QUESTION FOR EXCALIBUR USERS

[larryw]

Since I enjoy beach detecting, I am contemplating purchasing an Excalibur (I am presently using the Explorer XS). Since there are two models, the 800 and the 1000, I was wondering if there are any advantages to purchasing one over the other. I have read that the only difference between the two is the size of the coils. If this is true, would there be, in your expert opinions, any reason to choose one over the other and why? Thanks for any input!

 

[Rick(ND)]

I don't have a Excalibur myself, but have ordered in some for some of the guys here. If you are going to be doing more diving with it or working the deeper water the 8 inch coil is what you want as the 10 is a bit big. If you are going to be more beach hunting and some shallow water hunting the 10 inch would be better for you for ground coverage. One guy here ordered in a 10 inch and being he loves it so much he got a 8 inch too when he goes diving and has a spare detector in case one does have a problem or his son want to go with him. Another guy has a Explorer too and goes down to FL in the winter and was worried about salt water or dropping his Explorer in the water so he got a 8 inch one and then got some of the waterproof connectors and a Sun Ray S12 coil so he can change his coils for either beach hunting with the 12 inch coil or water hunting with the 8 inch coil. As you see there are different option you can do.

Rick

 

[thinkin2]

Rick, I am waiting for an Excalibur, ordered it last week. I was under the impression that the coil and headphones are hard wired in. Is this correct or can the coils be interchanged? In your post did you mean that the extra machine has the 8 inch coil? I'm a little confused, but hey, I'm always a little confused, lol. Thanks.
Jerry

 

[Waterman]

I have used an Excalibur 800 for seven years and have great success with it finding rings & coins in shallow & out deep. I just ordered a set of underwater Grey Ghost headphones and a Sunray S-12 coil which will be hardwired by Minelab. I found that the 800 coil gets good depth for Gold rings, but I wanted a little more coverage and perhaps a bit more depth, thus the coil change. It's an awesome detector and has paid for itself several times over,,,,H.H.

 

[GraveDiggerMax-VaBch-Va]

sun-ray and coiltec both make aftermarket coil connector kits for people who want to install and uses different coils.

not easy nor is it hard, just depends on the person.
now the phones are a different bird all together. Ikelite makes a plug adapter, but not sure if it can be added easly. i had mine added by minelab in las vegas for like 75bucks. now i can use my original headphones or the waterproof gray ghosts. keeping in mind that i had them add the male plug for my old phones in las vegas as well.

i can not help u with pics on the coil plugs, but u can see them at both of their sites
here are some of the ikelite female plug installed by minelab.

 

[NamVetLesTreasureSeeker]

Hey LarryW., I am an avid EXCALIBUR User, and have been using them for (5) yrs. Like Rick stated, if you are going to be waterhunting, and especially if you are working in brackish or cloudy water. You will find it much easier, if you GO with the 800 (8" coil), but if you are going to primarily hunt the beach, and only hunt the water up to your knees, you might want to GO with the 1000 (10" coil) for the bigger footprint. Waterhunting is a whole different animal, and alot more challenging, especially if you detect in brackish, cloudy water. Because, you have to use your feet to feel the location of the back or front of your coil underwater. Then mark your spot with the toes of your feet, while you move the coil out of the way, so that you can slide your long handled scoop in its place. Plus, recovery takes alot of practice, patience, and persistence, becuase you are sometimes battling the waves, and severe currents. Also, in response to Jerry's post, Minelab Headphones and coils are all hardwired into their detectors. Best of luck, and hh.

 

[Morris]

n/t

 

[GraveDiggerMax-VaBch-Va]

n/t

 

[Rick(ND)]

Yes the are hardwired from Minelab, but like GraveDiggerMax said Sun Ray and coiltec make a kit for waterproof connectors so you can change the coils. Probably should wait until the warranty is off before you change the connectors.

 

[thinkin2]

Thanks for the info, guys. Think I will wait until the warranty expires before doing any mods myself. Have a good one.
Jerry

 

[thinkin2]

I got mine yesterday and used it for the first time today. Great machine but glad I got the straight shaft for it. Going to take some getting used to but pretty impressed so far even though I didn't make any spectacular finds today. Did get a nickel and a quarter in the same hole at over 12" so I know the depth is good. I look forward to using it and posting some good finds. Thanks again.
Jerry

 

[sandman256]

Definitely go for the larger coil if you want to get deeper and cover more area per swing. I tried both and settled on the 1000. I hipmount mine and tape the coil wire along the side of the shaft instead of wropping it around the shaft. This cuts down water resistance and makes it easier to control in heavy waves.

HH,
Sandman

 

[GraveDiggerMax-VaBch-Va]

i do it to all my detectors when used in the surf

 

[padigger]

Max, you look well dressed for the cold but how far out do you go in the cold water with that outfit? Looks like those boots would fill up from the first wave?

Do you have the detector attached with a bunji or something to keep it there while you dig all the gold with the scoop?

Ehhh, you hook the scoop on your belt whilst detecting?

 

[GraveDiggerMax-VaBch-Va]

many of us