Ace 250 vs White's XLT

[Dirt Poor]

Has anyone with an XLT hunted with the Ace 250, or vice versa? I was wondering how much better the performance and depth would be with the XLT. Thanks for any help on this.

 

[ojm bc]

can't help,,but I tend to think location is a main factor,,I fell for buying larger coils,I don't think it made much difference.I quite often find the depth on snipers almost keeping up with standard coils imho hh

 

[Mick in Dubbo]

I've owned both and to be honest, I don't think that there is much difference. I'm not an experienced XLT user though. Just a small cravat about depth. Most detectors generally hunt to similar depth regardless of brands. Folks can get caught up in hype about certain brands or whether a more expensive machine hunts deeper than a cheaper unit, but unless you are dealing with mineralisation situations, then the only other thing that will make a significant difference, is if you can turn on a true all metal/prospecting type mode.
Most coins are found in the top 4 inches anyway, so unless you are nugget hunting or relic hunting, then depth is only a minor consideration in choosing a detector.
Just something to think about.
Mick Evans.

 

[david764]

Go with the Ace 250

 

[dahut]

Apples and oranges - again.
Why do we keep trying to compare what is essentially an entry level instrument, the little Ace, to so many things?
(I suspect that because Garrett did a good job marketing a decent detector, there are just so many people out using it! Comparisons are inevitable...)

I have seen the XLT make mincemeat of a basic detector like the Ace, and I was the one left holding the empty bag. And it wasnt depth that made the diffeence. Someone made a good comment that most detectors are pretty much the same in their depth abilities. There are a few exceptions, but you make trade offs to get that increase in depth. I have found the Ace to be adequate in depth, although I own models that will handily best it.

But, lets face it, the XLT and Ace 250 are not in the same league. Each works, in it's own way, but that is where the similarities end.

Much depends on user skill, of course. But I'll go out on a limb: feature for feature, the XLT will melt the Ace.

Do you need these "bells and whistles?" Some people like to say you don't. I'll disagree, since I've seen the right features expertly used, make the difference in recoveries. This is something we forget. Guys like Ken White and his team didn't just dream up a bunch of doodads to slap on their detectors for show. What they build-in are features that have benefit... if you choose to explore them. So if it were me - I'd say, "Yes, if you can afford the XLT, get it."

For you? Who knows.

 

[Dirt Poor]

Thank y'all for the posts. Each one made a point. I am not an "entry level" digger, and I've been digging for 30 years or so. I used to hunt with only Whites machines(the old big ones), but then I developed the bad kind of arthritis(rheumatoid). I have owned an Ace 250 for a year or so, and I like it. I recently bought a Spectrum xlt for 150.00, and it's in excellent shape. I only bought it because it was a great deal, and then I discovered the "swingy thingy" support harness(got it yesterday). My situation is that my wife is hollering for me to sell a machine or two, because I have too many(6). I have not had the XLT out in the field yet,and I hope I'll be able to swing it with the harness. But I don't want to sell the Ace yet, as I may keep it and sell the XLT.

 

[dahut]

Thank y'all for the posts. Each one made a point. I am not an "entry level" digger, and I've been digging for 30 years or so. I used to hunt with only Whites machines(the old big ones), but then I developed the bad kind of arthritis(rheumatoid). I have owned an Ace 250 for a year or so, and I like it. I recently bought a Spectrum xlt for 150.00, and it's in excellent shape. I only bought it because it was a great deal, and then I discovered the "swingy thingy" support harness(got it yesterday). My situation is that my wife is hollering for me to sell a machine or two, because I have too many(6). I have not had the XLT out in the field yet,and I hope I'll be able to swing it with the harness. But I don't want to sell the Ace yet, as I may keep it and sell the XLT.

So, the rest of the story unfolds!
The older models like the Spectrum can be like swingin a brick, that is for sure. It wont matter how many useful features it has, if it is too much bother to haul around. Let us know how it all pans out.

 

[slingshot]

Yep! Had to sell my Fisher CZ-5 My arm actually COLLAPSED trying to foolishly detect for over 5 hours straight with it. Plus, as Dahut pointed out, I wasn't researching and getting into the areas where it's capabilities would really shine to make the difference. I was finding coins at 8"-ZINCERS ! So my version of the swingy thingy couldn't make up for the fact that I more or less limited myself to local schools, parks, etc. So, for me, the Ace is the key to my arsenal.

