straight shaft versus S shaft on the exterra

[mitwes56]

Has anyone converted the factory S shaft over to a straight shaft and can give me a un-biased opinion on it? The reason I am curious is because of the 10 1/2 in dd coil I have. That coil seems to thro the balance off because of the way the lugs are not centered on the coil. It does feel nose heavy and is tiring after a couple of hours. If the straight shaft puts it into better balance I would be interested in getting one. There is a company that makes the straight shaft for the exterra and I figured they would not do that unless there was a demand for it. Sooooo opinions would be appreciated on it. thanks

 

[morelic55]

I've done it, balances great. The straight part is off a Whites M6.................................

 

[mitwes56]

did you have to do any modifications to the whites shaft to make it fit? Where can I buy the m-6 shaft by itself?

 

[Digger]

I purchased a Sovereign GT straight rod and one of Plugger's grips for the X-TERRA. Nice fit! Great balance. The beauty of having the Minelab Sovereign shaft is that I can use it on my X-TERRAs or my Advantage! HH Randy

 

[morelic55]

Yes, you have to drill new snap button holes 180 degrees of of the whites shaft. Kinda hard to explain until you get the M6 shaft from a Whites dealer or I guess you could call the factory for one.........

did you have to do any modifications to the whites shaft to make it fit? Where can I buy the m-6 shaft by itself?

 

[mitwes56]

randy thanks for the input. Sounds like what I want to do . I guess the plugger grip replaces the one on the soverign? So the xterra control head fits properly? Where can I get a plugger grip? Do you by chance have a picture of your xterra setup modified like that?

 

[mitwes56]

n/t

 

[Digger]

When you buy the Sovereign straight rod, it does not come with a grip. You can buy them, but they cost extra when you get just the straight rod. I saw Plugger's listing on ebay and wrote him, asking if he would just sell the grip for the X-TERRA. He did for $20 shipped. It is basically the same as the Minelab grip, but has a hole in the top where you attach the X-TERRA housing stem. Heck, it might be a bicycle grip for all I know! LOL Regardless, it works.
I am unable to post a link to his website. But if you do a google search for rods by plugger, you'll find it. If you don't, drop me a PM. HH Randy

 

[David]

Thanks morelic, and great idea Randy! I have a fiberglass straight shaft for my GP-3000(that will fit the Sovereign also) that I have on my Musky right now that I recently purchased a CoilTek 15" WOT for and I wanted a non-metallic upper shaft in case the coil picks it up. With that custom handle from Plugger I can use this shaft on my X-70 also. I bought that Otto fiberglass straight shaft from Doc's Place. Anderson Detector Shafts also sells a straight shaft called the Minelab Gold Shaft usually aluminum but in special order available in non-metallic carbon fiber. For less money a carbon fiber straight-shaft is also made by a fellow named Herb from near San Diego, and they can be purchased through Rob('s Detector Sales) Allison in AZ, and I think from Arizona Outback as well.

For the X-Terra's all a person would need is only a non-metallic middle shaft for the existing stock upper shaft. Keeping it a 2 pieces for more compact transportation in a suitcase. Also I am wondering if the lower shaft can be pushed up all the way(without being blocked at the connection) with a 2-piece upper shaft?

Also here is another idea to add to a straight shaft to get the headphone cord out of the way.

 

[Danno]

I'm going to look around for a Carbon or FibreGlass Shaft. I'm finding my arm starts to ache after a few minutes with the stock X-Terra setup.

I've tried all the adjustments but still find it uncomfortable.

I believe Anderson Shafts are coming out with a Carbon setup for the X-Terras.

Danno