Frank L said:
Monte, what features (performance, weight, bells, whistles, etc.) distinguish the MX-7 from from the All-pro so much that you would get rid of the AP? Just asking
I will clear up a few thoughts ahead of time. The MXT All-Pro and XLT use the same control housing, rod and grip system and are essentially the same weight and balance with a similar search coil, with the exception being the size and shape of the visual display pod. I like both models, but am keeping this XLT in my working detector 'team' mainly because I just happen to like the XLT's design and in-the-field performance.
My mobility isn't like it was when I was a younger fella and put in long hunt days without stopping for more than a 15 to 30 minute lunch break. Not only when some of us age we aren't younger any more, buy we just aren't as spry as we used to be. I envy those who can move about unhampered, bend and stoop and get up easily, and stand straight and sound with a sturdy back. I can't. Since mid-'83, when I was more flexible and bendable than today, I have usually had at least two Tesoro models on-hand and have enjoyed them for their light weight, comfortable balance, and as time has gone by I have enjoyed less fatigue using them.
I have a very bad back and my doctors have encouraged me, since '91, to give up the metal detecting hobby. Too much repetitive bending and stooping and standing and twisting, and too much time with my head dropped looking down at the search coil and ground. In March of '91, twenty-seven years ago, doctors have me further encouragement to be very careful or even step away from the sport I enjoy. I have a really bad back, tip-to-tail, two bad shoulders including the one I injured, again, twelve days ago. The left side of me has a leg-long blood clot, groin-to-ankle, that keeps that leg swollen due to water retention. A knee with tor ligament, cartilage, tendon and meniscus. Then the medical term for my left foot is 'modified' which simply means part of it got whacked off due to infection in the bone thanks to my diabetes.
They gave me a walker in 2001 because of my terrible mobility and inability to walk any distance or stand for prolonged periods without rest. Those who know me and are around me a lot can verify my impaired health. But my mind is still strong, and that means I can be very determined, and now starting my 54th year enjoying this great sport, as best I can, I have to do all that I can to take it easier on myself in order to still enjoy what I am doing.
The first thing I consider is using a detector and coil combination that are as light and well balanced as possible. The MX-7 is just that, and of all my Target ID models, it is the lightest and most comfortable to use, especially with the 6½" Concentric coil mounted or the 7" Detech DD coil in use. They are just a bit better balanced than my Makro Racer 2 w/7" Concentric coil ...
just a bit.
The second thing I always consider with any detector is that it is 'Simple' to operate with easily accessed controls that are straight forward and handy. The MX-7 is a one-handed operation device, whereas the MXT All-Pro requires two hands if I want to change the Gain, the Discrimination, switch search modes, or toggle from Locked GB to Auto-Tracking.
Third on my list of evaluating what a detector might offer me is how 'Functional' is it? What does it offer me that is different from what I have or had been using? Here is where the new MX-7 really got my attention:
• Let me get this out of the way first ... I really like the Bengal Orange color.
• Easy-to-access controls with ....
• Very Functional adjustment features.
• Nice sized display read-out.
• Simple Lock and Un-Lock the Tracking option with ...
• Simple check of the current Ground Balance setting during operation in ANY search mode. The MXT 'series' only provided that in the All Metal Prospecting mode.
• Ability to adjust preferred function settings for each of the 6 search modes.
• Retains any changes you made during a search when you turn it off for a quick start-up at the last settings ...
and that includes holding the Ground Balance setting.
• Very impressive depth-of-detection.
• Reject Volume ... [size=small]
kind of similar but different from brands that have Iron Audio Volume adjustment[/size].
• More audio Tone ID options, that do work quite well.
• On-the-fly Threshold and Sensitivity adjustment.
• The 7" Double-D open-frame search coil made by Detech. A handy coil for some applications, and the one I will use for any shallow water hunting is it isn't buoyant like the solid body 6½" and 950 Concentric coils.
There are a few other little differences, but that should get the mains ones across for me.
Monte
