Need a little Advice on Detectors

[artifactdigger64]

Hi to all ..... First a little history about myself I have been metal detecting nearly 35 years now and have had many different detectors all being whites metal detectors. I have owned just about every model that has came out. I purchased a Whites MXT pro last year and did very well with it finding many great items. That being said I am ready to upgrade to another machine in the next few days and am very torn between purchasing the Whites V3i or the E-Trac. The reason I am torn is that whites has always had a very well built and reliable machine and I have always loved everything about the machines after learning them and getting some hours with them. I hunt mostly for coins and love finding tokens and find that I do well with depth on the machines but I feel there has to be a machine with better performance. I need a machine that will do well in trash infested areas and also get great depth as I have had some issues in these areas with some of my past machines. I intend to keep my MXT Pro due to its great ability to sniff out gold and relics also. That being said if I go to another machine being the e-trac or the ctx-3030 how much of a learning curve will it be from the machines I have used in the past and can I do just as good or better with the minelabs over the whites v3i. You have to understand I have been a very loyal whites fan over the years and this is a very tough decision for me I intend on keeping my other machines and using them but feel that it is time to upgrade to something more....This is a great forum and I am always impressed with everyone's knowledge about the different machines and ability to use them. Any input would be appreciated..

 

[robertj298]

I've been detecting for over 35 years also. Used both whites and Fishers. I just bought an etrac and while I'm no expert I didn't find it that difficult to learn. Due to the weather I've only been able to get out twice and I did find silver each time.

 

[jbblue4u]

Dear friend, I too own a whites metal detector (idx pro) and I agree its a quality built machine and does well in the field. Cant speak for the minelab ctx3030 but I can speak for the minelab e-trac. Hands down the best machine for digging deep older coins especially silver. This thing is a whole different monster from your average detector but it also cost more than the average detector. Money should be no object here.......you've heard the old saying " you get what you pay for' so in this case it holds true the e-trac is well worth the money! Having the e-trac for almost two years now my silver count has tripled and most of these old silver coins were found anywhere from 6-10 inches deep. My idx pro at best will go 6 inches deep on a good day and it just don't have the capabilities like the e-trac. The learning curve on the e-trac for me personally was not hard at all.....after a few hunts I was finding deep silver consistently. Promise you once you have used the e-trac you'll be mad at yourself that you waited this long to own one. Remember, these are my own opinions and reviews and I'm only speaking for myself.........good luck with your decision. J.B.

 

[Bill_S]

I own both detectors (Etrac and V3i) and mainly coin hunt. I would take the Etrac for sure.

 

[artifactdigger64]

Thanks for the input guys I ordered a new etrac today and am very excited about getting it. I will not be able to use it for a couple months due to the winter here but it will give me some time to learn the machine. I guess you could say I am now an official etrac owner.

 

[Jeff in Pa]

You will love it once you learn it!

 

[DirtyDeedsDugDirtDeep]

I agree with Jeff in PA.
I started detecting way back when also.
Anybody remember the Coinmaster 5,or Bounty Hunter Red Baron ????
I got out of MDing for awhile, but then I got back into it with a used Minelab ExpIorer II, and then an E-trac.
I tried other machines, but the Etrac out performed them by a good bit.
I've pulled good old coins out of areas that even I had hunted hard close to 40 years ago, and know every Ton,Dick,and Harry has too.
It is one of the most adjustable machines I think has ever been made.

 

[AJ in PA]

Congratulations on your choice. The E-trac has been the best detector I've ever used (in 27 years of detecting) and has found coins that everyone else has missed.
I found more silver with my E-Trac in the first month of ownership than I found all last year! The Seated dime in the photo was found the second week at a depth of about 9 inches.
I am truly amazed at what this machine can do. Just give yourself at least 30-40 hours to learn it and by all means, try the two tone ferrous mode. Happy hunting

 

[artifactdigger64]

Wow thanks for all the replies! There sure is a great bunch of folks on this site I will post my first day of hunts once the ground gets good enough to dig.

 

[E-Trac-Ohio]

I've had my E-Trac for 3 1/2 years now - spent over 1500 hrs. in the field with it so far - found 7500 + coins and relics - it's an amazing machine to say the least !

A few things that really helped me ...

( 1 ) There's a lot of E-Trac forum members with a lot more time in this hobby then I have - read their posts and post any questions that you have. Also, visit the "E-Trac Classroom Forum".
( 2 ) Be sure to get a copy of Andy's - Minelab Explorer & E-Trac - it goes way beyond the factory manual !
( 3 ) The E-Trac is not a fast swing machine like the White's and others - slow down - give it time to go deep and you'll make some amazing finds that others missed !
( 4 ) And if at all possible... if you plan on hunting sites with a lot of iron - what ever you do ... get a small 5"or 6" coil !

Good Luck !