<p><strong>I have been metal detecting since before the mid 80's.</strong> Throughout the years I tried a variety of machines, and they all have provided me with a good measure of success. I always enjoyed the hobby, even during those years when I had to drastically cut down on my detecting time. However, the last two years, 2009 and 2010, have been exceptionally fun and exciting.</p> <p>Back in early 2009 a close friend loaned me her Explorer SE. I had successfully been using a Sovereign GT at the time, but the Explorer had been on my list of detectors to try, and I now had the opportunity to do so. I gave the Explorer SE a good workout for a little over two months and I made several nice finds during that time, including a total of 56 silver coins.</p> <p>The results were undeniable, and I was now contemplating purchasing my own Explorer SE. However, at the time I also had my eyes on the E-TRAC, another machine that, according to reports, was also proving to be exceptional at coaxing old coins from 'hunted out' sites. I very much enjoyed using the Explorer SE, and I certainly would not hesitate to use it at any time, but when the opportunity to own an E-TRAC presented itself, I jumped at it.</p> [split] <p>I began using the E-TRAC back in May 19 of 2009. Initially it took me a bit of time to adjust to it, to learn its 'language', to come up with base settings I felt would offer me the advantage I needed to pick up good targets from trashy sites. Once I managed that though, the E-TRAC did not disappoint. During my first twelve months of detecting with the E-TRAC - May 19 2009 through May 18 2010 - I found a total of 744 silver coins.</p> <p>Last year, 2010, proved to be a record year for me in terms of total silver coins found (1,000), 838 with the E-TRAC and 162 with the Excalibur; total silver coins found with the E-TRAC during individual hunts, (29, 26, 21, 20, 19...); and total large copper coins found (89, twenty of them during one hunt). There were also many other assortment of old coins, rings, and relics. A summary of the finds I made during 2010 can be viewed by clicking <a href="http://www.americandetectorist.com/forum/index.php?topic=3903.0">here.</a></p> <p>The E-TRAC has definitely proven to be a winner, and I look forward to enjoying several more successful hunts with it.</p>