And I couldn't have agreed more, until they finally did, and as soon as the "next act" came along, I snapped it up! I rehearsed with that "next act" [size=small](worked with the prototype)[/size] and noted just a couple of things that needed attention, and I had my own "wish list." When that new-and-exciting model was introduced they had made a couple of other refinements and gave us one of the best all-purpose detectors I have ever used ... the MXT Pro which has been renamed the MXT All-Pro [size=small](not changed, just an 'All' sticker added to the decal)[/size].
mike5853 said:
Just ordered the V3i today, should be here Saturday. I’ve owned my MXT for 6 years now and still find it to be just as effective as ever. So I figured the V3i is a natural move up. Anyone here own both and can give me an idea of how they compare? The MXT is a tough act to follow, even for another Whites.
I got an early release Vision. Then it was 'revised' and then it was replaced with a newer improved Vision, and then I parted with it and waited for more bugs to be worked out, then acquiring a Spectra V3. It was later replaced with the V3i. I worked all of these Spectra versions against some other models I had at those times, such as a 5900 Di Pro SL [size=small](CB board)[/size], an XL Pro, and XLT and an MXT and MXT Pro.
I didn't care for the excess control design, the hesitation before a quick re-sweep of a target, some peculiar 'digital' performance, and definitely not the very short battery life. I got rid of the last one and kept an XLT, but also went with a VX3 to check it out. Overall, I liked the VX3 much more than the V3i as it had similar performance, weight and balance, but it was simple to operate and less adjustment tweaking. In April of last year I sold my very nice condition XLT thinking that,
maybe, the VX3 would take its place as my "cruising unit" for hunting more open parks and also working in and around the brushier spots of older parks where I used to use my XLT's.
This summer I sold off my VX3 as I seldom used it because, well, I just didn't like it and the field performance compared with my MXT All-Pro or other models in my detector battery. I am now in the search for another pristine condition XLT e-series to fill a small void. Small, because I mainly hunt trashier, brushier, and out-of-the-way locations. For those sites I am much better suited with the performance of
my #1 All Purpose Detector, the MXT All-Pro, complemented by my MX5, Omega, and Bandido II µMAX.
Naturally I acknowledge that we all have our likes and dislikes when it comes to certain brands or models within a brand, so I am looking forward to your views in the future after you have had some time to get comfortable with the V3i and use it an ample amount afield, side-by-side, with the original MXT. Perhaps you will like it for your sites and hunting styles, but if you know and like the MXT, I have a feeling that the V3i might come up a little short in overall impressiveness, but only time will tell. Be sure to let us know your results.
Monte
I have read many V3i users going back to their old faithful MXT.