Bluemax 600 Deepscan?

[Jackalope]

This is the coil I use most of the time on my XLT. Got it back in 96 or 97 for trashy areas. Since then there have been a couple of newer versions under various names.

I'm trying to remember where I read that the earlier model (Bluemax 600 Deepscan) was a different technology than the later models. Can't remember just exactly how they are different but maybe someone can answer that? If not, maybe a call to White's will be in order.

Ron

 

[XLT-user]

It was the shielding wasn't it. Just a tad different than latter models.Like you I can't remember exactly, but seem to remember the 600 wasn't as stable as later improved..Might have even been the size of wire on the coil(Thickness) the 600 has real thin wire doesn't it?.

 

[Jackalope]

Only thing I can remember is that I came away with the impression that the BM600 was somehow better than the later 5.3's. It's the primary coil on my XLT because it works so well. Recovering coins at 6" or 7" is not unusual with the BM600, with a couple somewhat deeper. If I said I recovered a quarter at 10" nobody would believe it; so I won't say it. I've never had a problem with stability using the BM600 but that's just my experience. Not real crazy about the way the cable exits the coil but I beefed it up by using some flexible tubing for stress relief. Actually, it's a small piece of 5/8" garden hose. Maybe there's a difference in patent numbers between the BM600 and the newer models? It seems to have a pretty large footprint for a small coil.

Ron

 

[Rob (IL)]

I've got a BM 600 I run on a modified IDX. I think I remember Monte posting that the only real difference is the cord. It has the thinner, longer cord which could be used with hip mount setups. I bought mine a couple years ago from (old) new stock. Rob

 

[Monte]

[size=medium]Right up front I can tell you that these are my favorite general-use coils for the Classic III SL, Classic ID, and IDX Pro. Also, they are my pick for the XLT and XL Pro for working trashy sites.

Also, the same size coil in the "Eclipse" versions for the M6 and MXT are my picks for those models in general-use trashy sites.

As for the Blue Max 600 and the latter 5.3 Black Max and 5.3 BullsEye coils, they all provide very similar performance. There can be subtle little differences from one coil to another of the same coil simply due to variances in their tuning, or being "out-of-spec." so to speak.

They are all the same size with mainly a difference in color of plastic.

I have had Blue Max 600 coils that had a shorter cable and larger bolt hole, but most of them had the longer cable for hip-mounting on earlier models, They also had the smaller mounting hole. White's has had an adapter piece to use the small metal bolt with those coils on the newer lower rods, but I just carefully drilled out the holes on most of the BM 600 coils I have had to use the larger black, non-metal bolt/nut.

I have shortened a cable or two, and had two shortened during a visit to White's in Sweet Home a few years back. Of the many coils I've owned of all these versions, I have had one really poor performing 5.3 Black Max that I had repaired. I've also had one BM 600 and one 5.3 BullsEye that seemed to work just ever so slightly better than others.

One thing for sure, however, is that any of them are top picks for general-use hunting. But then, I guess I am a little biased since they have served me so well, and continue to do so.

You've got a very good team, that XLT & BM 600.

Monte[/size]

 

[Jackalope]

Yes, I've come to realize the effectiveness of the XLT with either coil. Just the type and amount of good finds should have clued me in on that but my thinking that newer technology is better led me astray. Only machine I had to compare it with was my 1280X, which is really a deep machine, so I thought the numerous ways of setting up the XLT was sort of gimmicky and that I might give it to my grandson. It's been sitting on the top shelf in the closet for 7 or 8 years.

Now that I took the leap and got an F-75 my appreciation for the XLT is back. Not to take away anything from the F-75 as it is a powerful and effective tool. There are lots of relics out here in Wyoming and the F-75 seems to be suited very well to finding them and also old coins. My main focus with the XLT will be jewelery as the ability to tightly discriminate suits that sort of hunting. I'm finding the XLT to be a lot of fun to play with.

Ron

 

[XLT-user]

n/t

 

[Jackalope]

It would wind up collecting dust next to the set of golf clubs I got for him.

Ron