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Weight Comparison between the ATX vs. SDC 2300

T

Treasurehunter1967

New member
I am an owner of an ATX and have been also looking at the SDC 2300. I really enjoy the fact that new detectors are coming out for all of us consumers that love metal detecting and analyzing detectors. Each one has it's advantages. One thing I noticed when comparing the ATX and the SDC weight for each detector is simply that there is not as much weight difference as first appears when looking at the spec sheets for both detectors. Look at the following calculations below and you can see for yourself. The difference is approximately 1 pound. However, this too is deceiving because the ATX weight amount is including the larger 10x12 Double D Coil, as opposed to the SDC's smaller 8" mono coil. Keep in mind that the weight for the ATX will be lower if using the 8" Mono Coil as opposed to the Stock 10x12. My question is, does anyone have both coils for the ATX (8" Mono & the 10x12 coil) so the actual weight difference between the 2 ATX coils can be determined? I am curious how much less the ATX weighs with the 8" Mono coil and then what the difference between the ATX with that 8" mono attached and the new SDC 2300 weight is? My guess is that the detectors will actually be pretty close in weight, and this would be a more apples to apples comparison between the two, as far as, the weight is concerned.

I want to mention that I have not been fortunate enough to swing the new SDC yet, but must say I am looking forward to it. I hope I enjoy it as much as I have my ATX.

Lastly, I do think it's important to note that since both detectors are close in weight, when comparing the two in this way, helps silence those out there that say the ATX is too heavy and believe the SDC is a better solution just on weight alone.

I welcome any feedback......

ATX (with Batteries included and Stock 10 x 12 coil) - 6.9 lbs.

SDC (NOT including batteries and 8" Mono Coil) - 5.3 lbs. *if add the weight of the 4 C batteries it adds approximately 9.5 ounces to the total weight = 5.9 lbs

Thanks,
 
does anyone actually know if there is any benefit in the SDC2300 at the beach? versus the ATX? I will have the 8 inch mono to weigh for you this few days
 
I've never had a prob with my atx regarding floppy coils . Sand in the shaft cam locks yes but most beaches here in oz have showers and taps that I use to wash my atx so not a drama ..
Regarding the sdc it's a killer on sub 0.0 gold . but it's well balanced .. I could swing it all day without a harness but two or more days you'll need one . Would I buy the sdc and use it on the beaches NO . it lacks depth . I would buy it if I was just hunting gold only as it will find small gold that other current high end machines miss . .. but I'll wait for the gpx5000 replacement ...
 
First, regarding the floppy coils, I understand that if one is experiencing this issue, you can send the coil to Garrett and they will fix the problem. Not every machine shipped had this issue. Second, the cam locks have definitely been a problem in sandy watery environments. With that said, there are ways to clean the cams after beach use and in extreme cases, one can use the cam wrench to open them up and remove the sand/grit better. I personally don't like having to mess with the cams, but at this point, added care must be taken or it be an issue. I have heard that Garret is working in a solution, but have no idea when or how this would affect those, including myself, whom have purchased the ATX already. I do know Garrett stands behind there products and feel confident they will do so with the cams as well.

Finally, I heard of some issues with the cam locks on the CDX having some issues in beach environments, but not to the extreme that the ATX has. Just saying.

Anyway, thanks for all the feedback. I really enjoy ALL the positive and any negative comments for either machine. Isn't completion GREAT?

Hoping to hear more soon.

PS. I have attached a picture of the cam wrench that can be purchased from any Garrett dealer. I just ordered one, in case I may need to open one to remove the clogged sand.

Thanks,
 
I bought one and have tried to unscrew the camlocks nuts, but I have stopped each time as I do not want to slip and chip the little holes the wrench fits into. I am going to call Garrett and ask if they have some magic to loosen the nuts without distroying them.
 
I'm interested in this as well...I wonder how the SDC will perform on beaches. Even if it outperformed the ATX, you'd have to find a TON of rings to make up that sales price!
dmnz said:
does anyone actually know if there is any benefit in the SDC2300 at the beach? versus the ATX? I will have the 8 inch mono to weigh for you this few days
Click to expand...

dmnz, it would be great if you could post a review of the 8" on the beach!

thanks and happy hunting!
 
The sdc will be good on the beach but it lacks the depth.. I was told this by the minelab rep . Due to It high pulse rate and shorter tx and rx times . It is killer on sub 0.0 gold . I've seen and played with the sdc I've seen the 0.02g gold ( @ 3" deep ) It found in Queensland at the the minelab day in Perth .
 
hmmm, so it seems the SDC is not really going to cut it on the beach - we need depth and power, so looks like the ATX is a winner in this instance??
 
