You’ve found the definitive Minelab Excalibur II review.
The Minelab Excalibur II is an underwater metal detector designed with superior technology. It is easily one of the best scuba metal detectors. This detector is ideal for beach and underwater treasure hunting and an excellent choice for mid-level to advanced metal detector users.
The Minelab Excalibur II is expensive like most underwater metal detectors and can be challenging for beginners due to its complex usability. It is better suited to experienced metal detector operators and is rated as one of the best metal detectors for deep-diving treasure hunting.
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What features make Minelab Excalibur II metal detector excel
All the specifications
Where it falls short
The answers to the most common questions
and much more…
Then definitely don’t miss this Minelab Excalibur 2 review.
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Minelab Excalibur II is a solid detector for underwater search, but it’s only for those serious about metal detecting.
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This metal detector is one you should consider when looking for a detector that ticks all the boxes. Considering its unique features and capabilities, finding another that can outshine this one is hard.
This being said, all metal detectors have their drawbacks, and to determine which one is best for you and your treasure hunting, we’ll explore all that the Minelab Excalibur II has to offer.
Design And Appearance
The Minelab’s detector has a well-thought-out design. Its design is fluorescent, so it will be easy to find even if you drop it while searching for treasure underwater. It’s made from high-quality parts and includes a nickel metal hydride battery which lasts longer than most other batteries.
The shaft of the Excalibur II metal detector consists of two sections, the standard shaft (45 – 48 inches) and the dive shaft (32-36 inches). Its handle works best when used underwater, and there is a built-in armrest.
There are five knobs in the control unit. The first allows you to choose between Discriminate or Pinpoint mode, the second is Threshold control, third is Volume, fourth is Sensitivity control and the last one is Discriminate control (when Disc mode is selected).
The battery holder and control unit is fitted to the upper section of the shaft. When using this detector, your elbow fits seamlessly in the armrest.
The Excalibur II has a slimline 10-inch coil that reduces the metal detector’s weight and helps improve balance.
This detector uses BBS technology that is highly sensitive in detecting and deciphering different objects and has 17 frequencies that range from 1.5 kHz to 25.5 kHz.
The rechargeable battery lasts 12 hours. The Minelab Excalibur II does not have a visual display, but with its design and features, a visual display is not necessary. The iron mask discrimination feature pinpoints potentially valuable items while going around iron masking.
Features
The Excalibur II has a range of functions and features that are designed for metal detecting underwater. In addition, the Minelab Excalibur II can be enhanced even more with additional accessories, including skid plates, a car charger, and a 90-degree blue shaft.
Some of the most notable features of the Minelab Excalibur II include:
Search Coil
It has a DD coil configured to operate better in salt water. Only one search coil comes with it, and this coil comes in two size configurations, the 8-inch and the 10-inch.
These coils are only available in two sizes because this detector is designed to be lightweight and slim. There isn’t a need to feature heavier coils or coils in multiple sizes for this type of detector. Metal detectors designed for underwater or deep diving are not the most popular, so there isn’t a demand for interchangeable coils.
The coil efficiently provides a fast target response. A dismountable plastic casing protects it from being damaged by rocks or uneven surfaces.
Operating Frequency
The Minelab Excalibur II has multiple operating frequencies with its BBS technology. It operates on 17 frequencies ranging from 1,5 kHz to 25,5 kHz. Minelab’s unique Broad Band Spectrum technology (BBS) offers excellent performance on the beach and in many different underwater environments.
The most significant benefit of the multi-frequency technology is that it can accurately pick up possible targets even at a maximum depth, regardless of soil mineralization and other metallic and non-valuable objects found in the same area.
The detection depth in this model increases with the help of RCB technology. This technology improves the signal from small valuable objects and silences false alerts and other noises.
Search Modes
The Minelab Excalibur II has only two search modes, and this may seem like a disadvantage to some treasure hunters, but considering its specific design and its usability, it’s perfect for metal detecting on the beach and deep sea detecting.
The two search modes on this Minelab detector are the discriminate mode and the All Metal Pinpoint Mode. The discrimination mode can be adjusted to increase or decrease the sensitivity for better detection. Pin point mode helps the user to spot the exact location of the target.
Auto Ground Tracking
The auto ground tracking feature enables the Minelab Excalibur II to tune itself automatically according to the soil changes underwater and increases the likelihood of finding targets.
