White's TDI hands on today

[Artur]

I finally had a chance to play with and test the new TDI machine. I took a trip to Metal Detectors of Minneapolis where there were a few copies on hand. Needless to say I quickly ran out of the store with it to a local park to give it a test run and this machine has some real potential. I did dig some clad in a filled area which produced some fairly deep clad. I won't go into details as there are other and better reviews starting to show up. This machine is fairly heavy but it has a very sweet sound on deep objects. It was akin to using all metal non motion mode with a strange discrimination charecteristics... an alltogether new experience. The bottom line is, this machine is exciting in my opinion. I was informed that this was a first run hand built unit with very stringent tolerances. Needless to say if I had $1300 burning a hole in my pocket I would have walked out with it for good. They do have some units on hand for purchase, though I haven't seen it on-line??? Any ideas???

-Art in Duluth MN

 

[andreak77]

You are correct, there were a limited number of hand built units made. Those units were basically the final testing of the TDI before putting them into full production as well as to develop a final owners manual that would thoroughly educate the user. Last I heard the TDI is currently in production and it won't be long before they will be available for purchase. The new catalog has the TDI in it, and they have been mailing them out for close to week now. I would imagine that it's not too far off in the future that the TDI will be available.

 

[Pap]

The TDI is on the market at present. My son purchased & receieved his a few weeks ago.
Pap

 

[B.T]

Good point raised, the weight. How much heavier say than the MXT would the TDI be Art?

 

[Artur]

The TDI uses the original control box, ie. the one you would find on the older generation 5900's, Eagle Spectrum etc... Also the li-ion battery pack is about 1.5 lbs alone. Coupled with a lage coil I would estimate the TDI is about 2-3 lbs heavier then the MXT/DFX. This of course can be alleviated as the control box is hip mountable as it comes with a slot for a belt. In all honesty the balance is quite good though. Minor gripe I guess, but for the potential of this machine (my opinion) I would happily lug it around.

 

[poddar]

I own one of the preproduction models. I have no prior experience with detectors so I can't compare it to any other, but I'm not a big guy, and I can use it all day without a problem. I haven't hip or chest-mounted it yet. The battery is where the weight is, but it's a trade off for transmit power I suppose.

Wayne

 

[Phil]

the TDI is heavier, more like a Minelab Sovereign or Nautilus. The TDI is well balanced though and so far hasn't worn my arm out. I think it is easier to swing than my CZ-5 was.

 

[B.T]

Thanks for that Artur. I suspected it might be in the 5900 area but wasnt sure. Sounds like a bungy cord like those used on Minelab SD/GP detectors would be the go for using it on the shaft.
Ill rig one up for when I finally get one. Hanging out bad for that thing over here, a lot of people are. Thanks again for the feedback.

 

[steve herschbach]

Hi,

The TDI is a smidge over a pound heavier than the MXT, but is balanced so well you really do not feel it. The unit is easily hip or chest mounted so no big deal. I prefer to hip mount mine.

Steve Herschbach

 

[andreak77]

It is a hand built unit, not a line unit as those are not available yet. Remember there were 200 hand built units made.

 

[Artur]

I guess it's still for sale. Also, as far as the weight, Steve Herschbach's post is more accurate then my weight estimation:blush: