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Minelab Explorer II and XS
- Thread starter touverson
- Start date
Chuck@TreasureHut
New member
Tom.... the EXP 2 is obviously the newer machine. Among other things, the software and features have been considerably upgraded. Also, a weak point in the XS was a tendency for the upper rod/control box opening and latch assembly to develope cracks, allowing the rod to become loose and even fall out. There are still many XS users out there, and they swear by their machines, and are quite good at "kicking butt and taking names" with them. However, if you want a new machine it will have to be the EXP 2, as obviously the XS is no longer available from the factory. There are however, still many XS machines available for sale, used or course.
Chuck,On the XS the faulty shaft camlock and the software upgrade were resolved a couple of years before the Explorer II came out.
I have both and the only difference I see is the double screen,and the composite lower shaft. But then again, I hunt buy sounds and if I use the ID screen, I use the crosshairs. Just my 2 cents worth.
Rusty in Chicago
I have both and the only difference I see is the double screen,and the composite lower shaft. But then again, I hunt buy sounds and if I use the ID screen, I use the crosshairs. Just my 2 cents worth.
Rusty in Chicago
Chuck@TreasureHut
New member
I understand Rusty.....and you are right about the fixes before the EXP 2, but there were some additonal software changes made as well. Some are not as apparent as others. Thanks for your comments and adding to the explanation.
WessThompson
New member
the addition of the second number in digital...and the addition of $$$$ to Minelab for a "NEW and IMPROVED" metal detector.
Go with the XS...
Go with the XS...
Chuck@TreasureHut
New member
Wess....some folks are just more "resistant to change than others".
They would rather
than change. Then again, they probably enjoy digging more 
than they have to as well. The 2nd generation software in the Explorer II smooths out some of the "bumps" in the XS, provides better separation and recovery speed between the null (trash) and the positive (good stuff), as well as giving you the "2nd number", which by the way, is another tool for recognizing the many varied shapes and forms of the and other nasty critters we don't want to dig. The noise cancel algorithms have also been refined for smoother operation in high interference areas. No one is has said the XS isn't a fine machine, because it was and is, but technology does move on and along with it, so does cost.
They would ratherthan change. Then again, they probably enjoy digging more than they have to as well. The 2nd generation software in the Explorer II smooths out some of the "bumps" in the XS, provides better separation and recovery speed between the null (trash) and the positive (good stuff), as well as giving you the "2nd number", which by the way, is another tool for recognizing the many varied shapes and forms of the and other nasty critters we don't want to dig. The noise cancel algorithms have also been refined for smoother operation in high interference areas. No one is has said the XS isn't a fine machine, because it was and is, but technology does move on and along with it, so does cost.I would love to buy an Explorer II but those "minor" software changes do not justify the increased cost, and the performance for getting a good condtioned XS well outweighs the cost of the Explorer II, unless you can get a good deal on a used Explorer II!
A big non-selling point for me was the dual-digital display. Sorry, but visual is secondary to tone id and the crosshairs are just fine as far as I am concerned, and besides, I know that even a foil reading can be a coin, just ask my son who had a foil reading turn out to be his oldest coin ever found, a 1595 silver French Douzain!
Now, if price is not a problem, sure get the Explorer 2, but if you want a top of the line detector but you cringe at the price, or your Significant Other
cringes, than by all means get the XS.......
Don in SJ
A big non-selling point for me was the dual-digital display. Sorry, but visual is secondary to tone id and the crosshairs are just fine as far as I am concerned, and besides, I know that even a foil reading can be a coin, just ask my son who had a foil reading turn out to be his oldest coin ever found, a 1595 silver French Douzain!
Now, if price is not a problem, sure get the Explorer 2, but if you want a top of the line detector but you cringe at the price, or your Significant Other
cringes, than by all means get the XS.......Don in SJ
Mike Bearden
Member
All good advice so far but here is a thing or two to consider when making your choice between the XS and the Explorer II.
1. The latest software version on the XS series was a tad bit faster than the original XS but hardly notable unless you owned both at the same time. The real differences made to the later version concerned the cam lock issue and a few software revisions enhancing stability.
2. When the Explorer II was released, there was quite a few of the first batch shipped that had SEVERE stability issues. Ask me how I know. Minelab did address these issues pronto .... BUT ... even if you buy a new EX II that came off the assembly line today it WILL BE more susceptible to electrical (RF) interference than the XS series !
