Metal Detecting Forums
Metal Detecting => Equipment and Gear => Topic started by: Kingron on May 20, 2016, 08:35 AM
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Hi guys. I'm currently using a Garrett ace 150.
I would like to upgrade to a more powerful and advanced machine.
I am looking at the following 3 machines
1. Garrett AT Pro
2. Fisher F70
3. Minelab xterra 705
They are roughly in the same price range.
I am not sure which machine to choose.
Can you please help.
Which would be the best of the 3 machines??
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Hi Kingron,
Start by determining what for & where you hunt the most.....take it from there..
(i have no experience with fisher but on the other 2 basically AT pro can go "off-road & wet" while the 705 can have frequency (Coil) changes and doesn't like it too wet.....other than that, basically the same if I'm not mistaken...
the other members of the herd (Paul/Tony etc.) will be able to advise you way more on this issue than I though...
enjoy your shopping :)
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Thanks for the info mate
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It depends where you are going to hunt. If you want to detect the wet on the beach, then none of those are any good. The ATPro is probably the best on the weet beach, but not that great either. I have no idea what the others are like, but i really enjoy the AtPro.
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Are there any good "all round" machines in that price range or do you think I would need condition specific machines ??
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Take note that your choice will split whether you want to include wet beach detecting, within limits, that is where the line is drawn, generally, wet beach machines are excellent for that purpose but suck in the dry and vice versa.
Should you really want the best of both then you'll have to splash way more moola and migrate towrads excalibur 2 or ctx 3030...
(also each with their own pros & cons)....
mmmm....choices-choices ::) not easy.. :)
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Take note that your choice will split whether you want to include wet beach detecting, within limits, that is where the line is drawn, generally, wet beach machines are excellent for that purpose but suck in the dry and vice versa.
Should you really want the best of both then you'll have to splash way more moola and migrate towrads excalibur 2 or ctx 3030...
(also each with their own pros & cons)....
mmmm....choices-choices ::) not easy.. :)
I agree. You are not going to find something that is perfect for salty wet beaches and dry land unless you go for the CTX (R50000 +). The APro is an all round machine because you can ground balance, and it is waterproof. Just don't think it will be as effective in the wet beach as beach specific machines
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These are VLF machines so they are very sensative to wet salt conditions.All of them are good all round machines but you will have varying success depending on the composition of sand at your beach if you are planning to detect on the wet sand.
You will find detectorists who will tell you that they use all of them on the wet but it depends on the conditions and how far you have to lower the sensitivity (which will decrease detection depth). Some guys/gals don't mind falsing but personally it drives me nuts.
Some have reported good results using Technetics G2 and T2 (same detector as Fisher F75). But it think you should try and get someone in your area with one of these detectors to show you how it behaves under your local conditions.
As a side note, the AT pro is waterproof but then again I only see it as a real atvange if you plan on detecting in fresh water.
From experience I can tell you that the X-Terra (one of my favourite detectors) can detect 100% in the wet sand and in the surf on one of my local beaches but on another beach for instance you can't go near the wet sand or it will false like crazy.
Most detectorists will tell you that there is no one detector that excells in all areas. (The CTX comes close though ;))
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Demian is in Richards Bay, and he has a G2
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Thanks for the info guys. Much appreciated. I will contact Demian when I have a chance
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These are VLF machines so they are very sensative to wet salt conditions.All of them are good all round machines but you will have varying success depending on the composition of sand at your beach if you are planning to detect on the wet sand.
You will find detectorists who will tell you that they use all of them on the wet but it depends on the conditions and how far you have to lower the sensitivity (which will decrease detection depth). Some guys/gals don't mind falsing but personally it drives me nuts.
Some have reported good results using Technetics G2 and T2 (same detector as Fisher F75). But it think you should try and get someone in your area with one of these detectors to show you how it behaves under your local conditions.
As a side note, the AT pro is waterproof but then again I only see it as a real atvange if you plan on detecting in fresh water.
From experience I can tell you that the X-Terra (one of my favourite detectors) can detect 100% in the wet sand and in the surf on one of my local beaches but on another beach for instance you can't go near the wet sand or it will false like crazy.
Most detectorists will tell you that there is no one detector that excells in all areas. (The CTX comes close though ;))
between AT pro and 705 which would you choose
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The choice is purely down to personal preference as they are equal in performance.
The selling points for each are; the AT Pro is waterproof whereas the 705 allows you to change the frequency by swapping the coils out.
I chose the X-Terra because I already had a dedicated water machine and I like how the notch discrimination works on the X-terra as well as the overall design of the detector. So far it has served me well. If I were planning to detect in a dam or river and did not have a water machine I would probably have bought the AT Pro.
The choice is never easy but as someone wise (<Ahem> Wolfgang ;D) told me - you have to be happy with your choice, at the end of the day that's all that matters.
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Thank you very much Clarence
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All three are fab machines but i would go with the AT just because its waterproof.Thats a huge bonus when detecting and if you live at the coast its a must as you will keep the sea air out of the control housing .The AT does have adjustable frequencies
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Thanks you tony. I have been leaning towards the AT Pro but just not sure about the others
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It is handy to have a detector that you can just hose down after each trip to the beach.
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I have actually just cleaned my machine. And now that you say that, it would be convenient to just hose it down(I will end up spit shining it like I do with my 150).
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I actually dunk mine in the pool, clean it off with a brush and then hose if down
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The minelab and fisher are definatly not waterproof
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Have you made your choice yet Ron? The ATPro is a go anywhere with average to good performance and is not bound by sunshine or rain - it's display is just a bit on the small side for me - but that is personal. I also have the F5 which is not waterproof at all but you can adjust almost any performance spec on it - great for experimenting and it has a nice big display - price is very good from Wolfgang. Also have a look at the Turkish Makro Racer - also sold by Wolfgang.