WHAT'S NEW
Deus 2 Shafts Are Here!
Mon January 16, 2023 12:27 AM
Hi, all!
I wanted to take a moment, to offer some updated information regarding the Deus 2 shafts. As of mid-December 2022, the Deus 2 shaft project moved officially into "production mode." An initial batch of 34 shafts was produced, and sent to the first 34 customers on the wait list. Also, immediately upon receipt and inspection of the parts needed to build that first run of shafts, I placed orders with my suppliers for all of the parts needed to begin a second production run (expected to be 42 shafts).
Currently, the wait list for the second run of shafts is nearly full; I expect this second run of shafts to be sold out, or nearly so, by the time all parts arrive, within the next 2 to 3 weeks (i.e. by the first week in February, 2023). Once the parts arrive, I'll immediately begin production on the second batch of shafts, and in addition, I'll initiate orders for all of the parts needed for the next production run.
At this point, I do not have the shafts listed under the "Products" section of my page. The reason for that is I wanted to wait until I fulfilled all of my shaft pre-orders, reserved by customers on my wait list. Until that is accomplished, the shafts are not technically "in stock" yet (despite being in production mode). Therefore, it seems more logical not to list them on the "Products" page, yet. As soon as all of my pre-orders are filled, and I have shafts "in stock," and ready for purchase, I will then list them on the Products page (at which time the special $229 (plus $21 CONUS shipping) "introductory" pricing will expire, and the shafts will be listed at the regular $259 (plus $21 CONUS shipping) pricing for a shaft in "standard" configuration).
I also wanted to mention that in addition to the "standard" configuration, I'm also offering the shafts with two additional "add-on" options...
- "Counterweight-ready" option This option includes addition of a threaded female fitting in the butt end of the shaft, and is capped with a screw-in end cap. This fitting facilitates the use/attachment of my optional counterweight system, for those who find the Deus a bit imbalanced/nose-heavy, especially when swinging one of the larger coils.
- "Inside-the-Shaft antenna wire" option This option includes holes in the shaft -- one in the top of the middle section and one in the bottom of the lower rod (on the underside of the tubes) -- to allow the antenna wire to be run inside the shaft, for those who prefer that capability.
Either of these options can be added for an additional $20 charge (or both, for $40).
I also wanted to note that I will also be selling spare lower rods, for anyone who would like to keep a lower rod permanently attached to each of their coils (for easier coil swaps, while "in the field"). The lower rods will run $65 plus $10 shipping if purchased separately, or can be purchased at an "add-on" price, if ordered in tandem with the complete Deus shaft, for $60 with no additional shipping charge.
Finally, I've had a number of customers ask about colored shafts. In time, I do plan to offer these shafts in several different color options. However, it will take some time for me to get caught up from the backorders, and reach the point where I can begin stocking the colored tubes, in addition to the standard black. However, if a colored shaft is of high importance to you, I may be able to produce a few colored shafts as "custom" orders, using tubes already in stock. Please contact me for details, at steve@stevesdetectorrods.com
Thanks!
Steve, Steve's Detector Rods
Deus 2 Shaft Project Update...
Mon October 03, 2022 5:32 PM
I am making good progress on the D2 shaft project. The last loose end is the remote-control mount. The one that was tested by my field testers was a non-locking version, similar to the one that is on the stock shaft. However, over the past couple of months I've been working to revise the design to include a locking mechanism on the mount. That revised design has been completed, and I have a few 3D-printed samples of this new locking version of the mount en route to me. I need to test these new mounts to be sure the dimensions are correct, and that the locking mechanism works as intended.
Prototype Locking Mount
As soon as testing on the locking mount is complete (I expect that it won't take long), and assuming it works as intended with no design tweaks needed, then I will initiate production of the injection mold needed to produce the new mounts. Usually, it takes about 4 weeks to produce a mold, and then I'll immediately have the first batch of those mounts produced with the new mold. Production of injection-molded parts only takes a couple of days, and then they can be shipped to me. All other parts for the first production run of shafts have been ordered -- some I have already received, and some remain in production, with receipt expected in 3 to 4 weeks. So, it's just the mounts that are the delay at this point. As soon as I receive them, I'll begin producing -- and shipping -- the first run of shafts to customers.
