Elton, I'm not gonna change the theme of what most are saying here. But, was hoping I could add a few thoughts. I had a Garrett CX III that I thought the world of..... with the 12 1/2 in Crossfire coil. I knew that machine's every little nuance. I would swear, I could "hear" the charcoal lenses of fire pits. Well, as all have their times..... I found I was wanting to experience a new machine, a dealer friend of mine convinced me to try out the Troy Shadow line. So, I bought the X-5.... read up on the manual, and the first weekend I got to try it, I hunted about 30 minutes before the rain hit, and about 30 minutes in an increasing rain. When the Lightening and thunder became too much, I retreated to the truck. I had made several recoveries in a fairly pounded site.
However, over the next several weeks..... I would start running that X-5, and my buddies would be making finds all around me..... and I was getting very little. I'd always retreat to the truck and get the old Garrett out so that I could "catch up". I soon realized I had paid over $900.00 for a machine ( in 2000 ) and I wasn't giving it a chance. One day I had not even taken the X-5 out with me on a relic hunt.... I had taken that old CX III. The next morning after a large thunder storm had moved through over night, I walked out to the truck and happened to look over into the bed....... there was my Garrett submerged under the rain that had accumulated against the cab of my pick-up. It was parked slightly down hill, and about 8 inches of water was next to the cab. As I pulled the machine from the bed of the truck..... water literally poured out from the seams. Needless to say, it was totally ruined.
Having no choice, I began exclusively using that X-5..... and after several months I was finding stuff in places me and that CX III had pounded. I learned to love that light weight machine.... for its sensitivity and depth.... and it became my all time favorite. Now I have an F75, and about a year ago, I had to remind myself of the story I just related..... because after using the F75 for a half hour to an hour, I'd head back to the truck and retrieve that X-5. Now I'm feeling very confident and competent with the F75. You got to spend the time.... learn the tweaks that work.... and those that don't.... and you'll be rewarded.
You folks are a blessing on this site.... relating your expertise and experiences.... and offer so much of your knowledge to those that will consider it. You are right.... not every machine is right for all situations, or even for each individual, but the more time you spend with your machine, the more you learn from it and of it.
