Question on buying a used White's

[Samiam0821]

Hello,
I am new to the forums and was hoping that you could answer a question for me regarding buying a used White's Eagle Spectrum special Edition model for Jimmy "Sierra" Normandi. The model is from 1991. He is asking $300.00 OBO. What is a fair price to offer for this detector assuming that it is in excellent working condition? I have wanted one for the past 40 years ever since I was 9 years old and followed the old guys around in the park "I am sure driving them crazy" asking if they had found anything good. I have a cheapo radio shack one that someone gave me but it is basically useless, although when I first got it, I took it around my neighborhood and actually found an older diamond ring with possible Emerald (although the Jeweler told me that it is unlikely an Emerald). It was sticking out of the ground by an old tree and the only reason I found it was because I was looking. The RS detector never did pick it up (lol)
I think that it would be a great hobby to do with my kids and I am hoping to take it to the golf course where my Dad suffered a fatal cardiac arrest in Febuary and I believe where his wedding ring fell off. Looking forward to hearing from you. Thanks so much, Camille

 

[DirtDiggerDaveinMD]

Hi Camille,

The Eagle Spectrum is a good machine, the forerunner to Spectrum XLT. The Sierra model is a hip mount, meaning that the control box is not mounted to the "S" rod and cannot be converted back to the standard configuration. The advantage to this is the weight is reduced allowing you to swing the coil all day long with little fatigue. The disadvantage, to me anyway, is that the meter is on the control box hanging from your side. Have you had a chance to actually see the machine and maybe take it for a test drive? $200 - $300 could be a fair price especially if accessories are included. There are also tons of used XLTs out there that you can pick up for a pretty reasonable price, say $400 - $450. If you are interested in a used detector, there are always units for sale here in the classifieds, on Craig's List and on Ebay. A careful shopper can usually score good deals through these avenues. Good luck!

 

[Dan-Pa.]

Heck its 18 years old and have to admit Jimmy did a good job making this hipmount only but its still uncomfortable and you might look for a used XLT which is lighter and if you look around might find one not as old preferably the E series or even the rainbow series which you can check out its age by the serial number contacting Whites..Another aspect if you can find an E series with some of the transferrable 2 year warranty left its a plus. I have seen nice rainbow series XLT's go for $400 or so again would shop around
is my advice. Certainly not knocking the the Spectrum series which was the forerunner of the XLT as it is a good unit and many still being used after all these years but don't be pennywise and dollar foolish...Whoops as far as golf courses go never found one where the powers to be would let you hunt so good luck in that aspect..

 

[Old Katz]

$300????? Thats a deal if I ever heard one. I paid $300 for my
MXT from a Park adtendant no less.
Good luck
Katz

 

[RWJR13]

The idea of hip mount doesn't sound good....You would be better with a newer and lighter weight White's detector.....just my humble opinion of course.....good luck

 

[ohio fred]

The eagle spectrum i believe take c size the spectrum double aa and xlt double aa

 

[Samiam0821]

I spoke with the Gentleman today that is selling the unit on Craigslist and found out that he is actually the president of our local treasure hunting club. He has invited me to the local monthly meeting and said that the members would be happy to let me go out on hunts with them to get a feel for the different units. He said that the one he is selling may not be the one for me as a beginner so I certainly appreciate his honesty. As far as hunting at the golf course, my Dad worked there and we also held his funeral there as well. So hopefully it will not be a problem with getting the proper permission and searching only in the area where he medics worked on him. Thank you all for your comments and suggestions. Much appreciated, Camille

 

[Old Katz]

I would not wait too long to get that $300 mxt.
At that price it won't be there long.
Katz

 

[norman maassey]

The eagle took AA 's but in a battier pack that had four batterys to a side. I think lot easier use.

 

[ohio fred]

n/t

 

[ohio fred]

n/t

 

[dirtdigginlady]

He didn't say it was a MXT

 

[dirtdigginlady]

I'd say look for a NEWER used unit like a MXT or maybe look at something like the new coinmaster for 179.00

 

[Pookybear]

I purchased a used Hip mount Jimmy sierra XLT for 289.00 off of feebay two months ago thinking that it would be easier on my Arm than the stock spectrum XLT.It turned out to be more hassle than it was worth and extremely awkward.I had whites make it into a normal pole mount XLT.Less awkward .Until you have tried to use a factory hip/chest mount XLT or Spectrum you have no idea how much of a hassle it realy is.I would personaly suggest waiting and getting a normal pole mounted XLT or spectrum although the XLT is lighter and better balanced..You can useually get one for around 400 dollars on feebay,or less if you can find a private seller near you.whites will make sure it is operating correctly for a nominal fee.Whites pole mounted my XLT for me,replaced the control box,replaced my LCD,both front and back plastic display housing halves,new hand grip,new arm cup, new middle rod,and made sure it was working properly.TA DA!!! Like new. All for 79 Dollars. Laura and all of the people at whites service department rock!!!!

 

[JardiniMagic]

I think if you talk with Jimmy Sierra He would guide you in the right direction also. He has helped me in the past and I followed his advice on the purchase of a Detector and he followed up on my purchase. On any Detector listen to the advice of the experts and suggestions anyone worth the salt will guide you first before you buy! and also by posting the question on the forum also shows your stepping in the right direction! use the info on the forums as many offer experience! thanks-Gary.

 

[nebraskagoldhunter]

I bought a used Eagle Spectrum last year for $275. $300 is a fair price. and yes it takes 4 c batterys.good luck hunting