I already have a large number of names on an informal "wait list," but will be setting up a "formal" wait list as soon as I confirm that the 3D test mounts are proper, and have begun production on the necessary injection mold.
If you have any questions, let me know. If you are interested in purchase of one of the shafts once they are ready, and want to let me know ahead of time (prior to the formal "wait list" being announced), send me an email, and I'll be to make note of it.
Steve, Steve's Detector Rods
Prototype Deus 2 shaft testing is underway...
Wed August 24, 2022 10:32 PM
Steve's Detector Rods has designed, and is testing, a new Deus 2 shaft...
With the recent introduction of XP's new Deus 2 detector, I continue to receive tons of questions, and interest. As such, I began work on a new, all-carbon-fiber shaft for the Deus 2, and have been working on it for several months. At present, the shaft is moving through the testing phase, with completion/production to commence in as timely a manner as possible (early this fall is the target, barring any unforeseen/unexpected major design changes arising from the field test stage).
My goal with this shaft, as is the case with each shaft that I design, is to "maintain" what is "good" about the factory shaft, and then offer improvements for aspects of the shaft that I feel are less than optimal. This project has been a challenge, as for one, I'm not a Deus user, and additionally, it has required an entire re-design of all parts and pieces -- as my shaft will utilize round (carbon-fiber) tubes, whereas of course the XP stock shaft uses tubes of "trapezoidal" shape.
In general, I have endeavored to maintain as much of the "feel" of the stock XP shaft as possible, so that there's some "familiarity" there for Deus users. For instance, the handle -- though mine will be an all-carbon-fiber handle -- is similarly shaped to the one on the stock shaft. I also like the "collapsibility" that XP incorporated into the stock shaft, and so I kept that idea; mine will "collapse" in a similar way to what the stock shaft does (i.e. via a cam lock, the middle section can be slid back, toward the "arm cuff end" of the shaft, so as to reduce the "footprint" of the machine for easy transport). The stock shaft is also light weight -- which I am seeking to maintain by utilizing an all-carbon-fiber design (though I am not sure yet what the final, total weight will be -- but I expect it to be equal to, or slightly lighter than, the stock shaft).
However, there are some "flaws" which I noted in the brief "examination" I performed on the D2 shaft, along with some areas for improvement, and I've also made note of other flaws/potential areas for improvement which have been pointed out to me by some Deus users with whom I've engaged in some discussion. These include:
- The shaft is too short for a sizeable number of taller users
- There is excessive "flex" in the lower rod, especially when extended to near maximum length
- The "stand" below the arm cuff is not tall enough to allow the machine to rest "upright," and thus is essentially useless
- Many "water hunters" want the ability to run the antenna wire to the control box in an "inside the shaft" manner
- The "thumb motion" required to access the buttons on the remote is unnecessarily awkward, due to the fact that the remote, when mounted on the shaft, protrudes too far "back toward the user/away from the handle," as opposed to the front face of the remote being more "flush" with the handle
- Somewhat insecure attachment of the remote-control mount, which allows the potential for the remote to become inadvertently dislodged
So, the above 6 items are among those I'm seeking to address; below are the characteristics I expect my shaft to offer...
- Maximized "collapsibility" (similar to the stock shaft)
- Light weight (all components of my shaft, with the exception of the remote-control mount, the cam locks, the end cap, and the lower rod "clevis" where the coil bolt fits through) will be carbon fiber -- to include the tubes, the handle, and the arm cuff/stand.
- Customizability (including the option for longer shaft sections, to fit taller users)
- Stiff, stable, flex-free carbon-fiber tubes
- Taller stand, to allow the machine to rest in proper, upright position
- The option for internal routing of the antenna cable (still working out the details)
- A more "recessed" position of the remote-control mount, relative to the handle, which will allow the front face of the remote to be more "flush" to the handle; this will enable easier, more comfortable access to the remote control buttons
- I'm working on the possibility of a "locking" remote control mount, to more properly secure the remote control to the shaft (this is still being worked on).
