Older PI machines vs new???

[dustoff]

I've been using a Garrett 500XL Pulse for a short while on the NC beaches now and I'm curious; would I see a substantial difference between the 500 and one of the newer PI units? I've compared it on wet sand and in the water against my Excal and, as far as depth goes, I don't see much difference. And, at certain times the 500 is a bit more stable than the Minelab.

Anyone have experience with the older vs the new PI units? I don't want to sell the 500XL unless I'm buying a substantial upgrade in performance.

 

[terry g]

Hi dustoff,
I have an old whites pi pro and the new dual field,and apart from a bit more depth due to the larger coil on the d/f there is not much difference.
I also have a 15 year old sovereign that I prefer to my newer g/t.I do not think much has changed , apart from more switches and nobs.I think the older machines are also more reliable.

 

[dustoff]

Thanks, Terry, that's sort of what I thought. With the advent of microprocessors I think at least the recreational side of the industry has reached maturity as far as the technology goes. So... I'm taking both the 500XL and the old Excal to the beach this morning. I really didn't want to get rid of the Garrett since it's very nicely made; all stainless steel inside although the circuit boards are no match for Minelab's quality.

I've got an Explorer XS which works great as well and, after what you said about the Sovs, I may sell that and look for an early model. Don't do any land hunting so the Sov would be nice to have for wet sand etc. With a hip mount that looks like a nice package.

 

[crazyman]

The Sovereigns are excellent beach machines. Hip or chest mounted they can be swung all day even with the largest of coils. Be aware that Minelab might not be able to fix the older models because they don't stock most parts for them anymore. Here is my hip mount setup on my Sovereigns. When I chest mount I Just clip on a Bino strap to hang from my neck and then adjust the belt to go around my middle to keep the control box from flopping when I bend down.

 

[dustoff]

Very slick! When I get some other stuff sold I'll start looking for one.

Weather Report Atlantic Beach, NC: Hot and windy with scattered pull tabs at the waterline. Chance of twist offs this afternoon around the volleyball courts. I got skunked...

 

[Cupajo]

Two XL500 PIs provided me with hundreds of gold rings back in the 80's and are held in reserve in case either the Infinium LS, the White's Dual Field or the old Excaliber decides to fail.

I wouldn't part with any of these machines and have done well with them all!

My only complaint about the XL500s have to do with the cables and cable connectors.

Out of desperation I learned how to repair the the cables and re-build the battery packs and that helped, but they are still a problem!

GL&HH Fellow Hunters,

CJ

 

[dustoff]

I'm off to Batteries Plus today to see if they'll sell me 7 sub-C's with solder tabs - original battery is getting shakey although I've been reading various schemes for "reforming" nicads. Since all my RC equipment uses nimh batteries I may consider going that route if the price isn't too high.

Thanks for everyone's input!

 

[Jadesun]

if its finding gold keep swinging it! Old or New

 

[mynah]

Cupajo said it, don't get rid of the XL500, very good machine.

I have a White's PI Pro with the XL being the back up. To buy my PI Pro, I told the wife I'd sell the XL; that was 3 yrs ago.