gfmucci
Jr. Member
- Jun 19, 2014
- 36
- 8
- Detector(s) used
- BH in 70's; new to Whites MX5 in July 2014
- Primary Interest:
- Metal Detecting
Please comment on the pros and cons of the Fisher F5, Whites Coinmaster GT and MX5 relative to the following:
Ground balance: The Whites units Auto Trac that continually balances changing ground conditions. The Fisher has "computerized and manual ground balance". The "computerized" function is the initial "bobbing" set up. As ground conditions change, you either bob again or move the ground balance knob to maintain proper ground balance. Which ground balance method do you believe is more accurate? Does the Whites sacrifice accuracy for automation? Does the Fisher trade off total automation for greater accuracy?
Discrimination: Which machine discriminates iron and various pull tabs from nickels and gold rings better? Despite the greater apparent resolution in the Whites (see below) is there any real world difference because of that greater readout resolution?
GT = 9 zones; 2 digit visual display (-95 to +95)
MX5 = 20 zones; 2 digit visual display (-95 to +95)
F5 = 8 zones; 2 digit target ID (1 - 99)
Adapting to difficult situations like fencing, EMI, excessive conductive junk, etc.: Which machine has the edge?
User interface and ease of use: I am attracted to the real time, on the fly knobby user interface of the Fisher. Is that really an advantage or is it disadvantage compared to the push-button, more menu-driven interface of the Whites machines? Does the Whites sacrifice flexibility for simplicity? Or do they get things just right for the great majority of conditions we are likely to encounter? Does the Fisher sacrifice simiplicity and predictable program settings in order to provide nearly infinite settings of controls?
Pinpointing: From what I've read in the manuals and experienced with the GT, pinpointing is on target on the GT when the depth shows the shallowest readout. On the Fisher, according to videos I've watched, appears to be the louder tone, despite the depth readout. Is this a correct understanding? Is one method preferable or more accurate than another?
Frequency: The GT operates at 8.192 kHZ; the MX5 at 14 kHz; the F5 at 7.8 kHz. Do any of these frequencies provide an advantage to coin and jewelry hunting?
Pricing (street): GT - $359; MX5 - $559; Fisher F5 - $499
Weight: GT and MX5 - 3 lbs 9 oz.; Fisher F5 - 3.0 lbs.
Ground balance: The Whites units Auto Trac that continually balances changing ground conditions. The Fisher has "computerized and manual ground balance". The "computerized" function is the initial "bobbing" set up. As ground conditions change, you either bob again or move the ground balance knob to maintain proper ground balance. Which ground balance method do you believe is more accurate? Does the Whites sacrifice accuracy for automation? Does the Fisher trade off total automation for greater accuracy?
Discrimination: Which machine discriminates iron and various pull tabs from nickels and gold rings better? Despite the greater apparent resolution in the Whites (see below) is there any real world difference because of that greater readout resolution?
GT = 9 zones; 2 digit visual display (-95 to +95)
MX5 = 20 zones; 2 digit visual display (-95 to +95)
F5 = 8 zones; 2 digit target ID (1 - 99)
Adapting to difficult situations like fencing, EMI, excessive conductive junk, etc.: Which machine has the edge?
User interface and ease of use: I am attracted to the real time, on the fly knobby user interface of the Fisher. Is that really an advantage or is it disadvantage compared to the push-button, more menu-driven interface of the Whites machines? Does the Whites sacrifice flexibility for simplicity? Or do they get things just right for the great majority of conditions we are likely to encounter? Does the Fisher sacrifice simiplicity and predictable program settings in order to provide nearly infinite settings of controls?
Pinpointing: From what I've read in the manuals and experienced with the GT, pinpointing is on target on the GT when the depth shows the shallowest readout. On the Fisher, according to videos I've watched, appears to be the louder tone, despite the depth readout. Is this a correct understanding? Is one method preferable or more accurate than another?
Frequency: The GT operates at 8.192 kHZ; the MX5 at 14 kHz; the F5 at 7.8 kHz. Do any of these frequencies provide an advantage to coin and jewelry hunting?
Pricing (street): GT - $359; MX5 - $559; Fisher F5 - $499
Weight: GT and MX5 - 3 lbs 9 oz.; Fisher F5 - 3.0 lbs.
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