White's Main Detecting Forum

At least it seems that way to me, so far. I've owned a IDX Pro and I really liked it a lot, but I don't think it's nearly the detector that QXT is. The detector I just purchased trigger switch only works in middle and forward positions, but not in the non-locking pull position. Right now I'm having to work around that until I can send it off to Whites for repair. I'm waiting for their return call as I type to see how much it's going to cost.

Before I received my QXT, I did a lot of reading and research. I read the manual very slowing twice to make sure that I understood completely how to operate the QXT. I also read some really good articles that helped make the use and setup of the QXT much better. This article by Thomas Hill (critterhunter?) is a really good read and very helpful. LINK This tip by Tony is great and really works well. LINK

Granted, you have to do more reading to understanding how to use the QXT than you do the IDX Pro, but once you understand it, it's very simple to operate.

The QXT is deeper, faster, IDs better, pinpoints a lot better and has way more helpful functions for the user than the IDX Pro has.

Oh, I almost forgot to mention, the QXT has ground tracking and comes standard with an automatic ground balance that works really well.

Yep, I like the QXT a whole lot better!

tabman

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Tesoro Deleon * Tesoro Compadre * Tesoro Vaquero * Tesoro Golden u-Max * Teknetics Omega * Tesoro Eldorado * Tesoro Silver uMax * 3 Garrett Pro Pointers * 2 Lesche Trowels * Killer B Wasp & Grey Ghost Headphones * Predator Tool Little Eagle & Dixie Shovels * Teknetics G2 * Teknetics T2SE

Location: Germantown Tennessee

I love my QXT Pro it is fast and very reliable on target ID and pin point is exact. Not sure what you are saying about the auto ground balance though it is manual balance unless I am missing something. Let me know. It does have very good depth with the 950 coil I just got a 350 coil and it is decent on depth but I think I should have held out for a 600 instead. I hunted at the beginning with no discrimination but now use it on but do not edit out anything this way you can assign high tones and it excels. great detector for the money. Let me know what good programs you find that work well I would appreciate it. Thanks
Dave.

Well it's not completely auto. You follow the on screen directions, pump the coil, then pull the trigger. That's auto to me when comparing it to pumping the coil and turning a knob on my Vaquero until the sound levels out. I have not been detecting with it yet, except for testing it on some targets on my driveway and yard. I have a few more weeks to go before my broken arm heals. I set mine up like Hill said he mainly uses in his article and then set the high tone for nickels and coins. I like to dig nickel signals because it gives me a chance at finding a gold ring. The QXT not having VDI numbers is big plus to me, because once I set my mind to dig everything in the nickel range I'm going to find more gold rings. Sometimes VID numbers will convince you not to dig when you really should be digging. This detector is a real sleeper.

tabman

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Tesoro Deleon * Tesoro Compadre * Tesoro Vaquero * Tesoro Golden u-Max * Teknetics Omega * Tesoro Eldorado * Tesoro Silver uMax * 3 Garrett Pro Pointers * 2 Lesche Trowels * Killer B Wasp & Grey Ghost Headphones * Predator Tool Little Eagle & Dixie Shovels * Teknetics G2 * Teknetics T2SE

Location: Germantown Tennessee

I did all the nickles too and one day this fall I got a v nickle and a gold diamond ring dig the nickles and have also found rings in the 5 range too. It works good with Hills tips and using high tones good luck HH

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deputydawg16
I did all the nickles too and one day this fall I got a v nickle and a gold diamond ring dig the nickles and have also found rings in the 5 range too. It works good with Hills tips and using high tones good luck HH

Yeah, gold rings are in a bunch of ranges, but the majority of them that are lost fall in the nickel range. When I have more targets to dig than I have time, I play the odds and dig only the good nickel signals. Hills tips are fantastic and the QXT is one super detector.

