V3i or XLT

[Wayfarer]

I hunted with the XLT exclusively for 10 years and have about a year and half with the V-series as my main detector. The XLT is smooooth and relaxing compared to the V. I'd say it's about 80% as deep as the V when they are both adjusted properly. Reliable 6 inches on a coin with solid VDI is good enough for me these days. We can't be (or shouldn't be) digging to China in a public park anyway. A hunt with my old XLT is like putting on a favorite pair of old shoes. Not flashy or new, but very comfy. After you get it set up the first time the way you like it (tone, volume, threshold, etc.), you really only need to adjust a few settings: pre-amp gain being the main one, and for me with the way I like to use the XLT, manual ground balance. I just leave the disc to accept everything above 7, recovery delay at 20, don't even mess with the rest of the settings, and away I go.

The XLT may be old tech but it's good tech. There's been a lot less advancement in the last 20 years (1994-2014) than the 20 years before that (1974-1994).

If I really had to choose one detector I had to use for the rest of my life, in all honestly, I'd choose the XLT over the V3i. As others have said, it comes down to the relaxation and fun factor.

 

[Mark7]

I hunted with the XLT exclusively for 10 years and have about a year and half with the V-series as my main detector. The XLT is smooooth and relaxing compared to the V. I'd say it's about 80% as deep as the V when they are both adjusted properly. Reliable 6 inches on a coin with solid VDI is good enough for me these days. We can't be (or shouldn't be) digging to China in a public park anyway. A hunt with my old XLT is like putting on a favorite pair of old shoes. Not flashy or new, but very comfy. After you get it set up the first time the way you like it (tone, volume, threshold, etc.), you really only need to adjust a few settings: pre-amp gain being the main one, and for me with the way I like to use the XLT, manual ground balance. I just leave the disc to accept everything above 7, recovery delay at 20, don't even mess with the rest of the settings, and away I go.

The XLT may be old tech but it's good tech. There's been a lot less advancement in the last 20 years (1994-2014) than the 20 years before that (1974-1994).

If I really had to choose one detector I had to use for the rest of my life, in all honestly, I'd choose the XLT over the V3i. As others have said, it comes down to the relaxation and fun factor.

My thoughts exactly. I want to have fun and detect.I researched the heck out of the V3i but I am going to start back out with a XLT what I stopped with eight years ago.I wish I would have never sold my XLT and IDX PRO. I am looking for Like Monte said a Prestine XLT and a IDX PRO to boot. Not as easy as I thought to find them so far. I like reading all yens posts a wealth of information thank you.

 

[Mark7]

And I agree with you about how 'fun' the XLT is. I am looking for another pristine condition XLT e-series to add BACK into my personal arsenal, just to complement my MXT All Pro and others I carry along. There are times and places where I enjoy the XLT's performance, and the next one I get I won't let go. I have owned 23 XLTs, so #24 will stay and be my "cruising unit" for old parks and the like. Spring weather will bring some opportunities to get out with an XLT by March, which is when I start my 51st year enjoying this great sport. It will be great to have an XLT in the fold again.

Monte

WOW 51 years in the hobby. I only been on this earth for 48. I am looking forward to at least 25-30 years of this hobby

 

[Monte]

and I was 15 at the time I built my first detector from a kit in March .. then I turned 16 in May so I was then able to drive to where I wanted to explore. Oh, those early days, even the first 10-15 years, were markedly different from today.