Why no Musketeer Advantage section?

[Canewrap]

I just changed out the stock rod that came with the Musketeer detector with a straight rod (kudos to Plugger) and it has made this a fantastic balanced detector with a remarkable 8" DD coil. I hate gushing but, I can't wait to give this detector a real workout with my new setup. One thing I don't understand is why Minelab didn't redesign this thing themselves, would have made a great rerelease of a simple, deep, and effective machine. I guess everybody is going with the fancy digital TIDs for everything. To be fair, I have an X-terra 705 for hunting in heavy trash, but for relic hunting, where I need more of a well built, beep dig anyway, this Advantage is my new go to. Its well balanced (now) and gets deep. If the MXT I had could have hip mounted, like the Musketeer, I'm sure I would still have it, but I'm looking forward to getting a 15" WOT coil for this machine to search open fields with. Sorry to do that on a Sovereign forum, but at least its still in the family.

 

[Phil]

I don't think there are enough of us to rate a forum. Just got my Advantage today and can't wait to get out with it. Might have to wait a while cause our ground is frozen solid and covered with snow. I was going to get a straight rod for my Advantage but discovered that it was already mounted on one when I got it. Now all I have to do is buy a couple lower rods and a larger coil and I'll be ready for spring. Right now I have an 8in coil and a 5in coil for hunting in corn fields. Wanted to try an Advantage for years, ever since a buddy of mine had one and showed me what it can do. I'll still use my E-Trac and Spectra for hunting yards and parks but I think the Advantage will be killer for hunting old home sites in fields.

 

[Sven]

I don't think there are enough of us to rate a forum..........

The Musketeer got lost in the pack of lighter, hi-tech machines, why pay $700 for a low tech, single tone, beep and dig machine...not enough promotion...so not a lot of takers at that price range.

But, those that know, it's a deep kick ass machine-- still own one, keep one as a back-up, just in case.

There is still a strong demand in used detector market for the Musketeer. You can generally pick up a used unit from $100 for an early Colt, XS to $225-295 for the black box and newer blue box Advantage.

I am sure a dedicated Musketeer forum could be started on Findmall if someone was willing to pay to sponsor one. Until that happens, as you know, your a member, I started The Minelab Musketeers user group. A place where, everything about the Musketeer could be found, pictures, manuals, how to tips, etc.
Members can add photo albums, add files, add links, share ideas & ask questions, even added a For Sale section. We currently have 34 members.
For those that want to take a peek: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/minelabmusketeers/
Thank you Findmall for letting me share the group information with Findmall members. Findmall is my number one forum to visit each day.

 

[JHM]

What's the difference in the models as far as performance and features. I wouldn't mind trying a used one if I could find one at a good price.

 

[Sven]

Advantage Black Box vs. Blue Box---cosmetic change to match newer Sov. looks

Musketeer XS vs Advantage--depending upon you ask, performance identical or XS a bit less
Advantage newer battery and mounting system, lighter searchcoils

Colt vs Musketeer--Performance similar, Colt has fixed ground balance, can be mod'd with Musketeer features

Hope this answers some of your questions, join our group learn more.
I'm sure other musky owners will chime in.

 

[Ron from Michigan]

I had a Musketeer XS and Advantage and ran an air test comparison.The older Musketeer is a deep detector,but in an air test the XS fell short by a couple of inches to the Advantage.They seemed to operate exactly the same except the Advantage was more sensitive.In the field cross checking targets would have been a better comparison,which I never made.I'm sure in the right hands the Musketeer will recover some nice finds. HH Ron

 

[fwcrawford]

n/t

 

[JHM]

Thanks, I've often wondered about the differences. I've seen the colt sell for a good price. I might try one and see if I like it. I would think manual GB could be added.

 

[crazyman]

I'm not sure how Minelab could redesign the Advantage to make it better except for a possible tone ID option. If it had "accurate" tone ID at "depth" like the Sovereign it would turn this excellent relic detector into a super park hunter for the cherry pickers. If they were to add the tone ID I would like to see them expand the discrimination range on the lower end with a low tone for iron as well to make it even more sensitive to lower to mid conductors. I would like to see the expanded discrimination range done on the Sovereign also.

 

[crazyman]

Sorry Bill, I misunderstood and yes they should sell them mounted on a straight rod like the GT. I always improvised with my Advantages when mounting. I own two Advantages and use a combo of Minelab and Whites rods. I prefer to hip mount mine most of the time though.

 

[Canewrap]

Mike, does the Sovereign control box weigh about the same as the Advantage control box?

 

[Ron from Michigan]

The Sovereign and Musketeer control boxes are the same box.HH Ron