tabman

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Tesoro Deleon * Tesoro Compadre * Tesoro Vaquero * Tesoro Golden u-Max * Teknetics Omega * Tesoro Eldorado * Tesoro Silver uMax * 3 Garrett Pro Pointers * 2 Lesche Trowels * Killer B Wasp & Grey Ghost Headphones * Predator Tool Little Eagle & Dixie Shovels * Teknetics G2 * Teknetics T2SE

Location: Germantown Tennessee

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tabman
Well it's not completely auto. You follow the on screen directions, pump the coil, then pull the trigger. That's auto to me when comparing it to pumping the coil and turning a knob on my Vaquero until the sound levels out. I have not been detecting with it yet, except for testing it on some targets on my driveway and yard. I have a few more weeks to go before my broken arm heals. I set mine up like Hill said he mainly uses in his article and then set the high tone for nickels and coins. I like to dig nickel signals because it gives me a chance at finding a gold ring. The QXT not having VDI numbers is big plus to me, because once I set my mind to dig everything in the nickel range I'm going to find more gold rings. Sometimes VID numbers will convince you not to dig when you really should be digging. This detector is a real sleeper.

tabman

tabman,

If you have not been detetecting with your new to you QXT,.....How do you know that it is way better than the IDX Pro? You would know if you used them side by side to check detected targets in the ground, not by just using the QXT for testing targets in your driveway and yard. When you posted in the past,,, back when you owned the IDX Pro,,, you thought the IDX Pro was too heavy for you, I replied to one of your posts that you should try the 6½" coil and reduce weight and have better balance. The QXT is Not any lighter than the IDX Pro, so if that was one complaint about the IDX Pro, then you still have that problem with a weight issue with the QXT. I could go on and on about the pro's and con's, but I will level with you, I have never used the QXT, and have only read about them. I do know the IDX Pro very well and have used it as my main use detector in the old house sites that I like to hunt, it is deep and accurate and it works almost as good as my old Bandido in the iron nails found in these old sites. Have fun with your new QXT and report back with your findings when you get a little more experience under your belt with it, and hope you have a speedy recuperation with your broken arm. Good luck with the new to you QXT.

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" If in doubt, dig it out"

I use various analog detectors, knobs and switches rule.

Randy from south central Kansas

Hombre, you are correct that this is just a preliminary comparison, but so far I'm finding that the QXT is a much better detector than the IDX Pro. From what I have read, people with lots of experience detecting who have used both vastly prefer the QXT over the IDX Pro, except for Monte.

You are also correct in remembering that I really liked the IDX Pro and that I decided to get rid of it because at the time my elbow was giving me fits from over doing it when I lifted a heavy ramp to put it back onto my trailer many months before. At the time I thought my arm would never get better, because it stayed screwed up for so long. My arm did get better and then I went and broke it. I'm having to swing with my left arm now. I have high hopes that my broke arm will get back to normal.

Hombre, I wish you had both to compare, then you would see why I'm so excited about the QXT.

tabman

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Tesoro Deleon * Tesoro Compadre * Tesoro Vaquero * Tesoro Golden u-Max * Teknetics Omega * Tesoro Eldorado * Tesoro Silver uMax * 3 Garrett Pro Pointers * 2 Lesche Trowels * Killer B Wasp & Grey Ghost Headphones * Predator Tool Little Eagle & Dixie Shovels * Teknetics G2 * Teknetics T2SE

Location: Germantown Tennessee

Tabman,

I'm glad you found a detector that 'clicks' with you, but to say that the" QXT is way better than the IDX Pro" is really just your opinion and a few people that have had success with that particular model. I'm not trying to make an inflamitory broad statement here, like you did, because this is yours and a few others opinion. Use the best detector for your requirements is all I'm say'n. I doubt that I will ever try the QXT because I have detectors that 'click' with me! My opinion only, and taken with a grain of salt on an open wound. Not going there, no detector wars for me, as far as I'm concerned.

