A
Anonymous
Guest
I'm the happy user of a Sovereign Elite but am also impressed with the Explorer.How many Explorer users start with a Sovereign and what are the advantages and disadvantages of the respective machines?Thanks.
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A
Anonymous
Guest
I started with the Sov and then bought an Explorer. Still use both! <img src="/metal/html/smile.gif" border=0 width=15 height=15 alt="
">
The Sov is now used mostly for shallow water hunting as it can be chest mounted and the meter (and remote switch as I implemented it) can be temporarily removed. It works great!
The Explorer is used for most other hunting. I like it's programmability and other features (especially the smart screen, etc). I hip mount it (actually the Birch hip mount is more of a shoulder mount) with an X-1 probe on top of the shaft and find this configuration meets most of my land detecting needs.
Really like the BBS/FBS detectors and both give great results.
">The Sov is now used mostly for shallow water hunting as it can be chest mounted and the meter (and remote switch as I implemented it) can be temporarily removed. It works great!
The Explorer is used for most other hunting. I like it's programmability and other features (especially the smart screen, etc). I hip mount it (actually the Birch hip mount is more of a shoulder mount) with an X-1 probe on top of the shaft and find this configuration meets most of my land detecting needs.
Really like the BBS/FBS detectors and both give great results.
A
Anonymous
Guest
I hunt with both and don't see ANY disadvantages with either unit between the 2 of them. I hunt with a wide open screen on the Explorer and 0 disc on the Sovereign GT, both find the goodies at rediculus depths. The beauty about either detector is that they will hunt admirably in just about any place I use them. Been hunting with the Explorer for a year longer than a Sovereign but both are keepers. Learning there language means everything, both like being hunted at a slow pace ... but hey, I'm getting old and aint in no hurry anyway <img src="/metal/html/lol.gif" border=0 width=15 height=15 alt=":lol">
At one time I would have sworn the Explorer was a tad bit deeper coil size for coil size than the Sovereign but with the new GT I'm having second thoughts.
The GT is a little easier to learn than the Explorer but you can't go wrong with either one IMO.
H.H.
Mike
At one time I would have sworn the Explorer was a tad bit deeper coil size for coil size than the Sovereign but with the new GT I'm having second thoughts.
The GT is a little easier to learn than the Explorer but you can't go wrong with either one IMO.
H.H.
Mike
A
Anonymous
Guest
I started with the Sovereign XS, went to the XS2, then got a Explorer XS, then the XS II and the Elite. Now i got the Sovereign GT along with the Explorer XS II. I find my deepest coins were dug with both the Explorer and the Sovereign. I seem to get more deeper ones with the Explorer, but get more good coins versas trash with the Sovereign. The Sovereign is easier to understand and to hear the good targets as the tone linger longer(untill you hit the next target) The Explorer the tones change faster and back to the normal theshold, so some may not hear them.
This new Sovereign GT has been impressing me more and more everytime I take it out that my Explorer may wind up to be my second detector. I have to do some side by side comparison between the Explorer and the GT on accual targets.
They both are great detector and feel they are the best you can get if you are a seriuos detectorist.
Rick
This new Sovereign GT has been impressing me more and more everytime I take it out that my Explorer may wind up to be my second detector. I have to do some side by side comparison between the Explorer and the GT on accual targets.
They both are great detector and feel they are the best you can get if you are a seriuos detectorist.
Rick
A
Anonymous
Guest
Hi Folks,
I use the Explorer MKII and my (middle aged son) uses the Elite.
We find about the same but his hearing is better than mine <img src="/metal/html/frown.gif" border=0 width=15 height=15 alt=""> and thats where the Explorer screen balances things out for me. <img src="/metal/html/smile.gif" border=0 width=15 height=15 alt="">
One thing is absolutley certain the Explorer is deeper. <img src="/metal/html/wink.gif" border=0 width=15 height=15 alt="">
Both are brilliant machines an will outgun my shoulder resting Tesoro Vaquerro. <img src="/metal/html/lol.gif" border=0 width=15 height=15 alt=":lol"> <img src="/metal/html/lol.gif" border=0 width=15 height=15 alt=":lol"> <img src="/metal/html/lol.gif" border=0 width=15 height=15 alt=":lol">
I use the Explorer MKII and my (middle aged son) uses the Elite.
