The Minelab Excalibur II: Your Ultimate Water Hunting Companion
The Minelab Excalibur II stands as one of the most respected underwater metal detectors in the industry, particularly among serious beach and water hunters. This pulse induction machine has earned its reputation through years of reliable performance in challenging saltwater environments where many other detectors simply can’t compete.
What Makes the Excalibur II Special?
The Excalibur II operates on BBS (Broad Band Spectrum) technology, which gives it a significant advantage over standard VLF detectors when hunting in mineralized ground and saltwater. This technology allows the detector to operate at multiple frequencies simultaneously, typically ranging from 1.5 kHz to 25.5 kHz, providing excellent depth and sensitivity across a wide range of targets.
The detector’s waterproof rating extends to 200 feet (66 meters), making it suitable for both shallow water hunting and deep diving applications. This depth rating isn’t just a marketing claim – the entire control box, coil, and stem are fully submersible, creating a true all-in-one underwater detecting system.
Performance in Real-World Conditions
When you’re actually using the Excalibur II on a saltwater beach, you’ll immediately notice how it handles the challenging mineralization that typically plagues other detectors. The BBS technology essentially ignores the conductive properties of saltwater, allowing you to hunt right at the water’s edge or even in shallow surf without the constant false signals that drive many detectorists crazy.
The detector’s ability to find targets at impressive depths is one of its standout features. In wet sand conditions, I’ve consistently found coins and jewelry at depths that would be impossible for most VLF detectors. The trade-off is that the Excalibur II won’t separate targets as well as high-end VLF machines in trashy areas, but for many water hunters, the depth advantage far outweighs this limitation.
Key Features Worth Understanding
The discrimination system on the Excalibur II uses a unique notched approach rather than traditional visual ID systems. You’ll work with a three-tone audio system: low tones for iron and foil, medium tones for items like pull tabs and nickels, and high tones for coins and precious metals. Learning to interpret these tones accurately takes practice, but experienced users can become quite proficient at identifying targets before digging.
The threshold tone control allows you to set the background hum to your preference. Some hunters like a barely audible threshold for maximum sensitivity to small targets, while others prefer a more pronounced hum that helps them hear subtle changes when targets are encountered.
Battery life is another strong point – the detector runs for approximately 15-20 hours on eight AA batteries. This is particularly important for water hunting where changing batteries in wet conditions can be challenging.
Practical Tips for Getting the Most from Your Excalibur II
Learning the audio signatures takes time and patience. Spend several sessions in areas where you can dig everything to train your ear. Pay attention to how different targets sound at various depths and in different ground conditions.
The factory coil is a 13-inch round design that provides excellent depth and ground coverage. But, some experienced users prefer aftermarket smaller coils for trashy areas or tight spaces between rocks. The detector is compatible with various coil sizes, giving you flexibility for different hunting scenarios.
When beach hunting, pay special attention to the towel line and areas where people typically congregate. The Excalibur II’s depth capability means you’ll often find older items that other detectors miss, but fresh drops in high-traffic areas can be equally productive.
Maintenance and Care
While the Excalibur II is built for underwater use, proper maintenance extends its life significantly. After each saltwater session, rinse the entire detector thoroughly with fresh water. Pay special attention to the stem connections and control box seams where salt can accumulate.
The battery compartment should be checked regularly for corrosion, even though it’s designed to be waterproof. A quick inspection after each use can prevent problems down the road.
Who Should Consider the Excalibur II?
This detector is ideal for serious water hunters who frequently encounter saltwater conditions. If you primarily hunt dry sand beaches or inland sites, other detectors might serve you better, particularly if target separation is a priority.
The learning curve is steeper than many VLF detectors, so beginners might find it challenging initially. But, for those willing to invest time in learning the system, the Excalibur II rewards patience with exceptional performance in its target environment.
The Minelab Excalibur II remains a benchmark for underwater detecting performance. While newer models have entered the market, this detector continues to deliver results that keep experienced hunters loyal to the platform. Its combination of depth, saltwater handling, and durability makes it a tool that can serve you well for many years of productive detecting adventures.