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Which Explorer model stands the test of time?

S

Squirmingcoil77

New member
I've been looking at many different machines and have been looking recently at used Explorers and maybe even a Safari. Are there any long-time Explorer users that could enlighten me with info about which model Explorer has been or is still the best unit? I've heard good things about them all but others say the older Explorers are better. Any info would be much appreciated. Thanks.
 
I have a Minelab XS that is about ten years old and still going strong. Problem is that getting a Minelab that old repaired is a problem as they just don't have the parts anymore. I have a Minelab SE Pro now, but still have my old faithful XS as backup if need be. Can't go wrong with a Minelab. Just make sure that if you buy a used one that it's in good working condition and not so old that you can't get repair parts for it. GL.

Eddie
 
I agree... I have an XS and love it! I bought it in late 2001. I have occasional problems with it shutting down when I run it at 32 in trashy areas... the Old Dog just can't take that pressure anymore. Turn down the power a bit and it's fine. I havent cleaned the contacts yet as some have said it worked for them. I feel that with the prices of used XS's n mint shape are going for as low as $350... I would buy one of these now as a backup and use mine for parts. Old ones in mint nshape should last another 13 years! Throw aways at that price! So I definitly would buy an older XS in mint shape for under $400! Many of these are being sold with Sunray pin pointers and extra coils...can't beat that deal!!! I also have 2 2002 Excaliburs that I love for the water and highly wet ground conditions... even though my XS works great in wet ground and water!!!
 
I agree XS units that were the second run Sep 2000 had the bugs removed that plagued some of the early run XS units seem to stand the test of time and many are still being used and work well 13 years later...I understand due to their age parts and repair may be a problem but imagine Minelab still can fix them to a degree. I have one that is still like new and if it went down surely would have Minelab take a look at it as age can cause problem with solder joints and such but if major parts or motherboard go its a wall hanger for the den.
 
Cant help you there...but before Minelab was Whites!!! Many good early detectors! But buy alot of rechargeable batteries to take with you! My buddy early 2002 had a modified Whites detector and that thig kicked ass! He was detecting since the late 70's and had a collection of old coins and jewlery that took me about 3 hours to look at. Can't remember the name but I guess it was 6 years old or so in 2002. Way before the Spectrum. Maybe called Eagle or something. He could walk as fast as he could and he'd find 20 coins to my one with it! It just banged on silver! Never seen anything like it since! Check out the Whites forum!
 
In the UK an ex Minelab engineer has formed his own company and can repair with his own parts any Minelab machine no matter how old.He fitted a new control pad and threw in a full service with 4 day turnaround for just
 
I have owned every model and without a doubt I would say the Explorer II.
If I was wanting used at a low price that would be my first pick followed by an XS.
I also currently hunt with both the XS-II and the SE-Pro.
I grab the XS-II first about 90% of the time. My hunting buddy still hunts with his original XS and pulls the goodies as well, but would give the XS-II's later generation processor the nod.
 
I like them all but I would say the EXII and SE are the two I prefer because of the 1/4" headphone jack and the rod system(lower carbon fiber). They got a little faster from the XS to the SE and I like the improved menu system on the SE also. They are very durable machines, often a reset can cure what ails it and as Dan said minelab might be able to repair even some of the oldest ones, never hurts to ask. The other gentlemen also offered a solution for repairs(Mick) .........thanks for that Mick!

Minelab makes a heavy machine but they are durable and really perform:thumbup:
 
and it will give visual ID while in the all metal pinpoint mode which is something none of the other explorers will do. Any extra advantage when it comes to helping decide whether or not to dig is always a plus. Many people feel the pro coil on the SE Pro is a major step up as well.
 
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