Questions from a Former user, now a Newbie

[Eric Mayer]

It was suggested I post this here.

Hey all. I've enjoyed reading the forums (this and California Metal Detecting) the last few weeks and figured it was time to post up some questions.

I used to detect quite alot, using a White's Classic IDX. It was mainly for coins, relics and some gold. Never really on the beach, mostly in parks and abandon sites. Anyways, other hobbies took over so I sold my equipment and have not been doing any type of detecting for quite a while. I'm amazed at how far technology has come, even in the few short years I have not been doing it, so any help or advice will be greatly appreciated.

Now to my questions:

Right now I am looking for a detector for beaches and parks (occasional trips to abandon spots up in the desert as well). I will not be taking it into wet sand right now, instead I will be using it on dry sand only. The detectors I am looking at are the White's M6 and the White's XLT. I am leaning towards the M6, only because of the price.

1) For those with the knowledge, is the XLT a much better machine for the extra $$?

2) Do you feel the M6 would be a good choice for my uses?

I have not fully decided on the White's, but they are the ones I have read most about. I'm also checking into the Xterra-50.

Thanks in advance!

Eric A. Mayer

 

[bill(de)]

Who can argue with the XLT as a great pick, just look at all the nice finds that have been posted over the yrs.They weren't by accident and circumstances haven't really changed all that much and really boils down to location and operator knowlege.What's the track record of the M6 ?

Perhaps the higher frequency will do better in the dry sand on smaller gold at the beach, but how will it do at the trashy pulltab infested park ?

I have an X Terra 50 and like it but it only has a 9" coil as of now and operates on 7.5khz. When more coils come out and the frequency shift is available it may give both a ride for the money.

I know i'm probably in the minority but of the 3 you mentioned i would opt for the XLT or the XL Pro with the X Terra 50 in the back of my mind when the Frequency shift and smaller coils come out and feel either 4 filter Whites along with the X Terra 50 would be a killer combo. HH Bill