The shaft will initially be available in black color, but I expect to offer at least some colored options in the future. I am hoping to have the field testing completed by the end of September, and -- barring no changes that would require major redesign, which I'm not expecting -- am aiming to have the first production run of shafts available by late October. Given the complexity of the shaft, plus the custom, all-carbon-fiber components (including handle and arm cuff/stand), the shaft will be more expensive than other shafts I offer; I expect introductory pricing to be around $229 plus shipping.
If you have any questions, or suggestions, I'd love to hear them. If you are interested in purchase of one of the shafts once they are ready, and want to let me know ahead of time, send me an email, and I'll be to make note of that, so that you can be included in the initial production run.
Steve, Steve's Detector Rods
Introducing My New "CarbonPro" Line of Minelab Equinox Shafts...
Sat August 13, 2022 9:16 PM
My new "CarbonPro" line of shafts is here!
I'd like to announce a brand-new line of Equinox shafts -- my "CarbonPro" line of shafts. These shafts will be available at a substantial discount, as compared to my "Steve's Detector Rods" line of shafts. My CarbonPro line of high-quality 100% carbon-fiber shafts, utilizes the exact same tried-and-true Steve's Detector Rods designs, the exact same parts and materials produced by the exact same suppliers I've always used. The only difference between a CarbonPro shaft, and a "Steve's" shaft of the same configuration, is that the CarbonPro line of shafts is factory assembled by one of my most trusted carbon-fiber tube producers.
The idea behind the CarbonPro line, is that as my business continues to grow, having some of my "standard-configuration" shafts assembled at a carbon-fiber factory, allows me to produce shafts in greater quantity, to meet the increasing demand. This also allows me to focus my own time on hand-building the more complex shaft configurations, and on the custom builds that many customers request -- under the "Steve's Detector Rods" brand name. The CarbonPro line of shafts are of "standard" configuration -- i.e. not "counterweight-ready" (at least, not at this time). They are available in both black, and red/black color, and can be purchased as a complete set (upper and lower shaft), OR upper shaft only (with the upper shaft fully compatible with the factory Minelab lower rod). Of course, CarbonPro lower rods are also available separately, for folks who wish to have an extra lower rod available for each of their accessory coils.
Steve, Steve's Detector Rods
Thoughts About Counterbalancing, and the Optional Counterbalance System for Steve's Equinox Carbon-Fiber Shaft...
Sat March 02, 2019 6:25 PM
Why counterbalancing -- is it necessary? Does it really help?
When I was working on designing improvements to the stock Equinox shaft system, one obvious area that I felt could stand to be addressed, was the ergonomic deficiencies/nose-heaviness of the unit -- something that becomes ESPECIALLY noticeable when employing one of the larger coils. Most folks who have swung the 6" coil on their Equinox report no issues; they feel that the machine is very comfortable/manageable with the 6" coil attached. However, despite the fact that Minelab has gone to great lengths to keep the 11" stock coil, and especially the 12" x 15" accessory coil, as light as possible, the fact is, nonetheless, that placing 500 to 650 grams (roughly 1 to 1 1/2 pounds) of weight at the end of what is essentially a long lever, will present some issues.
The "science" behind counterbalancing...
