want to know why

[detectorfreak74]

people say the sunray is to much weight now I never had an other detector but minelabs with sunrays is it that bad or heavy please whats the deal please understand I have no anger towards this subject I just don't understand
THX
H.H

 

[skyblast]

Yes, of course it's a tad bit heavier but it's so worth it. It's a give and take thing. If you have a sun ray probe you get all of it's advantages and if you don't....your detector is a bit lighter but then you are minus the best probe on the earth IMO

 

[detectorfreak74]

So my thing is why not have one it has the advantage over everything

 

[UtahRich]

Hey Detector Freak,

Each of the pin pointers has it's pro and con's. I have my own opinions about each of them that I've used. Several years ago I started using a Sun Ray X-1 probe on my Explorer XS and became converted to the benefits of a probe. Today, I can't imagine hunting without one. If you metal detect around old homes, parks, schools, ghost towns or wherever, and you don't use a pin pointing probe, you are leaving targets behind and damaging more targets than you should with your digging tools. End of story. A pin pointer helps find surface targets in an instant and tough targets in that hole that you can't seem to locate.

The Sun Ray X-1 probe is an excellent probe. It is very well made, in my opinion, and a great probe to use with the Explorer/E-trac line of detectors. If the additional weight or the expense of buying multiple probes is an issue there are very good alternatives out there like the Garrett Pro Pointer and the Detector Pro Pistol Probe.

There are lots of strong opinions out there and this subject has been hashed pretty well. A SEARCH on the subject will give you plenty of reading material for the day. Remember that for some, swing weight is an issue. If you are hunting all day long, it is an issue. As you get older and injuries accumulate and the muscle and joint aches last longer, weight can be a BIG issue and a major influence over what probe a person selects.

My opinion? Find a pin pointing probe you like and use it.

Rich (Utah)

 

[Gonehunting]

The Etrac is the first detector I have owned with a Sunray probe on it. I will be honest I will Never use a detector without one.... It is such a bonus to the detector, I couldn't see being without it.. My pouch is now lighter (minus the handheld probe), and less bulky, so I like the trade off... My 2 cents...

 

[Flambeaux]

Hey Eric..you have one on your E trac...does it bother you to have that much weight?..Remember im the old guy that has issues with too much weight..but i ordered one from so cal and should have it monday...and a digger like yours...

 

[McDean]

another use for the X1 is to scan coins and different objects inside your home on a rainy day... just lower sensitivity manually until stable. you can build custom patterns in edit mode, scan a rusty iron nail next to a coin to see how the signal mixes, turn coins on edge, hold two coins of different composition next to each other and note the readout, adjust settings in the comfort of home. It seems more like playing than anything but you will be familiarizing yourself with the sounds, menus, adjustments, etc... Good for when you have downtime or weather is nasty and may save you some time in the field...

Had the Etrac for about two months before I got the X1 (only probe I've ever used) it sure beats the heck out of waving handfuls of dirt over the coil and the "extra" weight... makes you slow your swing a bit, but this can also be to your advantage

Has anyone had their probe mounted on the upper stem AND the battery compartment? which do you like best and why?

HH Dean

 

[stasys]

my suggestion start using etrac with garrett pro pointer or other brand that you can carry in pocket or bag. learn what etrac weight does with you, if no problem by sunray x-1. but its adds more connections and possibility to brake on the way to the coil and its make some--very little - drop on detector depth, because on etrac,explorer from switch box to control panel sunray use around 10inch thinner cable, not like minelab original coil cable. I use sunray x-1 but my is modified and this season I will try to use other brand ,but dont know if I will like. good luck Stasys

 

[E-Trac-Ohio]

If I remember right - the Sun Ray Probe adds 11 oz. to your machine - just about everyone that uses one says they will never hunt with out one again - they must be that good !
A friend if mine has a Sun Ray probe mounted really far back on his E-Trac - because it mounted back by the arm cuff - you can hardly tell that his machine is heavier than mine.

I use a Garrett Pro Pointer because a lot of time I use yellow plastic tent stakes to mark anywhere fro 3 to 6 targets at a time - then I put my machine down - and return to the targets with my digger in one hand and pinpointer in the other. This makes hunting real easy - your not taking your headphones off - putting your machine on the ground and picking it up countless times all day long - It also gives you a break from carrying your machine.

So in my opinion - overall - the Sun Ray probe is the best pinpointer made - period - but for now - I plan on using my two Garrett Pro Pointers.

HH --- Mark

 

[utahshovelhead]

Hey DF,
The Sun Ray probe would be the way I would go if I did not have a shoulder problem as it has lots of benifits. The swingy thingy is the answer to the weight problem if it does start to get to you.

You will know when and if the machine gets heavy and adjust then if not dont worry it. After tearing my rotator when I just had to get out detecting I made my own swingy out of a great backpack and a bungie and learned to use the other arm more. The weight becomes the issue for me on the LONG hunts now some over 10 hours a day and I may go again the next day. Years of detecting, hard work and hard play added up.

I now am using the propinter just to keep the machiine as light as I can on that shoulder ( Ive gotten ok at the other arm but am much faster on the right especially when in pinpoint) and then I still have to dig with the bad arm even if I switch. Remember water, mud, weeds all put wear and tear on the machine and the shoulder(body) Short hunts no sweat now. LONG hunts for me its all about going light.

If you have no shoulder prob then your fine.

good luck,
utahshovelhead.
ONe last note: I dig the hell out of everything too and that has alot to do with adding to the weight and fatigue. "shovelhead"

 

[Bilko]

Hi

The Sun Ray is brilliant especially in pinpoint mode.

I have a bungee harness and the machine is not weighty at all...and I use an 18 x 15 SEF

 

[detectorfreak74]

cool thx all I'm a big guy and can handle the weight was just wondering what all the discussion was about and I got it TO EACH HIS OWN and thats cool with me I did not mean to offend any one if I did I sorry
HH TO ALL