Life was simple ...

[Willee - Texas]

Back when ... there was the Minelab Explorer, then the Explorer II, then a cheaper version called the Quattro.
It was simple to know which was the latest and best of the line ... but now ...
We have the Minelab Explorer SE, the Safari, and the E-Track ... all at once! ... ...

Which one is supposed to be the top dog of the Explorer line? ... ...
I know which is the most expensive but if they all use FBS technoligy how are they notably different from one another ... ...

Take the Explorer SE and the Safari ... Kellyco says the Safari is "the latest and greatest".
Is it really better than the SE or is it the same electronics board with a modified program running the display and a new paint job?
What is it that makes them so different?

I read the magazine writeups and I am more confused than before ... they all seem to be described as the latest and greatest detector Minelab makes.
They do a great job finding coins, they do great at the beach, what a wonderful relic machine, took it to a hunted out field and found silver coins, blah, blah, blah.
Minelab should explain what each detector was designed to do better than the others before it so a simpleton like me can choose the right detector.

BTW: I took no chances and ordered the E-Track.
Being the most expensive it must be the best ... right?

Willee

 

[BarnacleBill]

The metal detecting business is somewhat like the automobile business where each manufacturer try's to compete at several price points in the market. Things aren't quite as well defined as compact, sub-compact, SUV etc. But within a given price range each manufacturer wants to convince you that they have the product you need. Most expensive is not necessarily best for a given set of uses. For example, if price paid alone equaled "best", then outfitting yourself with a $5K Minelab prospecting detector would be a bad mistake.

The Explorer and Quattro/Safari lines have existed in parallel for a while now with the Explorer being the step up model. The Explorer line has morphed over the years as improved models have been introduced. However you will find users that claim a certain previous Explorer is still the best because they clicked with one of those models.

Enter the E-Trac, it has been marketed as a non-Explorer, a new departure point based on a new platform. Some Explorer users were hoping this would be another Explorer in the continuing series. But that has not exactly turned out to be the case. Some Explorer users have not meshed well with the E-Trac while others have bonded rather easily. So if you were to ask those that transitioned easily they will give the E-Trac the nod as the latest/greatest, while others will express disappointment that it wasn't the Explorer III or IV. If you look back to the beginning posts of the E-Trac forum you will see all sorts of discussions about the differences of the Explorer vs E-Trac.

Should you feel under gunned with an E-Trac? Hardly, the finds posted here are testament to what it is capable of. As long as your particular detecting needs are aligned with it's strengths and you take the time to learn it you will be happy.

HH
BarnacleBill