We find about the same but his hearing is better than mine <img src="/metal/html/frown.gif" border=0 width=15 height=15 alt="
"> and thats where the Explorer screen balances things out for me. <img src="/metal/html/smile.gif" border=0 width=15 height=15 alt="">One thing is absolutley certain the Explorer is deeper. <img src="/metal/html/wink.gif" border=0 width=15 height=15 alt="
">Both are brilliant machines an will outgun my shoulder resting Tesoro Vaquerro. <img src="/metal/html/lol.gif" border=0 width=15 height=15 alt=":lol"> <img src="/metal/html/lol.gif" border=0 width=15 height=15 alt=":lol"> <img src="/metal/html/lol.gif" border=0 width=15 height=15 alt=":lol">
A
Anonymous
Guest
I had a Sovereign XS & XS2a Pro. I now have an Explorer XSII.
Both are deep machines. I feel the Explorer goes a bit deeper in discrimination mode and the Sovereign is superior in the pinpoint/all metal mode.
I do enjoy the lighted display of the Explorer as I hunt a lot after dark. Also, changing coils is far easier and neater on the Explorer. I had Two meters and three coils for the Sovs. I was changing them on a regular basis and it could get to be a real rat's nest of wires and cables.
I seem to hear the tones better and tune in to the Explorer easier than the Sovereign. I take into account that every time you change coils or machines you can make different finds in the same areas you've hunted before. With that in mind I did run the Explorer over many of my familiar hunting grounds and made significant finds. Case in point: I had hunted my own yard many times with the Sovereign and had found clad coins and some Wheat cents. The first time I hunted it with the Explorer I found a Silver dime and an Indian Head penny.
The one thing I really miss about the Sovereign is the all-metal mode. I used to reverse-discriminate, that is hunt in pinpoint mode until a faint signal was detected and then switch to discriminate mode. The signal would be dug if it got any response besides a null for iron. I found many deep coins this way. I can't really do this with the Explorer. The Sov had a nice analog all metal signal but the Explorer seems to have a processed signal that overloads easily and turns into a steady or pulsing hum if left on longer than a few seconds. It's the one disapointment in an otherwise excellent detector.
Of the two I prefer the Explorer but still think highly enough of the Sovereign to consider buying another one for an alternate detector.
Thank you.
-Neil Crowley
Both are deep machines. I feel the Explorer goes a bit deeper in discrimination mode and the Sovereign is superior in the pinpoint/all metal mode.
I do enjoy the lighted display of the Explorer as I hunt a lot after dark. Also, changing coils is far easier and neater on the Explorer. I had Two meters and three coils for the Sovs. I was changing them on a regular basis and it could get to be a real rat's nest of wires and cables.
I seem to hear the tones better and tune in to the Explorer easier than the Sovereign. I take into account that every time you change coils or machines you can make different finds in the same areas you've hunted before. With that in mind I did run the Explorer over many of my familiar hunting grounds and made significant finds. Case in point: I had hunted my own yard many times with the Sovereign and had found clad coins and some Wheat cents. The first time I hunted it with the Explorer I found a Silver dime and an Indian Head penny.
The one thing I really miss about the Sovereign is the all-metal mode. I used to reverse-discriminate, that is hunt in pinpoint mode until a faint signal was detected and then switch to discriminate mode. The signal would be dug if it got any response besides a null for iron. I found many deep coins this way. I can't really do this with the Explorer. The Sov had a nice analog all metal signal but the Explorer seems to have a processed signal that overloads easily and turns into a steady or pulsing hum if left on longer than a few seconds. It's the one disapointment in an otherwise excellent detector.
Of the two I prefer the Explorer but still think highly enough of the Sovereign to consider buying another one for an alternate detector.
Thank you.
-Neil Crowley
A
Anonymous
Guest
Hmmmm... my own experience... I found I was not able to do a comparison. I believe its fair to say picking between the ExII versus the Sov is difficult because you can't really do an apples to apples comparison. Both are awesome detectors but each offers it own unique solution. I know because I found myself in this quandary.
Although still possessing different technology, I believe a closer apples to apples comparison would be between the Quattro and the Sovereign rather than the ExII and the Sov. Granted... the Quattro uses FBS technology while the Sov is BBS... but they are both geared towards the turn-on-and-go market. Both have similar learning curves... both being easier than the learning curve of the ExII.
I believe the ExII to be the finest detector on the market today. That said... I had an ExII and I sold it! (it made me crazy)
Anyone reading these newgroups will quickly learn the ExII falls into at least three groups of users. 1) The ones that get frustrated trying to decipher all the tones and flashing cursors and give up saying its too complicated. (read: steep learning curve.) and sell them. 2) The ones that have figured out the basics, have learned a lot of the tones etc., but find all the settings, dials, (read; combinations and permutations) can work against you if you set any one of them improperly. This groups either gives up and sells... or keeps plugging along figuring they will eventually master it. 3) The ones that have managed to learn all the tones, know how to read the display and understand the value of all the ExII settings and know how to use them in combination to squeeze out every inch of depth while at the same time discriminating trash from treasure.
