Sidewinder uMax vs. current Silver uMax

[sekypaleo]

Anybody know how and old Sidewinder uMax compares to a current production Silver uMax. I have a Sidewinder and it has been a great back up machine but I was wondering if I would get more depth with a new Silver...or would a coil upgrade be better?

 

[Tfor2]

My experience has been all the uMax machines get very close to the same depth if fitted with the same type of coil.

The older non-uMax machines are about the same depth as the new uMax models.

But I should also add that many believe not all machines of the same model are the same depth. I had a Tesoro Silver uMax that had depth very much like the Tesoro Tejon. I thought with the 12x10 concentric coil it was even deeper than the Tejon. But the other Silver uMax detectors I owned didn't seem as deep.

What I think is the deeper machine simply have a better coil match for some reason.

 

[campnagle]

My Silver with a 8x9 web coil runs as deep as my EL Dorado pulling dimes at 7-10 inches on my first hunt.
I ware a big smile swinging that Silver.
People say the 8x9 is no better than the 8" round but I think it helps it's performance.
I replaced a Vaquero with my Silver keeping the EL Dorado as my main weapon.
You just can't go wrong with the Silver, It just flat out produces.

 

[Tfor2]

My Silver with a 8x9 web coil runs as deep as my EL Dorado pulling dimes at 7-10 inches on my first hunt.
I ware a big smile swinging that Silver.
People say the 8x9 is no better than the 8" round but I think it helps it's performance.
I replaced a Vaquero with my Silver keeping the EL Dorado as my main weapon.
You just can't go wrong with the Silver, It just flat out produces.

Yes I agree.

There's one of those depth charts online somewhere (I don't have the link any more) that when the fellow first set it up he had the Silver uMax with the 9x8 coil in the same depth range with the most expensive models made today. As a result of posting that chart he really got attacked and suffered a lot of verbal abuse.

I recently saw where he removed the Silver uMax with web coil from it's position. Hum, I wonder why?

For years I've posted (on various forums) that the 12x10 concentric makes the Silver uMax into as deep of machine as any made today. I have dug many of my deepest coins and jewelry with this rig. This setup will find coin hidden in trash even better than my Sovereign GT could. But now and then somebody posts that the 12x10 didn't do anything for them. Hum?

What I think is going on is people just talk and never really test their equipment. Others I think are just seeking attention and don't even go THing. They're just wanting to belong.

 

[BarberBill]

For the most part, I'm of the opinion that with the same coils and assuming comparisons in the same ground, your Sidewinder will hold its own with the average Silver or other umax machine. I'm thinking basic range here, not making a point that one might just barely edge out the other in depth etc. I know the sidewinder has a good reputation as a coin shooter and I still see some in use in the competition hunts I attend. Certainly, if you want a Silver, go for it, but I wouldn't expect a wonderous improvement over the Sidewinder assuming both machines are properly calibrated. My two bits.
HH
BB

 

[Rich in Rocky]

The Sidewinder was a more expensive unit in it's day, than the Silver. Does that make it better?... of course not, but it was/is deadly!
My 'Old Hunting friend ' bought one and has outhunted me half the time we go out!!!! I have used just about every unit posible over the years, but he has as many coins/or more, when it's time to go home! One unit I could usually give him a drubbing was when I used the deleon, with the outside edge of the meter.
Yes, he knows the sounds, and has had it the entire time... never once suggested he need another unit!!! He is quite happy, and so he should be!...best..Rich

 

[Dirt Poor]

The Silver uMax that I bought a few years ago sold me on Tesoros, and I've owned alot of high-dollar machines over the years(and some since). One Civil War camp comes to mind. I worked it pretty hard with the Silver, and went back with a new MXT, a Minelab Explorer, and a little Ace 250. It was then that I realized that the Silver had cleaned the place up pretty good. I was getting some good depth with the little brown stock coil on the Silver, too. I also got into a few trashy areas, and picked out a sword belt plate, a couple buttons, and a carbine sling buckle in a very trashy spot(with the Silver). I'll never part with the Silver. It's that good!!