Whites DFX user with Questions regarding Ex SE

[txbluesman]

I currently own a DFX and have put a good two years into learning it. I own five additional coils that I use depending on the location and amount of trash. I have been very pleased with its performance - I especially love the Tone ID feature. However, I have been reading some of the Minelab forum posts regarding the EX SE. I'm considering adding this dectector to my arsenal. My main reason is that I feel that my DFX is sometimes lacking (or perhaps my abilities) when it comes to 6+ inch deep coins. I can count the number of coins that I have pulled at depths beyond 6" (over the last two years) on my two hands. It could be that my location (Texas Panhandle) doesn't have targets that deep OR that the DFX is having problems getting past the high mineralization that is present.

Can you give me some "honest" evaluation of the EX SE as compared to the DFX?

Some of my specific questions:

How does Tone ID differ between the two?
Pinpointing on the DFX is excellent, how is the EX SE?
Will I need different coils like I have the DFX? If so, what coil are recommended (Minelab doesn't offer a wide selection)?
How much tweeking is required on the EX when you want to get max depth at a new site?
What speed do you have to swing the coil at to maximize depth but still get good target ID?
I use the Sunray DX-1 and can't imagine detecting without it. Does the EX probe work on the SE model?

Thanks in advance for any assistance you can provide.

 

[crow-duck]

I also was a DFX user and still have it.I just got the Explorer 11 and am very pleased with it. Read my post down below Explorer 11 finds my first Indian.You wont be sorry if you buy it !!!!
Crowduck

 

[txbluesman]

Thanks Crowduck and Hard Nose Dave. I ordered one tonight. Hopefully, I will be detecting by next weekend with it.

 

[jeff & Maria]

I searched a small 50 x 50 area of my old elementary school. It's an area that is not a playground now but was back in the sixties.
I first used my X Terra 70, found a silver dime at 6 inches and a half dozen wheaties along with a dozen nickels.. Next week I did the same area with the DFX, sad to say it only found a few coins. I use a relic program with the DFX, it's a bit noisy but picks up targets better and goes deeper. Next I used my Explorer with the stock coil, found more wheaties, along with nickels, dimes and a few quarters. Also a ring made from the end of a spoon. Nothing found with the Explorer was deeper than with the X Terra, but our soil is clay and shale so things don't sink deep here. I have found King George coppers and 1800's coins at 6 inches. So in my opinion based on my test it's Explorer, Xterra and DFX in that order.
Just remember to move at a snails pace with the Explorer and dig everything until you become familiar with the tones. Use digital to start with and see how the numbers match the target. Happy Hunting!
Note: the attached photo were previously found with my DFX in a field, so don't think for a moment that it isn't a good detector.[attachment 36647 coindrop1.jpg]

 

[Dan-Pa.]

DFX has a tone for -95 to +95 which equates to close to 200 tones while the Explorer has I believe 27 tones.
Both units now have VCO which is excellent.
DFX has a whole bunch of coils( does one need that many) while Expl. along with the addition of Sunray coils has all you will ever need.
DFX has a multitude of variables while the Explorer has a simple sensitivty scale that can be used in manual or if you wish one program that automatically sets the sens. for the ground.
Explorer is basically a slow sweep unit while the DFX can be swung at various speeds depending on your settings.
Sunray probes are made for Explorers as well as DFX's and are surely the best around..
Probably comparing apples to oranges but many swear by either..
In addendum Explorers just grab silver where no other will at good depths so If you are finacially able to own a stable of machines you won't be sorry you bought an Explorer SE...

 

[au4greg]

The Explorer II has a distinct edge over the DFX in terms of Deep Silver Signals. Beyond 7" the DFX starts to falter in its ability to Audibly and Visually Respond to say a Silver Dime. With Tweaking and Opening up the Discriminator, you can squeeze some additional performance out of it but your DFX will be Busy.

The Explorer's Target Tone ID Locks on with Superior Results.

If you want to Maximize more performance with the DFX on Silver, Turn off the Target TONE ID which can be squeaky and Squawky, select the ideal Audio Pitch and start opening up the numbers starting with -95 and +95. Choose the 3 kHz RATHER than Best Data and you can double the Signal on a High Conductive Coin/silver dime.

In your TEST GARDEN, plant a Dime at 8"+ and tune your DFX to the Best Signal to Noise.

Now go out and Buy that Explorer SE.... an excellent companion to your White's DFX.... they compliment each other.