is there much difference in machines?

[greedykind]

is there much difference in the explorer xs versus the explorer II or the se pro?I know maybe the coils but what about depth of each.Does the etrac go deeper than the se pro or lock on easier?

 

[grumpyolman]

The short of it is there are lots of differences in the machines. The long of it would take pages to explain and after a point it would be whose opinion you wanted to accept. All of them are terribly powerful machines in the hands of even a medium skilled user. I don't think there's a machine out there that can beat them. Pages 8 & 9 in Andy Sabisch's book, the Minelabe Explorer and E-Trac Handbook, show the 'family tree' of the Full Band Spectrum detectors. If you are investigating getting one of these machines, spend the $20 or so and read it. You'll get the straight skinny from the guy who wrote the book and a guy many if not most on this forum, recognize as a master of the Minelabs. There are others who are really good, but few of them have put it all together into a manual for all the Minelab FBS detectors.
http://www.sabischbooks.com/
Now it's your move. Good luck. jim

 

[dewcon4414]

If you are comparing to buy..... down load the manuals from ML. Everyone has their opinion, normally the guys that bought the newest one out praise them. Those that still have the other machines..... we are still waiting to see what all the new changes bring at ML and how its going to affect the equipment put out. No two machines are created equal all are built within tolerance... but they still vary. No two hunters are the same each hunt with different techniques and at different skill levels. Take the XS.... there is no question in the hands of some people ive hunted with its the best machine hands down. Others like the II which had a lot to do with the better standard coil and adding Ferr sounds. The Etrac is just a different machine with its own learning curve.... and lets not even talk about the cost. A lot has to do with which one do you want to lean..... and how much do you want to pay for that experience. Im not convinced one is any deeper than the other. The Etrac should have the advantage now.... new technology with a different way of TID, screen information, and one of the best coils on the market. Take a look at the finds..... it speaks volumes for which is better or deeper. I think you will find there is no clear winner.

Dew

 

[Dan-Pa.]

Having used the XS-11-SE I would say does adding a facet or a new coil as stock certainly sells a lot of units but certainly argumentive whether one is better than the other depending on the ability of the operator. I would call it good business techniques and if units are not improved put on a new suit cosmetically who would invest in another XS if they already had one. Sort of like asking if a 2010 chevy is better than a 2008 chevy kind of thing.
As for the E-trac never held one so I don't know and indeed have to say Minelab is constantly trying to improve their units and certainly one can see improvements as we go from the first Explorer on up to their present day Explorer but certainly at a cost to the consumer and of course more profits to the manufacturer.
Having said all the above have used many units over the years and surely an Explorer is tops on my list for an excellent unit..