I am new to Minelab but no stranger to metal detecting, having used other brands for more than 10 years. Earlier this year I decided to try beach detecting due to the high cost of gold and invested in a Minelab Excalibur II. [split] At first I found it frustrating to use, having no display telling me what I was finding and at what depth. Gradually, as time went on and with the help of more experienced Minelab users, I began to understand the different tones and sounds of the Excalibur II. At the same time, I began digging better quality targets more often. September has been the best month yet with the detector, digging more than 200 coins and a half dozen rings in only four trips to the beach. Two of these rings are gold; one 14K weighing 7.6 grams, the other is 18K weighing 5.6 grams . The total melt value of these rings alone is nearly $500, which has offset quite a bit of the cost of the detector! I found these rings by watching other people metal detecting with their non-Minelab detectors. When they left a spot I would follow, knowing that their detectors would not reach the deep targets...the heavy rings. The Excalibur II is an amazing metal detector, and it allows me to get into the heavy surf where rings and other jewelry are likely to come loose. Needless to say, you have a loyal customer here! When I dig a few more rings I am going to cash out and put the money toward an E-TRAC!

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