safari or etrac?:ausflag:

[blowfly1967]

been doing a lot of research on both the safari and the etrac by minelab as an up grade.money's short,so does one buy the safari in opposed to buying the etrac which in australia is $400.00 dearer.both offer fbs,one you can't hook up to a computer,i don't know.basically i'm looking for outside input on which way to go.they both sound awesome.seen alot of u tubes on em.that didn't help. blowfly

 

[Rick(ND)]

My opinion is the E-Trac is worth the extra money even if it was twice as much. The E-Trac is a FBS like the Explorers or the Safari is, but that is where it ends for me as the E-Trac has a faster recovery and easier to use plus many more features than the Safari has. One for me is the tones are adjustable on the E-Trac while the Safari is not so us with a high tone hearing loss can not adjust it lower than factory which to me is too high on the Safari. Also with the E-Trac the the conductivity is much more accurate for me and it also give you the ferrous reading where the Safari don't. The Safari don't come with a rechargeable battery either. Like I say over all the E-Trac has much more features for us that are serious about detecting.

 

[grumpyolman]

Some consideration depends on your personality. If you are the kind of person who always buys the best tools for home use or think Harbor Freight's stuff is fine (I kind of do both) that should be weighed during this decision. I have found if I get the highest quality equipment I never have that nagging,'"wish I had gotten the _ _ _. It would have worked better."
If you get the ET you won't be wanting to upgrade in a year or two. Probably the money you'd lose selling the detector used is about equal to the amount more it would cost to buy the ET now. Jim

 

[montanagold]

I use the Se mostly and love it, I had purchased the Safari as a back up and so my wife could detect with me. The Safari is a great machine it finds silver just as well. I have not had the opportunity to use the etrac, and I don't think I will. I love both the SE and the Safari. i think you will be happy with any of the 3.

 

[idig4]

If you can afford the e-trac, I would go with it. I think it is worth the additional price. However, the Safari is sweet. You would not be disappointed with it.

 

[lafatlife]

The safari does come with a rechargeable battery as an option. I have one with mine.

 

[Furious T]

You'll notice a huge difference in weight after using the Vaquero.

 

[joecoin]

Get a Sovereign instead of a Safari.

 

[E-Trac-Ohio]

The Safari is a great detector !
I upgraded from the Safari to the E-Trac a few months ago - it's the best thing I did this year !
The E-Trac has a longer learning curve - I have about 80 hrs. in the field with mine and I'm starting to see some real good results.
It's took me 3 months to find my first 100 coins --- it only took the last 6 weeks for me to find a total of 435 coins and 19 pieces of jewelry.
When you finally start getting tuned into what your detector is telling you - it's amazing !

But the old saying is true - a guy that really knows his $500.00 detector will find a lot more good things than a guy with a $1500.00 detector that has not spent much time in the field.
From everything I've read - the key to great finds is how well you know your detector - not alway how good a machine you own.

Good Luck !

 

[edjcox]

I own the Safari and it works well.

Wishing for an Etrac but the cost is steeper than my wallet is fat. My buddy owns an Etrac and I've used it. I like the many different things the Etrac displays. Safari is limited but still adequate. I think if your a perfectionist get the Etrac. If your interested in an all around great detector with some display limitations it's Safari. Minelabs products are good and I have no complaints other than developing quite an ear for detector music...

 

[E-Trac-Ohio]

You could also consider buy a used E-Trac from someone in this forum that has a good reputation and you feel you can trust.
In buying a used ET - you can save $400.00 to $500 over new - this will get you and E-Trac for approx. the same price as a new Safari.
It's a bit of a gamble - but it worked out great for me !
Three months ago I bought a used / like new ET with extra's on this forum that only had 15 hrs. on it for - $1050.00.


Important to know if you purchase a used detector ---

I would suggest getting on the phone with the seller - this way you can really get a feel for what going on.
If he won't email you his telephone number - I would say it's a good reason not to deal with him !

Also - Minelab's warranty is not transferable like White's - so ask the seller if he mailed the card in - or if he still has it !

Good Luck & Happy Holidays ! --- Mark