To illustrate the issue as it pertains to the "nose-heaviness" of the Equinox, we need to think back to the ideas of levers and fulcrums and leverage that were taught in high-school physics class, or even just picture the grade-school playground's see-saw/teeter-totter. As we know from science class, the situation with a metal detector is that we are placing a relatively large amount of "mass" (the coil) at the end of a long "lever" (the shaft). Therefore, the coil is essentially "using leverage to its advantage," so to speak -- with gravity acting on the coil so as to exert a multiplied downward force at the end of the shaft. And therein lies the issue. In order to keep the detector from resting in a fully vertical position (coil down, butt-end of the shaft up), due to the "downward" force applied by gravity to the coil, an equal but opposite force must be applied. So, how is that "counter-force" applied? Well, in terms of the Equinox -- a machine with virtually ZERO weight at the "butt-end" of the shaft, the detectorist must supply ALL of that "counter-force" needed, in order to keep the detector swinging in proper "detecting position." In other words, the detectorist must exert enough counter-force, with their wrist/arm/shoulder muscles, to counteract the "leverage" of the coil's downward force being exerted out at the end of the shaft. THIS is why the Equinox feels so "nose-heavy", and why counteracting that nose-heaviness causes discomfort for many users. And, again, thinking about the "fulcrum" and "lever" concepts, applying a counter-force AT THE HANDLE of the machine (i.e. at the "fulcrum,") means that the detectorist is not able to take advantage of the "leverage" idea, when applying this "counteracting" force. The ONLY way leverage could be utilized, would be if there were some force (i.e. weight) BEYOND the handle, near the butt-end of the shaft, acting to oppose the downward force of the coil. It is HERE, that the idea of "counterweighting" therefore enters the picture, to solve this dilemma.
How much counterweight do I need, and how long must my counterweight tube be?
Now that we have considered the concepts, it becomes clear that to achieve some ergonomic improvement, and reduce the "nose-heaviness" of the unit, one of two things must happen -- EITHER the coil end of the shaft must be lightened, OR counter-weighting must be applied, at the butt-end of the shaft. And so, unless we wish to swing the 6" coil at all times, a counter-balance of some sort becomes the most logical consideration, if improving the machine's ergonomics is desired. This is where the idea of my "counterweight tubes" sprang from. If some "downward force" can be applied at the butt-end of the shaft, the result would be a substantial reduction in the need for our wrist/arm muscles to do all the work in applying that "counter-force." In other words, with counterweighting applied, the machine would logically become much more comfortable to swing, with less stress on the user's wrist/arm/shoulder muscles. However, this still leaves the obvious question unanswered -- HOW MUCH weight is needed, and how SHORT can that counterweight tube extending from the butt-end of the shaft be kept (so that it is not excessively long/cumbersome)?To answer this question, it should be acknowledged that a sort of "balancing act" exists (no pun intended) -- that being, the need to keep the counterweight as light as possible and as short as possible, while still achieving significant improvements in ergonomics (i.e. the "swingability" of the machine in terms of user comfort).
In an "average" scenario involving the Equinox, achieving PERFECT balance requires roughly 28 oz. of weight if swinging the 12" x 15" coil, and around 24 oz. for the 11" coil. Given the counterbalance tubes I'm using, this amount of weight requires a roughly 7" long tube. However, as mentioned earlier, adding this extra 1 1/2 pounds of weight, and a nearly 7 inch extension of the shaft, is NOT necessarily desirable for many. Though most might agree that "perfect balance" is good, adding that much overall weight to the machine is not something that some folks would wish to do. And along those lines, I'd like to note that PERFECT balance is NOT a requirement! What should be remembered is that for every ounce of counter-weight added, a direct reduction in the amount of muscular force you must exert on the control-box handle is effected. So, then, the next obvious question is, then "how much" counterweight is "enough?" Of course, this answer is different for each person, but I will offer some information that will hopefully help.
First, I will note that I have made the counterweight tubes CUSTOMIZABLE, in terms of overall weight/length; I can build the counterweight tubes to whatever length/weight a customer desires (up to a maximum of 7" long). Additionally, I have designed the tubes to be ADJUSTABLE, in terms of the amount of weight contained therein, by incorporating a threaded end cap on the tube -- so that weight can be easily added or removed by the end user. I provide small, sealed bags filled with lead shot, with the bags of a diameter that matches the inside diameter of the tube. These small bags of various weight (4 oz., 8 oz., etc.) can be added or removed from the tube quickly and easily, to accommodate any situation (coil changes, user fatigue, etc.) Therefore, EXACT amounts of counterweight do not need to be decided upon initially; the ability to add or subtract weight from the tube permits customer experimentation "in the field," to eventually arrive at the most comfortable weighting.