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" If in doubt, dig it out"

I use various analog detectors, knobs and switches rule.

Randy from south central Kansas

Detector wars? I just compared the two and stated that so far I liked one a lot better than the other one. It's just an honest opinion, that's all it is.

Hombre I sure wish you had the two to compare, because I would like to hear your honest opinion.

I also would like to hear from others who have used both and see what their thoughts are.

tabman

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Tesoro Deleon * Tesoro Compadre * Tesoro Vaquero * Tesoro Golden u-Max * Teknetics Omega * Tesoro Eldorado * Tesoro Silver uMax * 3 Garrett Pro Pointers * 2 Lesche Trowels * Killer B Wasp & Grey Ghost Headphones * Predator Tool Little Eagle & Dixie Shovels * Teknetics G2 * Teknetics T2SE

Location: Germantown Tennessee



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 02/13/2012 12:09PM by tabman.

Tabman........

Opinions are like belly buttons, everybody has one, but not one of them are the same. Ain't it great, it would truly be a boring world if everybody had the same opinion.

PS: Why is it so important to know someone's opinion on a particular detector? I use and know what is best for me and that is all.

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" If in doubt, dig it out"

I use various analog detectors, knobs and switches rule.

Randy from south central Kansas

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Hombre
Tabman........


PS: Why is it so important to know someone's opinion on a particular detector?

..............because if I hadn't read yours and other people's opinions on the IDX Pro or on other detectors I would have probably never given them a try, even though they're very good detectors and reasonably priced.

Same with the QXT. I read and weighed other users views and decided to give it a try. It even turned out a lot better than I expected, so I'm passing on my good views of it as well. Just like I did with the IDX Pro.

They're just opinions.

tabman

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Tesoro Deleon * Tesoro Compadre * Tesoro Vaquero * Tesoro Golden u-Max * Teknetics Omega * Tesoro Eldorado * Tesoro Silver uMax * 3 Garrett Pro Pointers * 2 Lesche Trowels * Killer B Wasp & Grey Ghost Headphones * Predator Tool Little Eagle & Dixie Shovels * Teknetics G2 * Teknetics T2SE

Location: Germantown Tennessee

how long have you been doing that, and how has that been working for you? Do you dig foil signals? I've just started to concentrate on foil/small ring up through pull-tabs range primarily so I can cover more ground and increase my chances of hitting gold. Is that what you are doing? I'm using a Spectrum eagle and as luck would have it, as soon as I started doing this as my SOP, I hit my first gold ring, it was just above the nickel range, in the low/mid 30's. That's just luck, I guess I was due, i had dug a bunch of tabs and nickels last year while concentrating more on silver. But, I hope this does improve the odds on gold.

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Scaupus
how long have you been doing that, and how has that been working for you? Do you dig foil signals? I've just started to concentrate on foil/small ring up through pull-tabs range primarily so I can cover more ground and increase my chances of hitting gold. Is that what you are doing? I'm using a Spectrum eagle and as luck would have it, as soon as I started doing this as my SOP, I hit my first gold ring, it was just above the nickel range, in the low/mid 30's. That's just luck, I guess I was due, i had dug a bunch of tabs and nickels last year while concentrating more on silver. But, I hope this does improve the odds on gold.

Forget the pull tabs and play the odds, Most of the gold rings that are lost will fall in the upper foil range and the nickel range. Just dig everything between sports foil caps and pull tabs. A good setup is using that range and the zinc and up range together. You can cover a lot of ground with that setting and have a good shot at finding gold rings, silver rings, clad and silver coins. The only time I have found gold rings was using that method last year. I found dozens of silver rings and jewelry, hundreds of dollars in clad and silver coins and two nice gold rings. If you hunt beaches this may not be the best method, but for parks, sports fields and schools this method works really well for me.

