Explorer SE as prospecting machine???

[Thisoldgoldchaser]

I am considering a new detector. I currently have an DFX but did own an older sovereign model years back. I did like it and it was a great detector. Hit hard times and had to sell it...anyway....I am looking for a decent gold detector/prospecting machine now and was wondering about the SE. I am looking at others and am asking questions in other areas also. Just looking for some advice from current owners of the SE and anyone knowledgeable about it. Any advice would be appreciated. I cant afford the expensive minelab detectors like their new 4100, I think it is. Also, I have gotten used to the information I can get off a screen so any detector without one is not where I would prefer going.

Anyway, advice folks. Is the SE a really good prospecting machine or is more a coin/relic type that can do OK on prospecting? Or is there another minelab machine that would be better?

 

[montanagold]

It would really depend on the type of gold you are in to. In theory the SE should do well on gold but if you have real deep gold then you would probably want to go with a PI machine. The area that we prospect in has some nuggets a foot or more down and the PI is about the only choice. but if you have shallower gold then it should do well. The Eureka ,the gold bug and some other VLF that are specifically for gold would be better for real small gold that is shallow.

 

[Thisoldgoldchaser]

It would really depend on the type of gold you are in to. In theory the SE should do well on gold but if you have real deep gold then you would probably want to go with a PI machine. The area that we prospect in has some nuggets a foot or more down and the PI is about the only choice. but if you have shallower gold then it should do well. The Eureka ,the gold bug and some other VLF that are specifically for gold would be better for real small gold that is shallow.

Well, the areas that I am looking at that are nearest to me are mostly small gold. Thats the reason I am looking for something that is better for it than my DFX. It is a pretty good all around detector and does ok in prospecting mode, but not on the small gold. I do have have a DetectorPro PI Probe that is PI and I am figuring on getting the poll and 10 inch coil for. Its supposed to be pretty good, so you think that the PI would be best then for deep gold? I hadnt thought about that, but you are likely right. And I will have the PI, or already have it soon as I get the pole and coil for it. So I guess maybe just get the SE to try it out for most everything else.

 

[montanagold]

The Se is a fantastic coin machine, When I am on the claims I use the GP series detectors because they handle the mineralized ground better and are very sensitive. Depending on how serious you are get a machine that is specific for gold and one that is specific for coins. If the area that you are in has more fine gold maybe sluicing would be better, its hard for any detector to find the real small stuff. The smallest nugget I found with a detector was .9 grams and that was with a GP Extreme and the 14 inch coiltek coil.

 

[dewcon4414]

The explorers are NOT effective gold machines. Take a look at the Gold Bugs. Make sure its the 72kHz not the newer 19. The MXT is a much better machine than the DFX for gold hunting. It has a far superior ground balance and was designed from a gold machine. Ive used all three machines and none of them will out perform the bug. Plus its lighter than trying to swing the SE. Get yourself a gold sample strip and swing the SE or your DFX over it... i dont think you will find it register even in all medal.

Dew

 

[Ron (CA)]

The SE is not the best in the minerals of gold bearing areas. Get a Lobo ST, Whites GMT, Gold Bug 2 or hte new Gold Bug and you will have much better results.

The SE is a great machine and I have one but I never use it for nugget hunting I use my Lobo ST, or my Fisher F75 for nuggets.