I hate to say this too, but really, we have covered this question in this forum many, many times. It's not that we're mean or don't love the machine, but seriously, someone posts this question on this forum what seems to be every single week. I'm sure the V3 guys get asked it all the time as well. So, while we love to tell you how great our machine is, we get kinda discouraged that you did not even bother to search the forum before asking your broad general question. My broad general answer is, the E-Trac is the best detector ever! (Did my broad general answer help you any? Probably not.)
We love specific questions about the machine! Ask us about Smartfind, ask us geographically specific questions (i.e. Does is work well in mineralized red soil). Ask us if it is good for the type of hunting you want to do: jewelry, coins, relics, nuggets. Tell us where you're going to be using it: homes, tot-lots, parks, farm fields. Is weight an issue? If so, maybe the E-Trac is too heavy for you and the the X-Terra (which is super light) many be a good choice. Do you even need a top of the line detector? You may be able to save yourself hundreds of dollars by choosing a less expensive detector better suited to the type of hunting you're going to be doing. Why by a Cadillac to do the job of a Chevy?
I think most of us are totally sold on the results we get from the E-Trac. It's easy to use and finds great stuff in hunted out sites right out of the box.
Also, what I keep saying is look at the finds posted on the forums. Look at what the V3 users are finding and look at what the E-Trac users are finding. Which looks better to you? Who is finding more of what you want to find, in your part of the country, in the types of sites you like to hunt?
When I look at the V3 forum, I see lots and lots of technical questions. How do I adjust this, tweak that, what does this setting do? People trying to figure out how to use this machine with 1,001 settings and combinations. If you're used to the White's machines with option overkill, you might like the V3. I prefer more turn on and go, and having confidence that the settings I have are correct. Too many questions referring to poor quality... bad coils, software updates, needing to send it in, etc. Lots of compliments on White's fast, friendly service, but that's because people are using it a lot. Minelab's service is not especially responsive or friendly, but you may need to use it a lot less often.
We can't just tell you want detector to buy with no basis for doing so. I would suggest a visit to your nearest multi-line detector dealer as well. You may have to drive a ways, but then you can put your hands on a bunch of machines and the dealer can ask and answer all those specific questions about your needs to make sure you get the best detector for you. The E-Trac is the best detector for ME, but it may be the worst for you, and I can't tell you that because I know nothing about you and how you detect.
http://www.findmall.com/read.php?63,1098665,1102038#msg-1102038
http://www.findmall.com/read.php?63,1120248,1120292#msg-1120292
http://www.findmall.com/read.php?63,1118548,1118556#msg-1118556
http://www.findmall.com/read.php?66,1107576,1107932#msg-1107932
