spectra or etrac

[desert digger]

I am in the making of a purchase of a second machine. Have been an avid whites user for the past 30 yrs. and currently running with the DFX, so I`m leaning more towards the spectra but I have always been interested in the minelab machines as well. My main range of detecting are ghost towns and camps so trash signals are plentiful. Was just wondering Your opinions on the two machines for areas with high concentration of tin, nails ,etc.
Thanks,
Desert Digger

 

[grumpyolman]

I am an E-Trac guy. The ET has been out long enough that I think the jury has found that is is a deep stable machine that 'CAN' be used almost turn on and go. I too am interested in the new White's but think the jury is still sequestered about it. If you read the various manufacturer's forums my sense is the Minelab owners are consistently posting more deep finds than the others. Maybe that's just because they are braggers, have more cameras, like to post more, or any other reason one can find. You'll never know until you try both I suspect. Don't count out the Explorer series either. Lots of deep finds with those machines. However, I think the learning curve on the E-Track can be much less steep than on the Explorer. Have fun with whatever it is you choose. Jim

 

[Larry (IL)]

I use the SE Pro still for deep silver, but testing with the V3 will still find the targets just as deep. Although the Minelabs will find targets other than deep silver, that is the only use I have for the SE Pro. All other hunting the V3 is king in my opinion, extremely hot on gold targets if that is your cup of tea. Join us on the V3 forum for more info.

 

[Hombre]

n/t

 

[Larry (IL)]

If you have the cash, that is a great idea. Some nice used units are available, buy them, try them and sell the one you don't like with little loss. The kicker here though are both units are high-end ans although usable right out of the box, both will take a lot of time to get to really know them. Especially the V3.

 

[NiagracountyNY]

I had the same choice a month ago..After much reading and forum watching..I went with the E-Trac..It seems the spectra really takes alot of work to set up..and it seems really touchy..I dont have time to try and figure out all the 2000 settings.it is an amazing machine ill say that...But it seems it is more of a watch the screen as u hunt machine...rather than listen to the tones like the E-Trac..For me The Depth and ease of use sold me on the E-trac..Maybe in a year or 2 when the whites guys get all the settings figured out it will prove to be a Better machine ,and ill try one..Till then my arm is gonna be sore with all these Deep Holes...Good luck and Happy Hunting.

 

[Monte]

I am in the making of a purchase of a second machine.

This suggests that you're going to retain your current model, just adding a second, so you must be somewhat comfortable with what you are using.

Have been an avid whites user for the past 30 yrs. and currently running with the DFX, so I`m leaning more towards the spectra but I have always been interested in the minelab machines as well.

So, for 30 years you've come to appreciate White's fit-and-finish and quality of products. perhaps even enjoyed their #1 customer service. This goes a long way toward suggesting another White's product.

If you have "been interested in Minelab machines," then I suspect you are mainly referring to they Explorers and E-Trac (simply a new step in the Explorer line, in my opinion). I personally am not thrilled with the E-Trac, preferring the Explorer SE or SE Pro (same detector) with the 11" Pro coil, but I don't care for it for general service detecting. Not the type I like to do, which is mainly older sites such as ghost towns, renovation work, mining/logging camps, pioneer/military camps, old dance hall and recreation sites that date from the mid/late 1800's thru the mid-1900's. For these I like a slow sweep model, which the Explorer's/E-trac are, but I also like quick response and recovery and a better coil selection and pinpointing qualities. I also like better ergonomics from these types of hunts.

For me, like Larry (IL), the Minelab Explorer SE w/Pro coil has to be one of the best "Silver Shooters" around. For that task, responding to high-conductive targets AND providing excellent audio and visual TID information on deeper targets (small copper cents and silver coins in the 4+ to 7" range and occasionally to 8" or 9"), they can't be beat. Yes, some other detectors will find deep targets, and for me the XL pro has done the best at responding to the deep coins and also giving me a proper, or close to proper TID, but the Explorer has the edge and also provided audio Tone ID which I like.

I do NOT care for the Explorers for routine, day-to-day hunting for a variety of coins and other targets in a wide conductivity range that include US 5

 

[desert digger]

Monte,
All I can say is. Wow!! you have totally changed my mind on which machine to purchase. My favorite machine I have ever operated was the eagle 2. The DFX though a great machine has never really felt right in the conditions I often face and I never feel that I am getting to the targets masked by tin, etc. Don`t get me wrong I have found many, many coins with it and I will continue to use it but just not in the trashy areas.
Thanks for your input and Thanks to all that have replied.
Desert Digger

 

[grumpyolman]

Monte...I am not a MXT fan at all but you know your stuff . As far as I am concerned no need for any apology for your quality resposne to a legitimate question. It wasn't pertinent to me and my hunting, but I totally enjoyed the depth and thoughtfulness that went into it...Jim