Sov and Xcal rod

[dewcon4414]

I thought you guys might know. I have an Xcal and needless to say wonder why it didnt come with the Sov straight shaft. To me that would make sense and save ML money by only making one shaft. Plus you dont have to buy an aftermarket shaft. Is it possible to put the upper part of the Sov straight shaft onto the lower rod of the Xcal? Looks like this could be a mod that would save at least $50 as opposed to getting an after market one or buying a complete shaft for the Sov ..... if it would even fit the Xcal. Am i dreaming here?

Dew

 

[ZOFCHAK]

The Excal lower will fit the GT upper, but the adjustment holes are at 90 degree difference. You have to drill the lower shaft and move the clip. Also the Sovereign upper would need to me drilled and modified to allow the Excal to bolt up. I'm not sure it would be very easy to do as the bulkiness of the arm cup hardware would probably be in the way.

I believe the main reason Minelab keeps the s rod on the Excal is that it can be used universally by those who dive or land hunt.

 

[goodmore]

Drill one hole in the side of the Sovereign upper and you are set. I used my GT upper all the time with my Excal when I had it. The holes in the Sovereign upper are on the bottom. You need one on the side. Just find your length and drill one hole.

 

[dewcon4414]

Im not mounting the box or pod on the shaft. Just moving the cuff and wanting to add the lower shaft. Thanks Goodmore.... how well did it work? Lot of movement and did it tighten up properly? Does the hand grip come on the upper shaft or is it an add on when you buy the shaft? This looks like a much cheaper way to get myself a straight shaft.

Dew

 

[dbsmokey]

Alternatively, search in this thread, the mod thread or the beach hunting thread for tips on how to make your own straight shaft. I followed Beachnut's design and made a straight shaft out of two canes from goodwill. It cost less than $10, and it can be broken down for travel.

 

[dewcon4414]

dbsmokey.... without the locking device didnt you get some movement when you attached the two canes. You are talking walking canes?

Dew

 

[dbsmokey]

See this link. I get minimal wobble. It is balanced, works great and cheap!Excal custom shaft

 

[dewcon4414]

Thanks db..... OBN comes up with some interesting mods and info.

Dew

 

[OldBeechnut]

Thanks, Some work and some don't The canes worked good..still keep it handy for the trips..I use it mostly with the 8 inch coil.....I have since switched 2 of the excals to carbon fiber, and looks like I may do the rest this winter. No sticking of the lower shaft anymore.......

 

[dewcon4414]

Goodmore... i got the Sov upper shaft today. I looked it over and it appears a hole in the upper part for the cuff might be a better solution than putting it at the bottom. The bottom has a lot of adjustment points. That leaves all the holes for adjustments if i need them for some reason. I appreciate you telling me it would fit.... tomorrow ill hook it up and try it.

Dew