So I need to choose a metal detector. Yes, I'm new to detecting, but I still want decent equipment. I'm a computer programmer (35 years) so I want one I can do a little programming with, if I can. That's why I like the specs on the ETrac. My budget for detector and necessary accessories is $2K. I'd hate to buy a lower priced one and gouge my budget. I have a sneaky suspicion I will really enjoy this. In my youth I used to drive around, pick up stuff out of people's garbage, fix/clean it up and take it to the swap meet to sell. Made about $200/week in high school (1970). I like free stuff, that is, free for the finding. Don't mind hard work. So, what should I buy?
What detector to buy?
- Thread starter IdahoBob
- Start date
giant056
New member
I've never used a Minelab but I do have the V3i which is Whites top VLF and there's plenty of bells and whistles on it. You can adjust it to fit your surroundings (type of soil etc), I used the MXT before the V3i but that's not digital like the V3i, the one that I owned before the MXT was whites first digital the Eagle. I make some great finds with mine and from what I've read the V3i and Etrac are about equal on performance.
Yes, you're going to like the hobby very well
Since you are a programmer and you seem to be committed to the hobby, I would go for a top of the line machine.
It really is personal preference as to which machine you choose. Lots of info here, so read all you can, and please ask questions! There are many very experienced E-Trac and V3i users here. Don't forget to take a look at other brands (Fisher and Tesoro make great detectors). All of the top of the line machines are going to be programmable and customizable.
pulltabsteve
New member
Epi- Hunter gave you good advice. Most manufacturers top of the line machines are programmable. If you have a local metal detector dealer close by, it would be a good idea to pay them a visit so you can get the feel for the machines. Make sure any projects around the house are finished, because once you start detecting, everything gets put on hold! 
eace: :happydance01:
eace: :happydance01:
RaZR
New member
Top of the line.....
E-Trac
V3i
Don't know enough about either to say which is better.
I have a V3 that isn't updated. But haven't had it out in the field yet.
I see people using both and finding great things with them.
I see people using less expensive machines finding great things.
I don't think you can go wrong with whichever one you choose.
It's a matter of testing them out and seeing which is the one you like best!
I got mine on E-bay because i already spent big money on my other detectors and needed to save a few $$$'s on the V3.
E-Trac
V3i
Don't know enough about either to say which is better.
I have a V3 that isn't updated. But haven't had it out in the field yet.
I see people using both and finding great things with them.
I see people using less expensive machines finding great things.
I don't think you can go wrong with whichever one you choose.
It's a matter of testing them out and seeing which is the one you like best!
I got mine on E-bay because i already spent big money on my other detectors and needed to save a few $$$'s on the V3.
Dick Stout
New member
There are Fords and there are Chevy's..... and there are people who only will buy one or the other...
Having been involved in the pastime for many years I have used them all, and they all met
my needs at the time. Currently I am using the V3 and the MXT. I don't care to get involved in a lot of programming. I would much rather spend my time researching, and finding a good site to take it to. Ultimately if you are not on the right site it won't matter how sophisticated your detector is.
You will surely get an idea of all this on this forum, and no matter your choice you will have fun and enjoy the hell out of this pastime. Just my two cents worth...
DS
www.stoutstandards.com
Having been involved in the pastime for many years I have used them all, and they all met
my needs at the time. Currently I am using the V3 and the MXT. I don't care to get involved in a lot of programming. I would much rather spend my time researching, and finding a good site to take it to. Ultimately if you are not on the right site it won't matter how sophisticated your detector is.
You will surely get an idea of all this on this forum, and no matter your choice you will have fun and enjoy the hell out of this pastime. Just my two cents worth...
DS
www.stoutstandards.com
dave in iowa
New member
get an e-track, im selling my se to get an e-track, everything ive heard from these good folks and others i know and trust convinced me
Just from what a friend with the e track tells me it is one great machine ! for instance he can run say a buffalo nickle across the coil and the machine will remember it, then go out and set it to find nothing but buffalo nickles !
M-Taliesin
New member
Howdy Pard!
Let me answer by saying, I have a v3i, and am looking to maybe buying an eTrack next time around.
Meanwhile, I get deadly accurate results with my MXT Pro, and it does the job real good. I find lots of
gold and silver, so for my money, it is a great investment. My v3i is gathering dust while my MXT Pro
is making the finds. What more can I say?
Blessings,
M-Taliesin
Let me answer by saying, I have a v3i, and am looking to maybe buying an eTrack next time around.
Meanwhile, I get deadly accurate results with my MXT Pro, and it does the job real good. I find lots of
gold and silver, so for my money, it is a great investment. My v3i is gathering dust while my MXT Pro
is making the finds. What more can I say?
Blessings,
M-Taliesin
M-Taliesin
New member
Howdy Amigo!
Don't know about tones on an eTrack for certain, but believe it is limited to only 4. I may be wrong, so don't quote me on that one.
The MXT Pro has, I believe, like 7.
The V3/V3i, as I recall, will give you tons and tons of tones, and if you have perfect pitch, might prove real interesting for you. Documentation on those machines should cover the number of tones the machine will give when you read up on the specs, but unless I am wrong (which is entirely possible this morning) the V3/V3i can give 191 tones.
Blessings,
M-Taliesin
Don't know about tones on an eTrack for certain, but believe it is limited to only 4. I may be wrong, so don't quote me on that one.
The MXT Pro has, I believe, like 7.
The V3/V3i, as I recall, will give you tons and tons of tones, and if you have perfect pitch, might prove real interesting for you. Documentation on those machines should cover the number of tones the machine will give when you read up on the specs, but unless I am wrong (which is entirely possible this morning) the V3/V3i can give 191 tones.
Blessings,
M-Taliesin
coinnut
New member
Hey Mel , The E trac can do 2 or 4 tones and what is called Multi tones. I have not been able to locate how many tones multi tones has, but it has a lot of them. Multi takes some getting used to but that is the fastest way on going through a junk filled park and just cherry picking your signals.
M-Taliesin
New member
Howdy Pard!
Thanks for updating that information, and providing an insight on the eTrac.
I like tone I.D., and since eTrack is among units I am considering for my next purchase, that info helps!
Blessings,
M-Taliesin
coinnut
New member
I'm not sure if they are still having the coil issues. Some say yes, some say no. But I bet they are focused on it for sure. As for best customer service while hunting or on vacation?? NO ONE lol Bring a second detector. It's just not possible to send you one on the spot as a temporary replacement unit. Always plan ahead for special events like a vacation.
Vito
New member
Wise words. I'll keep them in mind. :yes: