Head-to-head: Eldorado vs. X-70 vs. DFX

[StvS]

I thought I'd share a "real-world" head-to-head test (not an air test) I did between a Tesoro Eldorado, a Minelab X-70 and a Whites DFX. I'm trying to decide between the X-70 and DFX. It's a given for me that the Eldorado's a keeper, though I wanted to see how it'd perform against the other two. I'm *very* happy with the Eldorado! I'd like a coinshooting/beach/(a bit of) prospecting VID unit to complement it.

See the post at the X-Terra forum Head-to-head trials: Xterra 70 or DFX best for me?

 

[Dan-Pa.]

Its all about learning your unit and of course personal preferences come into play..Having used both XT 70 is a lower priced user friendly unit with so-so service after the sale....DFX is a higher priced teakers delight with a learning period and excellent service after the sale and most top of the line units will do the job well learned...Tesoro has quite a lineup with lower prices and outstanding service so I would visit a Tesoro dealer rather than trying to compare other companies units on a Tesoro forum as we are back to the apples and oranges comparisons..

 

[BarberBill]

Read your test - I have an MXT and find it rather heavy which also applies it its big brother, DFX. Also have an Eldorado which will stay in my arsenal regardless of what else I have. One thing that's seldom mentioned when comparing detectors is whether or not they're fun to use. After several or more hours, I don't find heavy detectors that much fun to swing. I also have a Deleon, Silver Sabre

 

[StvS]

BarberBill,
The Eldorado was a joy to use after the DFX.

To take the metaphor too far. When I'm hungry (to find coins) sometimes I want an Apple (Eldorado) sometimes an Orange (X-70, DFX). In terms of fun for me, the Eldorado tops the list.

After sleeping on it, my big take away from the side-by-side test I did is that all 3 machines will produce similar enough results (for me); it's the experience I want to have that is the deciding factor.

The fun factor, actually the overall experience when hunting is a biggie, since one spends so much time with the unit, I prefer to have "fun" deciding to dig based on intutition, but when I end up digging lots of trash, the info from a VDI machine gives me more confidence and reinvigorates the fun of MDing for me.

 

[JimGilmore]

Reading this bring back a big point for me... I can ttake my GMT out to find nugets...I've never found one with the diablo....most likely my fault.

But I oftem would rather go over to the local walmart and hunt the bus stops...because I know I will find coins and such...

 

[Furious T]

If I was told that I had to get rid of all my detectors except one, I would keep the Eldorado.

 

[BarberBill]

I agree with Furious T - I'm keeping mine.
Tesoros are definitely fun to swing and the Eldorado is capable enough for most detecting, especially if one has several different coils to go with it.
BB