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XLT vs DFX vs Garret AT?

C

Chadd

New member
Hello all,

I know a local guy who is selling an older XLT spectrum and is asking $400 for it, it is in good working shape has the charger, AA battery tray and the nicad pack.

Just curious if this seems a bit high price wise and also if I would be better off just spending an extra $100-$150 for a used DFX or a Garret AT Pro/Gold.

I have read up quite a bit on the DFX in the past but not so much on the XLT, what are the major differences between the two other than frequency options?

I am currently using a Discovery 3300 and have been pretty happy with it but would like something a bit more "advanced".

Thanks,
Chadd
 
The DFX has better cold weather operation than the XLT, the XLT operates at 6.59 kHz, and the processor of the DFX is twice as fast, other than that, and the two frequencies vs. single frequency, they are pretty much identical. I don't know anything about Garrets. Sorry.
 
Thanks for the reply,

What are the issues with the XLT and cold weather, also what is considered cold? What are the biggest drawbacks to processor speed, does the XLT have slower recovery time due to slower processor? Also having never used a dual frequency machine before is it something that gets used often and in what situations?

a4wdguy said:
The DFX has better cold weather operation than the XLT, the XLT operates at 6.59 kHz, and the processor of the DFX is twice as fast, other than that, and the two frequencies vs. single frequency, they are pretty much identical. I don't know anything about Garrets. Sorry.
Click to expand...

Thanks,
Chadd
 
Cold would be freezing temperatures. When I operated my XLT in freezing temperatures I noticed the display would be very slow. This means that by the time target information was displayed the coil was no longer over that target. Kind of like watching an old kung-fu movie where the actor's lips moved, then you heard what they "said".
Processor speed - yep, recovery time is faster, everything is faster with the DFX. If you don't use the DFX the XLT won't seem slow to you, if you do use the DFX, the XLT will seem to operate slower.
Frequencies - the XLT uses the workhorse 6.597 kHz, it is very stable and provides good sensitivity and depth. The DFX uses 3kHz and 15kHz. It can use either 3 or 15 or both at the same time. Further, data can be combined by the detector or compared.
Rather than try to explain that and confuse us both, here is a youtube video about the DFX put out by White's. It's a nine part video, so hopefully this link gets you where you need to be:

DFX training video

Hope this helps!
 
I had watched all those videos before and they are quite informative. I think reading the DFX classroom treads will give you some insight as well. See what others struggle with, what they like, what they change, etc.
 
I personally think the build quality of the Garrett pales in comparison to either the XLT or the DFX. The XLT is a fine all around detector and the DFX another notch above that. The Dual ferquency is another advantage over the other two when hunting saltwater beaches.
 
The white's v3i sounds like a great machine for saltwater except that it's not waterproof. If i am detecting at the water's edge and a wave hits me, the detector could be ruined. The garret at pro seems to have an advantage since its waterproof to 10 ft.
 
You got some good advice here. The XLT at 400 bucks is top dollar for a used unit and I would pass on it for that money. It better be pristine for the $$$'s. The DFX would perform better on a saltwater beach but do not discount the ATPro. I've had all the units you are talking about used them extensively even though I'm a new user of the AT Pro. I'm also a long time Whites user (26+ years) first. Honestly, the AT Pro will give you more bang for your dollar in all weather conditions. It will ground Balance on a wet salt beach. Be sure you get one of later updated AT Pro units with cam locks and the longer arm rest extension. I think you may be able to get one with warranty if you check around.
I clean my AT Pro off in the shower.
Good luck!
 
My AT Pro was good for about 3-4" on the wet saltwater beach sand in CA. I wasn't impressed with its performance in that environment. In fresh water It would be fine but way down the list for use in a saltwater environment.
 
Yup in the wet salt may just couple inches, but far more in the dry sand.
 
You wouldn't be disappointed with the XLT. It will keep you busy for a long time. But 4 seems a bit steep. Half that price and you're talking a deal. I love my Eagle Spectrum (a notch below the XLT). It will continue to serve me well until I get my hands on an E Trac. :thumbup:
 
AT PRO= a giant joke, it's cheap, made of plastic, and sounds like a kids toy. They suck!!!! I used one and couldn't give it back to my friend fast enough, they feel like a toy from Walmart. And the sound,,,, oh my god I would rather try to kill myself with a spoon instead of listening to that crappy squawk box.
 
You can't go wrong with a DFX it is a great alround detector. I have been using my DFX for 7 years on salt water beachs and dry land.
I think you would be happy with DFX compared to the XLT.
 
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