Straight shaft?

[Mirco]

There is alot of talk about straight shafts. Anyone can explain why are they better than curved ones (PI PRO, Dual Field, MXT) ?

If they are better why manufacturers do not install them as stock?

If they are better is it possible to upgrade a curved one (PI PRO, Dual Field, MXT) to the straight?

Gracias!

 

[Bobbie]

At one time the manufacturers thought the curved shaft was better but the opinion on these forums is different. Most people like the straight shafts. I had the curved shaft on my Excal and it made that machine feel much heavier than what it is. Since I changed to a straight shaft with the electronics and battery pods under the arm cuff, the machine is well balanced and an easy swing in the waters.

 

[bdahunter]

Why don't the manufacturers install straight shafts as stock? An excellent question, I've asked Minelab to do this but they seem uninterested in changing to an ergonomic design. I guess they can save a few pennies by supplying their equipment with a shaft that is very uncomfortable to use and requires the user to spend an extra $100 + to correct the problem. I'm not picking on Minelab, the other manufacturers do the same thing but I mention Minelab because I have written to them about it.

Cheers,

BDA

 

[Mirco]

Why don't the manufacturers install straight shafts as stock? An excellent question, I've asked Minelab to do this but they seem uninterested in changing to an ergonomic design. I guess they can save a few pennies by supplying their equipment with a shaft that is very uncomfortable to use and requires the user to spend an extra $100 + to correct the problem. I'm not picking on Minelab, the other manufacturers do the same thing but I mention Minelab because I have written to them about it.

Cheers,

BDA

How to change PI PRO and Dual Field into straight for a big tall long armed and physically gifted man??!

Do you use vibrator?

 

[bdahunter]

I would suggest you contact a sponsor like Bill Babb's of Proscoop and ask him to make you a custom straight shaft. He'll need to know your height to determine the correct length so you're not stooped over when you hunt. Bad posture is harder on the back than a rigorous physical work out, you wouldn't lift weights incorrectly so why swing a coil incorrectly. Using a properly sized shaft will also help with your pinpointing because your coil will swing at a consistent distance from your body so it is easier to guage the distance to plant your scoop for target retrieval.
I won a vibraprobe 570 about a month ago and haven't used it yet. I should at least go try it out but I can't really see the point of a probe for water hunting. Once you master pinpointing and target retrieval a pinpointer is only good for getting into spaces where your scoop can't go like crevasses in rocks and the like, I would say that it is more of a land hunting tool.

Cheers,

BDA

 

[Craig-PI]

If I remember correctly... the reason the Excal comes with the curved shaft was it was originally made for divers and thats why it still comes with a curved shaft... I could be all wet to

 

[grumpyolman]

I use short, 18", straight shafts on all the detectors I use underwater and generally hip (chest) mount them. It's only when I wade that I need the longer straight shaft. Did use the Excal curved shaft for about 20 hours in the Bahamas and could see there was need for improvement. I made one from the long shaft that originally came with my Garrett Sea Hunter. Don't need to really spend lots of dollars getting a custom straight shaft if you have a drill motor and a measuring tape. Might have to hunt for some of the plastic or metal stock but that's some of the fun. However, if I had discretionary dollars I didn't need for something I can't build, I'd buy some of the good ones that are made by sponsors of this forum. Regards...Jim.

 

[Mirco]

I would suggest you contact a sponsor like Bill Babb's of Proscoop and ask him to make you a custom straight shaft. He'll need to know your height to determine the correct length so you're not stooped over when you hunt. Bad posture is harder on the back than a rigorous physical work out, you wouldn't lift weights incorrectly so why swing a coil incorrectly. Using a properly sized shaft will also help with your pinpointing because your coil will swing at a consistent distance from your body so it is easier to guage the distance to plant your scoop for target retrieval.
I won a vibraprobe 570 about a month ago and haven't used it yet. I should at least go try it out but I can't really see the point of a probe for water hunting. Once you master pinpointing and target retrieval a pinpointer is only good for getting into spaces where your scoop can't go like crevasses in rocks and the like, I would say that it is more of a land hunting tool.