Here's a picture of a sports drink foil cap for those who are thinking what the hell is one of those:



Here are a couple of gold rings that I found using that method:



tabman

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Tesoro Deleon * Tesoro Compadre * Tesoro Vaquero * Tesoro Golden u-Max * Teknetics Omega * Tesoro Eldorado * Tesoro Silver uMax * 3 Garrett Pro Pointers * 2 Lesche Trowels * Killer B Wasp & Grey Ghost Headphones * Predator Tool Little Eagle & Dixie Shovels * Teknetics G2 * Teknetics T2SE

Location: Germantown Tennessee

All I can say, and keep this short, is ... Good! I don't think you would really want to.

Monte

Have:
Modified IDX Pro w/6½" coil as 'primary-use' detector.
XLT w/Royal 800 8" coil as a 'back-up' detector for casual 'cruising.'

Looking For:
XL Pro in 'cream-puff' condition for deeper searches when 'cruising' using a 6½", 8" or 950 as needed for the site.
Modified Classic III SL (last version) & 4" Snooper coil (for the trashiest of sites).

Not Interested In:
Any Quantum series model

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"Your Eyes, the ONLY 100% accurate form of Discrimination!"

Stinkwater Wells
Monte V. Berry Sr.
monte@stinkwaterwells.com
(503)481-8147
My main use favorites in order by brand:
White's
MXT Pro w/6½",
VX3 w/950
Tesoro
.. Replacement coming ..
Teknetics
Omega w/5½x9¾
G2 w/5" DD

as such, they have:

* The durable White's build quality.
* Use the excellent 8-AA slide-in battery tray.
* Are reasonable well balanced and comfortable for most hobbyists and detectorists.
* Can be, certainly, a nice 'fit' for some people.

I'll also suggest a slight modification in your post subject statement of:

"The Whites QXT Is Way Better Than The IDX Pro"

by first eliminating the exaggeration of untested personal opinion of the words "way better" with reference to a comparison with an IDX Pro.

I might insert something like "Interestingly Different, because they really need to be compared in a fair manner to know their strengths and weaknesses. So, there you have my subject heading.

Most readers of this, or ANY, White's Forum have at least some handling experience or familiarity of the various Classic series models, to include a Classic IDX or IDX Pro, compared to the huge percentage of hobbyists who haven't ever seen or held or tinkered with any of the Quantum series. That's because thee Quantum's were basically dead from the time they hit the market.

I visited a dealer's shop about 10 years after the Quantum's were released. Not an out-of-trunk business or a living room dealer, but a regular metal detecting and prospecting shop with ample advertising. When we were talking about what he used, personally, and what I used, the types of sites his local clientele hunted, and which models were most popular or sold the best, he went through the list of the most popular White's detectors that he sold or that got a consumer's interest in the first place. Never was one a Quantum, and he pointed to the Quantum XT STILL hanging on the wall display. He told me he ordered in a Quantum XT and a Quantum II, and now all this many years later it was still sitting there.

I'm not Hombre but I'll add my 2¢ anyway.

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tabman
Hombre, you are correct that this is just a preliminary comparison, but so far I'm finding that the QXT is a much better detector than the IDX Pro.

I am curious what YOU have found to influence you that the QXT is better than an IDX Pro. Also, did you have a modified IDX Pro, and was it working properly? I ask because the QXT doesn't rely on a factory-set GB and the basic IDX Pro does. That could make a difference in making a comparison. Also, a poster on another forum just touched base about a Classic IDX that didn't work properly. It wasn't the detector's fault, but the fact that the prior owner wasn't sure about what to adjust inside and messed up an number of internal trimmers! Once it is re-adjusted, all will be fine. If you're IDX Pro wasn't messed up internally and had a proper GB, then that would vie for a side-by-side comparison.

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tabman
From what I have read, people with lots of experience detecting who have used both vastly prefer the QXT over the IDX Pro, except for Monte.

