Should I get an Etrac now or wait until next season in hopes of an Etrac II

[boretti4blues]

I am very close to having enough funds to upgrade my setup from a Fisher F2 to a Minelab Etrac. I have a good chance of buying a slightly used Etrac for $1000. this week possibly, which is a good deal. I'm not sure if I should make the deal or wait until next season in hopes an Etrac II will be launched by Minelab. I probably only have two more months of hunting before the ground freezes here but I am just anxious to get an Etrac. Knowing my luck, I will get the Etrac and Minelab will release a Etrac II with color display, gps, touchscreen, and wireless headphones. It's just a matter of time..for this technology to be used. But I also don't want to miss out on a good deal....What should I do??????

[Jressman]

I am waiting for the etrac2. Chances are when they hit the market you will see a lot of etracs for sale really cheap. I love my Explorer so when I upgrade I want to be set for at least a few years. That's why I am holding out for a second generation etrac.

[David in DC]

Just a thought, but you might not want to be the first guy on the block to get one. Let them work out any potential kinks with the model. That said, Jressman has a good point, even if you don't jump on a II you may see Etracs up for sale cheaper (not mine though, I'll wait for the III or IV before upgrading again ).

[box]

How long have it been between Minelabs other upgrades before?

Im looking forward to see a upgrade as im thinking of getting a E-trac next year.

[mcdoogal]

Did not know a II was comming out. Cool. wish they would ask current users for improvement suggestions.

[Big Boys Hobbies]

The E-Trac came out in 08. Anyone looking for one feel free to call me. I can make you a great deal on one.
Prices on it just went up today. I wouldn't be looking for a new one anytime soon.

[boretti4blues]

Originally Posted by box

How long have it been between Minelabs other upgrades before?

Im looking forward to see a upgrade as im thinking of getting a E-trac next year.

I'm not sure, but based off Minelabs past history, about every 3 years they release a new version. At least that is what I have heard.

[dogpound]

Originally Posted by Big Boys Hobbies

The E-Trac came out in 08. Anyone looking for one feel free to call me. I can make you a great deal on one.
Prices on it just went up today. I wouldn't be looking for a new one anytime soon.

just curious
why would prices go up on a machine thats been out for 3 almost 4 years?

[Jason in Enid]

Originally Posted by dogpound

just curious
why would prices go up on a machine thats been out for 3 almost 4 years?

Because they feel the profit gain will be more than the customers who saying "too expensive now". Truthfully, if someone was willing to pay $1495 for one, they will pay $1595 for one too.

[Jason in Enid]

Originally Posted by mcdoogal

Did not know a II was comming out. Cool. wish they would ask current users for improvement suggestions.

There's not a II coming out. People have been suggesting that since the first year the E-Trac was released.

[goodmore]

just curious
why would prices go up on a machine thats been out for 3 almost 4 years?

Corporate greed!

[RWJR13]

Originally Posted by goodmore

Corporate greed!

Right on mark....

[Epi-hunter]

What is there to improve upon?

Color screens? Wireless headphones? Does that mean you will find more? I have color screens and wireless headphones with my v3i, and I use the E-Trac.

BTW, wireless headphones aren't nearly as good as Killer B's or Grey Ghosts. I'll put up with the cord, it's well worth it. The wireless headphones ate a set of batteries every trip out, and didn't have the sound quality as the above, and were much heavier and more uncomfortable to boot. Not for me.

[BountyHunter]

Originally Posted by boretti4blues

I am very close to having enough funds to upgrade my setup from a Fisher F2 to a Minelab Etrac. I have a good chance of buying a slightly used Etrac for $1000. this week possibly, which is a good deal. I'm not sure if I should make the deal

SNIPP

But I also don't want to miss out on a good deal....What should I do??????

Wait untill next year, finish off this season with your Fisher F2.

Next year you will find again some E-Trac selling for around $1000, no need to rush now and have it sleep through winter.

[TimC]

A new offering will have to be substantial to warrant an upgrade to a newer machine. Just some new marking and a little more flash wont get it done. In this economy it will have to be revolutionary, not evolutionary.

[bigstemz]

for anyone who has used an etrac do you really need more options in an etrac two?

sure they could add options but idk how much more there is to improve upon.

i think the only thing i would like approved upon is easier switching between patterns, not that its bad now though i mean you can change pattersn in like 4 button pushes.

what do you all think would be improved upon?

[Jason in Enid]

Options? no, no improvements there. What I would like is the ability to name my saved programs since it has cool computer upload feature (which was useless until recently).

A change in the E-Trac would really need a change in technology, which would then make it a whole new detector. The ability to identify gold seperate from aluminum would be a great change!

[metaladdict]

I havent heard of minelab thinking of a new detector? BE CAREFUL make sure your used minelab is real and not a chinese counterfeit!...I think the GPX models are more cloned than the others.

[Surf Master]

I am still waiting for Minelab to back the product with a 5 year warrenty,the only thing i saw is the price go up for 08 technology,due to cost re-locations,in places other than the USA,bottom line for me,it cost me over 600.00 bucks for 2 minelabs to get fixed outside the warrenty period,waited 2 months for each to be fixed,Minelab needs to step up to the plate,looking at a fisher Gold machine now 5 year warrentyminelab my stock pile is:2 Fishers maybe 1 more on the way,2 Whites,and 3 Minelabs,so here we go! All manufacturers should back Land detectors with a 5 year warrenty,water 3 years,if you want to raise the prices,in return back your product............

[stewart73]

Originally Posted by TimC

A new offering will have to be substantial to warrant an upgrade to a newer machine. Just some new marking and a little more flash wont get it done. In this economy it will have to be revolutionary, not evolutionary.

Agree.