My initial overview of the new Prizm 6T ... Part 1: What it offers. LENGTHY

[Monte]

[size=large]Let me start out by setting things straight for those who I know are going to want to ask or comment about my detector choices and/or some of White's models. Specifically, 'crazyman', but several others, to be sure. I have been detecting since I started building "metal/mineral locators" in the spring of 1965, and have been using White's since my first factory-produced model, White's GhostTowner BFO, back in the fall of 1968.

Today, White's legendary quality control, durable build quality, and decent field performance for the buck spent is certainly some of the best out there. Even though they have always provided top-quality detectors, and trust me, I have owned most of them and probably used the ones I didn't invest in (referring to the everyday land units), it would not be fair to compare any of today's offerings with their early-day BFO's or TR's and TR-Disc. models. The first Coinmaster V Supreme would scare many hunters today with the very deep detection those VERY low frequency models provided. The 5900/6000 series set high marks for all other competitors to shoot for. Today, the XLT & DFX offer more adjustment functions and ability to screw things up than virtually any other model made. The MXT and little-brother M6 are, without a doubt, true "performance-packed" detectors that offer a great value and good results afield.

Now, with that said, and before I get started on my Prizm 6T to-date review, let's just be clear that White's has offered a few models that I truly wish they would consider bringing back, and maybe with some updated attention. The Prizm series, especially the new 6T, are excellent examples of the modern trend towards digital design. As good as the Prizm 6T is, and as better it might be once good smaller coils are offered for it ... It is NOT a Classic IDX Pro (modified), just like nothing else offered today (in my opinion) comes up to the high mark of power and performance of the 6000 Pro XL/XL Pro.

Parts are always one problem in any industry that builds stuff, and access to a decent analog meter in this digital age, or switches to accomplish the task, might make it difficult to keep building some models. That said, I would really like to see White's bring back the excellent and deep-seeking XL Pro. I would also like to see them bring back the Classic ID and IDX Pro, but next time do a few things. Properly label the Normal/Black Sand toggle. Make them with an external Threshold and Ground Balance control, standard. Change the audio circuitry for their headphone output such that it didn't have a muffled sort of audio and was more "brilliant-sounding" like the XLT, XL Pro, MXT, Prizm 6T, etc., etc. Finally, educate all those dealers out there so they know the performance potential of ALL the models in White's product line and do their part to promote such excellent models as the Classic series. I feel that was one of the problems, too, poor dealer knowledge, support and promotion.

So, there you go. The Prizm 6T is a very good offering against many of the competitor's models, but NO, it isn't a Bill Crabtree modified IDX Pro, and NO, it isn't an XL Pro, or just another Matrix M6. It is what it is and that's what I have had to try and concentrate on. Now, on with the show!

White's Prizm series was a sort of bold undertaking as they brought out a completely different control housing, in plastic. Their last venture into plastic housings, with the Liberty series, didn't go over all that great. There are some very excellent detector designs but noting is 'perfect', and that certainly applies to the Prizm series. So, let me tackle the negatives right up front, and there are two:

 

[Monte]

[size=large]Okay, for what it might be worth here's what I have found so far with the Prizm 6T in actual hunting applications. As I have stated, this includes some bench testing, then detecting in wood-chip playgrounds, grassy lawns at parks and sports-fields, a couple of renovation projects, and three trips to an old logging-era ghost town here in NW Oregon.

When the Prizm series was first introduced, I quickly latched onto a new Prizm IV with 8" coil, and later acquired a 950 accessory coil. I have been a loyal supporter of White's Classic series, especially the Classic III SL, Classic ID and IDX Pro, since their release. They are very versatile, and their analog based circuitry works quite well in most of my favorite types of detecting sites. Most specifically, nail and small iron infested renovation work and old ghost towns, encampment sites, and recreation places from a by-gone era. I'm also a strong supporter of smaller-than-stock accessory coils.

I bought the Prizm IV when a couple of my friends & I were returning home from a ghost towns tip to Northern Utah. I had recently acquired a new Classic ID for Aundrea and a few days after our return I asked her and Chris to try out the Classic ID and the Prizm IV and give me their opinions. Aundrea's comments were a little more "thought out" but concluded with a simple "I like my Classic ID better." Chris, on the other hand, didn't really use the Prizm IV for very long before he stated he didn't like it due to the delayed response time when sweeping across a target.