For those that have followed the progress of the Explorer since they were released and traded up along the improved technology highway can attest to this as FACT. Simply put, the latest XS series is more stable than the EX II when subjected to RF interference.
For those that have both and might DOUBT this, try a little experiment and see for yourself.
Example> I can turn on my HDTV in my living room that faces the front of my house, go outside and turn on my EX II and it will not stabilize until I back away at least 40 feet in-line with the HDTV. The XS will run stable within 10 feet of the house, and at much higher sens settings too.
Bottom line, if I was without an Explorer and know what I do now, I would simply look for a XS with the latest software version, buy the new lower rod assembly for the EX II and SAVE myself some money AND have a great machine !
Yes the the faster software on the EX II, cosmetic upgrades, lower threshold settings,dual digital, etc. are nice additions but I hunt by SOUND only so they aren't that important to me.
Also keep in mind that the XS and EX II will perform exactly the same when it comes down to raw depth capability and anyone that say's otherwise are only fooling themself.
It all depends on what the individual can afford to spend and thinks is important enough to pay the difference for. In other words, don't think that just because a guy shows up with a new EX II and hunts beside you and your XS that he has some HUGE advantage because he does not ... the only difference that will be seen between the two will be the users knowledge that can get the most out of his detector.
Just my 2 cents worth.
H.H.
Mike
1. The latest software version on the XS series was a tad bit faster than the original XS but hardly notable unless you owned both at the same time. The real differences made to the later version concerned the cam lock issue and a few software revisions enhancing stability.
2. When the Explorer II was released, there was quite a few of the first batch shipped that had SEVERE stability issues. Ask me how I know
. Minelab did address these issues pronto .... BUT ... even if you buy a new EX II that came off the assembly line today it WILL BE more susceptible to electrical (RF) interference than the XS series !For those that have followed the progress of the Explorer since they were released and traded up along the improved technology highway can attest to this as FACT. Simply put, the latest XS series is more stable than the EX II when subjected to RF interference.
For those that have both and might DOUBT this, try a little experiment and see for yourself.
Example> I can turn on my HDTV in my living room that faces the front of my house, go outside and turn on my EX II and it will not stabilize until I back away at least 40 feet in-line with the HDTV. The XS will run stable within 10 feet of the house, and at much higher sens settings too.
Bottom line, if I was without an Explorer and know what I do now, I would simply look for a XS with the latest software version, buy the new lower rod assembly for the EX II and SAVE myself some money AND have a great machine !
Yes the the faster software on the EX II, cosmetic upgrades, lower threshold settings,dual digital, etc. are nice additions but I hunt by SOUND only so they aren't that important to me.
Also keep in mind that the XS and EX II will perform exactly the same when it comes down to raw depth capability and anyone that say's otherwise are only fooling themself.
It all depends on what the individual can afford to spend and thinks is important enough to pay the difference for. In other words, don't think that just because a guy shows up with a new EX II and hunts beside you and your XS that he has some HUGE advantage because he does not ... the only difference that will be seen between the two will be the users knowledge that can get the most out of his detector.
Just my 2 cents worth.
H.H.
Mike
WessThompson
New member
and I tend not to believe things I hear, without seeing them first.
I know guys who hunt with Explorer II's...and I guarantee they could not find anything I can't with my XS.I do not fear change...I simply expect when I pay good money for something...to get just that...something different...something better....change.
Being that I work in the electronics field, I would certainly love to compare the CCA's in them and see what is what.
Now I do agree the second digital number is a nice selling point...to SOME. Frankly I hunt by sound only...so it's a non-factor for me.
I am not worried about pulltabs etc...as they don't apply to my style of hunting much. Even when I do hunt an area with pulltabs, I know a pulltab when I hear it.
The only reason I would buy a new Explorer II would be simply to have a brand new machine. After a $1 modification my XS is as sturdy as any Explorer II...add in a carbon lower rod and you are in business.
Personally, I think if Minelab wants more folks to go out and buy brand new Explorers...they might want to make some more significant changes first. I know many have voiced their complaints, opinions, suggestions, etc to Minelab. It would seem those ideas have been ignored. Granted, I can see how they have to ignore a lot of them. That being said, there are tons of detectorists out there who would love to use an Explorer but can't swing the sucker due to it's bulky size and weight. If Minelab really wanted to satisfy their customers, while creating more income for themselves...they work towards a solution to that.
