DFX or V3?

[chukers]

My old old old Whites Spectrum is about dead I used it to death.... I am looking for a new one... I am looking at the DFX and the V3... what do you guys think... pros and cons... comments are welcome and if this discussion has already happened I missed it... and thank you for your help.

[EE THr]

I think if you liked the Spectrum, you would be very happy with the DFX.

But you would be ecstatic with the V3.

[chukers]

Are there any features the V3 has that the DFX don't? Like any new ground breaking features that is the next step in MDing? Features that make you say I gotta have that! anything that makes it stand out other than a flashy new software/interface.

I am not interested in changing brands... I know how to use the spectrum very well and I can out hunt just about anyone with it... I know the DFX is very similar to the spectrum just wanted to find out if its worth going all the way up to the V3, if there is a reason to.

If I could keep my spectrum in good working order I'd stick with that... its old and worn out... but at the same time I'm interested in the newer technology too.

again I really really appreciate your help/comments/opinions in making this decision... I would never get a new one unless I had help because I'd be mulling over all the options over and over then eventually talk myself out of it.

Chukers

[Digger]

I've owned both and currently still own the DFX. The features the V3 has that the DFX doesn't is of course 3 frequencies, instead of 2, and the analyze screen. My personal experience is that the added 22khz does very well on small low conductors such as gold. Better than the DFX in my opinion. The analyze screen is very helpful on the shallower targets, but tend to be less reliable as a target gets deeper. If I had my choice I'd take the V3 over the DFX hands down. I sold my V3 to pay my taxes this year, but plan to buy one again.

As far as the Minelab over the V3, I also own the Minelab E-Trac. I bought both the V3 and E-Trac last year to compare and make a choice. Yes out of the box the E-Trac will out perform the V3, but I have no doubt the V3 has the ability to go deeper than the E-Trac with some tweaking. During my head to head my E-Trac found nothing my V3 couldn't also see. Both saw many many coins that my DFX could not no matter what tweaking I did. I've had my DFX for going on 7 years so I'm pretty proficient with it.

[TabWhisperer]

FWIW I paid $1200 for my refurbished V3 with headphones last month. I have no idea how hard a refurb unit is to come by but I feel lucky. I sure wish White's would offer refurbs on their web site but that's where their dealer relations come into play. I don't know how important price is to you versus finding something comfortable in your hand. Which the V3 is to me. It was essentially new with full warranty. Probably someone bought it and didn't like it. Saved me $500. Now I'm waiting to see what is involved with getting a free upgrade to the V3i software. Bonus.

[chukers]

Now I'm waiting to see what is involved with getting a free upgrade to the V3i software. Bonus.

I am also interested in know if there are updates for the V3 how do you get them and if they are free or not... most electronics now days you plug them into a computer and get the updates... (Iphone, GPS units and so on)

[TabWhisperer]

There is another thread with some mention of White's organizing their resources for the upgrades. They will do it when you send them the units. I think someone mentioned they would do free upgrades on units bought after around 12/1/2009 and $100 for units bought before then. I think that thread also mentions the V3i units will cost another $100 retail. I along with others are a little frustrated with White's not making the V3 able to link with bluetooth to a PC. I would like not only system upgrades but be able to have a virtual V3 on my desktop to model my settings like tones and colors, then upload to the V3. My couple of times exposure in dealing with White's service have been exemplary. But that was 10 years ago.

[chukers]

There is another thread with some mention of White's organizing their resources for the upgrades. They will do it when you send them the units. I think someone mentioned they would do free upgrades on units bought after around 12/1/2009 and $100 for units bought before then. I think that thread also mentions the V3i units will cost another $100 retail. I along with others are a little frustrated with White's not making the V3 able to link with bluetooth to a PC. I would like not only system upgrades but be able to have a virtual V3 on my desktop to model my settings like tones and colors, then upload to the V3. My couple of times exposure in dealing with White's service have been exemplary. But that was 10 years ago.

I think I have decided on the V3 but I'll wait for the V3i to be available...

I called Whites today... they said they are being shipped to distributors as I write this... so we should see them soon... I too am waiting to buy one! Hurry Hurry Hurry!!!

The lady on the other end says they shouldn't cost and more then the V3... if she is correct then they will update the V3's and just sell the V3i.. glad I took so long deciding!


Chukers