For any customer that is fairly certain that they do NOT wish to add the whole 1 1/2 pounds of perfect-balance weight to the Equinox, but WOULD like to add enough weight to feel a noticeable improvement, then a good compromise is 13 to 17 oz. of weight -- which could be contained in a tube as short 4 1/2" long. The reason I suggest roughly 13 to 17 oz., is because 17 oz. (assuming an "average" situation) is the amount of weight needed to bring the same degree of balance, when swinging the 12" x 15" coil, as you have when swinging the 6" coil. In the same vein, only 11 oz. or so of weight is needed to make swinging the stock 11" coil feel JUST LIKE swinging the 6" coil.
With all that said, I suggest that most customers select the roughly 4 1/2" long counterweight. This tube weighs about 5 oz. when empty. With the tube, I would include two small plastic bags of lead pellets -- one, with roughly 8 oz. of weight (i.e. the amount lead shot needed to bring the overall weight of the tube up to 13 oz.), and then a second, small plastic bag with an additional 4 oz. of weight inside. This way, the user has FOUR quick, easy weight adjustment options, without ever changing the amount of lead shot contained in either of the bags:
- run the tube EMPTY, for a total of 5 oz. of counterweighting;
- run the tube with ONLY the 4 oz. bag in it, for a total of 9 oz. counterweighting;
- run the tube with ONLY the 8 oz. bag in it, for a total of 13 oz. of counterweighting;
- run the tube with BOTH bags inserted, for a total of 17 oz. of counterweighting.
As mentioned, I can build a custom-length tube, as short as 1 1/2" long, or up to that full 7" long -- based upon any customer's wishes. For instance, if a customer KNEW they would want only 8 oz. of counterweight, and never any more than that, I would build that customer a roughly 2" long tube, with one "shot bag" containing roughly 3 oz. of weight, and this would satisfy their requirement. On the other hand, if a customer desires PERFECT balance, and doesn't mind the extra weight/length, I can build the full 7" tube, with 28 oz. of weight included. The point here is that the length/weight of the counterbalance is entirely customizable. Meanwhile, though, my recommendation for any who are not sure, would be to select the 4 1/2" long counterweight that will hold up to 17 oz. of weight -- which, again, will make ANY of the Equinox coils feel slightly lighter/more balanced than the machine feels whenever the small 6" coil is being used.
Hopefully, this explanation helps to answer many of the questions a customer may have, in terms of how much counterweight (if any) they would like to consider, with their Equinox shaft. For additional information on counterweighting, or on the Equinox carbon-fiber shafts in general, please contact me at steve@stevesdetectorrods.com.
Steve, Steve's Detector Rods
Minelab Equinox Complete Carbon-Fiber Shafts -- target date for sale MID-JANUARY!
Sat December 22, 2018 10:04 AM
Equinox complete carbon-fiber shaft prototype testing is complete, and parts have been ordered for the first production run!
Prototype testing of the two Equinox complete shafts (each one with a VERY similar, but slightly different clamping cam lock) is now complete! Both prototype shafts performed excellently, with rock-solid clamping strength noted with both clamps. This was a major focus of the design -- high-quality, secure clamping cam locks -- so as to eliminate any potential for "shaft wobble," (as was reported from some users with the Minelab stock Equinox shafts), AND to eliminate the need for the spring button/button hole design. I am happy to say that both of these goals have been successfully met -- with both shafts proving to be very solid/secure, and with this stability achieved without the use of button holes on the shaft!
I would like to note, however, that because my lower shafts do include a spring button (for backwards compatibility with the Minelab middle rod), any customer who wishes to utilize this spring button with my complete shaft, may place a custom order for button holes to be included on their shaft, if they so desire. While this may provide some users (especially salt-water hunters who encounter heavy surf at times) a bit of extra "peace-of-mind," the clamping strength of the cam locks is such that my "standard" shafts will not include button holes. One benefit of a shaft without button holes, of course, is that adjustment length of the lower rod is UNIVERSAL, instead of being limited to specific "adjustment points" at button-hole positions.
In addition to the shafts being very strong/sturdy, they will also be lighter, overall, than the stock shaft -- 129g vs. 189g, respectively. Given this lighter weight, the strong/secure/wobble-free attachment via the clamping cam lock, and the overall aesthetic appeal of carbon fiber, these shafts are an excellent upgrade to the stock Minelab shaft system.
