Now that the SE has been here awhile

[alton]

I would like to hear from those that have used earlier models of the EX. I have the original one. I am ready to get a new detector. I still like the 1st one. I never was able to fix the shaft to where it would not slide out of the housing, but it finds things just as well as it ever did.

For those that now have the SE, I would like to know their opinion if the upgrade is something that they recommend. Does it have major advantages, several worthwhile smaller advantages, or does it not really justify the expense of upgrading?

There are several things that I already know of that would be "nice to have" like vco and the shaft not sliding.

I'm trying to decide on upgrading the Explorer or possibly adding the Nautilus to my arsenal. It is relic hunting season here and the GNRS results for Nautilus has got my attention the last few years. I know there is quite a price difference, but that is not a real difficult concern. Being able to find things is.

Thanks in advance for your replies.

 

[James N.D.]

Hello Alton. I do not own a Explorer SE yet, but if I had the extra bucks, I would most likely purchase one just to tinker around with and compare with my Explorer XS. I have tried the SE and it is a lot quicker in response than the XS or S Model, and it is a little quicker than the Explorer II. The SE has the VCO Pinpoint, ID's in Pinpoint Mode, Has Pitch Hold, More Iron Mask, is also more stable than the Explorer II, and has the all new Slimline Coil which is more balanced so you can swing the detector with ease. I am sure that I missed a few things and the other guys that actually own the SE will pick up where I left off. I also have the problem with the Upper Shaft sliding out of the control box, but you can fix that pretty easy. One option is to take Electrical Tape and put 3 pieces side by side on the top of the Upper Shaft. Just take the Tape and start on the side of the shaft and tape it over the top and to the other side of the shaft. Don't tape the bottom because there is not enough room for it and after you do this, the shaft will be quite snug in the control box. The other option that I am going to do this winter is sand the part of the Upper Shaft that goes into the Control Box and then buy some Powder Coat Spray Paint and paint it. I think this will work well since the surface will be rough and the Cam lock will hold better onto the Shaft itself. As for Upgrading to the SE, it is up to you. If you can afford to do it, go for it! But if the old Explorer is still finding stuff and it just keeps on ticking, than I would just hold off until something broke down inside the detector that Minelab cannot fix anymore. But the choice is yours. Don't get me wrong, the SE is a fantastic machine and it would make an excellent addition to any treasure hunters arsenal and the great thing would be that you would have your old machine for a back up unit if something bad happened to the new one, but you have to ask yourself, is this new machine going to get me more finds than the old machine. I think it might find a few but the older Explorer's are just as good as the new one. Whatever choice you make, I'll say this, "YOU CAN'T GO WRONG". Good Luck with your decision and HH to you.

 

[Jack(IN)]

I have both the Explorer and the Explorer 2. I am comfortable with both and tho I am sure there are things better I still prefer to use a detector I am very comfortable with. I do not believe I lose anything as far as depth and the weight difference isn't that great a difference. Just my feelings and opinion on what I have and that I'm very satisfied with what I'm using. If your going to upgrade then I would say go for the SE!

 

[NH Bob]

that I sold my XS II because the weight was bothering me and I have abused my body over the yrs. in construction. I took a chance on the new SE for its weight and balance changes. I'm glad I did. I can hunt for 3 to 4 hours at a time without a sore back.
As James said "your choice" BTW this is my 3rd Explorer.

 

[alton]

My first EX has been great! The weight was never a issue with me like it was with some, but I would welcome lighter and better balanced.

Thanks for the tip about using the tape. I'll try that.

Good points all.

HH Alton

 

[digitrich]

That VCO pinpointing is the bomb and especially with the x-1 probe. The sound gets louder and the pitch goes up as the x-1 probe gets closer to the target. I said it before, and I'll say it again; "a blind man could dig coins all day without scratching them as long as he had an Explorer SE and an X-1 probe" if the VCO pinpointing was the only improvement on the SE, I would have sprung for the newer model.