XLT vs DFX

[Sataro]

Spent a lot of time using the XLT. Really liked running custom programs on it but gave up the hobby & sold out. Getting back into metal detecting again. Still thinking I would like an XLT or a DFX. Was wondering what the main differences was between the two. DFX dual frequency if memory serves me. How do they compare against each other? Read somewhere that the DFX doesn't have the depth as the older XLT. Any truth to this? Any info appreciated.

 

[Larry (IL)]

Read somewhere that the DFX doesn't have the depth as the older XLT. Any truth to this? Any info appreciated.

It depends on how well you learn the DFX Plan on at least 6 months to a year unless you are a very quick learner. If you were happy with the XLT, I would stick to what you know. The one exception I can think of is the DFX is much better in salt water hunting.

 

[airscapes]

The DFX is the follow on to the XLT main difference is it has 2 frequencies vs one, the XLT was a 4 filter machine, the DFX has a digital filter that is adjustable from 2-6 and sweep speed that is a fine tuning for the filter. The assortment of coils is vast with the DFX and very minimal with the XLT. I had 2 XLTs I got from a craigs list purchase, one had a bad coil. I sold the nicest one with the good coil for $275 last year so and that guy resold it for $325. The other XLT I traded for a couple new coils for the DFX.

I was in the same quandary as you last year wanting to step up to either of these machines and started with a DFX then picked up the XLT. I did use the XLT which I liked almost as much as the DFX but not being able to get many coils for it I opted to pass them on.

If you can find an XLT for for $200 I would grab it, otherwise I would expect to spend about $300-$400 on a DFX. If you go the rout of the DFX, find a copy of Digging Deeper with the DFX as that will get you up to speed very quickly>

Either one will work really well, the DFX is just more flexible and can use any of the new V rated coils as well as the older coils that were made for it.
Depth is directly related to knowing how to alter the settings for the environment. If you recall to get good depth with the XLT (or so I have read) you had to swing it fast due to the fact it was a 4 filter machine (Digging Deeper with the DFX really explains the filters well) With the DFX you can swing slower and get the same depth assuming you have it set correctly for the ground minerals.

 

[Justme]

Ive had a dfx, good unit. If you are getting back into the hobby dont overlook the m6. I traded an at pro for one. I thought it wasnt much at first but I started messing with it. I also owned a v3i, and I outhunted the v3i with the m6. I love bells and whistles knobs dials and so on. The m6 only has two knobs and a switch, but it sucks coins and jewelry like a vacuum. My next unit will be an old school mxt.

 

[Elton]

I found the XLT a better coin hunting detector. The depth was a little better in my soil. The DFX was better on jewelry finds in some situations.

For certain better in salty areas the DFX would be the choice, The lowest KHZ on the DFX had some advantage for straight silver detecting but lacked the depth of the XLT's I owned.

If you can get a good used XLT then go for it.. If not why not get a [size=large]VX3[/size] ..as they are a really fine coin and all around detector.

 

[Tom Slick]

The factory programs on the DFX are pretty weak. If you learn how to use everything the DFX has to offer, you'll find it's performance is better in many ways to the XLT.

 

[Southwind]

If you hunt jewelry at all go DFX. The XLT, while a good detector, can not match the DFX of gold thanks to the 15 kHz.

 

[Mega]

My vote would also go for the DFX if hunting gold jewellery,not sure exactly the reason why but it loves saxon gold and celtic gold coins,although i dont use it as my everyday machine these days as that crown belong to my T2 and Nexus,but when using the DFX with the SEF8x6 its a real joy too use and to me that is basically what its all about enjoying ones self.

 

[Explorer]

DXF better choice of coils and depth is not an issue. For trashy parks you have the choice of the 4x6 Eclipse which will run rings around any coil you can use on the XLT.

 

[DannyB1954]

If you want simple, go XLT. if you want options that increases complexity, go DFX.
If you know what your target is, you can get deeper with the DFX by running single frequency mode. The lower frequency is good for deep silver coins in mineralized soil, The upper frequency is better for gold and nickles. Running in both frequencies at the same time reduces depth but it has it's own advantages, (and disadvantages).
Everything is a compromise, but the DFX will give you more options to choose from. The DFX can be run in either of two frequencies, or in two different modes with both frequencies active, (correlate or best data mode). Depending on your soil and the amount of trash that you have. My opinion is the DFX gives you more bang for the buck.

 

[Sataro]

Thanks for all of the info. Been looking for the XLT or DFX but could not find one in the price range I wanted. Found a V3i with a package deal that I decided to go with. I've got to start studying now to learn the capabilities of this machine.

 

[MrBranton33]

Nice The V3i really is a sweet machine. I went from the DFX to V3I, and the V3I is much deeper and even more adaptable. A lot of people have been confused by all of the adjustments you can make, but really it's not all that complicated. The factory programs are good, and the stock Hi Pro program is very deep right out of the box. Once you get the feel for it, you'll be customizing these to your ground, and hunting style. I purchased the 13 inch Ultimate coil from White's for mine, and am extremely happy. It's lighter the the stock coil, and really runs smooth. I'm now running higher gain levels than I was previously able to, and it's a deep seeker! Good luck with your new machine!