I fell into group 2. I loved the capabilities and the power of the ExII... but felt it was like giving a student pilot the choice of learning to fly in a Cessna or a F-16 Falcon. The technology of the ExII is amazing... but its not a turn-on-and-go detector.
Due to my job... I task my brain all week long. On the weekends my brain needs some downtime. I originally purchased the ExII because I wanted the best detector money could buy. Problem is, due to my job and home life I only get out once or twice a month. I discovered I was not getting enough hands on time to effectively learn all the bells and whistles of the ExII while trying to memorize all the tone and display anomalies. Practice, practice, practice... means more than once or twice a month!
After all my research I was able to revise my approach. Rather than trying to make my decision based on technology... I realized I first had to categorize myself!!! In making a decision into "which detector to get", you first need to decide if you are a "hard core" MD'er ... or more of a hobbyist". Personally, I want to go out at my leisure and hunt for treasure. I don't want to spend the first hour or so of every hunt reacquainting myself with the machine. I just want to go out and, apply very little to the thought process, be able to take comfort in knowing I have a top notch detector capable of doing a lot of the thinking for me... and not let me down. Enter the Quattro and Sovereign GT.
Honestly... the Quattro or Sov was a really tough decision. The learning curve on either of these is easier than the ExII. In my research I discovered the learning curve of the Sov is easier than the Quattro "and" the Sov has a lot of ExII owners thinking it can go just as deep.
For those that narrow their decision down to the Quatrro or the Sov... they then find the decision is complicated further by having to choose which Sov!The Elite or GT? The Quattro has an average price of $845, the Elite averages $595, while the GT has an average price of $679. And questions like "Is the GT work $80 more than the Elite considering it does not include the display?"
The Quatrro and Elite use tone "and" display... while the GT is tone only. You can get the optional DigiSearch meter for the GT for about $140) thus bringing the GT to $819. Then again... a lot of seasoned MD'ers tell you to forget the display in the beginning... just go out and have fun... learn all the tones first... add the display later. Of course the other half will argue to get the display learn to use them in unison. And who would have thought buying a metal detector would be such a tough decision? <img src="/metal/html/sad.gif" border=0 width=15 height=15 alt=":sad">
In the end... for me... after finally believing I couldn't go wrong with either the Quattro or the GT... . I had my mind made up to get the Quattro! Whew! I figured I'd use the four preprogrammed settings, while I took my time learning its additional features. So what do I actually own? I have the Sovereign GT with display. What? Yep... while looking for the best deal on a Quattro I stumbled across a GT with meter at a "super good price". The deal was too good to pass up. Obviously I already believed I couldn't go wrong with either one, that both were great detectors or I would have held out for the Quattro. I had no problem changing my decision from Quattro to GT when the opportunity presented itself.
Elton
Although still possessing different technology, I believe a closer apples to apples comparison would be between the Quattro and the Sovereign rather than the ExII and the Sov. Granted... the Quattro uses FBS technology while the Sov is BBS... but they are both geared towards the turn-on-and-go market. Both have similar learning curves... both being easier than the learning curve of the ExII.
I believe the ExII to be the finest detector on the market today. That said... I had an ExII and I sold it! (it made me crazy)
Anyone reading these newgroups will quickly learn the ExII falls into at least three groups of users. 1) The ones that get frustrated trying to decipher all the tones and flashing cursors and give up saying its too complicated. (read: steep learning curve.) and sell them. 2) The ones that have figured out the basics, have learned a lot of the tones etc., but find all the settings, dials, (read; combinations and permutations) can work against you if you set any one of them improperly. This groups either gives up and sells... or keeps plugging along figuring they will eventually master it. 3) The ones that have managed to learn all the tones, know how to read the display and understand the value of all the ExII settings and know how to use them in combination to squeeze out every inch of depth while at the same time discriminating trash from treasure.
I fell into group 2. I loved the capabilities and the power of the ExII... but felt it was like giving a student pilot the choice of learning to fly in a Cessna or a F-16 Falcon. The technology of the ExII is amazing... but its not a turn-on-and-go detector.
Due to my job... I task my brain all week long. On the weekends my brain needs some downtime. I originally purchased the ExII because I wanted the best detector money could buy. Problem is, due to my job and home life I only get out once or twice a month. I discovered I was not getting enough hands on time to effectively learn all the bells and whistles of the ExII while trying to memorize all the tone and display anomalies. Practice, practice, practice... means more than once or twice a month!
