Another "Which machine should I buy?" thread! Muwahahahahaha

[oxbowbarefoot]

I know this topic has been covered ad nauseam, however, we all have our particular set of detecting needs. I am looking for a detector that would excel in both fresh and salt water.
I have owned both an AT-Pro and and Excalibur II (10in coil) and enjoyed each for different reasons. I noticed that my AT-Pro was fantastic in fresh water but was erratic at best in the salt water. My Excal was very stable in both fresh and salt, but for fresh water I preferred my ATPro. I also preferred my ATPro on land due to its great target separation and identification (not to mention it's light). I would like my new machine to be able to double as a land machine backup for my Deus and as a detector to let friends use. I'm not looking into PI machines at this time, but will likely in the future if I dedicate more time to water hunting. As much as I liked my ATPro, I really want a machine that it going to be a winner in the salt water as much as it is in fresh.
Mineralization will be a factor as I plan on hunting the beaches of New England where I will surely encounter some challenging ground conditions.
My budget isn't a huge concern, but I would rather not shell out $2,500 on a CTX3030 unless it really is the best of both worlds.

Any advice would be fantastic, thanks in advance!

p.s.
An used machine would be great (especially if there is time left on a warranty). If anyone is looking to sell a water machine, PM me please.

 

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[bigscoop]

If budget isn't a big concern then don't try to put it all into one machine. There just isn't a perfect do-it-machine.

 

[Terry Soloman]

Best of luck.

 

[oxbowbarefoot]

If budget isn't a big concern then don't try to put it all into one machine. There just isn't a perfect do-it-machine.

Perhaps an ATPro and an Excal for $400 less than a CTX3030.

 

[Sandman]

Nothing at all wrong with the Excal for the water and land if you hip mount it. You could also get a CZ-21 as it is great in fresh water and salt water. Built like a tank and can also be hip mounted or hung from your neck with the Fisher chest harness. The harness isn't listed on the web page but you can call them and order it. I use the harness and its great.

 

[bigscoop]

My biggest complaint about both the Excal and the CZ-21 is the inability to change coils. The Excal you can modify to allow for this, which I'm preparing to do. But as far as factory design, a small coil can be great "sometimes" and a large coil can be great "sometimes", so as good as these two machines are they're still not perfect beach and water machines. My suggestion, buy a used one and modify it so you can change coils, upgrade the headphones, add a straight shaft, and add the remote switch. After all of this now you have a truly fantastic and very versatile beach and water machine for close to the same price as a new Excal with none of the mods and a fixed coil size. This should set you up just dandy for any beach/water conditions you might encounter.

 

[streetglide]

Hello. My first detector was a whites mxt. I found a lot of stuff with that machine. When I saw what bling other people were finding in the water,I bought the excal 800 with the 8 inch coil. That detector works great in waist deep water, but it's small coil sucks on the wet sand for it's size. So I bought the excal 1000 with the 10 inch coil. I have had both machines for 3 years and both have paid thems selves off. I have tested the CTX along with both excals that I have and Dont' plan on up grading. My 2 cents worth, good luck Joe from Santa Barbara

 

[jyt2017]

You want another machine that does more, when you find it hit me up so i can get one,

 

[Atlas]

The Sov GT might be the answer if you are strictly beach/wet sand hunting and maybe knee deep surf. Same circuit as the Excal + notch I think and the ability to change coils. I guess it's discontinued now but you might find one used. Explorers and Etracs should work good on the dry and wet sand and have lots of options with aftermarket coils.

I like my Excal 1000 as my all around water machine. Some guys put the waterproof connector on it and use different coils. Other guys have both a 1000 and an 800. I have a 3030 but haven't used it in deep water yet. It worked great in the wet and dry sand on florida beaches. I think the meter will be useless in the water and like the simplicity of the Excal for water hunting.

 

[oxbowbarefoot]

Well, I bought an AT-Pro for fresh water and as a backup for my Deus. Now I'm looking for an used CZ-21 or Excal for salt water.

 

[Atlas]

I like your choices. I have an AT Gold in addition to some other water machines and it is a great freshwater machine. I've always wanted to try one of the CZ's. Let us know how it works out.

HH

 

[Zodiacdiverdave]

Hey that's funny OBBF, I was thinking of getting a Dues as a back up for my AT Pro...... na just kidding but I am thinking of getting a XP, it looks like a great machine.
ZDD

 

[I Dig Jesus]

My advice, once you get hot on a couple of machines, RENT them, see if they work as well for you, and oxbow bring in a very valid, and accurate point about there not being a do it all machine, here's one reason why, I believe my V3I can hold its own against anything on the market, BUT.......I'll be dang if I am going to risk taking it trolling in the ocean (risk VS reward). So you really need a couple of machine IMO. Which, 2 bucks and my opinion will get you a cup of coffee (in some stores!) So Rent, see what you like, before you get stuck!