Cheers,

BDA

I am great pinpointer in dry sand.
I am poor pinpointer in dirty water full of black sand. Sometimes to retrieve that hair pin I have to dig 10-15 full big scoops each one two-three times bigger than the Diamond! That is why I want to design my own water scoop five-eight gallon capacity!! I love to dig deep until I hear Chinese talk!!

 

[bdahunter]

Pinpointing is easy when you can see the coil but with a little practice pinpointing without any visual reference becomes second nature; even when the surf is crashing and the water is murky. Set you shaft at a comfortable sweep distance for you and the practice letting the scoop slide down to the same position after you've moved the coil. If your shaft is properly sized you won't be stooping so the scoop will naturally go to the same distance from you as your coil sweeps. All you have to do is line up the scoop with the location of the target and start digging. It should never take more than 3 scoops to get the target unless it is a really deep one that forces you to dig a crater to keep the walls of the hole from collapsing in on the target.

Cheers,

BDA

 

[JohnA]

why does Whites Beach Hunter and PI units come with the curved shafts and are waterproof to 25 and 100 feet respectively? The Infinium comes with a curved shaft but is waterproof to 200 feet like the Excal. You would think all these companies would offer a straight shaft as an option, but maybe it isn't cost effective (profitable) to build or outsource the product. I am just glad the electronics work well. Sure wish Whites would separate the battery compartment or pod like the Excal and Infinium.

 

[Craig-PI]

why does Whites Beach Hunter and PI units come with the curved shafts and are waterproof to 25 and 100 feet respectively? The Infinium comes with a curved shaft but is waterproof to 200 feet like the Excal. You would think all these companies would offer a straight shaft as an option, but maybe it isn't cost effective (profitable) to build or outsource the product. I am just glad the electronics work well. Sure wish Whites would separate the battery compartment or pod like the Excal and Infinium.

First off the Whites doesn't need a straight shaft in my opinion... they are both well balanced machines... the Excal on the other hand needed it.. I tried it for a few weeks with the curved shaft and it sucked swinging that thing lol.. Minelab should make a straight shaft as original equipment or have one model for divers and the other for waterhunters... just my 2 cents

I have no issues with the batteries the way they are.. I'm using the new lithium batteries that are supposed to last up to 8 times longer than regular alkaline batteries.. they better for $17.00 for an 8 pack... If you wipe the gasket with a clean dry towel after every time you open the case you will have no problems with leakage... I keep extra gaskets just in case but PI is underwater all the time no problems yet

 

[Mirco]

why does Whites Beach Hunter and PI units come with the curved shafts and are waterproof to 25 and 100 feet respectively? The Infinium comes with a curved shaft but is waterproof to 200 feet like the Excal. You would think all these companies would offer a straight shaft as an option, but maybe it isn't cost effective (profitable) to build or outsource the product. I am just glad the electronics work well. Sure wish Whites would separate the battery compartment or pod like the Excal and Infinium.

PI PRO and Dual Field have removable brain box that can be worn on the belt or on the chest.

 

[Cupajo]

Hi Gang,
The sifter/float I use has allowed me to capture many of those tiny items that the Infinium locates. I couldn't do it without my Vibra-probe!!! My eyes are not what they used to be and probably never were!!! With the PI probe I have found items so tiny in the sifter that I really had to search for them there. These are the same things that will drive you crazy when you have them fall through the holes in the scoop!!!

I don't like to leave anything behind that I will have to dig again and this combo prevents that!!! I've found bits of brass smaller than a BB Gun BB in size and the smallest little pieces of lead and aluminum you can imagine!!! One day I'm sure that there will be a diamond solitaire stud earring in that sifter (I live in hope!!!) and I would hate to think that I might walk away from such by allowing it to fall through the holes in my scoop!!!

GL &HH Friends,

Cupajo

 

[Diane]

Definitely. They are better balanced so that you can detect for a longer period of time. Also easier on the wrists.

 

[JohnA]

I have my eye on the new PI. I can only stand a couple of hours with Infinium signals although it really quiets down in chest deep water. Going to wait for more feedback on the new unit as one PI is probably enough for now.