I found that I didn't care for it because we live in an area of very high mineralization and the Prizm IV didn't have an easy access provision to adjust the Ground Balance which, different from the Classic series, has two settings. One for All Metal/Pinpoint and one for the motion Discriminate mode. On my unit, one mode was rather positive and the other had an 'OK' ground balance setting. I liked the quick thumb-reach adjustments, but didn't like the fact that it had limited notching ability, had that annoying delayed response time, and lacked a good ground balance circuitry and the factory preset settings were not optimum. I also felt the unit was a bit nose heavy with the 950 coil, and I am not a fan of multiple 9-volt battery systems. Finally, I wished it had some memory recall for the days you go from site to site or shut down for a lunch break.

With that said, my first impression upon SEEING the new 6T was that the new battery power system and location ought to enhance the weight/balance attributes. Once I got it in my hand I was pleasantly impressed with the 'feel' of this new model. As I have stated, I am also impressed with the physical packaging of the Prizm 6T (exceptions for the headphone jack and able connector) and it is just a handy, comfortable, and friendly detector to use. On fit-and-finish, design lay-out, user function control, and power supply I give the Prizm 6T very high marks.

Auto-Trac: Having spent ample time with the MXT's and M6's I've owned I have an appreciation and understanding, of the modern, fast-tracking abilities that have been incorporated in the 6T. To me, one of the strengths of the new Prizm is the excellent Auto-Trac circuitry which is similar to, but a little different from, the other White's models. The 6T has a short-term memory that will retain almost all of the operator settings when you turn it off and, as long as the batteries haven't been removed, this allows you to go from one location to another and simply turn the detector on and start hunting with the settings you favor. All, that is, except for the Auto-Trac circuit.

It will not retain a 'Lock'ed GB setting when turned off. This was a wise decision since detector performance is directly related to having a good, functional Ground Balance. Therefore, whenever you turn the 6T 'On' it will start up in the Auto-Trac operation and, if you're like me and you favor locking this feature, you can do so after the unit is GB'ed to the new location's ground matrix. Remember, like the MXT & M6, the auto-tracking is always working to read and analyze the ground conditions. It will adjust the GB setting as needed. If you're searching with the Auto-Trac held

 

[Monte]

[size=large]I was hoping the Prizm 6T would work much like the IDX Pro but provide me with added features. Well, it does have added features, but it sure doesn't have that 'Classic' series performance. I still have a retired IDX Pro, but due to some hearing loss I prefer the audio clarity of the new Prizm 6T, and at times I like the Tone ID. I like the easy-to-view display with just the right amount of information, and control features that are also well thought out. There are enough functions to provide changes or selection to suit a variety of hunting needs, and all well placed so I can make any changes I want ... "on-the-fly" ... while maintaining a good grip on the detector. It is well balanced and, once you get a working understanding of the strengths and weaknesses, it is a fun detector, too! Let

 

[khouse]

n/t

 

[Monte]

[size=large]As I figured, there will be a number of people who will read Part 1 (so far 99) and just a portion who will get to Part 2 or Part 3 (24 & 25 at this posting). Most likely many didn't read Part 1 all the way through because it was too long. I just felt compelled to cover things about the Prizm 6T that are not in the manual, and are not like most models we're used to using.

The 6T is ready-to-go and I'm just waiting for this current drenching of rain to work its way through. They just said it's going to be dry on Friday thru Monday with ample sun (after morning for). I've got the 10X12 on a DFX, 10" on the M6, and the 6T w/9" coil ready to attack several sites. I have planned a few places to hunt where the bigger coils should do fine, but I sure hope there's a smaller Prizm coil by spring. I bet there will be, and it should be a welcome addition to the Prizm 6T.

I hope you're able to get out and hunt.

Monte[/size]

 

[khouse]

My weather has been cold and rainy too. I almost need 45 degrees and sunny to get out. I just got permission to hunt a very large fresh water beach so I'm excited to hunt that. It's closed for the season but I was told I could walk around the gates and go for it! I have printed all the emails from me to the superintendent of the site just in case! Now I just need some chest waders!
About the 6t. Having all the adjustments at thumbs reach is one of the things I like most about some digital machines. It's easy to ramp up the sens on an iffy target then back down to proceed to hunt. This is a feature that the 250 has. No menus to scroll through. No crossing over your hands for adjustments. No bumping of any knobs in the bushes. Plus being light weight. I know that the target information may not be there like the analog machines. But I can usually have the target out of the ground looking at it while some hunters are still trying to identify whether they should even dig or not.

 

[Digger]

thanks for sharing your thoughts and opinions. Both are truly respected. My feelings about the 6.59 series are very similar to yours.
Thanks again for taking the time to keep us informed. Now get that eye taken care of!

