Minelab Explorer II

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

20 Yes
2 No

Was this helpful to you? 

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

17 Yes
2 No

Was this helpful to you? 

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

36 Yes
2 No

Was this helpful to you? 

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

13 Yes
5 No

Was this helpful to you? 

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

25 Yes
38 No

Was this helpful to you? 

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

29 Yes
4 No

Was this helpful to you? 

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

13 Yes
1 No

Was this helpful to you? 

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

27 Yes
28 No

Was this helpful to you? 

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

44 Yes
1 No

Was this helpful to you? 

The Explorer ll exceeds my expectations.

Ron From Michigan in Oxford Michigan -
I'm a seasoned hunter and have used a lot of metal detectors, and find this Minelab amazing. The Explorer ll is excellent for finding old coins in parks thought worked completely out. Even with the stock 10 inch coil I reached depths of 10-11 inches on old silver dimes. Once learned very easy to use. The tone variation and ID screen gives the user a lot of information. The Explorer ll is a confidence builder. HH Ron

Mar 02, 2009

13 Yes
2 No

Was this helpful to you?