800 VS Garrett ATX??

[bikejockey]

I'm wanting to get a very good all round detector with an intuitive interface. I'd rather be hunting instead of figuring out notches and everything else. Do you feel like the Equinox has lived up to its hype our should I shell out over $2K for the Garrett ATX? If I can get the same performance without spending the $$$$, the wife would definitely be happier! I want one that is going to last me many years as I plan on hunting till I die.

 

[Bryan V]

These are two totally different types of detectors..
You need to figure out what type hunting your going to do and in what conditions.

 

[dmnz]

Cannot compare these machines, they both have their uses depending upon location. Are you looking to detect where? I have both, certainly the 800 weighs only a fraction of the ATX....

 

[bikejockey]

Lots of civil war relics around here. We go to the beach very often so also coins and jewelry. Can you give me a little more info about under which conditions you would use one instead of the other and which one you would use to to find what? I think that will definitely give me the information to make my decision. It would be greatly appreciated. You are the only person I have found that has both so your judgement and insight is very valuable to me. I appreciate any kind of wisdom you can share!

Thanks!

 

[dmnz]

Firstly, the ergonomics of the ATX are horrible. However, it is a VERY capable machine and I have found hundreds of gold rings with it . Best year 115 from memory. I used it mainly for water hunting, where there is limited or very little trash. Not really any discrimination. I used the small mono coil mostly. Whilst it is a powerful machine, it is not really fun to use - mainly as it is so heavy and quite a few design issues. In the water this weight is off set a little, and it is not so bad.

I have only had the 800 for a week, but it seems decent. I have the CTX also so that would be a better comparison.

If this is your only detector and you want an “all rounder” the 800 may be the way to go. You are welcome to give us a call with any questions, but i am in NZ. +64 21 937 355

 

[WaterWalker]

If you plan on swinging the ATX all day on land you better think of a ProSwing45 and do some intensive digging. I can not swing the ATX out of the water for more than 30 minutes while I can detect for 6 hours in the water.
I have used the 800 on land for a few hours, can't beat the information it gives you on the display and in the audio - plus all the user adjustments you can do on the audio, discrimination, etc. compared to the ATX. With all the positive features including the visual display I will not give up my ATX I have no comparison between the two in water or black sand areas, or the need to dig just about every target, except iron. I have yet to get my own 800 it is on the way from somewhere.
I also have the ATPro (and 12 other detectors), will I give up the ATPro for the 800 - NO - I need the sniper 4.5 inch coil to do some of my detecting. The 6" for the 800 would not allow enough room to swing the coil. Will one detect objects another will not? Of course - It all depends on your environment - soil, water (salt or fresh) local mineralization, local RFI sources, black sand, trash, etc. You see, every detector, coil, combination and area you plan to detect weigh heavily on what you should buy.
I suggest you write down your plans for a detector's use, the pros and cons including price, physical size if you plan to travel with it, retreiving tools, waders, wetsuit, waterproof headphone, etc. then you may make the best decision on which detector will be best for you.
I did not mention but if you have not read, all wireless connections will be lost when the detector's control box is submerged. Therefore a waterproof headset will be an additional cost.
I hope this helps.

 

[dmnz]

excellent answer!

 

[bikejockey]

For now, I will only have one, so I do want something that is good at more than one thing. After I retire, I'll have more time and will probably get more serious. About 80 acres of flat open grass around my house, which is very rare in West Virginia plus we go to the beach a few times a year and I'm not a sit and do nothing type of guy. I did metal detecting in late 70's and early 80's in Texas before my unit broke, but had family so never picked it back up again. When I did have spare time I would read other seekers posts, so have had the itch for a long time. Nothing more exciting than the hunt and thrill of a good find. Kids are gone now so I want to get back in. I look at this as investment in myself. Don't really spend much money on myself and I hate wasting money. so I do want something that will handle the job. I don't mind spending the extra money if there will be a better return on my investment.

Thanks for your insight.

 

[bikejockey]

Ok, the ATX is out of the picture. It's now down to the 800 or the CTX 3030. dmnz, you said you also have the CTX, is it the version 2? Any thoughts on this?

Thanks!

 

[Dancer]

I would watch some videos on u tube. Some of your choices are a little Hefty, in weigh & $$. Not to mention a steep learning curve if you haven't hunted for a while. I'd check out the At Pro for around the farm, fresh water, and dry sand. The Tesoro Sand Shark for wading salt water. You could get Both of these for about the price of that CTX. You could buy
em one at a time, see how you like hunting.

Something to think about.