Question for the EX II users......

[therick]

I am looking to purchase a new Minelab EX II. I understand that they come with a factory 10 in coil, should I try to get the 8in. also, or another coil type altogether. Are there any other accessories that are used exclusively with Minelab that I should be aware of? I've been detecting for over 30 years so I have all of the basics. Thanks for the help.

therick

 

[Ace]

The 8 inch coil would be a great addition to your 'arsenal' it will get along better in trash areas than with the 10 inch coil, the 5 inch EXcelerator would be a nice option too, they go deep and are extremely useful for very high trash areas.

Sunray makes great accessories for the Explorer S, XS & II, including the invaluable X-1 Target probe http://www.sunraydetector.com/sun_ray_x-1_page.htm
which is like having a 1" coil attached to your detector, it runs on your detectors batteries, it's lightweight and mounts on your unit, etc. Click the link I gave you, the info should be there.

Sunray also makes great coils, I don't own one but they certainly have a high reputation for being equal if not better than the Minelab coils.

http://www.discountdetectors.com/ is the place to buy your Explorer II if you want the X-1 probe included with your Explorer II instead of just sending your detector lower/upper (don't remember which) rod and wait until they install it and send it back, and you'll get it at a discount price, so you really can't go wrong, that's where I ordered from, I got free shipping and accessories. And the guy who runs the dealership, Ron Dugger is a great guy to deal with!

Another type of coil to consider is the 15" WOT (Wonderful Orange Thing) from Coiltek http://www.kamakazi.com
Many people here tell it's a great coil, with great depth and sensitivity for small items like dimes, etc.


The things that you should concentrate on getting (In my opinion) with the Explorer II are the following:

*Sunrays X-1 Probe.

*Sunray's Stealth X-8 coil, or Minelab 8-Inch coil, or the 5" EXcelerator coil from Kellyco.

*Predator Tools Model 85B or Model 31 "the Raptor" model (each have a 5 year warranty) http://www.predatortools.com If you're looking for great relic hunting tools, this is the place to get them. Tools made by Predator Tools are by far the best, and won't let you down, nor they will break.

*Jimmy Sierras "Treasure Scoop", for me it's an invaluable piece of equipment, it's made of ABS so it's increadibly tough to scratch coins with it, you can scoop a large amount of soil/sand with it and you can scoop dirt and pass it on your detectors coil to see if the target is in the scoop. http://www.jimmysierra.com/

*And a Sand Scoop (metal prefferably) IF you live close or nearby a river, lake, beach, etc. And you're planning on hunting it.


*The book "Mastering the Minelab Explorer XS & S By Sabish" is optional and a great book in helping you understand your Explorer better.

 

[Cody]

Nice list and I would add DOC's Swingy Things. I sure wish I had used one or something like it for these over 40 years of detecting. I don't think I would have the problems with my right arm I now deal with if I had realized it years ago. Man, when we are young and strong we don't think we will ever get older but the day comes when we wish we had been more cautious with our bodies.

 

[goldther]

Hi;
Usually I lurk but I too am considering a ex 2.I also have about 40 years in the field. My question is probably dumb but i need to know the difference between exp2 and exp.xs. The specs seem to be the same unless I missed somthing. Thanks in advance,Bob

 

[JBM]

The most important is the stronger and better construction specification.
1/4" jack plug for the phones a much stronger bottom shaft(Fibre Glass).
Improved top camlock.
I dont find anymore with my MKII than the XS but would not go back to the XS.

 

[Ace]

Extracted from: http://www.joanallen.co.uk/a_minelab_metal_detectors_uk.html

___________________________________


Explorer II has been to the design studio. It is now an attractive combination of black and beige in appearance. The new Explorer II graphics on the handle are very bold and the whole machine looks ready for action. It feels great due to the seamless fit of the new black coil and new carbon fibre lower shaft.

The coil cable access panel is gone - instead this area is exposed and the coil cable is fed up through the newly designed round carbon fibre shaft. This is a major change and in a way is rather nostalgic by bringing back a traditional round lower shaft design but instead built with 21st-century materials. Other good news is the coil cable is still hidden and unlikely to catch on foliage.

A new front panel with Explorer II graphics has been introduced with new darker colours, and the tactile push buttons now feel much better with just very gentle touches operating the many functions. All function buttons are the same as on the older XS model with just one slight position change to the 'Power ON/OFF' button, so the Explorer II should be immediately familiar to seasoned XS users.

The screen's visibility has improved by use of an easier to see through material. Finally the new arm-rest material, also colored black, is of a stronger, more flexible material than the older, Explorer XS model. Overall, it is a seriously good-looking detector!
There are a number of operational differences to be found in Explorer II compared to that of the XS. This is due to the faster and more efficient 2nd Generation Explorer Software. These differences include:

 

[therick]

n/t

 

[therick]

n/t

 

[therick]

n/t

 

[goldther]

Thank you very much for the detailed and concise information.I believe you made up my mind for me. Thanks again Ace. Bob

 

[goldther]

Thanks for your input Jbm, Like I mentioned to Ace, I'll probably be swinging one in the near future,Bob

 

[Collins]

If you can get a good deal on a good XS I would go for it, I have one and have replaced the lower shaft with a XS11 shaft $50. A sunray stand with a 1/4 headphone plug, I forget what that cost but it wasnt too much. The next thing I will get is a XS11 armrest. I always use the smartfind screen anyway. I have had no trouble with my machine. Something to think about depending on your budget. Either way you will have the best machine there is, I have tried them all.

 

[Ace]

Np goldther, glad to be of help.