Minelab Explorer II
Street Price $1200 - Coin, relic
Number of Reviews: 75
on 8 pages.
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Also in this price range:
Minelab Explorer II
Explorer XS
Bobby Dadario in New England -
I have been detecting for over 20 years. Started with a Whites Coinmaster and graduated to a Fisher 1265x (which still works!). I read a lot of good things about the XS and decided to purchase a used one because it had target ID and because it can handle saltwater mineralization. If all I detected were beaches, I would rate this a 4. Too heavy and not balanced well enough to earn 5 stars. Impressive depth and backlight is great for early morning hunts. Also, works in wet sand..... I mean, really works! Now the bad news.... 1/8" adapter stinks, and it broke, hard as hell to pinpont using the stock doubleD coil, heavy, not well balanced, coil works loose and is sloppy, mostly plastic, damn noisy machine with all those tones, and ugly color. I really think these machines are overrated. I used it for a 1+ year and thought it was very difficult to pick out the good tones from the junk. Also you will be swinging very very slowly. This machine is in no hurry to reset.
Sep 07, 2009
10 Yes
0 No
best salt water
jondav in s.wales u.k. -I've had my explorer 2 for 4 years now, I have to say its stability on salt wet sand is revolutionary. I have used loads of detectors on the beach, all bar this one sounds off all the time. Don't get me wrong the fisher 1265 was good, but you had to get used to the chatter. This one is quiet until a target is found. I don't know why its classed as a "learning curve machine". I just switch on and go. Deepest I've ever used.
Sep 02, 2009
1 Yes
0 No
Minelab vs.Tesoro
Mike R. in Berlin Germany -
I was shocked to read Greg-Michigans´ report on the Minelab After-Sales Service! 000 dollars for a repair. I love my Explorer (not the weight) and have had some great finds. I just hope it does not go wrong as my Tesoro did, just beeped at everything, but then it was getting on(at least 7years old). I sent it off to Tesoro England (I live in Germany) and they sent it to the US. I got it back in perfect working order and it did not cost me a penny. That is After-Sales Service. Don't want everything for nothing but be reasonable, WAKE UP MINELAB.
Aug 17, 2009
2 Yes
0 No
Only as good as the person behind the detector
Indiana in USA -I don't understand why people would knock the explorers for. I just started detecting about 2yrs ago and my first machine was a Whites I will say I made a few good finds with it. This past March I purchased a used Explorer II from a friend of mine and all I can say is WOW! My silver coin finds have tripled from all of last yr. I think a lot of the problem is people see others finding stuff and end up getting one but not wanting to take the time to learn it you have to move slow where as with a Whites you don't have to go as slow. I have seen a few purchase a new Minelab and a wk later are ready to sell it "LOL" News Flash it will take some time but if you be patient it will pay off big time don't think just because you got a $1000 + detector the coins are gonna jump in your pocket cause it just is not gonna happen. Remember there is no easy shortcuts I will tell you it is not as hard as some make it out "Remember the detector is only as good as the person behind it" Good luck and HH
Aug 10, 2009
8 Yes
1 No
One Great detector..
Jack in Missouri -I've been detecting about 10 years, Used a Whites XLT for 7yrs & had some decent finds, but finaly decided to trade it in for a Minelab Explorer II.. That was 1 year ago, it was the best thing I ever did..Found a barber dime & ruby ring my first time out, Now I have a box full of silver coins including-Silver dollars, Half dollars, barbers, sitting liberty, mercs & even half dimes..It does take some time to learn but well worth it..
Aug 04, 2009
7 Yes
3 No
A very pricey flute band.
Jeff k in New England -
I suspect the positive reviews for this detecter are by Minelab employees. Like flute music? Then this is for you! If you want a detecter you don't need a Phd to use forget this one, I'm selling mine and getting something that actually works.
Jun 18, 2009
10 Yes
15 No
Minelab rocks
PJ in Louisiana -After owning a DFX for 1.5 years, I decided to sell it and purchase an SE Pro. If anyone is unhappy with their iron falsing Whites, buy a Minelab. Since I've purchased my SE Pro my coin finds have gone through the roof. I actually have to hit the same spots that I did with my DFX. I recently hunted a small front yard that I pounded to death with my DFX. I immediately pulled a 1945 Walker-half which was at 9 inches. Why didn't I find it before? I didn't find it because the DFX aka all Whites products are good for finding shallow coins and iron.
Don't believe the hype about the learning curve with the SE. If you are an experienced hunter you'll get the hang of it quickly. Another plus is that you don't have to adjust 100 settings like you do with the Whites machines.
Anyone that tells you they can pull coins from 9+ inches with a Whites is lying. If you want to find the deep coins get the machine with the FBS technology.
May 21, 2009
16 Yes
2 No
EXP II learn and start digging.
Ed Donovan in Hurlock, MD USA -It is no doubt the EXP II is a top machine. It addressed a few problems associated with the original EXP XS. If you put a new lighter 11" pro coil on it you can cut a little weight. I have had the same problems as others, split screen and cutting off. I sent for repair, they replaced the main board and sent a new battery holder. Mine cut out when I put is down or hit anything , even a light tap. The batteries were moving in the case and a momentary loss of power turns of the machine. If you get this problem check your battery holder and the contacts in the machine. My repair was under warranty, the only cost was shipping to them. I did return my warranty registration card when I got it. Recived a 2 year warranty plus 2 years for free for a total 4 year warranty. It was a smooth repair process and took about 12 days. It actually sat in a UPS termnial for 3 days. Minealb turned it around at there place in three days. So far I put my money on the EXP II and it and Minealb have had my back.
May 14, 2009
6 Yes
1 No
RE-Explorer SE is a piece of junk
Anonymous in US -John in portland, OR -
The reason that this a a piece of junk because, my ace 250 works better is more accurate and goes deeper. I regret spending moneyof Explorer SE. i could have bought 6 ace 250s instead for entire family. SE is a very slow machine does not work on all soil condition and it is only ok for beach that is it, do NOT buy it I REGRET OVERPRICED
You obviously didn't have the mental capacity to figure this great machine out..Its not just a turn and go machine like the ace 250, I would put a yrs wages on a contest between your ace and my explorer in any ground conditions on coin finds, jewelry finds or any finds...
Apr 26, 2009
11 Yes
9 No
The Perks and My Problem
Greg in Grand Rapids, Michigan -I have been using the Minelab Explorer II for about three years now and I have absolutely loved this machine. It gets great depth and pinpointing is almost dead on accurate. But recently, the machine started shutting itself off saying "Battery flat....cannot sustain performance" and shuts down. I tried new batteries, both regular and rechargeable and the machine still displays the same message. I contacted Minelab and was told that I was out of luck, to send it back and for any repairs that I was looking to spend around $1000 for the repairs (if any were needed). I was suggested to purchase a new Minelab Explorer II as the price for repairs and to purchase a new detector would be about the same. That sucks.....I don't have that kind of money laying around :(
Mar 20, 2009
23 Yes
0 No