New Metal Detector?
So, I've been itchin' to buy a new metal detector. I currently own a White's XLT Spectrum, which I've been swinging for nearly 10 years now. First off, I have no complaints with this machine. It's simply awesome. So, why do I want a new machine? Well, I simply think that technology has changed and detectors have to be better... right? Plus, it's fun to try something new, and after 10 years I think it would be good to change things up a little.
Now, the obvious "upgrade" choice would be to get the White's DFX. I like the sound of dual frequency and "deeper" targets, but I started asking around the forum circles for opinions. Surprisingly, I get a lot of "XLT is better than the DFX" or "I would stick with the XLT, if I was you" stuff. That's getting me worried. I was expecting to hear "The DFX smokes the XLT" or something to that affect. Now the sliver of doubt has been planted. Do I want a DFX?
I originally started off with the Garretts. I had a GTA500 and GTA1000, and still have the GTA1000 as a backup. Compared to the XLT, the Garrett's are a joke. But I've never used the higher end models. Unfortunately, I do not have any Garrett dealers near me to try one out. I do have a White's dealer near by though. But, I was thinking about maybe breaking away from White's. That's a gamble, because I really believe they have a good product.
Minelab, Tesoro and Fisher would be interesting to try, but not sure if they have the detector for me. I primarily relic hunt (1880s - 1920 era hunts) and coinshoot (in the same era). I need deep, precise machine that is comfortable to swing. I have a Fisher Gold Bug II as a prospecting detector. I like the quality of the Fisher, but I always thought they were uncomfortable. Again, the White's exceeds in that department.
Anyone have any opinions on this subject?? Any Minelab or Tesoro owners out there willing to convert me? Is there a DFX owner that can make me feel better about that unit? Whatever I buy, it's going to be pricey, because I do believe you get what you pay for.
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TheSearchCoil | 01/04/07 at 11:39AM
I've had a few suggestions to go with Minelab. I'm taking a close look at the Minelab Explorer SE Premium Metal Detector. If anyone has any input on this detector.. please comment.
Thanks! |
Kenny | 08/08/07 at 11:26PM
Hi, I have owned just about every machine out there. I'd buy them on ebay ,get the books & expert settings and try them out, then dump them. Your XLT is really a hot machine. I sold off my DFX and bought an XLT "E" series because it is a deeper machine...and yes I understand the dual frequency stuff. I own a Tesoro Cortes and I am very impressed at to depth and target separation. The machine will let you know that there is silver under the nail and not blank it out. It is a very fast machine.
Minelab machines are hyped up. I owned a Explorer SE a Quattro MP, Sov Elite and their pulse monster (gold prospecting) a GP3500.
The Explorer SE & the Quattro mixed targets and responded slowly. They are very heavy to swing and difficult to pinpoint. The discrim technology is very impressive in the Explorer in that you can almost program out a specific pull tab if you want to without loosing too much gold on the beach. Other than this the machine is way over priced...I mean way over.
The Tesoro Lobo with autotrack does very well in hot ground. You can't go wrong with the life time warrantee.
I own a Garrett Infinium LS pulse detector for hunting gold nuggets in hot ground in the desert and mountains. It is currently beating minelab pulse detectors in hot ground. It can also tell you the difference between the (low conductive) gold target at detection depth and higher ones including ferrious. Now that will save your back digging only the gold targets! Minelab can't do that. Plus the detector is water proof to 200feet. Noisy ground doesn't bother pulse machines and you will dig silver deeper that you ever had before.
Hope I helped |
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