PI: TDI or Infinium or ... ?

[GrievousAngel]

I'm new to metal detecting, but have been studying up on technologies and models. So ...

How does the Whites TDI and the Garrett Infinium compare? The Infinium appears to be simpler to use, but that usually means less options in terms of targets, so I need advice from real users.

Also, what about the older Minelab PIs? Then Garrett is releasing a new PI this late year I am told. Any scoop on the so called 'Extreme'?

I do think that to cover all targets, maybe two detectors are needed or at least one very expensive model (if that's possible to do in one detector). Opinions?

If one had a $2500 budget, which one or two detectors would you purchase? Unless you are chasing real gold, the $4000 and up detectors are difficult to justify IMHO. Who knows, I've jumped in at higher $$ levels before on other interest so a good deal on a Minelab GTX may be in my future, but I hope I'm sane when I do t!

Thanks for your help,

Billy

 

[Sven]

If you have the money, get the Minelab. You will not be wondering if you need to upgrade.

If your land hunting and choosing between the Whites TDI and Garrett Inf., TDI is the one

If your water hunting find a used Eric Foster Aquascan.

Just be prepared to find out PI's are a totally different type of detector to use vs. a VLF.
First off decide what type of hunting you plan on doing. PI's are primarily designed for those that want to hunt
for gold and gold jewelry, or hunt for relics. Be prepared to dig trash. Many PI's do not handle trash very well such as schoolyards,
parks, picnic grounds.

Now the only thing you have going for you at this point, your new and no detecting experience? You have no idea how a VLF machine operates,
so starting out with a PI might be easier. As many who have used VLF machines decide to try a PI, get frustrated, can't figure it out, dig too much trash.
Then decide PI's are not for them and revert back to their discriminating VLF. You need to give yourself at least 40 hours to learn a PI with multiple control features.
They are not that complicated once you learn how the controls interact with each other.

Have you read this: http://www.nuggetshooter.com/articles/UnderstandingPIdetector.html

Have fun

 

[Justin E]

I would hold off and see what Garrett's coming out with. They're advertising a new PI machine new for Fall 2013, just without the grand unveil yet.

 

[Roscue2]

What areas do you plan on hunting? PI machines aremainly used for beach hunting, prospecting, and some relic hunting.

 

[steve herschbach]

Unless you are chasing real gold, the $4000 and up detectors are difficult to justify IMHO.

What kind of gold are you chasing?

I have used both extensively. Bottom line for dry land I prefer the TDI, for water use the Infinium. Performance is roughly comparable, the main difference being the TDI is far less prone to electrical interference/stability issues than the Infinium.

Personally, I am in the market again myself but holding out to see what the new Garrett looks like.

 

[GrievousAngel]

Any idea why I am not getting email notifications my thread replies? That's why I don't always reply to replies! Billy

 

[Tom Slick]

"I do think that to cover all targets, maybe two detectors are needed or at least one very expensive model (if that's possible to do in one detector). Opinions?

I don't think that two detectors will cover "all" targets. You need to figure out what targets you'll be primarily looking for and go from there. These are some of my detector and what I usually use them for.

White's V3i with the following coils for Coin and Jewelry hunting. Eclipse D2, 950, 5.3, 6X10", 4"x6", Big Foot & Hot Foot.
Minelab Sovereign GT - Saltwater Beach Wet Sand
White's TDI SL - Large Nugget Hunting
White's GMT - Small Nugget hunting
Fisher Gold Bug Pro - Saltwater Beach Dry Sand
Tesoro Tiger Shark - Freshwater Lake Hunting
White's Modified IDX Pro - Nail or Iron infested sites, old lots, House teardown sites
White's M6 - General Coin & Jewelry Hunting

Figure out what you're going to hunt for and then let your finds finance your next detector purchase. Before you know it, you'll have more than you need, like me. It's an illness I tell you.