 

[dahut]

Yep! Had to sell my Fisher CZ-5 My arm actually COLLAPSED trying to foolishly detect for over 5 hours straight with it. Plus, as Dahut pointed out, I wasn't researching and getting into the areas where it's capabilities would really shine to make the difference. I was finding coins at 8"-ZINCERS ! So my version of the swingy thingy couldn't make up for the fact that I more or less limited myself to local schools, parks, etc. So, for me, the Ace is the key to my arsenal.

 

[rglyons]

Hey Dirt Poor,

I've had a White's 6000 Di in the past and now exclusively use an Ace 250.
MUCH EASIER on the arthritus and I swear the 250 does better. I may try that
sling myself. My pain is right under my right shoulder blade. Also, I have a problem
of bending over - get dizzy with my congestive heart failure, but I keep trying!

Good Luck - let us know how the sling does.

Gene

 

[slingshot]

Yep! Had to sell my Fisher CZ-5 My arm actually COLLAPSED trying to foolishly detect for over 5 hours straight with it. Plus, as Dahut pointed out, I wasn't researching and getting into the areas where it's capabilities would really shine to make the difference. I was finding coins at 8"-ZINCERS ! So my version of the swingy thingy couldn't make up for the fact that I more or less limited myself to local schools, parks, etc. So, for me, the Ace is the key to my arsenal.

LOL. I sent that pic to my son and he replied "turn that frown upside down". I told him that was 60 year old jowls that gravity was holding down. Smiling at this age DOES take more muscles.:blush:

 

[jimmy jam]

I'm a true believer that you get what you pay for. i have the Ace 250, and i love it, i do think it is under priced. but the XLT has a lot more to offer. It really all depends on what you want out of your hobby.

 

[Uncle Willy]

I doubt there is much difference in depth if both were using the same type and size of coil but the XLT has a lot more features, bells and whistles, and gizmos to play with that improves the detecting experience..

Bill.

 

[fmea]

This question is a bit puzzling. You are asking to compare an approx $250 ACE 250 unit with an approx $900 White Unit? Is it possible that the price difference would not give the White unit a big advantage in its scope. One would think so. How about comparing the XLT with the GTI 2500, two units in about the same price range?

 

[Dirt Poor]

Thank y'all for the posts. Each one made a point. I am not an "entry level" digger, and I've been digging for 30 years or so. I used to hunt with only Whites machines(the old big ones), but then I developed the bad kind of arthritis(rheumatoid). I have owned an Ace 250 for a year or so, and I like it. I recently bought a Spectrum xlt for 150.00, and it's in excellent shape. I only bought it because it was a great deal, and then I discovered the "swingy thingy" support harness(got it yesterday). My situation is that my wife is hollering for me to sell a machine or two, because I have too many(6). I have not had the XLT out in the field yet,and I hope I'll be able to swing it with the harness. But I don't want to sell the Ace yet, as I may keep it and sell the XLT.

So, the rest of the story unfolds!
The older models like the Spectrum can be like swingin a brick, that is for sure. It wont matter how many useful features it has, if it is too much bother to haul around. Let us know how it all pans out.

Thanks, David. I'll try to do a "test-run" with the xlt this weekend(using the swingy thingy). I'll let y'all know how it goes.

 

[Dirt Poor]

Yep! Had to sell my Fisher CZ-5 My arm actually COLLAPSED trying to foolishly detect for over 5 hours straight with it. Plus, as Dahut pointed out, I wasn't researching and getting into the areas where it's capabilities would really shine to make the difference. I was finding coins at 8"-ZINCERS ! So my version of the swingy thingy couldn't make up for the fact that I more or less limited myself to local schools, parks, etc. So, for me, the Ace is the key to my arsenal.

Thanks! I mostly water hunt in the summer and relic/coin hunt winter months. Getting to be that time!

 

[Dirt Poor]

Thanks, Gene! I'm off work for four days, so after I do some honey-do things around here, I'm gonna try out the Spec. xlt. Your comment about the Ace is what I kinda wanted to hear. I don't need a harness to swing the Ace(although it won't be long). If one machine will "hang" with the other, I'd sell the XLT and keep the Ace.

 

[Dirt Poor]

I'm a true believer that you get what you pay for. i have the Ace 250, and i love it, i do think it is under priced. but the XLT has a lot more to offer. It really all depends on what you want out of your hobby.

You're right, but I've spent 30 years in this hobby, and with the aches and pains I'm getting, the question now is "what does the hobby want out of me"........

 

[Uncle Willy]

The Sniper for the 250 will get down seven inches which is remarkable for a coil only 4.5 inches in diameter..

Bill

 

[Dirt Poor]

fmea............Do you know how HEAVY a GTI 2500 is? Obviously, you didn't fully read the post........