WILL A MINELAB STRAIGHT UPPER SHAFT FOR SOVEREIGN GT WORK ON A XS2-A ?

[Cal_Cobra]

I'm really trying to figure out a way to make the ergonomics and weight balance better on my Sovereign XS-2A. I used an extension from Digger to move the control box behind the arm, and it's better, but kind of a pain to access the controls.

I see a GT straight shaft for sale, would this be a step in the right direction if it'll fit the XS-2A, OR is it just better to get Diggers straight shaft (what's the difference ?) ??

Thanks,
Brian

 

[bottlebum]

Have you tried hip or chest mounting the detector? It'll take alot of weight off of the rod and makes the controls easily accessable.

I'm on my third Sovereign and have chest mounted them all. I use the minelab, hip-mount bag. I put one strap around my neck and I use another strap (from camping supply at Walmart) and run it through the belt loop on the bag and then around my chest. The second strap keeps it close to my body and prevents the control box from swinging out and getting in the way when I am trying to dig.

Just an idea!
HH, bottlebum

 

[Bling]

i dont think it will work as the GT and Elite dont have the V-clip like the other models..i get mine from Plugger,he will make them for all the Minelabs

 

[Cal_Cobra]

Thanks bottlebum. I have the Sunray hipmount leather bag, but I haven't tried it. I'm not sure I'd like having the control unit attached to me, although I definitely think it's a good idea when water hunting. I'm planning to do some water hunting this summer, so I'll give it a shot.

Thanks for the data on the shaft Bling. The more I think about it, the more I think I'll probably go for Diggers straight shaft. Too bad he didn't make one from carbon fiber to save some weight

HH,
Brian

 

[Ron from Michigan]

I think the Minelab rod asm will work fine for the XS2.V clips are cheap a small drill bit and a couple small screws is all you need.Make sure everything is lined up.I have had two after market straight shaft asm the stock handle on the stock GT is better and adjustable.The stock GT rod asm is lighter doesn't move the box as far but the balance is good enough and with the better handle and more compact is better overall than the two after market straight asms that I used.I think hip mounting may be a good idea after a couple of hour I do notice the weight.

 

[Rick(ND)]

They will work as the ones Plugger makes that several dealers sell are made with the arm cuff that have the V clips mounted on them for the control box if you order it for the XS series Sovereigns.If Brian has the extension that Plugger makes it too will work on that shaft to help balance it even better if you have a S-1 probe on it too. The ones for the GT he makes you use your arm cuff with the bracket for the control box will fit on.
The new ones he makes has a better hand grip too that is easy to adjust for balance of the detector if you change coils to re balance it again.