The shafts will come in a few different configurations, with customization also possible beyond these specific configurations (including custom lower rod lengths, etc.) Each shaft will be 34 7/16" long, and will include four holes for arm cuff adjustment, and one hole for the control-box handle. Each will also include a clamping cam lock, for securing a lower rod to the upper shaft, and an end cap at the butt-end of the shaft
Here are a few of the expected configurations that will be available, and initial, preliminary pricing for each...
1. Carbon-fiber upper shaft, no lower rod, permanent end cap.
$79.00 plus shipping
2. Carbon-fiber upper shaft, plus 26" carbon-fiber lower rod, permanent end cap.
$129.00 plus shipping
3. Carbon-fiber upper shaft, no lower rod, threaded end cap (for compatibility with the optional counter-weight system)
$89.00 plus shipping
4. Carbon-fiber upper shaft, plus 26" carbon-fiber lower rod, threaded end cap (for compatibility with the optional counter-weight system)
$139.00 plus shipping
5. Spring button holes can be added to any of the above shaft, as a custom option.
$10.00 per shaft
Optional accessory design is also nearing completion!
Along with the shafts themselves, a couple of unique, optional accessories have been planned for the shaft system -- and I'm happy to say that success is being made on this front, as well!
A counterbalance system for the Equinox shafts is in the final testing stage
As has been mentioned in my past update, a counterbalance system has been "in the works," in response to ergonomic/nose-heaviness issues that have been noted by many Equinox users. I have worked hard to finalize the design, and at this point, can share some details. The counterweights themselves will be comprised of short lengths (up to a maximum of 6 7/8" long) of carbon-fiber tube, of a diameter that is a bit larger than the upper shaft. These tubes will screw into a threaded fitting installed into the butt-end of the upper shaft, and can be customized to whatever weight/length a customer may desire. Additionally, the tubes will be capped with a threaded end cap, which can be removed to access the internal weight (lead pellets). Therefore, the amount of weight is fully adjustable -- weight can be added, or removed, depending upon the scenario (different-sized coil being used, etc.) or the desires of the user.
Again, these counterweights will be offered in a few "standard" lengths and weights, but the length/weight can be customized at time of purchase per customer needs. I would also note, again, that the amount of weight can be adjusted "in the field," after purchase, simply through addition or removal of weight from the counterweight via the removable screw cap. This customization of weight that is ofered, the ease of installation or removal of the weight itself, and the overall balance improvement achieved through use of the counterweight, will hopefully make these counterwieghts a welcome addition/accessory to my complete shaft system.
"Herke" arm cuffs will be an optional accessory for the Equinox shafts!
For those of you familiar with Herke arm cuffs, and in particular those who have used Herke cuffs on one or more of their machines in the past, you know the quality that is built into these lightweight, sturdy, aluminum arm cuffs. These cuffs are top-notch accessories that have been available for years, produced for many different brands/models of detectors by Mr. Jeff Herke. I am pleased to announce that Jeff and I are partnering to offer Herke arm cuffs for the Equinox, as an optional accessory with my complete shaft system! At first, the cuffs will be a "limited time only" offering, as only a small, initial batch of the cuffs has been produced. However, if customer demand for the cuffs exceeds current supply, additional production of the cuffs may result in them becoming a permanent offering! Additionally -- as has been the case with Herke cuffs designed for other units, an optional, padded neoprene cuff cover will also be available
As with the counterbalance system, I believe that the quality, durability, and adjustability of these Herke arm cuffs will prove them to be an excellent accessory for my complete shafts!
Please stay tuned for announcements regarding the date when the first of these shafts will become available for sale. Current target date for the shafts, and the Herke cuffs, is mid- January, with the counterwieghts available very shortly thereafter.
In summary, if you are interested in a wobble-free, perfectly balanced, high-quality, complete carbon-fiber shaft system for their Minelab Equinox, please check back often for updates. In addition, if you know of anyone else who may likewise be interested, please share this information with them -- either via this website, or through my Facebook business page at www.facebook.com/stevesdetectorrods.
