With the introduction of the Coiltek 15" All Terrain Coil for the X-TERRA, I wanted something that would help counterbalance the additional weight of that coil. I thought about adding some weight to the end of the upper rod, such as T59 and I were discussing. But I didn't want to mount the additional weight permanently, for the times when I chose to use a smaller coil. My objective was to find something that I had "laying around" that could serve as a counter-balance to the larger coils. Those of you who have read my thoughts on the 10.5 inch Minelab coils recognize that I feel they could use some "counter-balance" as well. I never thought big coils were too heavy..... just unbalanced.
When I go out wandering across a field, I try to carry everything I might need for a backup. Extra batteries, extra digging tool, spare headphones etc. I've even been known to take an extra coil along, if it were going to be a mile or so back to the truck. The problem with carrying an extra coil is the additional weight. Plus, I keep lower rods on all my coils so they can be changed out quickly. Suddenly it hit me.......... connect the extra coil to the other end of the X-TERRA, to counter-balance the weight of the larger coils. So.................I took the plastic end cap off of the upper rod at the end of my X-TERRA. I took an extra middle rod (from my X-70) and inserted it into the rod where that cap just came from. (It has two locking tabs, so you would have to drill holes in the upper rod to make this permanent. I haven't drilled mine yet) I slipped the 10.5 Minelab coil in the rod on the upper end of the X-TERRA, and slipped the Coiltek coil into the lower rod of the X-TERRA. WOW! Perfect balance!
[attachment 205506 balancingactcoiltekand10.5DD.JPG] [attachment 205507 balancedrodendview.JPG] [attachment 205508 balancedreversed.JPG]
I know it looks real wierd. But you try to balance your X-TERRA (or any other detector) on the back of a straight chair! Especially with the control box in the "up" position.
As you can see, the X-TERRA is perfectly balanced at the handgrip. The weight of the 10.5 on the end of the upper rod actually carries some of the momemtum for your sweeps. The bend in the extra middle rod allows my arm to go into the armcup freely. The extra coil and rod adds a little bit less than 2 pounds to the entire ensemble. Best part is, the cost was ZERO $$$ because I had the components on hand.
Like I said, it looks very strange. But unless you have a rear-view mirror on the bill of your cap, you'd never know it was there. All you'll be thinking of is how light and well balanced those larger coils can be. And if your hunting partner laughs at you, show him that pocketful of coins you found in his tracks. HH Randy
