love this Machine almost got the Equinox but glad i didnt cause this is way more loaded...been finding deep stuff as well an noticed like you said its not so good on small gold learned that hard way at the beach with my dubbies lolwalked right over a little toe ring buddy behind me aways picked it right up with his AT max and his Huge NeL coil lol so just figured id ask thanks for any help an good luck out there!!
 
It’s interesring that this thread had nearly 15,000 views and now 19 responses....must be a lot of people wondering! I don’t know anyone personally with a Safari but a hunting buddy uses an eTrac which he repeatedly hits 100+ silver coins a year with,and this is hunting ground that is devoid of targets to a lot of hunters..... apparently! The key to that whole thing is this-he hunts ALOT and knows the machine inside and out. It took him quite some time to be that proficient,but that’s what it takes. There will be some things that he won’t be able to get a signal on for whatever reason that another machine might do better with,but overall on silver coins at all depths....very hard to beat,as long as the time is put in.
I have also heard the Safari works very well,but just doesn’t have the features of the eTrac,supposedly the raw power is very similar. I wouldn’t be scared to run either one looking for deep copper and silver.
 
If you get the ETrac you’ll never look back thinking that you might have made the wrong decision. ETrac features and abilities to customize set it apart from most other detectors. Would never trade it for anything reguardless of cost. It really is that good.
 
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