Making a detector choice a bit overwelming.

[bigmike971]

There are so many choices of detectors and opinions from all the great people here. It has been a little overwhelming for me to choose a detector. I have zero experience in the hobby. From the research I have been doing I figured it would be better to go with a higher end detector and not a cheap one. Since i will have the money to spend. I will be hunting schools,parks,wooded areas and farms. Maybe a beach once in a great while. My friend just bought a house on a acre and a half of land built sometime in the early 1800's. These are the detectors i have narrowed it down to.

Fisher f75
White's DFX
Minelab X-Terra 70

Im being pulled toward the X-Terra. But I would like to hear some of your opinions and comments or recommendations.
Thanks
Mike

[grasshopper]

if you have no experience in the hobby, i feel that the dfx might be a little hard to get used to. in my honest opinion, based on your level i would go with something like the Ace 250. i have heard nothing but great things about it and it is by no means a "lower end" model.

[EBCIII]

Well I will step up to the plate. I had never hunted before my X-Terra 70. I was in your spot myself. The X-Terra 70 is super easy to use, very light, and can hunt anywhere. I really like mine and do not regret 1 iota getting it, Beale.

[liquid1]

Fisher F2 is a good choice..$199 with extra small coil..I have the F75 with both coils and love it But you have to Be able to control yourself..with this machine less is more at times..Super Fast recovery I mean FAAAAST..some say to fast it will read the target supper quick..I just bought my daughter the ace 250 it will hunt you just need to use patience let it work.Its worth the money nice machine easy to use..So many choices..check out the Findsmall.com lots of reviews and real world time..Check out the F75 school..The minelab se is a deep machine also..good luck feel free to ask questions..

[Steve in PR]

3 excellent choices. Faced with the choice, I would steer towards the X-70. The V-Flex technology makes sense and I have seen some excellent finds from members here who have it.

[space_weaseal]

I was in the same boat as you and was looking at all three of thoes as well...I researched all of them on the net, (downloaded all the manuals) and went to a local dealer to check them out. Try to get your hands on them befor you buy anything, (its make a big difference) and speak to anyone of the sponsers here and they can help you out with your needs.
And after doing all that i mentioned above, I ended up with the White's MXT becuse of how easy it is to use, and im very happy with the MXT.

[MinelabMan]

I was pretty much where you are when I first bought a detector. I really knew I'd be into it from all the research I did so I went to a dealer and bought the top of the line (back then) Whites Spectrum for about $800. and after reading the manual wondered what I got myself into, and again wondered the same thing after digging only trash or newer stuff.

I didn't give it a chance initially, playing with the programming and zipping all over the place. After a while of that I settled down and took it as it came. Over the years I found plenty of good stuff with it and didn't get too bummed out finding junk.

So what I'm trying to say is, it doesn't matter how much you spend, or what features it has, if your coil doesn't go over it, you're not going to find it. However if you do get really into it, you may be sorry later that you didn't just go with a higher end detector right off the bat, just run the presets until you have a good understanding of it.

Good luck on what ever you decide to do!

[mtpockets]

Welcome Mike,

I kinda did the same thing as MinelabMan did.. Bought the Spectrum XLT

as my first Metal detector.. And to be honest Iat first I didn't really use it that much... I was new to MDing and the detector and I wanted the best.. But it came with a price tag too.. and it sat in the closet for awhile because I wasn't sure how to program it or fumble through all the different settings..
But after that I kinda got used to the mach.. And I sold it for a Minelab Explorer SE and never Looked back..

I guess what I'm trying to say is...

Why not give the Ace 250 a shot.. Its inexpensive.. and easy to learn.. and if you find that MDing Isn't for you Then you won't be out that much cash... And if you find that you enjoy the Hobby
Then you'll have a Great machine to work with... Then after a few great finds then Buy a Top of the line detector...

what ever you choose I wish you the Best...

[rip]

Hi Mike I've been useing the x-70 for awile now and it's got its good points.It does go deep is lightweight and easy to learn but I have had a couple of issues lately with it.It doesent seem to work well in cold and or damp conditions.The pinpoint button sometimes doesent work properly and I really think it's lacking in durability ???? just think I paid alot of money for the detector and 3 coils and think that I could have done better.

I think if you want a really good machine that you can take anywere even down to 250 foot deep in the water and price isent a problem you might want to look at the Fisher CZ-21.I have a CZ-20 and love it.It is simple to use and goes just as deep as the minelab and is rugged as heak ! I've had mine for years and have given it a pretty good work out kinda like a timex ! I use mine mostly on land though it's made for water hunting and with a hip mount it's lighter than anything else.The discrimination works very well and a coin gives a very distinctive signal.The cz has no visual aids so it cant tell ya the difference between a penny or a quarter,but once you have used it for awile you will be able to get an idea on depth of the target.

Whatever you decide to get learn it and they will come !

[CanUDigIt]

I just bought my first one in August and went through two months of research to decide. I had it narrowed to a White's Prism IV or a 250 for what I was looking to spend. Then we went on a sponsor's site and found a great deal on a X-30. I really enjoy it. I bought my wife the F2 and I like it but will stick to my Minelab. She prefers her F2. Go with your gut and get what you really want.