HH Randy

 

[crazyman]

But not about the 6T. I'm sure the 6T will be a good little detector for school and park hunting but it's not one I would consider for my type of hunting. I'm curious though about your decision to sell the M6 and buy another MXT. If I remember right you weren't overly fond of the MXT in bad ground and preferred the M6. I'm very happy with the detectors I use now and don't see any major changes coming soon. The XL Pro and modded IDX Pros will cover most of my hunting needs but I might also pick up another 5900 SL as it's still one of my all time favorites.

 

[Monte]

I'm sure the 6T will be a good little detector for school and park hunting but it's not one I would consider for my type of hunting.

[size=large]The 6T is and will be better for a lot of park and school hunting, but I mentioned your name because I am sure you might wonder if I thought it was as good, or better than, a modified IDX Pro. Nope, it's good for what it was designed to compete with, but I knew ahead of time it wasn't going to be anything of interest to you. I knew even more so after only a few minutes with it.[/size]

I'm curious though about your decision to sell the M6 and buy another MXT. If I remember right you weren't overly fond of the MXT in bad ground and preferred the M6.

[size=large]Depending upon the applications, and for most deep coin hunting in bad ground my #1 White's pick would be an XL Pro or similar performer. The reason I like the M6 over the MXT isn't due to "bad ground" because they both have the same Auto-Trac circuitry. The reason is for the Tone ID and easier operation in most typical coin hunting applications. It is a better pick, over the MXT, to offer to new-comers or landowners to use. With the Prizm 6T I can cover that need.

I might keep the M6 and use it mainly with a 6" DD coil for day-to-day hunting, but I like the MXT more now because of coil selection. For a lot of open-area hunting it will serve me well with the 10X12 or 10" D2 coil which make it a much better performer in our highly mineralized dirt than he stock 950 coil.

Note, too, that I said MXT 300. I like the finish of the powder-coated model over the shiny black paint. [/size]

I'm very happy with the detectors I use now and don't see any major changes coming soon. The XL Pro and modded IDX Pros will cover most of my hunting needs but I might also pick up another 5900 SL as it's still one of my all time favorites.

[size=large]I think you have two detectors that compliment each other quite well and, as you and other well know, I have touted them for years. I am still in search of another choice condition XL Pro. I am also holding out hope for a replacement for the XL Pro because I know there is a very strong support base out there.

The line starts right behind me.

Monte[/size]

 

[Digger]

n/t

 

[khouse]

http://www.thetreasuredepot.com/cgi-bin/classifieds/classifieds_config.pl?read=126345
I hope the link is not scrambled. It a like new XL-pro

 

[khouse]

I see it's scrambled. It's in the classifieds on that one crazy forum with a train.

 

[BarberBill]

Very informative, interesting review and test. Thanks for taking the time and trouble to present it. I will likely become very interested in adding one to my collection when the smaller coils become available. Sounds like the kind of detector that will satisfy and serve the needs of many users just fine. Except for those of us that figure anything worth having is worth having two or more of. LOL
BB

 

[crazyman]

That's what I figured Monty. I'm happy with what I use now. The modded IDX Pros are doing a good job in the ghost town sites. I'm glad I got the spare from you. The bad thing is if you come up for a hunt your likely to get whooped in finds by your old detector.

 

[Monte]

[size=large]If I was to hit a town site tomorrow with you' I'd probably use the M6 w/6" DD coil. If a smaller coil was out for the Prizm 6T I'd give it a workout, but I'd do so knowing it isn't on the same level as the modified IDX Pro for such sites.

I'm glad it has a good home.

Monte[/size]

 

[Larry--IndianaHVAC]

Monte,
Great reports and thank you for taking the time to write and share your views with us as its appreciated. Just glad I had a fresh pot of coffee on for all the reading

 

[ellielilly]

Thank you so much for all the good information. If i have it right GB is very important on the 6t. Having had a whites coin master years ago, the 6t has been somewhat of an adjustment. It helps me to know if i learn the characteristics of the 6t i should be successfully. I have read your info at lest 10 times to be sure i have gotten all the info correct. I have enjoyed your articles greatly and appreciate your hard work. Please if you have anymore info post it. Thanks again, ellie

 

[BarberBill]

When this review by Monte was fresh, I posted that I was interested in the 6T, especially when a smaller coil became available. Well, I did end up with deal on a used 6T complete with the 4X6, 8" and 9" spider coils plus rods. I have to agree with Monte's opinion of the 6T, now that I've used it. It definitely is a definite improvement over the Prizm IV I once had and gives a good accounting of itself against most other detectors I have used. For folks that spend all or nearly all of their time detecting coins and jewelry in parks, tot lots, fair grounds etc. it should be all the detector they'll need or want and will offer a lot of fun and success. My two bits.
BB