Which would be better--purchasing a new Explorer II, or being patient and waiting for a good deal on a used Excal 1000?

[Greg (E.Tn)]

Taking into consideration the machine is mostly intended for using while diving in fresh water, with the occasional visit to the beach, and issues regarding malfunctions, repairs, etc., consistent with used detectors.

Secondly, I've read a few posts where people are having modifications done to Excals, such as hard-wiring aftermarket coils, using non-OEM battery packs, adding pinpoint modes etc. I'm new to all of this, and would not be opposed to having an Excal modified, as long as I could insure that the modifications would hold up at depth.

I know Kellyco occasionally performs such modifications. What other entity does?

Any thoughts and advices would be greatly appreciated.

 

[goodmore]

A used Excal will cost 6 to 700.00. The mods will cost 300.00 if you swap headphones and add a pinpoint switch and shipping. I had a new Excal on here with those mods for 1400.00. The detector had about four hrs on it. It included the stock shaft with an Anderson carbon fiber top and bottom shafts. A second rechargeable battery, new knobs,knob guard, and quick charger. Never got a hit. You can look at it two ways. Either I was high priced which I wasn't or the mods are not recoverable in price during resale. To be honest in fresh water I would go AT Pro or MX Sport when Whites gets the issues resolved. Of course if you are diving you really limit your choices. Excal or CZ 21. Fresh water hunting has more trash involved. A target ID can come in very handy. In salt water you don't get foil or other trash nearly as often. The ocean either takes the crap out to sea or the salt water eats it up. In the sand it is a different story. The further from the water you hunt the more trash you encounter.

 

[Greg (E.Tn)]

If I understand the AT Pro correctly, I can't take it much deeper than 10 feet or so without risking it flooding.

I've been toying around with the idea of getting an excal for a long time, knowing that it is rated to about 200' and has the multi-frequencies. 'Course, I wouldn't be using it anywhere that deep, but I do need something that I can take down to 20-40 feet with the confidence that it can handle the pressure.

Also, I do know the excal can be rigged to be pretty compact, which is a necessity when diving.

Again, thanks for the advice.

 

[dewcon4414]

Wait on the 1000. IF....... you need repairs you still will be in better shape than a new one and have 6 mos warranty after the repair. But i would change the O rings out before diving with it. If you are diving....... personally i think you might consider a PI for deeper water with less targets, but if you intend on using it as an all around machine the the Xcal. Im not sure that PP switch is rated that deep........ and i see Kelleyco has suspended doing the mods. Also.......... if you intend to dive, keep the yellows with the end cap so you can swap the moded ones out. Im not so sure about ANY moded phones being that water ready for an extended period.... not even the GGA.

Dew

 

[Greg (E.Tn)]

I considered a PI machine, but because of the small iron trash in the environment I want to use it in, I really need something else.

Also, who else besides Kellyco can perform the mods?

Thanks in advance.

 

[surfman]

I'm not sure where you would find a new Explorer II unless you found one unused. Minelab quit making the Explorer Se Pro a while ago. And it wasn't waterproof at all. I'd get an Excalibur and go with it. It will do everything you need and then some. I have two, both modded out to the max. I did all the work on mine myself. It was pretty easy and a lot of fun. Of course I had someone who guided me through it. You should be able to find a stock one for around $700 or so. It will work fine. Good luck.

 

[Greg (E.Tn)]

n/t

 

[Jim Robertson]

I know what you mean I purchased a Exc II a few months ago that had and 8 inch coil and was only used a couple times. I sent it to Minelab had a 13 X 14 NEL coil hardwired and then I just though I would sell it because I wasn't going to the beach much. I told one guy I would like to get my money out of it and only one person ask about it. I wanted $1150 for it but I still have it. This is a mint detector. Who knows any more.

 

[Ron from Michigan]

I don't think an Explorer will help you with your type of hunting.I would consider a CZ 20 or 21.