I finally got my Sov detector!!! :D

[Lineweed]

After close to a month of research and lurking around ebay and forums, I finally get to meet my Sovereign XS-2pro

its a used model, not to mention that its old/outdated, but I thought that since I'm starting out, why not just try it out first? Everyone says the Sov series don't differ much in technology anyway.

I actually spent quite a bit of time searching through ebay and various forums for deals (all because ML restricts overseas shipment of new detectors big hassle for me) for CZ or Sov. was outbid a couple of times on good offers but then this one popped out.

It wasn't an auction but a "buy it now" @ 625 usd. I gave an offer of 550usd but the owner rejected it cause he doesn't ship out of US. I told him I will take care of the shipment and to my surprise, he accepted my next offer of 560USD!!!

I was super elated with that but also wary because this is my absolute first purchase on ebay, and was afraid of getting scammed (the offer was too good to be true to me)... I didn't need to have worried though.

Here's some pics



The list is as follows:

Sov upper & lower shaft
Sov XS-2pro
like-new 15x12 SEF coil
15" WOT coil
like-new Black Widow headphones
Hipmount bag
3 rechargeable battery packs
2 chargers

Not advertised in bid:
8 spare teardrop washers
4 nut & bolt sets

I really have no idea as to why the owner chose to let it go at such a price to me Am really very grateful. Also, I actually took this out for a trial run already, and I'm confused as to why the owner said the WOT coil doesn't work in disc, only all metal mode. It works perfectly well, as far as my untrained detecting senses can tell As for the coils, they may be oversized, but I'm hoping I made a right choice since I will detect exclusively on the beaches and hope the coverage and depth will win out the extra weight and other cons inherent to it.



Chris has also kindly lent me his broken scoop - I took it to a welder for ~$15usd. Chris wanted a pull scoop so I asked for a 70 degree angle weld but it turned out more towards 60 degrees

nonetheless I'm happy I have a scoop to work with - since this scoop is aluminium, I'm thinking the weld failed previously due to both pressure and corrosion to the aluminium in water, so I took the liberty to epoxy the weld area, hopefully it helps.



Although I got the offer @ 560usd, the shipping costs 35usd to my forward freight service. Still fair. Here comes the bad part though. Having no previous experience with freight shipping, I decided to trust the service of Borderlinx and have it sent to my country. To my horror, the shipping cost + taxes + fuel surcharges add up to 210usd All because of this:




I paid shipping for FOAM. Borderlinx flat out refused to repackage the detector although there is so much empty space. I understand the shaft is long but even so after repacking I would have cut the size by at least 1/5!

I asked another reputable freight shipping company, Comgateway, and asked if another shipment such as this came by, could they assist in the matter. They said sure, and told me that they would have repackaged the items into 2 boxes - 1 special box for the upper/lower shaft, and another for the rest. It would have cut the shipping cost by almost 150USD

All in all though, that was an expensive lesson learnt about freight shipping and buying overseas stuff, I'm at least wiser in this area now. Am still very happy that the detector works perfectly (I LOVE the iron mask)

I've already went for 2 "trial runs" to get a feel of the Sov yesterday (1 morning and 1 night totalling 5 hrs) and will update you guys on my progress soon.

Meanwhile, I will like to thank Chris, Craig, PeterK, and everyone who helped in one way or another advising me on my purchases. Your PMs and emails were really very helpful. Also, thank you so much Mod10x for selling this detector to me Had i not chanced upon the offer I probably will still be detector-less till now.

Here's my update on my first 2 trips out: http://metaldetectingforum.com/showt...81#post1179681

[chrispua]

Hi Ed, my heart goes out to you when I see how much you have paid for the MD, especially so the shipping cost! My gosh US210!!! You could have gotten a Stealth scoop including shipping for that price. Anyway, for your next purchase, ask your seller to get you the best shipping rate he can source.

I've recently ordered the Stealth and the Sov XS Pro and they are both shipped via USPS, I think they are as fast as Fedex and UPS but much cheaper.

Btw, I see that your MD comes with 2 x 15" coils. If you ever have the intention of selling one away, please approach me first, I may need one. My new MD only comes with the BBS 8"

Cheers.

[Lineweed]

hey chris, yea USPS is much cheaper - my experience with them in the past was that they were a tad bit slow though. Reliable nonetheless.

[Steffen70]

congratulation on the purchase of your detector.

You have made an excelent choise, and got the perfect package.

With the straith shaft and the hipmount bag, you can detect longer than you can stand up!

The WOT coil will be a killer on clean beaches, since it covers more ground, and will detect very deep! - look at youtube for a video, and you will find that they are basically standing in the holes they dug!

The other 15" coil you have is great too, and there's only one way to know which ones suits you best, and it is to bring them both to the beach, and test them on your hunting grounds.

Key to success with a WOT is to have a very good (Read BIG) scoop for recovery, and the pull scoop is in my opinion not perfect. A stavr or sunspot scoop would be better, but it can wait until you have found your first goldchain if the budget is tight.

The big scoops will also help you with your pinpoint trouble, since your aim is not as big a issue anymore .

Have a look at the competition your local beach, and pay attension to what detector they are using - yours is a killer in the wet sand compared to any single frequency detector, and you can use that information to your advantage.

good luck on the beach, and dont forget to have fun.

/Steffen

[WildDigger]

Congrats!!! I just got a Sov Gt and love it so far. I only have the standard 10 tornado coil. And yes as everyone says get ready to dig DEEP holes.

[biliff1]

I have a Sov GT and if they are alike (whick I assume they are) you will be finding deeper targets than the competition. Wet salt sand is no problem either! You will be happy! HH

[Maxheadroom]

Hi, I have just been offered a 2nd hand Sov. XS 2 Pro in mint condition with quick charge new battery pack.

I am a newbie that already you might have read on another thread and wish to go to the BEACH, both wet & dry.

¿Should I buy this out of date MD or wait and save for a new model Sov.GT...? quick replies needed on the back of a post card please!