Find's Treasure Forums

Welcome to Find's Treasure Forums, Guests!

You are viewing this forums as a guest which limits you to read only status.

Only registered members may post stories, questions, classifieds, reply to other posts, contact other members using built in messaging and use many other features found on these forums.

Why not register and join us today? It's free! (We don't share your email addresses with anyone.) We keep email addresses of our users to protect them and others from bad people posting things they shouldn't.

Click here to register!



Need Support Help?

Cannot log in?, click here to have new password emailed to you

SE or Explorer 2?

brandon

New member
Hi all. I am ready to find the real deep stuff. Many of my buddies have Minelabs and I would like to add one to my arsenal. I own a Troy X5 so I have a good trashy area detector that loves buttons and relics. I also have an old Whites Classic ID for friends. i have an option of buying a brand new Explorer 2 for $850.00 w/ charger etc. or an SE for $1100-1200. i was told to wait and get the SE because it is faster and easier to use. i owned a DFX and was used to going real slow so I don't think i would mind a slower response of the Explorer 2. Any feedback would be awesome. i have another buddy who got the O.K. from his wife to get one to so he will be following the thread. Thanks all!
 
I moved up to the Etrac which is a superb machine! You can find used Exp II's for $500 and SE's for $650 if you check the classifieds here on the forums. In fact there have been several barely used Etracs for $1000-$1100 And believe me there is nothing wrong with used, I have personally done several deals here and all were A+ since these are all great guys! No matter what you get try to get one with the Minelab Pro coil, it seems to be the best compared to the other stock coils. Good Luck!
 
Brandon,even though you are getting a new Explorer ll for 850.00 after the sale if this detector isn't for you a resale will net you a loss,because used Explorer lls are going for 200 dollars less with extras.On the other hand a used SE can be found very easy for around 750.00 on Ebay and Classifieds.A used Explorer ll or SE would save money.If you do decide to go with a Etrac,again used will save you money. I think they are all great units and if money is an issue I would go with a used Explorer ll and buy extra accessories maybe a 6 inch coil or X1 pin pointer.
 
I've had an Explorer II that I bought new, and currently have an SE Pro I bought used. My SE Pro cost me $875 with shipping and came in like new condition, with just normal wear on the bottom of the coil cover.

Which do I prefer? Having used both I prefer the SE. It definately has better target separation, some of which is due to the Pro coil so as others mentioned be sure to get that if possible. It is quicker as well on target reset. Not only that but honestly the II was a heavy beast to swing, where the SE is better balanced and also lighter with the Pro coil (another benefit). The menu system is also cleaner on the SE, or seems like it to me.

Is it worth the extra 200 or so? To me, yes for the reasons I mentioned. But you can do great with either one. I don't think there is a depth difference; if there were any it would be due to the coil and minimal. So you really can't go wrong either way if the Explorer is your bag, and that's the thing, is it your bag. If it is and you take the time to learn it, you will do well.
 
Thanks for the advice Lillo. You sent me in the right direction. It may boil down to the difference of a few $100 so I won't rule out the Exp. 2. the x5 is as light as a Tejon so I have a nice light detector and don't mind swinging slow with a heavier one. Well the research is off to a good start. Thanks and good digging to you.
Brandon
 
my wife is sitting next to me and she is buying it as a birthday present/graduation present. She said that sounds better than a brand new one. Sounds good to me too but I wondered about the battery charger? Are used ones still good to go? Thanks for the info Ron.
 
Thanks again. I got the O.K. from my lovely wife so I'll be on the lookout. Thanks for the info about the coil too.
Brandon
 
Both are good machines. Inland I think they are equal, at the beach I give the edge to the EX II--it has stronger target response on deepies.

But the main thing is that whichever one you buy, make sure to get the Pro Coil. Best coil for the Explorer line ever, period.

Bill in S. CA
 
I just sold my back-up Explorer II to a guy in the Ukraine for $690.
And I bought a virtually unused Explorer SE from a friend.
Tim
 
Rechargeable batteries are being replaced with after market quick charge units.This setup works better longer duration and faster charge,but in most cases that shouldn't be a problem.Less of your money spent is better.
 
Just an FYI...there is an Explorer 2 on another forum for $499 postal money order. It looks to be in good condition and the post is from one of the regulars on the board. Send me a message if you want link and you can check it out, but for that price I guarantee it won't last very long so it may be gone.
 
Thanks Lillo but looks like I may as well wait for a deal on an SE with the Pro coil. We'll see though as my wife is starting to scrutinize the budget :) I think she is worried she may lose her husband again as she did when I got my DFX and then after I traded it for the Shadow X5. :wacko:
 
She may well, it's such an addictive hobby. I do think you will really like the Pro coil on the SE - very light and seems to be great as far as sensitivity and target separation too - much better than I was expecting for such a large coil.

I'm planning to buy an Etrac this Thursday - bonus gets deposited then which means it's time to try one of these out. If I really like it, I might sell the SE Pro. If I do and you haven't found a great deal by then, I'll let you know first before listing it so you get first shot at it. Given that you seem like a cool sort of guy I'm sure we could come up with a deal that would keep the wife happy - unless you are totally addicted to it that is! :) We'll see, I really like the SE Pro but if the Etrac just grabs me, then I might let the SE Pro go. Keep watching the deals though, I found mine right in the ads forum here, bought it for $875 shipped (25 extra for Paypal it was 850) and it is in like new condition and works great. For the Pro that's probably the going used and in good condition price range, but if I sell it to you, I'll do better for ya. Again we'll see no promises yet! :)
 
Top