Happy Hunting!
Steve, Steve's Detector Rods
Minelab Equinox Complete Carbon-Fiber Shafts, COMING SOON!
Wed November 21, 2018 7:33 PM
Steve's Detector Rods has some exciting news to share with anyone who may have interest in a complete, carbon-fiber shaft system for their Minelab Equinox!
I have been at work for the past couple of months on design of a complete shaft system for the Equinox, and am happy say that the design is now very close to reaching final, production stage. I have contracted with two separate companies to produce similar, but slightly different, clamping cam locks -- the key component of this shaft system. These two cam locks, plus the necessary carbon-fiber tubing and a few other parts, are now being produced and will be shipped soon, and once they arrive, I will build two prototype, complete shafts. Once built, the shafts will then undergo a short period of final testing, and assuming no adjustments to the design are needed, this testing will be followed shortly thereafter by initial product launch!
This complete shaft system will be a very high-quality, all-carbon-fiber setup, comprised of a one-piece "upper" shaft (which will replace both the middle and upper sections of the Minelab stock shaft), in conjunction with one of the lower rods that I currently produce. Alternatively, the upper shaft will be compatible with the stock Minelab lower shaft as well, for anyone who wishes to purchase the upper shaft only.
The shaft design will include an extremely sturdy/secure clamping cam lock, constructed of injection-molded plastic and stainless-steel fasteners/screws. This locking system will eliminate Minelab's "twist-lock" system, and thereby eliminate the "wobble" issues which some Equinox users have experienced with the stock shaft. This design, due to the very secure, tension-adjustable clamp-and-lever design, will ALSO permit elimination of the spring-button-and-button-hole design that is used on the Minelab stock shaft. While button holes can be included on the upper shaft for any customer who prefers to continue to utilize the spring button on the lower shaft, the clamping lock system is designed to permit rock-solid, secure attachment of the lower rod to the upper shaft without the need of the spring button/button holes. Therefore, without the need for the button/button holes, this shaft will provide the added benefit of unlimited, universal adjustment lengths (similar to the shaft system employed by the Minelab CTX 3030, or other similar, univerally adjustable shafts such as those included on Minelab's FBS series of detectors, XP's Deus machine, etc.).
In addition to this high-quality, complete carbon-fiber shaft system, a couple of exciting additional, optional accessories are also planned.
One of these accessories -- currently in the late design stage -- is a unique counter-balance system. Because some users of the Equinox have reported ergonomic issues associated with the "nose-heaviness" of the unit -- particularly when using larger coils, this counter-balance system is being designed to address the uneven weight distribution of the unit and achieve perfect balance, and thus maximum ergonomic comfort. The weights themselves will be short lengths of weight-filled carbon-fiber tubes -- the same tubes used on the upper shaft so as to maximize aesthetic appeal. These weighted tube sections will be threaded, and will screw into a threaded fitting in the butt end of the shaft, facilitating quick/easy attachment and removal.
Since the amount of weight needed to perfectly counter-balance the shaft depends upon both the size of coil being used, AND on the length of extension of the lower rod (which of course varies based on individual user preference), several different weights will be offered, so that perfect balance can be achieved in virtually any circumstance.
Another possible future accessory being considered is a high-quality, lightweight aluminum arm cuff, which would replace the Minelab stock arm cuff providing increased durability, and better fit.
Pricing on the shaft system, while not locked in at this point, is expected to be quite attractive, more affordable than any other option on the market! This has been the goal of Steve's Detector Rods from the beginning -- high-quality, hand-made, custom products, tailored to the needs of the individual user, at a competitive, affordable price.
Please stay tuned for full product details -- including pictures -- within the next few weeks, once final testing of the prototype is completed.
In summary, if you are interested in a wobble-free, perfectly balanced, high-quality, complete carbon-fiber shaft system for their Minelab Equinox, please check back often for updates. In addition, if you know of anyone else who may likewise be interested, please share this information with them -- either via this website, or through my Facebook business page at www.facebook.com/stevesdetectorrods.
Happy Hunting!
Steve, Steve's Detector Rods