First hunt with 8x6 SEF and question about Sun ray X-1

[Sid in NC]

I took the new 8x6 coil out for a couple of hours, first impression is that I like it. It may be my imagination but it seem to have steadier numbers than my other coils. I would lock on a penny at 12-39 and stay there, a clad dime would lock in at 12-44. There seem to be no jumping around, normally a penny would be 12-36, 12-39 or 12-41. I plan to go out again tomorrow and play with it again.

I also am interested in the X-1 probe, I have a Garrett Pro Pointer. I have read on the Internet that the X-1 does pin point beyond 1 inch or so. I had hoped that it would go deeper than the Garrett. What is the opinion of the forum concerning depth. I like the thought of being able to use the Etrac to pin point but don't want to spend all that money if there is not real advantage. I have also read that they only last for about 2 years before major expense. Help!!!

 

[Jeff in Pa]

I have had the Garrett and now have the X-1. They are both very good to use and having either one is one of those things that you just can't imagine ever NOT having. As far as a preference of one or the other, I had an X-1 years ago and like it so I decided to sell my Garrett and get the X-1 because of having that small coil in your hands that will act just like the detector coil. It discriminates out the junk just like the detector coil but even better due to the small size!

The X-1 is built very good and will last a long time!

The X-1 is only 1" in diameter and when you cut your plug and flip it over you will know right away when you put the X-1 in the hole if you have a good target or not. It has very good depth but its depth is determined by what level of sensitivity you are running on the detector. You will either hear that same silver sound or a low grunt for iron. Of course this all depends on how much discrimination you are using.

The Garrett does also have good reasons to use it. The Garrett is by itself, meaning no extra weight on the detector like the X-1 has. Quality build and good sensitivity. Just remember though it is ALL METAL. When I had my Garrett I sometimes would cut a plug on an "Iffy" target and when I stuck the Garrett into the hole I may only find iron and give up. The thing is though that the Etrac is so good in iron that I may have actually had a coin in that hole with the iron but I gave up because the first targets I found were iron.

Think about it, if I had the X-1 and stuck it in that hole it may have picked up the coin that I passed by with the Garrett because I was using an ALL Metal pinpointer.

Either one has Advantages and Dis-advantages.

I prefer the X-1

 

[NebTrac]

Well said Jeff. The X-1 is same depth, or slightly more (in my opinion) than the Garrett, but I do have and use both. I really like the light on the Garrett.

NebTrac

 

[ryanchappell]

Well said Jeff. The X-1 is same depth, or slightly more (in my opinion) than the Garrett, but I do have and use both. I really like the light on the Garrett.
NebTrac

I find myself only using the x-1 in normal mode, cranking the sensitivity up to about Manual 27, AutoSens usually stays at 18, and I usually detect with Sens set to either Auto or 23ish. At Manual 27 the X-1 detects significantly further than the Garrett.

I usually grab the garrett propointer first and only use the x-1 if I am curious about what is in the hole, and whether I am retrieve the junk or the coin. I think it is good practice to locate and remove any trash in the hole, since you are in there anyway. TomD has a 7 to 1 rule of thumb concerning dig every target hunts. If you dig every target you will find 1 coin or relic target for every 7 nails, this was in the context of an archaeological dig. Not bad when a typical pull tab to ring ratio ranging from 3 to 4 figures.