MXT for beach hunting as well as general purpose?

[viajero]

Hi all!

I'm new to this forum and this is my first post. I've been searching this and other forums trying to figure what would be a good general purpose first detector that I won't grow out of too quickly. I don't mind spending the extra money on a great detector but also don't want to get one that I won't be able to figure out and start using comfortably quickly.
I live in Mexico and would like to search old archeological sites along with beaches, parks, desert areas for nuggets, etc. There is a lot of gold to be found here along with different artifacts.
The White's MXT and MXT 300 with an additional smaller coil seem like a popular choice but maybe you people can help me narrow it down.
I also haven't read much one way or the other as to if the MXT is a good performer on Salt water beaches. Anybody have any experience with that?

All info is greatly appreciated!

Cheers!

 

[Nancy-IL]

Hi and welcome to the forum. MXT is the right choice. I've had mine going on 9 years and it's still #1 in my book and to many other people also. It's easy to learn, great accuracy, you've got the Whites warranty that's second to none, and many coils to choose from. I know there's a lot more reasons, but I wouldn't want to bore you. YES, it's a great detector in the salty sandy beaches. I have hunted the beaches of Mexico and it would get down a foot easy. But I hated digging that deep! I'm sure you wouldn't be disappointed in the MXT. It's one nice machine. Good luck and keep us posted, Nancy

 

[srf2112]

Hey V, Nancy's exactly right. From what you're saying, this detector should fill your needs perfectly. I've only been detecting for 4-5 months (3 with the MXT) and it is very easy to learn with a little practice. No big frustrating learning curve ( I'm not very technically minded ). As our resident expert Nancy also said, the selection of coils for this machine is key. My personal recommendation for your first coil to pick up would be the 6x10 DD although there are a lot of other great choices depending on the types of areas and ground you hunt and your personal preferences. Read the reviews on these forums and you can make an informed decision. JMHO. Good luck.
HH
Scott

 

[viajero]

Hi and thanks for the welcome! I'm looking forward to getting into this new hobby very soon.

Nancy: I'm happy to hear your opinion on the MXT regarding salt water beaches...do you ever use a short way underwater into the surf? Also, what's your opinion regarding going for the MXT or the MXT-300 with the larger coil? From what I've read the 12" coil would be better for beach and park areas...or not?

Scott: What are your principal uses for the 6X10 DD and what do you like about it over others in a comparable size?

Also, where would you guys recommend that I could find a great price on an MXT? I've seen a couple on Ebay for about $700 with some extras, and also kellyco seems to be a favorite of many people.

This looks like a great forum here with a "wealth" (pun intended) of information. ;-)

Cheers!

 

[Giant056]

I've never had any experience in the salt with mine but it's one fantastic detector. I've had mine for about 5 years now and love it. I've acquired the 4x6shooter, D2, 6x10DD and Super 12 coils for mine. My favorite's are #1 the D2, #2 the 4x6DD shooter and the 6x10DD for the woods. These are about the only coils I use on mine anymore and with them on the MXT I've found numerous gold and silver jewelry and many silver coins. It's simply the best detector I've ever owned, I've thought seriously about getting the new V3 but I've really gotten use to my MXT and as far as depth for a VLF detector it's awesome. I've only hunted alongside a V3 once and had him check a target which I figured was a wheat cent alongside a small piece of iron and he thought it was junk. I had to dig it and it was indeed a wheat cent near a small piece of iron about 7 inches down.

 

[bowser]

the mxt around new england beaches, does not do too well, in my humble oppinion,but then it is immpressive in other applications.good luck.

 

[Nancy-IL]

Hmm, that's a tough one. I know the large 12" coil has it's moments, but I really like the stock coil for an all around coil. The 12" is much heavier for one. On the other and I've read where people like the 12" wide coil. So, it's a personal preference, I would rather have the MXT with the 9.5" stock coil and then purchase a smaller coil for trashy parks, etc. IMHO. I have used it in knee high surf, but NEVER lift your coil/rod above the control box for that is NOT waterproof. Coils are. Clear as mud????

This is just my opinion, Nancy

 

[srf2112]

Hi V. The 6x10 has become my daily driver coil and I usually use it first almost everywhere I hunt. I have hunted a lot of tot-lot play areas with it and it works great for me, especially how you can maneuver it around and near metal structure. I have been able to pick up good targets closer to interference ( i.e. metal poles and supports ) with this coil than any other yet ( including the 5.3 ). It's also what I've been using on the beaches here ( Central Ca. coast ) because it works better with the black sand I come across here regularly. I don't hunt in the water with it ever. Seems to work well for me in parks and fields also although I will go back over areas that are particularly trashy with my 5.3. There may be some coils I could use in some of the areas I hunt that would fill that particular niche a little better but the 6x10 has proved versatile and capable enough for me to use it effectively in almost all situations. That's why I would recommend this as your FIRST coil to pick up. There will be more. You'll determine which ones you need/want soon enough. JMHO Hope that helps.
HH
Scott

 

[viajero]

Hi all and thanks for the info. I'm getting sa clearer idea of what kinds of coild I'll need/want as well as pretty close to deciding on an MXT. It sounds like a great machine. is kellyco the best place to find one in your opinion?

Cheers!

 

[srf2112]

I happened to chance upon a great deal on my MXT on e-bay. I was trying to decide upon which detector ( brand and model ) to move up to from my first beep and dig model. I had actually concluded that another brand and model was possibly my best choice ( please forgive me detector gods, I was very naive ) when I made my lucky find. Fate, serendipity whatever it was, I literally consider the day I acquired my MXT as one of the best days of my life. It only ranks behind the days my children were born...but just barely !
HH
Scott

 

[Hunt4Fun]

viajero ... get the MXT. You will be glad you did. BTW, DD coils work better than concentric coils on black sand beaches.

Bob

 

[slapshot]

I have owned my MXT for over six years and use it in the beach in dry and wet sand with great success. It has paid for itself over five times over in that time. That is to say I have found and cashed in over $4000.00 in clad, jewelry and other valuable items. You will need a dd coil, I use a 6x10 and it quiets down the effects from wet sand very good. I moved to Cape Cod 5 years ago and have been using it on the beaches here exclusively. Like any other detector it is how well you know it and what it is telling you, but the learning curve is not bad. If you want the settings I use just let me know and I will be glad to help you.
Good luck and have fun!

 

[viajero]

Hi, Thanks again for all the info. The MXT looks like a good one!

Slapshot: If you wouldn't mind sending me an email with your settings whenever you have some spare time that would be awesome! You can contact me at: tripper009@hotmail.com

Thanks again.