Well, you haven't heard from enough people who really have 'lots of experience detecting" because, as I mentioned, very few people, by comparison, have really used any Quantum series model. Alsop, and to be fair, many 'average' hobbyists look for features and gadgets and nifty little visual things and rely on them, not really learning the strengths and weaknesses of any detector. If you talked with or heard from someone who did some honest, in-the-field work with both models then they might have preferred the QXT because the standard IDX Pro has a 'fixed' Ground Balance. The standard IDX Pro doesn't have an external or easily adjustable Threshold control for the All Metal mode.

The IDX Pro doesn't have any VDI reference numbers, visual Battery Check, Town ID options, or a scrolling visual interpretation display.

However, the IDX Pro DOES have a fully variable Discrimination control instead of a very limited accept/reject 'segment' type of Discrimination system. The IDX Pro is also a quick-response.fast-recovery model that doesn't have a more controlled or regulated sweep speed. If you haven't figured that out yet, spend more time with the QXT and you might notice that it has a bit of a delay in the response when sweeping across a target, and it has a more 'particular' or, to me, 'peculiar' sweep speed 'comfort zone' and going too fast or two slow can really impair field performance.

We also know that when hunting trashier sites the avid detectors will not want to rely on, or use, any Tone ID feature because the amount of target masking is going to drastically influence the end-result audio response and a bad-tone for a good-target can cause you to miss them. It will take a while to really learn the QXT and, if YOU feel it is a right-pick for YOU, then that's great. I had the opportunity to work with both the Quantum II and Quantum XT when in their prototype stage just before their introduction. I found them ... interesting ... but not appealing, for me. I have used one that someone owned when we hunted together after a seminar (all ONE of them, actually, was ever owned by a seminar attendee).

Wondering if I had missed a great deal on an overlooked detector, I bought or traded for a cream-puff QXT Pro about 3-4 years ago. I had my modified IDX Pro, XLT and an XL Pro at the time, as well as either an M6 or MXT, and I did some comparisons. The conclusion, after hunting some city parks, local schools, a half-dozen older, out-of-the-way locations and a yard was that ... I hadn't missed a thing.

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tabman
You are also correct in remembering that I really liked the IDX Pro and that I decided to get rid of it because at the time my elbow was giving me fits from over doing it when I lifted a heavy ramp to put it back onto my trailer many months before. At the time I thought my arm would never get better, because it stayed screwed up for so long. My arm did get better and then I went and broke it. I'm having to swing with my left arm now. I have high hopes that my broke arm will get back to normal.

Hey, I am glad to hear your elbow got better, but sad to hear you broke your arm. I tried to hunt left-handed, but I am just a too dedicated right-hand man and can't get comfortable doing it.

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tabman
Hombre, I wish you had both to compare, then you would see why I'm so excited about the QXT.

I kind of wish he had one to give it a try, but I don't think you would be very impressed with his after-use response.

Spend a good deal of time trying to learn it well. Ask questions when you need help, but give it all your best effort, as we all should do with any detector we have. In the end, if YOU are pleased and if it provides the field performance that makes you happy, then that's great!

For me, however, I am waiting for my wife to get home with the detailed van while we have some sun breaks! Then I can grab my modified IDX Pro and go find some good stuff. I hope to hit the road a bit this summer, if health allows, and travel to several parts of the country to do some seminars (and ample detecting). If I get close to wherever you are (and you can shoot me an e-mail an let me know where at monte@ahrps.org ), I would love to do some side-by-side comparisons with your QXT Pro and my IDX Pro. Heck, we might even hunt up some old coins while we're at it?

Monte

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"Your Eyes, the ONLY 100% accurate form of Discrimination!"

Stinkwater Wells
Monte V. Berry Sr.
monte@stinkwaterwells.com
(503)481-8147
My main use favorites in order by brand:
White's
MXT Pro w/6½",
VX3 w/950
Tesoro
.. Replacement coming ..
Teknetics
Omega w/5½x9¾
G2 w/5" DD