jimz49, it can be interesting to shop for a new [size=small](or used)[/size] detector, and the first things you need to do are consider all the types of sites you'll search, factor in your patience level, consider what site challenges you want to deal with the most, then try to check out any models you are considering prior to purchase. IT used to be easier in the latter '70s and into the early '90s when there were many more detector dealers located close to a lot of us. Not as easy today.
We can view videos on the Internet, but remember some of them will be canted, and others are not a complete test from various sweep directions. Naturally we can ask others on the forums, but remember that each of us might have a different concept of what 'iron trash' might mean or just a 'trashy site' or 'bad ground,' etc. I will part with a detector or two in my personal arsenal from time -to-time, but usually because I will add to my detector battery a detector to hunt with and evaluate, comparing it with known in-the-field favorite performers.
There is no such thing as a 'perfect' metal detector, but there are some very good detectors that might excel in certain hunting applications. Since '71 I have always made it a point to have at least two, and often four or five [size=small](or more)[/size] detectors in my personal arsenal, along with the search coils that I found to work best of them to reward me for my efforts. So my advice is to do the same. Find two, or a few, that can complement each other to better handle different tough challenges, as well as the easier opportunities, then devote enough field time to learn them.
jimz49 said:
I've had whites detectors in the past and I'm considering getting another.
Which models did you have, and what did and didn't you like about them? What was lacking with what you used to make to look for another White's?
jimz49 said:
I'm looking at either a VX3 or a V3i (probably the vx3).
Okay, but what types of hunting do you usually do? Is it just urban Coin Hunting, or do you get into renovation work or go off to a homestead or cellar hole or other older sites? What types of trash do you usually encounter, and in what density of close proximity, do you have to deal with it? What made you consider either of these two models, and which search coils did you plan to use with them?
I had the Visions and progressed to the V3i, but it was definitely nit my main-use detector, nor did I enjoy using it that much because I like 'simple' and found the V3i too complex to maneuver through. When the VX3 came out, I used it and chose it as the preferred model of the two. The VX3 is still not my primary use detector, or even one of the top three I have grabbed for most of the types of sites I hunt. It is simpler to adjust, and I like the depth of detection [size=small](when in a site where 'depth' is a necessary factor)[/size], and I like it with the 6½" or stock 950 Concentric coils for most of the open area searches where I might employ it.
jimz49 said:
My most recent detectors have been minelabs and I would like to add one of the V's to my list of detectors.
Are you referring to the FBS series Minelabs? Do you still have one? How do you feel a VX3 or V3i might complement your Minelab? Just curious because I have used my VX3 with three friends who used different FBS models, in most scenarios when we counter-checked located targets, the VX3 was more often correct at classifying ferrous trash.
jimz49 said:
I'm thinking about letting an X-Terra 705 with coils (6"H, 9"L, 6" Digger, 5x10H & 10.5H) go and probably add the VX3.
Why would you want an X-Terra 705, especially with the five search coils mentioned? What applications? If all of that, why do you think a VX3 would also work in your arsenal? As I stated, my VX3 isn't my primary use detector(s), but having owned three X-Terras and using others, I know what they did, and didn't, do for me and you won't see one in my detector list below, nor do I want to have one again.
I have three primary-carry detectors and the X-Terra 705 didn't come close to matching or beating them in several very tough iron trash environments. Also didn't get the depth, although 'depth' is not all that important a factor in most cases due to trash abundance. That might be due to the types of sites I most often search, of course.
jimz49 said:
Do you think the X & the V are similar in ability?
No, they are definitely different in their performance and ability to handle different hunting environments.
jimz49 said:
If you don't, can you elaborate?
With the VX3 you can hunt with all three frequencies at the same time. You have a broader range of Discrimination adjustment. I find the display more informative, the adjustment selection easier to maneuver through, and the build quality superior. Another benefit, for me, is that it shares search coils with my MX5 and MXT All-Pro, and the MXT All-Pro is
currently my #1 all-purpose detector.
Matter of fact, if you got a VX3 and MXT All-Pro instead of the VX3 and X-Terra 705, you would have the same versatility in search coil application, and two models that both beat the X-Terra in all-purpose use and performance.
Just my opinions.
Monte