This is a extract from Jonathon porters post on detectorprospector forum ..he is the minelab tester of the sdc in Queensland


Hi Steve, I enjoyed using the ATX, it's the first time a PI has come out that actually competed with a Minelab in my neck of the woods, it's a shame there was so much touch sensitivity and it was soooo heavy, otherwise it would be a fun detector to use.

Our main concern here in OZ is mineralization, there are very few places that aren't mineralized so a detector has to work well in those areas especially after having Fine Gold timings on the GPX, in quieter ground the ATX and SDC have similar sensitivity (in air depth), but when you add in the bad touch sensitivity and the weight difference the price is really the only drawback for the SDC.

JP

Here is the link http://www.detectorprospector.com/forum/topic/247-garrett-atx-vs-minelab-sdc-2300/
 
I'm not being a smart ass or putting the sdc down in any way . Just putting the info out there for you all to read.
 
Interesting read - clearly two different detecting applications according to the author. I purchased my ATX to hunt highly mineralized parks/beaches here in mainland Japan; mineralization that limited both of my CTX3030's to 4" or less at 23 sensitivity. Initial tests in my yard at 10 sensitivity - ATX is reasonably stable - gets 10" on a quarter - same on a 14K ladies ring - overall, huge difference. I will be taking it out to the beach as soon as my Grey Ghost Amphibians arrive - as the stock headphones are incredibly uncomfortable.
 
This is a extract from Jonathon porters post on detectorprospector forum ..he is the minelab tester of the sdc in Queensland


Hi Steve, I enjoyed using the ATX, it's the first time a PI has come out that actually competed with a Minelab in my neck of the woods, it's a shame there was so much touch sensitivity and it was soooo heavy, otherwise it would be a fun detector to use.

Our main concern here in OZ is mineralization, there are very few places that aren't mineralized so a detector has to work well in those areas especially after having Fine Gold timings on the GPX, in quieter ground the ATX and SDC have similar sensitivity (in air depth), but when you add in the bad touch sensitivity and the weight difference the price is really the only drawback for the SDC.

JP

Here is the link http://www.detectorprospector.com/forum/topic/247-garrett-atx-vs-minelab-sdc-2300/

JP,

With all due respect, if you read the first post in this topic, you will see that the weight difference is actually very minimal. That being said, the differences are: that the ATX does have touch sensitivity, opposed to the SDC, the SDC is more expensive, the ATX has more options for hunting (8" Mono, 10x12 Stock coil with Iron Check and a 15x20 Deepseeker Mono), the SDC does not have an iron check ability, the ATX can locate deeper targets. So there are a lot more advantages to the ATX and the weight is actually a non issue when using the mono 8" coil.
 
That's why I posted the info stephen. . Two different machines . Out of interest my atx does not have touch sensitive issues unless it's fully cranked up sensitivity and no ground balance being done ... I factory reset on new hunting grounds then I do a emi scan then I ground balance and after that I adjust sensitivity if it needs it .. In full motion mode at the beach . I do the same when hunting our west Australian dirt in non motion . But that being said I have a mate who got his atx as soon as it was released last year he has touch issues . My atx is 3 months old . So I can only guess that Garrett may have tweaked the newer atx's . ? ...
 
Hello Stephen, after the launch party of the SDC2300 here at Kellyco, I have been able to pick up and use both the SDC and the ATX, and I must say, even though that weight isnt THAT much, I will say, its about the balance of the machine, not the full weight. Just for example, I am 150 pounds 5'10, I can honestly tell you the 4.6 pound GTI 2500 absolutely kills my arm in about 15-20 minutes, while the 5.2 pound CTX3030 feels much lighter just by the way the balancing is in the detector and doesn't affect me as much. Granted, for me I would go with a lighter detector for my build, but thats not the topic.

Yes the ATX is a beast and is balanced well so it doesn't seem AS heavy as it is, but I can still really feel my arm having trouble getting down with the machine. The SDC does not have as much weight on the coil end and the carbon fiber shafts do help put more of the balance behind your wrist, although, I do not feel most of the weight on the elbow like the 3030 since the rear base of the detector reaches from your elbow to your wrist. But it definitely does have a really nice feel to the machine, as does the ATX, but I feel the weight difference pretty well comparing the 2. Just to give you my experience with these 2 machines on the weight differences.
 
Brad I have one question. Could you write something more about ATX and SDC for beach hunting... I can't find any information about this...
 
I wouldn't want to Hijack a thread, but, we were told (until official, I will say rumor) Gary Drayton was using the SDC 2300 for testing on the beach and found a quarter at 16 inches in the sand. Not sure if that was in dry or wet sand, but both the ATX and SDC are great for the beach as well. Not sure what information you are looking for exactly? If you want, you can PM me for any other questions so we do not go too off-topic in here.
 
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