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Carl, or any one else. Has anyone determined which would be a better, more accurate, greater depth and stable machine? Some (from other sites) have said the DFX is great while other hail the Minelab Explorer. Any comments, theory or personal use. Thanks, Shawn.
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Re: DFX or Explorer - which one is a better machine?
I own both machines but I really can't answer your questions. Having used an XLT for a while, the DFX was simple to pick up and use. I was not initially impressed with it's performance (vs the XLT), but I've since tweaked it up a bit.
The Explorer is sufficiently different from other detectors that it takes quite a while to learn. I'm not there yet; in fact, I've only taken it out twice. From what I've heard, quite a few people have given up on it because it's difficult; those who stick with it think it's a wonderful machine.
Right now I'm hunting some pretty trashy sites and I keep going back to the XLT and a CZ7 because I have small coils for these. One of the limitations of the DFX & Explorer is the lack of coil variety, not even sure what's out there for the Explorer other than an 8". There's a 5" for DFX but I don't have it yet.
So, all I can say is that the Explorer will require some dedicated learning time. The DFX will too if you've not used an XLT (or Eagle), but not as much. And either one is probably a no-lose situation.
- Carl -
Re: DFX or Explorer - which one is a better machine?
There is one easy way to narrow your choice. Can you detect for several hours without trouble ? With the Explorer I can't. Its style rather than good design. I need light weight (XLT/DFX is fine) and good balance. Having said that its the deeper machine on all sites.
Re coils...the Explorer has several sizes and shapes. The people I respect in metal detecting have almost all got some model of Minelab for the iron and salt rejecting abilities and good target seperation. Most though use the Explorer as the back-up machine to really clean out an old site.Comment
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Re: DFX or Explorer - which one is a better machine?
Brian,
There is a hipmount kit available for the Explorer. You can order it with the cable extension length you want. Kellyco has a tube/clamp to waterproof the connection in the water. I plan on getting one and putting the Explorer in a waterproof backpack and go wading it. Fresh water only.
Here's the site if you haven't seen it.
Explorer hipmountComment
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Re: DFX or Explorer - which one is a better machine?
Carl,
Would you have an update on this post? I have a DFX which I'm very happy with (wish I had a 12-14 inch coil, though), and have seen the Minelabs in action, but no one has had the time (or desire) to allow me to put them side by side for depth and performance comparisons. Have you had more time with the XS yet? Also, you said you tweaked up the DFX. How did you do that? Is it something anyone can try, providing they know the risks?
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