After all my research I was able to revise my approach. Rather than trying to make my decision based on technology... I realized I first had to categorize myself!!! In making a decision into "which detector to get", you first need to decide if you are a "hard core" MD'er ... or more of a hobbyist". Personally, I want to go out at my leisure and hunt for treasure. I don't want to spend the first hour or so of every hunt reacquainting myself with the machine. I just want to go out and, apply very little to the thought process, be able to take comfort in knowing I have a top notch detector capable of doing a lot of the thinking for me... and not let me down. Enter the Quattro and Sovereign GT.
Honestly... the Quattro or Sov was a really tough decision. The learning curve on either of these is easier than the ExII. In my research I discovered the learning curve of the Sov is easier than the Quattro "and" the Sov has a lot of ExII owners thinking it can go just as deep.
For those that narrow their decision down to the Quatrro or the Sov... they then find the decision is complicated further by having to choose which Sov!The Elite or GT? The Quattro has an average price of $845, the Elite averages $595, while the GT has an average price of $679. And questions like "Is the GT work $80 more than the Elite considering it does not include the display?"
The Quatrro and Elite use tone "and" display... while the GT is tone only. You can get the optional DigiSearch meter for the GT for about $140) thus bringing the GT to $819. Then again... a lot of seasoned MD'ers tell you to forget the display in the beginning... just go out and have fun... learn all the tones first... add the display later. Of course the other half will argue to get the display learn to use them in unison. And who would have thought buying a metal detector would be such a tough decision? <img src="/metal/html/sad.gif" border=0 width=15 height=15 alt=":sad">
In the end... for me... after finally believing I couldn't go wrong with either the Quattro or the GT... . I had my mind made up to get the Quattro! Whew! I figured I'd use the four preprogrammed settings, while I took my time learning its additional features. So what do I actually own? I have the Sovereign GT with display. What? Yep... while looking for the best deal on a Quattro I stumbled across a GT with meter at a "super good price". The deal was too good to pass up. Obviously I already believed I couldn't go wrong with either one, that both were great detectors or I would have held out for the Quattro. I had no problem changing my decision from Quattro to GT when the opportunity presented itself.
Elton
A
Anonymous
Guest
That's quite a story. <img src="/metal/html/smile.gif" border=0 width=15 height=15 alt="">
It made interesting reading because many people go through this agonizing process when they buy detectors. The names, models, etc may change from one person to another but the endless comparisons and difficulty of finding accurate information is the same. <img src="/metal/html/tongue.gif" border=0 width=15 height=15 alt=":b">
Anyways ... it brought me back in time to decisions I had to make over the years when buying my detectors. Not sure if I should thank you for reminding me but did want to acknowledge your obviously major effort in telling the story. <img src="/metal/html/biggrin.gif" border=0 width=15 height=15 alt="">
Thx ... HH ... Gord SW Ont.
">It made interesting reading because many people go through this agonizing process when they buy detectors. The names, models, etc may change from one person to another but the endless comparisons and difficulty of finding accurate information is the same. <img src="/metal/html/tongue.gif" border=0 width=15 height=15 alt=":b">
Anyways ... it brought me back in time to decisions I had to make over the years when buying my detectors. Not sure if I should thank you for reminding me but did want to acknowledge your obviously major effort in telling the story. <img src="/metal/html/biggrin.gif" border=0 width=15 height=15 alt="
">Thx ... HH ... Gord SW Ont.
A
Anonymous
Guest
Gord, thanks for the recognition. I thought it might help others currently going thru the buying process if I shared my pain! <img src="/metal/html/wink.gif" border=0 width=15 height=15 alt="">
When you stop to think about it... it makes sense. A "decent" detector is a significant cash outlay for a lot of people. Once we make the commitment to buy... we want to make sure "beyond all reasonable doubt" that we've made the right decision. So we ask a lot of questions. But the answers to our questions only raise more questions. If we ask enough questions, we eventually get conflicting answers... which only serves to confuse us even more. Yikes!!!
Your reference to; "The Agonizing Process" of Buying a Detector", is a fitting tribute to the experience.
Elton
">When you stop to think about it... it makes sense. A "decent" detector is a significant cash outlay for a lot of people. Once we make the commitment to buy... we want to make sure "beyond all reasonable doubt" that we've made the right decision. So we ask a lot of questions. But the answers to our questions only raise more questions. If we ask enough questions, we eventually get conflicting answers... which only serves to confuse us even more. Yikes!!!
Your reference to; "The Agonizing Process" of Buying a Detector", is a fitting tribute to the experience.
Elton