Explorer SE ?

[archer]

Is the Explorer SE to much detector for some one who has not done a lot of detecting?

I raised 5 kids and now have them all out of the house. I have the time and am ready to go play. I can afford the SE and am willing to spend some time learning but don't want to become so frustrated that I don't use it.

Would like to here your thoughts.

 

[brissietex]

I don't own an SE but do have an Explorer II and an XTerra 70 so here are my two cents...

Personally, I'd recommend something like an XTerra or possibly a used Explorer XS/II for a first time detector user.

I love both of the detectors but the weight, balance, performance, and ease of use make the XTerra an excellent detector for someone who hasn't done much detecting (yet). The Explorer, on the other hand, does create more detractors due to its weight distribution and perceived difficulty of the machine. Any model Explorer is a great machine but it really isn't "turn on and go" type of machine for a beginner since it may overwhelm you with the amount of information and options it gives you.

That is why I love the XTerra 70 since I can turn it on and swing all day without bothering too much with the settings but when I need them, the options are there to make it more specialised.

That said, I also love the Explorer for the options and information that it gives me but it has taken many hours to get to that point.

If you can afford it and have patience to learn a powerful machine, go for the SE but if you aren't so sure yet how you'd do detecting, go for an XTerra or used Explorer II/XS. You can always graduate up to the SE in the future.

Also, it depends on the type of detecting that you want to do...an Explorer on a playground is a bit of overkill esp if you get frustrated digging up trash and pennies while learning the machine. The XTerra may be good on a salty beach, the Explorer is much better due to it being multi-freq.

btw, in the Explorer classroom, there is a recent thread that illustrates the frustration some Explorer users have had with their machines.

my two pennies...Keith

 

[erikk]

Sure it can be frustrating if you jump right in and go all metal in a trashy place. But, if you are just getting started and set a "learn,ring" program auto sens and ferrous tone and digital you will find a bunch of coins without going nuts. Start slow and once you get the hang of the machine you can start to mess with it and change some settings to give you more varied targets. The explorer is a great machine and you can make it simple or complex as your ability to handle it improves. Another tip-Get Andy's book.

 

[John - Maryland]

Go for the SE. Sure there's a learning curve, but don't let that stop you. Learning the SE is half the fun.Once you understand it you will be happy you got it.

 

[Holedigger]

If you have not "learned" other detectors you have an advantage with an Explorer in my opinion and experience. There is a learning curve and transition from other detectors to an Explorer. But if you're just basically starting out, learn the Explorer XS, Exp. II, or SE. As a user of other brand detectors also, I can promise you more finds with the Explorer if you are hunting the right areas and dedicate yourself to learning the machine. Just look at the finds on this Minelab forum and compare it to all the others (combined)... Happy hunting and good luck...

 

[jackintexas]

You should find someone who has one first. Swing it a little first. They sell a thing called the swingy thing that helps aleveate some of the weight. I would go for a simple, light turn on and go first. A Garrett Ace 250 would make a good first time detector, Before you spend that kind of money on an expensive detector that you may not like. I have been detecting thirty years and had about fifty detectors. Love my Explorer. The first one I sold soon after getting it. I thought it was too heavy and complicated. Got another one later and I love it.

 

[DukeOBass]

Hi Archer,

I did about the same thing. I hadn't used metal detectors except for an old Fisher back in the 70s. I never had any luck with it and so I didn't use it much. I decided to get a good detector. I bought the SE and have found a lot of stuff with it since the last weekend of November 2007. I just recently bought an Excalibur because I got hooked on beach detecting while visiting my second oldest son in southern Alabama. MineLabs are fantastic machines. You won't regret getting one!

 

[peterinaust.]

I had never used a detector before buying my SE. I thought the learning curve was normal, I have been detecting for about three months now, have always detected on the beach [not in the water] have found about $100 dollars in coins and plenty of rings, mainly silver for some reason. I am having fun and love the hobby. Peter in Australia.

 

[DukeOBass]

I loved using mine on the beach. I found a lot.

 

[digitrich]

First get a smaller coil than the stock ten the SE comes with, buy an 8 inch from Sun Ray or the Mine lab 8 inch coil. These will make separating targets in and amongst trash a hell of a lot easier because the coil is smaller, so you will not as often have several targets under the coil at one time which can be confusing. Then get the Sun Ray x-1 probe for your SE, it is a smaller coil that attaches to the machine through a small switch box, when you flip the switch the machine uses the 1 inch probe coil and when you flip the switch back the SE uses it's regular coil. Basically you get a target with your big coil, and pinpoint the exact spot you are getting a signal. You cut a horseshoe shape plug in the sod and flip it over, leaving the top edge of the sod like a flap (important or you will kill the grass. At this point you can dig in the dirt looking for your target or switch to the sun ray x-1 probe and stick the end of it in your hole, it will signal up to 4-5 inches from the target, still giving you id, such as quarter, dime, iron etc. and when you hit the pinpoint button on the SE the signal will get louder and higher in pitch as you get closer to the target. This whole process makes for at least five times quicker recovery of your targets, a whole lot less time on your knees, and about 3 or 4 times the stuff found, undamaged, because you knew exactly where in the hole your target was. So SE, 8 inch coil, Sun ray x1 probe and lastly when you get the thing turn the Gain down to about 6 until you learn it. Cuts back on the falses and leave it in auto sensitivity, with fast on and deep off. Lastly, buy your machine from some dealer that can help you learn the machine, preferably a Sun Ray dealer who can put on the probe for you. Welcome to the addiction, I mean hobby. I also own the new Fisher f75, and the SE by far is my first choice. You will love this machine, the SE so much you will probably end up giving her a name. Happy hunting to you!!!!! It also helps allot if you go hunt with an experienced Explorer hunter.