Am I starting in too deep

[DeeRail]

First off "Hello" all.....Looking at getting a used Whites 6000 di pro sl. This would be my first detector, am I starting in too deep?

 

[D&P-OR]

?? You need to explain more what you mean by your question.

 

[DeeRail]

I have never used a detector before, don't want to buy something I would out grow quickly. Guess in the end I'm asking is this a good one to start with?

 

[Larry (IL)]

I would suggest staying away from the old type detectors if you are new to the hobby. The 6000 Di Pro is about 28 years old now and a lot of changes have been made since that model was the top of the line. Newer models are much lighter, easier to use, go deeper and many automatic features that the older models just didn't have. Older models may need a tune-up due to age and some parts (if needed) are getting hard to find.

I suggest starting off with one of the new White's Coinmaster detectors starting at $200, they do a fine job and your chances of liking the hobby will be greatly increased.

If you end up liking the hobby, you can always trade up to a detector that has more features.

 

[OregonGregg]

I would suggest the M6, great machine, top end and very easy to learn.

 

[rlchntr]

At the same time, I started with the similar used Blue and Gray 10 years ago. Quickly learned it and most of my CW relics were found with it. It was my only detector for 3 years. I still go back to it even with the newer, lighter digital machines I own and use. So If you and the detector are in good shape, and the price is right, and you have mild ground and woods to hunt in, it might not be a bad way to go. It worked for me. There's lots of help here in the forums for whatever detector you decide. Good luck!

 

[khouse]

For your very first machine I would suggest a M6 like has already been said. . Heck, it's a great machine for experienced hunters as well. I would guess you will pay around 500 for a new one. I recently have seen a used one for 375. I would bet they want anywhere from 350 to 450 for the 6000? Let us know what the actual price is? The M6 is a Pro model for sure. It's easy to run, powerful and fast. It has a lot of coil options as well.

 

[Elton]

That is a very good detector made by Whites.. Analog meter is dead on, operation is simple and straight forward...
.be sure you Air & Ground Balance each time you use it.

I think it has a signal balance knob if I remember right.. Adjust it upward a little at a time till you start getting a bit of noise feedback..back off till it settles down and you can get increased depth that way..

Over all for starting out, and it's something you like. It's a good detector ..Respectable depth..... and fairly easy to operate !!

Deerail it will not be a matter of outgrowing the detector .. it will be a matter of you may want to move up in detectors. Newer digital type. As Larry said it is an older detector..but it was in the line up a long time.. many many good targets were found with that model and many more can still be found with it..

Practice with some coins and see where they hit at... Zinc will be a little lower than penny dime marked meter settings. So will some Indian Heads..

I think you can get a few years service out of it and be very happy with the results.. It's a GREAT Older model, better than basic metal detector ..


PS: If you get it..Welcome to the Hobby......... if you need help ask here. There are still some of us around that used that model..and still some who have it currently..

 

[skookum]

Hi,
I own a 6000 Di Pro Sl that I still use.
It took a little getting used to - I would say that it can certainly hold up with many top machines in the upper price range that are sold new today.
It has one drawback - its weight.
I have modified mine by converting the 4 C cell battery pack with a 7,4 Volt 2S LiPo.
It now operates on around 7,4 Volts instead of the factory 6 Volts with no problems what so ever and this mod saved quite a bit of weight.
If you can get a good deal on the 6000, you will not regret having bought it.
Most people soon realize that there is no single detector that can satisfy every need/terrain, so will find yourself getting other unit(s) to complement the 6000 anyways.
Just my 2 bits worth
hh
skookum

 

[bootyhoundpa]

I have a 5900 di pro.. I found it relatively easy to learn.. mine has the preset. C. settings which you can set the dials on until you get a better understanding of how to use it.. read and reread the manual and you will learn it fast. if you get it put the 5.3 inch coil on it for hunting trashy areas.. I love mine for park hunting.. it does ok out in the farm fields too.

 

[DonM]

The 6000 series were very good detectors and they will certainly still do the job but if you are going to be spending anything more than $400 on it - you would be much better off spending a little more for a new M5 (much lighter) or a used M6 or MXT Pro...do a little research on these other models to see if they would be a better choice...and all 3 of these newer models are prertty easy to use.

 

[dirt doctor]

Another vote for the M6 .

 

[DeeRail]

Thanks everybody for the information. Seems like the best thing for me to do is go with a newer one.

 

[IDXMonster]

DeeRail-As with any hobby or enjoyable endeavor the equipment you do it with has got to be in good condition,work properly and be operable within the parameters of your ability. Let me steer you in yet another direction. The Whites Classic series are a great lineup. They're not new nor do they need to be. But what I like is the ability of the machine,ease of initial and ongoing use and their physical build quality. Let's put it this way......if you had a dragster,would you care if it had air conditioning and heated seats? Probably not. You want the basic functions of the machine to be bulletproof. I personally run the IDX Pro and liked my first one so much,I got another. Why? They do the basics that you need to go METAL DETECTING,not metal over analyzing,not metal cherry picking,not standing there thinking about what notch programs you can enter so you only find what you want,METAL DETECTING! Can they discriminate? Sure. Is the new model lighter? Probably. Can the IDX see a quarter at 10 inches? Religiously. Can the new one? Maybe. The point is,the IDXs come across eBay often.and for 250-300 bucks you can have a machine that is basic,powerful and reliable. As long as it isn't falling apart and hasn't been beaten to death it will serve you for years to come. I just sent my 2001 IDX Pro to Whites for a checkup. They didn't have to replace anything internally. They put some feet on it for me. That's a 13 year old machine with LOTS of hours. My other one is like new,same year model. These things were 550 bucks back then,MSRP. A comparable one today would be 700 bucks, at least. If you want something new to avoid potential problems I see your point. If you want something new because you think the older models wont do what you want,you should reconsider....

 

[dabbie1]

I suggest you start with a MX5 ,great easy to use right out of box,It is as good as a mxt, even has a beach button for salt water wet sand, and I dont think you will out grow it. Wayne in Delaware