MXT vs. XLT, pros and cons?

[Scottowl]

I have been using an MXT the last 4 years. I have learned a few things about it, and feel fairly confident about using it. there are a few times I hunted with others using Garretts, Fishers and other MXTs, and always held my own, or better.

A few days ago I hunted with a co-worker who has an XLT, and he doubled me up on the finds. There are other factors, such as his 10+ years of experience detecting, and simple luck. We were at a local park, and found only clad coins and junk jewelry. I did find a Mexican peso that rung up low 20's.

We were both digging signals +8 or better, so you can imagine the amount of garbage found. I pride myself on getting nickles, yet the XLT beat me in that area also.

Anyway, it got me thinking about getting an XLT. I like the idea of creating notch programs, being able to tone down the screaming pinpoint sound of the MXT, and the fact it SEEMS TO BE A BETTER COIN HUNTER than what I have.

So, what does the XLT give up to the MXT? What are the strengths and weaknesses to each machine? I originally went with the MXT because of the prospecting circuitry, but have not once used it, other than fooling around at the park. I hunt parks and schools only, as it is the only place I have access to.

 

[AndyNM]

The main factor why your buddy beat you seems to be his experience with his XLT. I can't say the XLT is better because it all depends how the XLT is set up for the hunting conditions. Sure the XLT has more settings but that is only an advantage when you know how to use it.
The MXT is a two filter design and faster in trash then the XLT.
But due to its frequency the XLT can cancel iron better.
Use the 10"DD coil next time to separate the targets better.

HH,
Andy,NM

 

[bustercrab]

THERE IS ONLY ONE TRUE WAY IN FINDING YOUR ANSWER.SET A SIDE A COUPLE OF DAYS FOR TESTING AND CHECK EACH OTHER'S SIGNALS.

 

[AndyNM]

Your test wouldn't cover how fast a detector recovers after a previous target or how well each one works in iron junk. An other thing is the soil, a detector that works good in one type of soil may work bad in an other soil. Someone has to have a good program for the XLT to beat the MXTs "out of the box" performance.

HH,
Andy

 

[au4greg]

Just speaking for both detectors... the MXT by virtue of its higher frequency, two filter design and sophisticated-aggressive ground tracking should improve on your coin and jewelry count over the XLT but not much.

The XLT is a full filter design and a bit smoother. Its 6.59 kHz will deliver a stronger signal on the higher conductors assuming you have identical ears / headphones for what's going on in the ground.

It may be that your buddy with his experience level and greater detector IQ has learned to listen for more of the tell tale clues.

Bottom Line is that both detectors are capable when tuned correctly without operator error to be quite competitive with each other.

Other factors such as the type of ground conditions, magnetic interference, and trash content can give subtle advantages to one detector over the other.

The Main difference from the original post is EXPERIENCE that seems to be the key EDGE on this Battle of the Buddies.

Gro