I'm still stuck on my ole EXII.....Advice

[KCK]

I've toyed with the idea of a new ETRAC. But I've learned my sounds well with my EXII. I've had some good finds with it, and I've had some digs that have really surprised me with some nice JUNK! I also at times use a Vaquero,Golden,Teknetic T2, Whites XLT, Fisher 7a, even been down the Garrett path top to bottom, and have used many other brands, But my favorite is still the Exp II, I've used it constantly as my main baby...and I have tried every setting that comes to the forum and goes. However... I still believe that all metal and digging everything is the way to go.
I know success is defined by your finds, and I find a lot more junk than good stuff. So I'm probably not the most successful detectorist on the market. But it's those many times that the explorer spelled junk only to find a nice dime or a Civil War non-commissioned officers belt buckle that has me stuck in the Explorer mode!

Some of you guys have used the EXP II and and chose to go to the ETRAC...My question is:Guys was it worth the trip? I hunt slow, speed is not really an issue with me. But you know how you get that new detector feeling?

Well I've all your posts for years now so I look forward to your answers.

Thanks KCK/Ohio

 

[Big Boys Hobbies]

I too think on the explorers all metal is the way to hunt but with the ET I am beginning to think its not. I think minelab set the machine up to run better with discrimination.

I do however KNOW for a fact the new pro coil is the best coil they have ever made hands down! It is tons more stable and separates allot better. Well worth he upgrade in my opinion. I had a sun ray 8 that never left my SE or EX when I had them. The new coil separates every bit as good and deeper!

I think allot of what I like better in my Etrac over my explorers is the coil. The Etrac is faster though so I guess its not all the coil.

In a nut shell........ I really like my Etrac and glad I got it. Its an upgrade in my opinion. Does one "need" to have it to find better coins??? Heck no!! Experience is the best weapon to have.

I'm a self confessed new toy junkie. My wife made me confess it and I am on a 12 step program! ha ha I LOVE new toys!!!!

 

[jeff & Maria]

Yes the Etrac is different, but in my opinion different in a better way. Aside from the larger numbers, better balance, sensitivity change display, etc. It gives the user the ability to hunt WITH discrimination and still find good targets amongst the junk since it really locks on the good and rejects the nearby, or in some cases on top of junk.I always hunted all metal with the Explorer II, now I run the factory coin program on the Etrac most times or make my own disc. pattern in trashy sites. So for me, yes the Etrac was worth the trip. Don't get me wrong the Explorer is a super machine and has rewarded me with many items through the years.

 

[KCK]

Is there a difference in weight? And how battery drain?
Thanks

 

[Big Boys Hobbies]

I don't think there is much if any difference in battery or weight. It does in fact not wear my arm and shoulder out near as bad as he explorers due to the different angle of the handle. Much improvement in ergonomics there! I think the battery is the same. I hunted about 4 - 5 hours yesterday and was down to 3 bars or 3/4 power using the 1600 amp battery pack that comes with it. I got a smart charger and some 2700 amp batteries coming. That should really help.

 

[grumpyolman]

The weight is less of an issue than before as the new handle and shape is designed more favorably for older human detectorists. Since the same battery packs work in both you'd always have an extra with you. There could be a larger drain but it's a non issue as the packs run as long as most want to hunt in one outing. There's always the one that holds AAs to back you up. I recently got the 2100mah AAs from T-Energy and bought their charger that does 10 AAs at a time. I did that after I found out the newer NiMh retain 85% of their charge, sitting in the closet, over a full year. If I used all 3 packs I have with me, Id probably have to use the machine for 40 hours straight. There's always the DC charger for the car too. I think your question does the ET suck more power because of it's new design and features. Maybe! But practically it's no better or worse than my SE. One charged pack will last you all day. They make a couple of battery packs too. Find the one that has the largest Mah rating as it has more storage capacity than the smaller ones. I think I have one that is 1600Mah and the other is 1800 Mah. Maybe you still have the original NiCad type in your machine. They are pretty old technology and have 'memory' and that kind or thing to deal with. The NiMh have no memory. Use them and then fully charge. Won't have to worry about discharging or using until their almost gone to retain the full cpacity.
The SE was a monster for me compared to the ET. I have found significantly more and better targets with the ET. I have read that those who love the operation of the older Explorers have found ways to emulate the way they work with the ET. All that being said, a friend I hunt with has an Exp II and regularly kicks my touche with it. Regards...Jim.