Safari on the way!

[Bryannagirl]

Well I finally stuck a fork in it and purchased a Different Detector. I had my eye on a couple CZ models and the T2 and F75. After doing my taxes my budget got a bit smaller, but not that bad. It only forced me to look at used and not new. Well after all the looking and searching what did I buy - A Minelab Safari - Ok I know that is somewhat out in left field but here are the reasons I stuck a fork in this Unit:

1. I had always wanted to try an Etrac but could not bring myself to spend 1500 for a new one and used ones are not that far off - the Safari is like Etrac Jr Same Engine less Options
2. My DFX made me realize that options all though they can be good can also be bad. If I was honest with myself I spent more time adjusting and fidling then swinging - The Safari can be a Turn on and Go machine ( well almost)
3. I hate ground balancing - I am always wondering if I have it right or in the case of my DFX did it have it right. (I think AutoTracking often can tune out a good target) - Minelab FBS does not require Ground Balancing in the traditional sense
4. Cost - I got this Safari, with one year of warranty left, for one third the cost of a new Etrac
5. The Savings will let me look for a second detector to complement the Safari and still be less then cost of Etrac new - The Second one will be later but I am open to suggestions.

Ok I did have some concerns:

1. The swing weight has been reported to not be the best.
3. The tones seem to drive people batty but my DFX with Tone ID was a very very chatty beast to say the least - may not be that bad
4. How much do I loose by not having all the Etrac Options -will they improve my finds (Opinion - more options means -more fiddling - means less swinging - means less finds)
5. The FBS Technologies known weakness at detecting small gold and gold chains - I was so hoping to fill my Jewelry Box with lots of pretty bling
6. Recovery Speed - pretty slow - my guess coming from a strong electronic background is that FBS Technology - because of all the Frequencies it has to process - may never be as responsive as a single frequency VLF detector.

Hope I made the right decision. I think I did. Looking forward to learning the songs of the Safari - hope they sound sweet and lead me to pretty silver & gold -and copper and tabs and foil - No Trash No Treasure!

Anyone with Prior Safari or Quattro experience please feel free to Chime in

Thanks

Bryanna

 

[hershey1]

I saw on another forum where you chose the Safari. You will like that machine. I don't use mine much since I got an E-Trac but the Safari is the best choice you could have made from your list you had. You won't have to worry if you have it set up right or make many changes. Just make sure you noise cancel over clean ground and be prepared to dig some deep targets. If you have any problems here is the place to come. Good luck. HH

 

[Hardtack1862]

Be patient with the Safari, log in some hours and you will see. There is a learning curve with any machine, keep an open mind and ask questions.

 

[Bryannagirl]

All the machines seem to have a language that you must learn. One major plus is no ground balancing. The detector's FBS technology makes unnesessary. Been reading still a little confused about ferrous sounds vs conductive sounds and why you would want one or the other?

I am sure someone on hear can clear that up for me.

Bryanna

 

[Reddog777]

The FBS Technologies known weakness at detecting small gold and gold chains - I was so hoping to fill my Jewelry Box with lots of pretty bling


Does this apply in relic or all metal mode also. The manual reads that most beach hunters perfer relic mode for gold jewellery hunting (page 23).

 

[Bryannagirl]

I am pretty sure on a beach using relic will improve the number of all finds because not much discrimination. My statement is based on video and posts indicating all of the Minelab FBS machines from the Safari to the Etrac. Great on silver though. I guess there is no one perfect machine for all hunting

Bryanna

The FBS Technologies known weakness at detecting small gold and gold chains - I was so hoping to fill my Jewelry Box with lots of pretty bling


Does this apply in relic or all metal mode also. The manual reads that most beach hunters perfer relic mode for gold jewellery hunting (page 23).

 

[Hotzone]

Well not a fork but , I just stuck the tip of my digging knife thru the lens over the #readout. I see why the cover is not called a rain cover. It must b used all the time. I had a habit of taking it off when the rain stopped. Now with a 1/2 " scotch tape and cover too the numbers are a little harder 2 make out. Maybe I will slow down and find something cool.