So, I’ve finally decided on what I’m going to do. I currently have a White’s XLT Spectrum that has been an absolutely a great detector for me. But after 10 years, I’m deciding to get a new unit. This doesn’t mean the XLT is going to be boxed up or given away. I would like to add another piece to my arsenal. I think it will be real fun to split my hunts up between detectors, and go over my ‘hunted-out’ areas with a new machine to see if I missed anything (and everyone knows.. no one can get all the signals).

So… what am I going to get??? The decision has been made, and I’m going to pick up the new Minelab Explorer SE. It was between that and the White’s DFX. After talking to a White’s representative on the phone today, me said that DFX wouldn’t be that much of a jump from the XLT. He said that if I was surf/beach hunting it would be great, but standard relic/coin hunting, it was very comparable to the XLT. He talked about the DC phase switch, that sounded interesting, but it wasn’t enough to make me bite on the DFX. I would have been sorely disappointed if it was just like swinging my XLT.

One of the things I wanted was a new experience. 10 years with the same machine is good for experience, but I found myself getting in a rut, always digging the same ‘style’ of signals. This rut, in my opinion, might keep me from hitting worthy signals that I think were ‘bad’. I think a new machine, where I have to learn all over again, might be a fun change of pace.

It sounds like the Minelab Explorer SE is a really great machine for both depth and accuracy. When I get it, I’m going to try to hit my usual hunting grounds to see if the signals start popping.

This Spring, I’m planning on doing a proper “shootout” between the XLT and SE. I’m thinking about gridding an area and going over the area with both detectors and “marking” potential signals with both detectors. Then dig after the area has been marked. I’m curious what each sees, and more importantly, what each misses. I think this is a proper bench test. I hate the standard dry air bench testing or burying targets. I want the real world test.

I’m going to make the purchase tomorrow. I can’t wait!

So, I’ve been itchin’ to buy a new metal detector. I currently own a White’s XLT Spectrum, which I’ve been swinging for nearly 10 years now. First off, I have no complaints with this machine. It’s simply awesome. So, why do I want a new machine? Well, I simply think that technology has changed and detectors have to be better… right? Plus, it’s fun to try something new, and after 10 years I think it would be good to change things up a little.

Now, the obvious “upgrade” choice would be to get the White’s DFX. I like the sound of dual frequency and “deeper” targets, but I started asking around the forum circles for opinions. Surprisingly, I get a lot of “XLT is better than the DFX” or “I would stick with the XLT, if I was you” stuff. That’s getting me worried. I was expecting to hear “The DFX smokes the XLT” or something to that affect. Now the sliver of doubt has been planted. Do I want a DFX?

I originally started off with the Garretts. I had a GTA500 and GTA1000, and still have the GTA1000 as a backup. Compared to the XLT, the Garrett’s are a joke. But I’ve never used the higher end models. Unfortunately, I do not have any Garrett dealers near me to try one out. I do have a White’s dealer near by though. But, I was thinking about maybe breaking away from White’s. That’s a gamble, because I really believe they have a good product.

Minelab, Tesoro and Fisher would be interesting to try, but not sure if they have the detector for me. I primarily relic hunt (1880s – 1920 era hunts) and coinshoot (in the same era). I need deep, precise machine that is comfortable to swing. I have a Fisher Gold Bug II as a prospecting detector. I like the quality of the Fisher, but I always thought they were uncomfortable. Again, the White’s exceeds in that department.

Anyone have any opinions on this subject?? Any Minelab or Tesoro owners out there willing to convert me? Is there a DFX owner that can make me feel better about that unit? Whatever I buy, it’s going to be pricey, because I do believe you get what you pay for.