My experience with the 12X10 with weight issues is not bad at all. I think that because the MXT has the control box under the forearm, it helps distribute the weight better than a Minelab. My buddy tried using the 12X10 on his SE Pro and could only swing it for about an hour. I can go about 5-6 hours before getting a sore shoulder. I haven't tried the 8X6 but have read that it picks up better on smaller objects, such as small silver dimes. I haven't dug too much silver but have hit on a few at the 6 inch range. It was a VERY slight whisper. The guy at Kellyco told me that the 8X6 will discriminate better and is better in trashy areas but the 12X10 will get deeper. I already owned the 6X10 DD so I went with the 12X10. It does a decent job with depth but badly rusted bottle caps come up as silver!!! Terrible. Like anything, it takes some getting used to. Would I buy the SEF again? Not sure. I'm still a little curious how it compares to the DD that comes on the V3i. Have a great week!