MineLab Etrac

[Clean Dirt]

Hello there, fellow diggers.

I've owned a Bounty Hunter Discovery 2200 for quite some time.
I'd like to step up to something... better. While I'm not knocking my BH, I guess you could say that I've watched quite a few MineLab videos. In particular... the Etrac. I realize the learning curve is on the steep side. But it capabilities are pretty awesome.

I've learned that MineLab has discontinued this model. I was under the impression that the Etrac had a great reputation. Making a long story, short... would it be worth my while to pick up a used model? Do these detectors "go bad"? I found a good used Etrac, where the owner is asking $700, of course, it includes everything it originally came with, including the box, and a Garret pinpointer. It doesn't look like it's been abused. From the way the listing is described, I get the impression that the seller isn't involved in the hobby. The listing is over two years old. But, it was at the top of the search results, as well as being somewhat local.

If it actually works, like it's supposed to... would I have stumbled on a good deal?
I'd really appreciate ANY input you could offer. -Thanks.

 

[Coin-Saver]

If you just want one then go for it. Seems to me that machine has a great track record. For the money you could get a lighter machine and newer technology. As far as a deal, I would say it's average for an Etrac.

 

[Cherry Picker]

That is a tad steep unless it is a really clean and not super old E-Trac. I love mine and still use it when I really want to be productive with the really deep coin in our city park. I'd be using it instead of my Deus 2 if it were not for dealing with a physical handicap that makes hunting with a heavy detector tough.

The learning curve can be fun, but once you got that FBS tones, you'll pull coins at depths you never thought you could. King of the deep silver cherry pickers in my opinion. I would pay $700 for a real nice one.

 

[Martin_V3i]

I saw one for sale yesterday somewhere, for $550.

 

[Dug13]

I have had mine for 11 years, really like it. Lots and lots of training videos and books out there to help you tune it in.
If it has been listed for 2 years, would definitely haggle price down. $700.00 is too much for a discontinued machine.
If you can get the serial number, you can probably find out how old it is.

 

[randy]

I've had mine over a decade and dug well over 1400 silver coins with it. Mine was one made in Australia, not sure if that matters. I have had to buy an aftermarket battery, replacement coil, and a couple of aftermarket coils and aftermarket phones. That comes with the territory of an old machine. The learning curve really isn't that bad if you are focused on silver coins. I just have a custom silver program and all I ever adjust is the sensitivity and the noise cancel.

The big downside is the weight/balance. It is heavy and not balanced well. Not a big deal if you are younger, but it matters as you get older. Also, not a good beach machine.

FWIW, I think $700 is a bit steep. I paid $1000 for mine used 13 years ago.

 

[hoser]

I swear by mine. It has been the best detector I have used, and CherryPicker is correct in saying it is a very deep detecting machine. Yes it is heavier than the new units on the market, but at 74 yr. old I have no real problem swinging it for 5+ hr. per trip. I do recommend it. The learning curve is fun and the possibilities are almost endless.. Good luck.

 

[Clean Dirt]

Thank you for the quick responses.
I was considering etrac BECAUSE of silver. STILL haven't found one. Silver is good. That's what I'm aiming for.
I used to watch Daddy Digger (the guy who sounds just like Jack Black). He was plucking them out of the ground, like they were going out of style (wait... silver coins ARE out of style). Anyhow... he was sporting an etrac. I always thought they were the pinnacle of detectors. So, when I heard that they were being discontinued, I was curious as to why. I really like the depth display, as well as the variable tone and manual ground balance. I can handle a little more weight than my BH, as long as it's not a boat anchor.

As you can tell... I'm a relic of the past, and change is not my strong suit. However, I'm not prone to blowing a wad of dough on something that may cost more to fix, than it's actually worth.

Since you all know what kind of detector I'm after... I would like to purchase a MineLab product, in a $700-$800 price range, that is comparable to an etrac. Is there such a thing?

Thanks again EVERYONE for giving up your 2 cents.

 

[Dflan83]

I dont have my etrac anymore because I upgraded to the CTX but I echo what others have said. For coins FBS are hands down the deepest and stable machines that you can buy. Some will argue this point with me over multiq but I just havent seen it prove itself the way FBS and BBS have.

700$ it would have to be in pristine condition, which can be found but you will have to look for it. My advice is to call up some sponsors and see if they have any backstock and what price they can unload it for. You might be surprised at what $$ you can save by doing that.

 

[too_pointer]

hoser does great with his Etrac, even "at his age "lol
too_