I realize no detector is perfect, and can't satisfy everyone however.
I have no problems or complaints with the Explorers performance. So, less weight and another added feature or two would be nice. I could complain about the recovery speed (which I have not seen a difference on between the XS and Explorer II) but it makes up for that with it's ability to be swept extremely slow and creep through the iron.
Enough of my rant though. While everyone is entitled to their opinion...I personally with wait for the Explorer III.
I know guys who hunt with Explorer II's...and I guarantee they could not find anything I can't with my XS.I do not fear change...I simply expect when I pay good money for something...to get just that...something different...something better....change.
Being that I work in the electronics field, I would certainly love to compare the CCA's in them and see what is what.
Now I do agree the second digital number is a nice selling point...to SOME. Frankly I hunt by sound only...so it's a non-factor for me.
I am not worried about pulltabs etc...as they don't apply to my style of hunting much. Even when I do hunt an area with pulltabs, I know a pulltab when I hear it.
The only reason I would buy a new Explorer II would be simply to have a brand new machine. After a $1 modification my XS is as sturdy as any Explorer II...add in a carbon lower rod and you are in business.
Personally, I think if Minelab wants more folks to go out and buy brand new Explorers...they might want to make some more significant changes first. I know many have voiced their complaints, opinions, suggestions, etc to Minelab. It would seem those ideas have been ignored. Granted, I can see how they have to ignore a lot of them. That being said, there are tons of detectorists out there who would love to use an Explorer but can't swing the sucker due to it's bulky size and weight. If Minelab really wanted to satisfy their customers, while creating more income for themselves...they work towards a solution to that.
I realize no detector is perfect, and can't satisfy everyone however.
I have no problems or complaints with the Explorers performance. So, less weight and another added feature or two would be nice. I could complain about the recovery speed (which I have not seen a difference on between the XS and Explorer II) but it makes up for that with it's ability to be swept extremely slow and creep through the iron.
Enough of my rant though. While everyone is entitled to their opinion...I personally with wait for the Explorer III.
WessThompson
New member
n/t
Joe of South Jersey
New member
Additional software change to the EX II is the threshold volume can be lowered, on the XS....It reaches a point where it is on or off. They broadened this range.
For the mney if you have an XS why change......unless you are worried about repair and warranty. Some just need the newest in availible items. I for one purchases one when they first became availible....Now well, I will be posting it in the next couple of weeks. I have a different idea for the Explorer.
For the mney if you have an XS why change......unless you are worried about repair and warranty. Some just need the newest in availible items. I for one purchases one when they first became availible....Now well, I will be posting it in the next couple of weeks. I have a different idea for the Explorer.
Charles (Upstate NY)
Well-known member
There are features of the II that I like but signal wise I like the XS better.
SnowCampRick
New member
How does one tell if a used Explorer XS has the latest software version? or is it a range of serial numbers or do you look for a software version number or date or something else?
Is there a list anywhere on the net with these changes over time
documented?
Thanks
Rick Kirby
Is there a list anywhere on the net with these changes over time
documented?
Thanks
Rick Kirby
James N.D.
New member
The older XS units backlight was a kind of greenish color and the newer ones had a clear light. I think this is one way of telling but not 100% sure on this one. Hope someone can help you out.
James,
You are close as the older ones was more of a greenish while then next version was more of a blue tint to it. Now both still have the early plastic to them and it was the next version that came with the new plastics, beleive the good ones were built after March 2001 while the other were version 1999
You are close as the older ones was more of a greenish while then next version was more of a blue tint to it. Now both still have the early plastic to them and it was the next version that came with the new plastics, beleive the good ones were built after March 2001 while the other were version 1999
When buying a used xsII how can you tell if it is a "stable version"?
From what serial number up are stable?
I have heard of the stability issue with the xsII when they first came out. Personally I never experienced this, but dont want to take any chances when it comes time to buy another.
Thanks Dx
From what serial number up are stable?
I have heard of the stability issue with the xsII when they first came out. Personally I never experienced this, but dont want to take any chances when it comes time to buy another.
Thanks Dx
wjcostello
New member
Is there any way to up grade the software in my XS to a later version...mine is a green background although it works ok...like to take advantage of the latest