UK METAL DETECTING

Redfoot · Joined: 06 Jun 2008 Posts: 1 Location: North East

I detect in woodland around and is verges of ponds streams on both pasture and ploughed fields I live only a mile from the beach though I have never detected on it.

S which machine is likely to provide the best service?

They are expensive machines so other factors need to be considered repiability over time durability are repairs/upgrades available?
Power consumption battery life and types
Accessories can the system be modified to give better performance in certain conditions/situations?
Weight / Balance I will be using this machine for many hours I do not want RSI

So given all the various factors above and any other relevant points which one of the two is the best?

malachite · Joined: 02 Jul 2007 Posts: 203 Location: The Toon

if weight is an issue forget the Minelab. The Tejon is not really a beach machine and the power consumption on the Tejon is high.

both machines can have extra coils attached for better ground coverage etc

mikejheard · Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 9:55 am Post subject:

Hip or chest mount the Soveriegn and you have a great all rounder and vg on beaches

UK Brian · Joined: 08 May 2007 Posts: 431 Location: Wales

I don't really like the Explorer due to the poor build quality, pinpointing, poor physical design and weight of the Mk 1. Things have improved over the years and those who have trouble detecting for long periods can use one of the bungy cord harness's and a smaller than stock coil or have a look at the new Pro version with its new coil.

The multifrequency principle of some Minelabs will give you great performance on pasture and salt beaches where some other machines struggle. On the other hand slow recovery in and around iron and the slow sweep speed means that most would rather use a T2/F75, XP Goldmaxx or Tejon on plough/spoil heaps and similar sites.

You could buy second hand (if from a dealer there should be some warranty) and go the two machines route...perhaps a Minelab Sovereign that will provide multifrequency for when you need it ie on the wet sand and team it up with a Tejon/Goldmaxx or similar faster recovery detector for when your on plough soil.
No worry about breakdowns as you will have a backup and you have a spare to lend out if you want to take a friend or member of the family out with you.

I've never had any problems with XP's, almost never with Tesoro but have had a few problems with Minelab especially coils. Third T2 but most of the build faults have now been dealt with and number three has been no trouble. Still feels fragile though so if your rough with machines the T2/F75 range might be best avoided.

devonsearcher · Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Posts: 33 Location: Plymouth

The weight of the SE/Pro is absolutely fantastic... and a major improvement to the Explorer range, in fact with GMP control box mounted on the front it is as not as well balanced as the SE, and actually feels heavier..

The build quality of the newer Explorers (II,SE) is very good, and not flimsy like the Mk1's were. It can easily be used all day with the new Pro coil.. and pinpointing is spot on, as is the EXII..

Depending on how experienced you are with Explorers, adjustments can be made to setting's in order to speed up the recovery, it will still not be as fast as the GMP, but better when on an iron infested site and combined with a slow sweep speed. However, for what you want a machine for I would go for a Sov and then you have a machine that you can use on the type of areas you mention.