Upgrading Detector, Opinions Needed.

[ShawnP]

I will be upgrading my detector as soon as I get my tax return so I would like to start getting some opinions.

I currently use a Fisher F4 which I enjoy and which I will be passing down to my wife who enjoys hunting with me.

The detectors I am trying to decide between are the Fisher F70 (not out yet, I did read the un official field test on a diff forum from a guy who had a pre release one to test.) Fisher F75, Whites DFX or Whites XLT.

I have read all the reviews and many posts on many forums about these detectors minus the F70.

I know at the high end, brand and even model loyalties run deep, I dont really want this to turn into a Fisher vs Whites or a XLT vs DFX but I know with opinions that is kind of the point, still brand bashing wont help anyone.

As far as what I am looking for in a detector, I mostly want to coin/jewelry hunt parks, schools, the beach (salt water/wet sand, coil wet would be nice), and since I live in Virginia I will be doing some relic hunting as well.

I dont mind a learning curve, but being able to actually hunt while learning would be nice.

I dont mind that First Texas now owns Fisher.

I dont want an MXT or a M6 even though I have read great things about both.

The reports of the F75 being chatty kind of have me worried, but I have also read that is just a matter of setting it up for each situation and that seems true for any detector, and I have had to do it with the F4 (mostly just sensitivity adjustments or coil selection though).

The dual freq of the DFX kind of has me worried as I have read that using both can actually affect depths, and until I learn some programs choosing which freaq for which situation sounds like a PITA. I have also read many people say "I would not give up my XLT for a DFX" and vice versa and even some who have gone back to the XLT from the DFX.

I have actually got the chance to swing a XLT and really did not have any problems with it, and until I started reading about the F75 and saw the addvo for the new F70 it was my first choice. So basically in my mind I am down to the XLT or the F75 or new F70.

I totally left the Explorer SE out of the mix because I don

 

[jim tn]

I have the F75 and hold it in the highest of regards.Yes, it does tell you everything that is in the ground so one can pick and choose what to dig, but adjustments can be made for having less chatter, if one is so inclined. As you know from reading the numerous posts, it is terrific in trash and gets great depth. It likes silver and is terrific on nickels...which, the latter certainly enhances one chances for gold. The F70 also sounds very interesting, but since I have the F75 and like it so well, I am going to opt for the F5 as my backup machine when it is released. Good luck with your decision. HH jim tn

 

[rmptr]

I just read a glowing report on the F75.
If you are pleased with your Fisher it might serve you well to stay with the brand.
I personally use Tesoro machines and find them effective, personable, and excellent quality with best warranty in the business.
My 1280-X is used for water only, and is darn near bullet-proof!
HH

 

[Elton]

XLT..unless you do a lot of beach...DFX works better there..... Either machine will work great overall...... READ< READ< READ.

 

[ShawnP]

Thanks guys, I think I am really down to XLT vs F75. Even in my own head that is what I have been coming up with and that is what most people have suggested.

 

[Daniel A.]

I have over 50 machines all brands have you looked at the X-Terra 70 it is alot more user friendly than the SE . In the fisher line I have a CZ-21 , F2, and Gemini two-box.
I hunt parks mostly with a Troy X5 at 19.3 kHz it can catch the small stuff easy but no fancy display to look at hunt by sound. Also have an explore 11 and X-Terra70, 3 excals, some compass machines, XL pro, and others. Have thought about the 1280 fisher and tiger shark as nice dual purpose machines. Dan

 

[thompy]

t-2 , save some money over the f-75 and the minlabe xt70 is a great machine. i didnt like all the programming on the xlt, wondered if i was screwing myself on settings

 

[kdc]

[quote Daniel A.]I have over 50 machines all brands have you looked at the X-Terra 70 it is alot more user friendly than the SE . In the fisher line I have a CZ-21 , F2, and Gemini two-box.
I hunt parks mostly with a Troy X5 at 19.3 kHz it can catch the small stuff easy but no fancy display to look at hunt by sound. Also have an explore 11 and X-Terra70, 3 excals, some compass machines, XL pro, and others. Have thought about the 1280 fisher and tiger shark as nice dual purpose machines. Dan[/quote]

fifty detectors!

 

[digadime69]

T2 Honest & True