6 of 0ne half dozen of the other?

[Tony]

Here is a question to anyone but probably directed to all the TQ Sponsors. I have an XLT and before that I had this old Radio Shack Analog detector. So I am not familiar with any other state of the art detectors except the XLT. Now reading through all the posts I see a lot of references to Minelab and Ace 250. Now comes the question. What is the differences between the XLT, Minelab and Ace 250? There got to be some differences, and I mean price, features, etc. As I get used to this XLT I may be interested in another MD to compliment it. I'm really not looking for a sales pitch, just some honest comparisons of the 3.

[Tony]

Geez Chuck, I'll find it easier to buy the family car. All kidding aside. Thank You for the most concise evaluation I ever dreamt of getting. Technically speaking the only thing I know about the XLT is that it's operating frequency is 6.5 khz and it has 4 filters. I printed your post for referral when I am in the buying mode for a second machine. For now I will concentrate on learning the one I have before I complicate the picture even more with another detector. Thank You for the enormous time it must have taken to respond to my query.

[bill(de)]

Hi Tony,

Your family car analogy is actually quite accurate as i just bought 2 this summer without blinking an eye but man my metal detectors are investigated time on end with countless interrogation

Your XLT is in the upper echelon of all metal detectors IMHO and will treat you very well once you learn beyond the basics.The XLT is described as a 4 filter detector requiring at least a moderate swing speed to achieve depth and compensate for ground minerals. It's true and will cover large areas very quickly with little aggravation and is good for moderate trash conditions with various smaller coils.

The Explorer is determined by many of the most experienced detectorists out there to be the Ultimate Deep Target ID detector bar none with the exception of the gold hunters and still many sell or trade them so i guess it ain't perfect for everyone as we each have our own hunting conditions . It will go inches deeper than the XLT once learned but is a slow motion hunt model. I have a SOV GT which is similar in design concept BBS vs FBS and is best going slow and is a big difference in swing speed compared to the XLT but very complimentary to the XLT and the SOV GT is one of the best at hunting salt beaches .

If looking for a complimentary detector for the XLT i would suggest a slow motion 2 filter detector that will separate the targets the XLT would glance over due to the slower recovery speed.

Without spending a fortune here's a few detectors that would fill the bill as a compliment to the XLT
A good used Whites IDX Pro -- slow motion 2 filter with quick recovery speed meaning it will be beep on separate targets very close together, id's in all metal,can use all the coils for the XLT.

A Minelab Advantage, the beast goes deep and very easy to use. After you clean out the 6to8" stuff with the XLT go over it and go deeper with the Advantage It is a great detector in my opinion if all you need is beep and dig.

Sov GT described above especially if you ever hunt salt water beaches


After using a few detectors i'm thinking the new Whites M6 may become the perfect compliment to the XLT, it sure is becoming mine.

There are so many detectors out there and they are basically variations of the same theme and as long as you buy a quality detector and learn it they will treat you well if your in the right spot which is the most important factor. HH Bill

[Tony]

Thank You bill(de) for the response. I had no idea that there was so much difference between detectors. I thought they all just basically beeped when they hit metal. I'm finding out through this forum just how dedicated detectorist are and how specific their needs are. It is amazing. I was always the only one to go hunting so I never had exchange of ideas and never had a forum to respond to. Thank You one, Thank You all.