Explorer weight; hunting techniques

[MikeK]

Hi all: I'd be interested to know how many of you extend the lower rod of your Explorers for a wide coil sweep vs. those who like keeping it shortened up, with the coil closer to your feet.

One of my friends advocates keeping the lower rod fully extended for a WIDE sweep pattern way in front of him. The machine feels heavy and uncomfortable that way. I shortened the rod so that the machine basically hangs from my arm in just in front of my feet. More comfortable, but am I missing anything here?

Mike

 

[BJ in Okla.]

Mike,
I use the Minelab 8" coil ( 7 1/4" coil ) and adjust my rods like you do...
BJ

 

[Tinfoil]

n/t

 

[mattockman]

You will no longer have need for her cause you will not find anymore old coppers......to soak in her....coin cleaning joke.......

 

[SNOWY]

I agree MikeK ~ I do as you do,
I have the coil just ahead of my feet...

Explorers are not the most ergonomically designed detector.

I reckon the balance point of a detector should be somewhere near the hand grip or a little to the rear,
balance the Explorer on your finger, I think you'll find its balance happens way too forward...
Therefore too much weight forward!

Operate with too much coil extension; and you'll have a Popeye arm for sure!

HH

Snowy

 

[NH Bob]

In an all day hunt I extend the shaft so I am getting good coverage. As it starts to ware on me I shorten the shaft. I take advantage of the extra coverage while I can.

 

[MikeK]

n/t

 

[jeff & Maria]

Is to hunt whichever way allows you to keep your arm straight, not bent at the elbow. If you feel your arm tiring, take a look at your elbow. If it is bent, shorten the rod and you will be amazed at how the discomfort disappears.

 

[MikeK]

...I was hoping to hear (in addition to all the other great responses, of course). My bicep is on FIRE after 3 minutes of swinging wide. I just tried (at home) shortening the rod to 4" from the tip of the lower rod yoke (the point closest to the upper rod) to the upper rod clamp. My arm is now straight and the detector basically feels like an extension of my arm, as opposed to a weight straining my bicep.

I hope the field proves this to be comfortable too...

Mike

 

[NH Bob]

n/t

 

[digitrich]

Sam's Club sells camping shoes that are slip ons and also some cammo-colored Steve Madden sneakers that are metal-less. The slip ons are rubber so if your feet like to sweat, maybe not the best smelling choice. The Steve Madden sneakers can breath. Both are only ten bucks and you literally can detect through your feet, unless of course you wear toe rings.

 

[mattockman]

n/t

 

[digitrich]

Start the day with your biggest coil and work your way down to the smaller, lighter ones. The Sun Ray 8 inch coil is way lighter than the stock ten and the Mine Lab 7.5 and gets nearly the same depth as the stock Slim Line 10 (Mine Lab's), is more stable than the stock, and gets better separtion than both. And if your lucky enough, you'll get your swinging arm broken, put in a cast, and you can duct tape the Explorer to your arm

 

[mattockman]

I tell ya what..I am in the construction field(electrician) and have to wear steel toe boots......and have gotten home and rushed out the door to get a hunt in and forgot about the stupid boots on......if I only had an extension for the lower rod then.......I hate when that happens.....

 

[Nick A]

It's adjusted further out that I ever used my CZ. The wider sweep and long rod definitely improved the balance for me. It pivots pretty effortlessly in my hand as long as I don't grip it too tight, just let it glide over the ground. It did take getting used to, but I really like it now. Can use it for hours with no fatigue. Was definitely getting a sore arm when using it with a shorter shaft length.