Noise Cancellation
The noise cancellation is designed to work in saltwater conditions. It prevents false signals by canceling the noise caused by electromagnetic interference and mineralization by shifting the signal frequency.
Waterproof
The Minelab Excalibur II is waterproof up to 196 feet for a good signal but can withstand depths of 200 feet and is one of the only detectors that can be used at that depth. The headset is also waterproof.
Minelab Excalibur II Performance
The Minelab Excalibur II performs excellently underwater and does pretty well on the beach too. This tool is better suited for seasoned metal detector operators. You’ll need a good amount of experience in detecting and diving to find valuable targets.
The settings on the Minelab Excalibur 2 are simple, considering it is designed for more professional users. The beach settings are comprehensive but easy to understand once you’ve got the hang of it.
Minelab’s detector maximizes the experience for metal detector users while minimizing false signals. Although this is incredible for performance, it is also challenging for novice treasure hunters.
With the Excalibur II, you can expect to detect items like lost jewelry and coins. It can also see targets that are non-ferrous metals and ferrous targets.
If you’re looking at taking your metal detecting to the next level, you could purchase the Minelab Excalibur II 1000, which comes with a few additional accessories and a carry bag.
Vs CTX 3030
The Excalibur is more water resistant, making it suitable for underwater detecting, while the CTX 3030 offers more search modes, GPS, and wireless audio capabilities.
| Minelab Excalibur II | Minelab CTX 3030 | |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | 1.5 kHz – 25.5 kHz | 1.5 kHz – 100 kHz |
| Search Modes | 4 (all-metal, two-tone, three-tone, pinpointer) | 5 (coin, beach, relic, high trash, and user-defined) |
| Waterproof | Yes (up to 200 ft) | Yes (up to 10 ft) |
| Ground Balance | Automatic or Manual | Automatic or Manual |
| Discrimination | Adjustable | Adjustable |
| Iron Discrimination | Yes | Yes |
| Target ID | Visual and Audio | Visual and Audio |
| Target Separation | Excellent | Excellent |
| GPS | No | Yes |
| Wireless Audio | No | Yes |
| Battery Life | 12-14 hours | 11-13 hours |
| Weight | 5.1 lbs | 5.2 lbs |
| Warranty | 2 Years | 3 Years |
Pros and Cons
The Minelab Excalibur II is almost flawless in design and an excellent option for those wanting a deep-sea treasure-hunting metal detector.
However, this metal detector’s weight is the most widely reported issue. Although the specifications list that it is lightweight, users said it is heavier than many other metal detectors for use in shallow waters or beach metal detecting.
Some users reported that after years of use, it started to produce false signals even when the coil was in good shape and the battery was fully charged. Users reported that the only fix for this was to replace the battery.
Are you still deciding whether the Minelab Excalibur II is the best metal detector? Here’s a list of reasons that make it one of the best on the market and a few that potential buyers should consider before taking the leap to purchase this metal detector.
- Good pinpoint
- Comfortable headphones
- 8 or 10-inch coil options
- BBS technology for better detection
- Can handle depths of 200 feet
- Excellent balance and stable performance
- Excellent target pinpointing even in different water conditions
- It can be heavy when used in shallow water and on land
- The battery will need to be replaced
- For advanced users and is not suitable for beginners
- Steep learning curve when it comes to usability
FAQs
Is the Minelab Excalibur II waterproof?
Yes, it is fully waterproof and can be used for underwater metal detecting.
Is it good for saltwater?
Yes, it is specifically designed for use in saltwater environments and is highly recommended for beach and shoreline metal detecting. For the best beach detectors check this article.
Can the Excalibur 2 detect gold?
Yes, it is capable of detecting gold, along with other metals like silver, copper, and iron.
How deep can the Minelab Excalibur II detect?
The depth range depends on various factors, including the size and conductivity of the target, the search mode, and ground conditions. However, it is known for its impressive depth capabilities and can detect targets up to several feet deep in optimal conditions.
Conclusion
This metal detector has acquired an impressive reputation since its release in 2007. Many customers report being satisfied with their purchase.
Very few other metal detectors can face off against the Minelab Excalibur II. Although it isn’t designed for beginners, its multi-frequency technology and depth tolerance make it one of the top metal detectors.
➜ Read about the best Minelab metal detectors here
