Up Grading to a Different Metal Detector

[johnboy11171]

I am getting ready to up grade to a different Metal Detector. I have always used Bounty Hunter Metal detectors. I have a tracker 2 and a Pioneer 202.After many years I would like a different brand.I have got it down to 3 Metal detectors in mind..The 1st one is a Whites XLT. The 2nd is a Garret GTI 1500. The 3rd is a Garret Ace 250. I would like some input from fellow Detectors on these models. I do alot of relic hunting and coin shooting a little beach hunting.
Thank you
John

 

[Joel-Winnipeg]

I use the XLT and the MXT both good detectors.
The MXT has three modes one being a Relic mode
The others are Prospecting and Coin and Jewelry.
The MXT has hardly any learning curve compaired to the XLT
If you go on the MXT forum and read some of the post you'll see how it's performance is like.
One thing I like about the MXT is its set with dials verses the push pad of the XLT.
Both are great machine and well balanced to swing and use
I also use the ACE 250 with a snipper coil for thrasy areas.

 

[UK Brian]

I would put the XLT first (or Joels suggestion of the MXT though I would have to replace the stock coil for a double D one and the M6 is underrated).
Then the Garrett 1500 which does almost everything the 2500 does but cheaper and in a lighter package (the 2500 does have the advantage of a really deep all metal mode).
Last the Ace 250. Lots of features for the money but none work that well, its not deep compared to detectors up in the next price range and the pinpointing is offset and moves with increased depth.

If your hoping to do some wet sand work then everything changes as you will need twin or multifrequency. Funny thing I've just noticed is that a U.K. dealer is now selling the DFX at

 

[Old Katz]

MXT my boy, the MXT.

The Ace 250 is good also. Just go to the Garrett forum and you'll
see good reports on the little critter. $212.00. Garrett made a decision a few years
back to put out a low cost machine with features of the Mid range machine, and grab a good
portion of the market. It worked. Other compaines have scrambled to put out their own, but
I wouldn't say they have been all that sucessful.

The F-4 is a good little machine you hear little about because Fisher continues to
try to outdo themselves on the up coming models.

Depending on the kind of hunting your doing and how much you want to
spend, Whites has the CoinMaster out at a wopping $179.00. It's a
low budget machine, well made, and I'm told just chews up the coins
and spits them put at your feet.

If money isn't a problem, then goe with the MXT. You can shop around and find
good used ones for as low as $400 sometimes lowwer. I got mine for $300 and had to send it
in several months later for a repair that Whites did for free.

Thats another thing, Whites customer service is the best and I do mean THE BEST anywhere
in my opinion. They go to great length to please and keep their customer base. Garrett's customer
service is good too but not quite as good as Whites in my opinion.

Good luck on your decision.

Katz

Local Metal Detecting Club getting ready for a hunt.

 

[johnboy11171]

I bought me a Whites XLT Metal Detector.Thanks everyone for the input.
John

 

[dirtdigginlady]

I'd say one you didn't mention... the White's MXT

 

[Dang]

The Ace is a good little machine. I would take it over both your BHs but......without GB capabilties she'll only go as deep as the ground permits. Never had the Garrett but I did have a M6 and was very pleased with it.

 

[themartaman]

Teknetics Omega with 11"DD coil is hard to beat and easy to use.

 

[darrenb]

If you have a chance, use an ace 250 before you buy it. I was a bounty hunter guy as well, and bought a 250. From all the reviews, it had to be a good unit, but I never did like it... got rid of it in less than a week. If I had kept it longer and learned it a little better, it may have turned out to be a fabulous machine, but the tones just drove me crazy. The up side is that there seems to be a big market for the used Aces.