Explorer "Editions"

[Idaho PRB]

Can someone explain to me the editions that the Explorer was introduced in and the approximate years they were produced? I am assuming that the "Explorer" was the first, followed by the "Explorer II" and then the "Explorer SE", am I on the right track? I am interested in the date range of these editions too. I have always been an Explorer follower but when it came time for me to upgrade, an XT 70 was all I could justify financially. I am seeing a number of nice used Explorers for sale in the classified ads and don't have the knowledge to make an informed decision on a machine that would be a step up from my current XT 70. Do you think I would be wise to upgrade to an Explorer with FBS technology as an upgrade to my current machine or would I be better to save and buy an Etrac? I'm not trying to start an argument, just wondering if 600-800 spent on a used Explorer would be counter productive from a financial and technological perspective. Any insight or experience would be appreciated, Thanks.
Idaho PRB

 

[stasys]

Look hear http://www.minelab.com/emea/products/consumer/product-archive?p=2 but mainly all explorers and even ETrac works the same and all are heavy. you have to read allot to use it on maximum, or have somebody who can show you what is important and what is not. buy second hand, try and if you will not like it sell. I like my explorer and dont know what other detector can do so much even if its made 1999! good luck Stasys

 

[dewcon4414]

There is a third option besides new or used. Try contacting a dealer and see what you might get on TRADE. Ive found there isnt much you can do about the FIXED prices set by ML on new. However, the dealers have a little more flexibility when trading for a new machine. I believe the biggest and best changes made by ML was the coil upgrade. These machines depth wise just arent that much difference. They get a little faster on the processor and TID other than that its bells and whistles. Ive hunted with people using the XS that can kick your butt. The down side is the message ML is sending that repairs soon may not be available for these older machines. Also you didnt mention what type of hunting you are doing. Your machine is a good park and trash machine so you might not gain a lot in those areas by upgrading.

Dew

 

[Idaho PRB]

Thank you for the informative responses. I failed to mention that I prefer old yards and coins. Jewelry to me is cool and a nice bonus but give me an old coin or token any day. Our town was founded in 1905 so the oldest coins I have found have been the late 1800's. I just love the intrigue of a new yard to detect and the challenge of going over yards I have previously detected with a different coil or just trying again after the trash slowly gets removed.