What Makes the Minelab Excalibur II Special
The Minelab Excalibur II stands out in the metal detecting world as one of the most capable underwater detectors ever made. Released as an upgrade to the original Excalibur, this machine brought significant improvements in discrimination and target separation.
Built with Minelab’s proprietary BBS (Broad Band Spectrum) technology, the Excalibur II transmits multiple frequencies simultaneously – from 1.5 kHz to 25.5 kHz. This multi-frequency approach allows you to detect a wider range of targets with better depth and discrimination than single-frequency machines.
Key Technical Specifications
The Excalibur II operates at 17 frequencies simultaneously, providing exceptional depth on both small and large targets. The machine runs on eight AA batteries, offering approximately 10-15 hours of hunting time depending on conditions and battery quality.
With a weight of 5.2 pounds and a length of 53 inches, it strikes a good balance between stability and maneuverability. The control box is fully waterproof to 200 feet, making it suitable for scuba diving applications.
Underwater Hunting Capabilities
The Excalibur II truly shines in aquatic environments. Its waterproof design extends to the stem, coil, and control box – everything is submersible. This makes it ideal for beach hunting, shallow water wading, and even deep-water scuba detecting.
The machine’s discrimination system works exceptionally well underwater where traditional VLF detectors often struggle with false signals from salt water. The Excalibur II’s BBS technology minimizes these issues, allowing you to hunt productive areas that would overwhelm other detectors.
Beach Hunting Advantages
Beach hunters particularly appreciate the Excalibur II’s performance in wet sand conditions. The machine maintains stable operation where other detectors produce constant chatter from salt mineralization. This stability means you can actually hear the good targets instead of fighting false signals.
The 10″ Double-D coil provides excellent ground coverage while maintaining good target separation in trashy areas. Many experienced beach hunters report finding valuable targets in areas they previously wrote off as too mineralized for effective detecting.
Performance Features and Settings
Understanding the Excalibur II’s settings is crucial for maximizing its potential. The machine offers several key adjustments that experienced users can fine-tune for specific hunting conditions.
Discrimination and Sensitivity Controls
The Excalibur II features a variable discrimination control that allows you to accept or reject targets based on their conductivity. The visual discrimination indicator helps you understand what the machine is seeing before you dig.
Sensitivity can be adjusted to match conditions – higher settings for clean areas and lower settings for trashy or mineralized ground. Finding the right balance between depth and stability is key to successful hunting.
Audio Tones and Target Identification
The machine produces distinct audio tones for different target types. Low tones typically indicate iron and foil, while mid tones represent items like pull-tabs and brass. High tones signal silver, copper, and other valuable non-ferrous metals.
Learning to interpret these audio cues accurately takes practice but pays dividends in the field. Many experienced users can identify target types with surprising accuracy based solely on the audio response.
Practical Tips for Excalibur II Success
Getting the most from your Excalibur II requires understanding both the machine’s capabilities and effective hunting techniques.
Proper Assembly and Maintenance
Always ensure all connections are properly tightened before water hunting. The machine uses O-rings at connection points that require occasional lubrication with silicone grease. Rinse the entire detector with fresh water after salt water use to prevent corrosion.
Check the battery compartment seal regularly and replace O-rings if they show signs of wear. A compromised seal can lead to water damage that’s expensive to repair.
Search Techniques for Different Environments
In shallow water, use a slow, overlapping sweep pattern to ensure complete coverage. The Excalibur II responds well to slower sweep speeds, which often provide better depth and target identification.
For beach hunting, focus on the towel line and areas where people congregate. The machine’s discrimination capabilities allow you to work trashy areas that would overwhelm other detectors.
Target Recovery Strategies
When you get a good signal, use the pinpoint mode to precisely locate the target before digging. The Excalibur II’s pinpointing is accurate and helps minimize digging time and beach damage.
In sandy conditions, a sand scoop is essential equipment. For water hunting, a floating sieve can save considerable time and effort when recovering targets.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Like any specialized tool, the Excalibur II presents some challenges that users should understand.
Dealing with EMI Interference
In areas with electrical interference, the Excalibur II may produce false signals or chatter. Reducing sensitivity or adjusting the discrimination pattern often helps. Some users report success by slightly tilting the search coil during sweeps.
Managing Battery Life
While battery life is generally good, heavy use in challenging conditions can drain batteries faster. Using high-quality alkaline batteries or rechargeable NiMH batteries provides the best performance. Always carry spare batteries for extended hunts.
Learning Curve Considerations
The Excalibur II has a learning curve, particularly for users transitioning from standard VLF detectors. The multi-tone audio system and BBS technology require practice to master. Spend time in your yard testing different targets to understand the machine’s responses.
Accessories and Upgrades
Several accessories can enhance your Excalibur II experience.
Recommended Search Coils
While the standard 10″ Double-D coil works well for most applications, some users prefer the optional 8″ coil for tight spaces or extreme trash conditions. The smaller coil provides better target separation but sacrifices some depth and ground coverage.
Essential Accessories
A good quality sand scoop is essential for beach hunting. Look for models with reinforced handles and effective sifting capabilities. A sturdy finds pouch or detectorist’s apron helps organize your recoveries.
For serious water hunters, a weight belt helps maintain position in currents, while a good quality wetsuit extends your hunting season in cooler waters.
Comparing to Modern Alternatives
While the Excalibur II remains a capable machine, newer models like the Excalibur II offer some improvements in technology and features. But the original Excalibur II still holds its own in terms of raw performance and reliability.
The key advantage of the Excalibur II is its proven track record and widespread availability on the used market. Many experienced hunters prefer its familiar interface and reliable performance over newer alternatives.
Value Proposition
For beach and water hunters, the Excalibur II represents excellent value, especially on the used market. The machine’s durability means well-maintained examples remain highly functional despite their age. The ability to detect effectively in challenging salt water conditions makes it a valuable tool that can access productive hunting areas unavailable to other detectors.
Real-World Success Stories
Many detectorists have found significant treasures with the Excalibur II. Beach hunters regularly report finding gold jewelry, silver coins, and other valuable items in heavily hunted areas where other detectors struggle.
The machine’s depth capabilities have produced notable finds including colonial-era coins and relics from depths that surprised even experienced users. These success stories demonstrate the Excalibur II’s capability to produce results in challenging conditions.
Beach Hunting Achievements
One common theme among successful Excalibur II users is their ability to work trashy beach areas effectively. The machine’s discrimination and target separation allow hunters to focus on good targets while ignoring most junk. This capability often means finding valuable items that others have missed.
Final Thoughts
The Minelab Excalibur II remains a top choice for serious beach and water hunters. Its combination of depth, discrimination, and waterproof reliability makes it a versatile tool for challenging environments.
While newer models offer some technological advances, the Excalibur II’s proven performance and value proposition keep it relevant for both experienced hunters and those entering water detecting. With proper technique and understanding of its capabilities, this machine can produce excellent results in conditions where other detectors struggle.
For anyone serious about beach or water detecting, the Excalibur II deserves serious consideration. Its ability to handle salt water mineralization while maintaining good depth and discrimination makes it a unique tool in the metal detecting world. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just starting out, mastering this machine can open up new detecting opportunities and potentially lead to exciting finds.