Which handles iron better? 1236x2 or ID Excel?

[Phillip_in_NM]

Just when I had my mind set on getting a 1236x2 because of all the great stuff I've read about it handling iron well, I started getting info that the Excel does very well with iron also. Some of the ghost towns I visit are covered with iron trash and I'd like something that deals with it better than most. Excel has a lot of nice features, but if the 1236 was better in the iron, I'd have to go with it.

I'd love to hear your thoughts - especially if you have both or lots of experience with either.

Thanks,

 

[Bugar In. USA]

I don't know bout handling it better, but you can set it to where it will not sound off on whatever you don't want, like if you are in iron the readings, most times the ID will be in the minus - like -10 or such, usually the larger the iron the larger the - # like -20 or what, i like it better because you can tell more about what it is sounding off on and you can set it for what you want, you have the audio and the readout, on 1236, just audio, but it is a fine machine, for me i like the EXCEL a little better

 

[Jackpine Savage]

Man I have been giving it a LOT of thought and that is tough to answer. I have literally a couple thousand hours on the 1236, and have been using the Excel for about 6 months now. I can't give you a hard and fast answer.

Without doing some direct infield comparisons on undug targets its too close to call. Perhaps you should just go for the one that has the features that appeal to you. If you are primarily after coins and other high conductors go for the ID abilities of the Excel. If you are more of a relic type dig it all guy, go for the 1236. Neither one will dissappoint you.

I posted a while back that I felt the Excel is an upgrade to the 1236 but when it comes to which one has the best iron "see-thru" abilities I can't answer that - yet.

Tom

 

[Phillip_in_NM]

I appreciate the well - thought out response. Now let me muddy the water just a bit - Should the lack of coil options on the Excel (just the 10 inch) be a major concern? Not having any experience with Fisher products, should I expect a smaller and/or larger coil to be available for it any time soon?

Thanks again,

 

[Jackpine Savage]

has not produced a small coil for the ID Excel. The stock 8" does very well and will keep up with most other brands running 6" + or - size coils when working iron or trashy areas. However, reading over the SunRay forum you can see where Ralph posted that they are working on a smaller coil for the Excel. I had a 5" coil available when I used the 1236 and very seldom found it neccessary to use it. Not that your site wouldn't require one if it is a bed of nails.

Tom