Not sure who to ask...not having an e-Trac and all..

[Pete in MI]

I have the Explorer II. I have read alot about people getting excited over the S.E.F. coil (mostly the 15 x 12 inch). I was thinking of getting the S.E.F. 12 x 10 inch. So what does that have to do with e-Tracs? Someone suggested getting the 11 inch coil used on the e-Tracs. Guess they work with the Explorer II. I haven't found any reviews on the 11 inch coil (maybe looking in the wrong place). I am now thinking about the e_Trac 11 inch for comparison reasons.

I don't know how the pinpointing is with the 11 inch coil but you guys would know. Are you satisfied with the depth of the 11 inch or is everyone ready to switch to the S.E.F. on the e-Tracs too?

I have to admit when reading the Kellyco info on the S.E.F. coils they paint a very pretty picture...but then again if one is pretty much the only supplier is the info really that good or just making oneself look good? If you guys are all pretty happy with the 11 inch coil on your e-Tracs then that says alot about that coil. If people are switching to the S.E.F. or already have how do you feel about that switch?

Curious too about the pinpointing ability of the 11 inch coil.

I know pretty well the guy telling me to go with the 11 inch instead of the S.E.F. but would like more input.

Thanks for your advice, experienced opinions, etc.

 

[Erik in NJ]

I have the 12 x 15 and although it covers more area, I think the new Minelab Pro coil - which is what I think you're referring to - is just as good. That being said, I will probably pic up the smaller one (10 x 12) to try it out and I know some folks like Bryce love it, but I have yet to see anyone show definitively that they could find something with the SEF that could not be found with the Pro coil. But then again....shouldn't you really be using an E-Trac???

 

[JoeinMemphis]

Pinpointing with the 11" Pro coil is a snap, the center of the coil is the hot spot. It is a light well balanced coil, they are supplying the E-Trac, SE Pro, and now the Safari with this coil. HH Joe

 

[Erik in NJ]

Yes, another good reason to buy an E-Trac

 

[Jason in TN]

I dug some civil war Henry cartridges at 11 to 12 inches on Sun that the 11 inch would not touch. I relic hunt more than any thing so the bigger coil works great if you are coin hunting in parks and trashy areas you may want the 11 though. Get the Etrac if you can i like it much better than my old explorer SE.

 

[Pete in MI]

If I could afford the e-Trac I would have one. Something I can do is afford a couple hundred or less to improve the Explorer II that I do have.

Just because a new model is on the market doesn't mean the Explorer is useless - it continues to produce for me. Besides the resale value has dropped to next to nothing since the SE came out and the e-Trac, and the Safari, and the X-Terras...so though it is not worth as much to sell it is worth what I paid for it to do...and it continues to do. I just want to improve its capabilities over what it is now.

I appreciate the info of those who gave me sound advice....telling me to buy an e-Trac is not what I asked for. I know e-Tracs are better but if I had the money to buy one I wouldn't be hear asking for input on improving an already great machine Minelab made and still works great as it did the day they made it.

If you ever detect with me using your e-Trac then you will probably have more finds than me...but...since you won't and I do detect with others using other brands...I still want to be the one bringing home more than them. Friends are those who will help you, understand a situation and accept things - you could still disagree but the friendship would not be broken. I have found a few friends here who are friends and some who will probably never be friends.

HH to all my good friends and a special salute to one who provided me with his time, his fair appraisal of the coils I asked about and is going to a best friend for a long long long time. Won't say his name...he knows who he is. Thank you.

 

[mascard1]

I think you will find just as much stuff with the pro coil on your explorer!!!!..........GET A PRO COIL IF YOU CAN ...LITE...SEPARATES LIKE A SIX INCH...DEEP....
JUST A BDA A........ZZZZ COIL!!!!!.........You will not be let down with the pro coil!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[mascard1]

O"yeah ...I have the 10x12 sef....I like that to ...but it is a little heavy .....after the pro coil...so I just leave the pro coil on my se....have the e-trac to!!!!

 

[TonyHunt UK]

I think we have had the SEF coils in the UK a little longer than you guys. I listened to all the hype that is usual when something new came out. I bought the 15x12 SEF to use on the SE which I have now upgraded to the E Trac. My honest opinion of it is after a lot of trying it out and giving it another chance is its way too heavy, it has very little depth advantage over the new Pro coil, maybe an inch if your lucky. It dont pinpoint any better than the Pro coil either. The 12x 10 wouldnt be any advantage over the pro just heavier like its brother. I have met quite a few in the UK who are of the same opinion as me. There are of course a few who swear by it because its been hyped up by one or two experts who because they use it they give off the impression that it must be good. It aint, I Learnt to my cost again it pays to make your own mind up. A lot of these so called experts get given equipment like this purposely to hype it up to boost sales. I sold my SEF a month ago and bought a second Pro coil for my spare detector a custom build SE. Apart from the Minelab 7.5" Explorer coil which I save for special occasions like in amongst trash & corn and maize stubbles the Pro stays on 24/7. Theres nothing to touch it.

 

[Ray-Mo.]

n/t

 

[McNickle]

I have seen a few guys with the 11" Pro Coil attached to their Explorer xs,Explorer 11,ect....and they say it is much better at depth and separation than their 1050 ....or Slimline,or 8"...........That is unless they are hunting the 'Insane Trashy areas' Then they go with their 8"......
I do not own a 1050,or slimline coil.....I do own a 11" Pro coil....that measures 10 1/2" ? and a SEF 12" x 10" that is 12".......................
Tho I have not had much chance to test the Pro against the SEF.....I am sure there is not much (if ANY ) difference in depth or separation between the 2.
.........The only differences that I have noticed was.......The 12 x 10 is a tad heavier than the 11" Pro.....BUT........It covers a full 12" swath while the Pro only covers 10+".....So the SEF covers ground a little Quicker....
I guess what I am trying to suggest is................................Get which ever one you can find used,,,,cheaper..........................
I think either the 12 x 10 sef,or the 11" Pro will make the same amount of finds for you.....Which will be More than the standard coils of the past...
...............Good Luck which ever way you go.......HH