John,
Here's a few answers to your questions:
"I dont think I would like complicated detectors,but Ive never had one,so. I think i would like something less complicated like my XL Pro"
The Safari and Quattro are quite simple which was the main driving force behind the development of the Quatro and then not really altering the interface on the Safari - rather what was under the hood and invisible to one making adjustments. The XL Pro is not that complicated either but the Safari (Quattro) is the simplest FBS detector Minelab offers to operate.
"I know Andy has written reviews on the MXT and M6, but I respect anyones opinion that has ample time with these two machines. How does Minelabs new faster processor compare in response time to the mentioned machines?"
Not sure what you mean by this but yes, I have done field test reports on both of the Whites detectors you mention and my son still uses the M6 on most of his hunts. The MXT is still one I use for select applications including prospecting in Georgia. I have a good deal of time on both of these both on the using end as well as demo'ing them to others. How does the processor compare to the other models you referred to? Well, first of all, any FBS detector requires a slower sweep speed than the VLF units, including the M6 and MXT. There are a number of very successful competition hunters that use the MXT for that reason. So if you want to know if the Safari can be swept as fast as the M6 or MXT or if it resets as quickly coming off one target going to another, then teh answer would be no. There is more to how effective a detector is than how fast the processor is or how fast it can be swept. Detection depth, target ID at depth, and how it handles adverse ground are all factors that come into the buying decision process.
"I know coils arent an issue as there are many available for the full band spectrum machines."
Yes, there are a wide range of coils for both the FBS models as well as the Whites models from the manufacturer along with 3rd party vendors - both DD and concentric.
"I've never held an ETrac but I have held an Explorer 2 and it felt heavier than my Pro. How is the Safaris weight in comparison to the Explorer?"
Again, there is more to overall comfort in the field than just the weight. Ergonomics and hence balance play a big factor. Whites has always made an exceptionally well balanced detector that feels far lighter than it really is. The XL Pro is no example . . . my son loves the M6 for that very reason. The difference in weight between the Quattro, Safari, Explorer and E-Trac is minimal . . in the order of ounces. The E-Trac feels much lighter due to the redesigned hand grip angle. The new Pro coil has also helped due to the the center mounting point compared to the older coils. The Safari does NOT have the new angle but DOES have the new coil . . . . so it feels lighter than the Quattro or an Explorer other than the latest SE Pro which also has the new coil.
"How difficult is the learning curve on the Safari?"
The Safari is quite simple to learn but coming from other detectors, FBS units are a different beast to understand. I have seen newbies with no experience catch on faster than someone with years using a non-FBS detector. Once you learn what the deep signals sound like you will be hitting deep targets - deeper than you might otherwise believe - regularly.
"Oh,almost forgot and it was one of the main questions I wanted to ask. In all metal or (is it FE mode?) can you have multiple tones for ferrous metal and does the display give info on target be it icons or numbers?"
The preset mode has COINS or JEWELRY in Conductive audio while RELIC or ALL METAL is in Ferrous audio.
RELIC and ALL METAL do not have icons while the other two do. All four show the target ID number and the number is the same for the same target in all four modes. You can change the audio response and select icons on / off using the Cross Saving technique I detailed in my book.
Let me know if this answered your questions
Andy Sabisch
