Excal 1000, Excal II, Sovereign GT, CZ-20, Tiger Shark, Tejon, GTI 1500, Surfmaster Pulse, CZ6a, DFX, AT PRO, Fisher 1235, Surf PI Pro, 1280-X, many more because I enjoy learning them. New Garrett Ca
I just bought the mxt pro today! It was the right choice for me! I spent about two hours in the store with the guy. I also read forum after forum hours of research..You got to make the right decision for yourself take all the info u get online then go test them out..I compared the Safari with the White xmt pro..Yes different machines but i fell for the XMT Pro..
By all means, get the MXT Pro. Then see if you can get the dealer to swap out that 12" coil for the 9" one. As you add coils, you will likely add DD or SEF coils, negating the need for the 12"er. Don't go to the MXT if the dealer says "same machine, different coil." Simply thank him/her and get out quick. The extra features on the Pro are well worth the difference in cost. The 9" coil just makes it easier to handle.
I hope it is a good md. I just picked mine up a couple weeks ago. Like you I checked forums, read reviews, and spent a couple hours with the owner of the shop where I bought my MXT. The heat has been beyond my abilities so I have only used it a couple times and found lots of pull tabs and a chuck die that I had lost in my front yard. Nothing impressive, but I am very happy.
I've been using an MXT for several years along with several other brands/models. The MXT has proven to be an excellent, capable detector which is greatly enhanced by the different accessory coils available for it. I would agree that the extra features on the MXT Pro are worth the extra money, but not crucial. The only down point for me is the weight. I'm old enough to be an old geezer and I find it a bit heavy after swinging for several hours. It seems heavier too, due to the fact that several of my other detectors are Tesoros which are extremely light and easy to swing for hours.
Luvsdux