Garretts GTI 2500 or Whites DFX????

[TheHarleyMan2]

Garrett's GTI 2500 or Whites DFX?

I am going to upgrade and need to decide which one I would be better to purchase. Of course I am going to do normal treasure, relic, and cache hunting. I will do this on regular ground, beach dwellings, some areas may have high mineral content, maybe at the edge or in shallow sea water (1 ft), (I know I had some experiencing with my Bounty Hunter and salt water going madly on my BH), I also want to be able to detect maybe up to 10ft maybe? I read about the 2 box detectors, but I am pretty much wanting to decide which of these 2 models one would recommend if someone here has used both?

I found at A&S that they offer the GTI Pro Package with accessories including a 12.5 inch coil for $934.95 with 12 free gifts

On the other hand reading the Whites info on the DFX with a purchase price of $1,099.00

I know when it comes to pricing and bargains you get more with the Garrett, but as far as operation and finding in depths and accuracy I am not sure which one would be the best to purchase.

Any help?

 

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[SamN]

Re: Garrett's GTI 2500 or Whites DFX?

Ive got a DFX and like it. I lets me no what to expect before I dig...although it sometimes has a sense of humor, telling me a dime at 4" turns out to be a can @12...There are lots of program changes if your into that, or you can just use the preloaded which work great.
Just my .02
non-motion mode does get good depth and easy to pen pointing target

 

[Eu_citzen]

Re: Garrett's GTI 2500 or Whites DFX?

I have had the GTI it's ok, sure the disc was not good for Sweden tough that would be my only complaint.

About the size thing it is good. Some say that the target depth reading is good for about 6" that is false you only have to pinpoint right. It is not really advanced as some claim it is quite easy to learn and use.

I will get myself a DFX at the end of this month to give that one a shot.

 

[WV Hillbilly]

Re: Garrett's GTI 2500 or Whites DFX?

From what I have read , especially with high minerals , there may be better choices out there than the
two you mentioned . If Easy Money sees this post he can probably help more than most .

 

[DirkSears]

Re: Garrett's GTI 2500 or Whites DFX?

I am going to upgrade and need to decide which one I would be better to purchase. Of course I am going to do normal treasure, relic, and cache hunting. I will do this on regular ground, beach dwellings, some areas may have high mineral content, maybe at the edge or in shallow sea water (1 ft), (I know I had some experiencing with my Bounty Hunter and salt water going madly on my BH), I also want to be able to detect maybe up to 10ft maybe? I read about the 2 box detectors, but I am pretty much wanting to decide which of these 2 models one would recommend if someone here has used both?

I found at A&S that they offer the GTI Pro Package with accessories including a 12.5 inch coil for $934.95 with 12 free gifts

On the other hand reading the Whites info on the DFX with a purchase price of $1,099.00

I know when it comes to pricing and bargains you get more with the Garrett, but as far as operation and finding in depths and accuracy I am not sure which one would be the best to purchase.

Any help?

If you want to go 10ft deep, you are going to need the GTI 2500 with the optional two box attachment ( I think it's called "Eagle Eye Treasure Hound" ). No regular detector is going to go that deep. I have the whites M6 ( which I LOVE bt the way ) and I have done a lot of research comparing the two that you have described, because I'm thinking of upgrading in 2009. Anyway, for me it makes more sense to go with the Whites DFX because the coils that I've already purchased for my M6 will work with the DFX. I think the DFX is a better engineered machine but if you are going to do a lot of deep ground seeking then I would go with the GTI 2500 with the optional 2 box attachment.

 

[TheHarleyMan2]

Re: Garrett's GTI 2500 or Whites DFX?

Yeah, I can relate. I want something that if by possible chance there may be something about 10ft deep, (which I hope I don't have to dig down that far unless it is something REALLY GOOD!), I just don't want to have to get more than 3 detectors to do different things as far as depth goes. I do plan on getting one later that I can take under water.

My main concern is if I am going to spend close to a grand I want my money's worth. Kinda like looking for a new car but don't know which one to get that will perform the best and give you maximum performance without the wasting the money.

If you know what I mean. Everyone has thier oppinion on what is the best out there. I am hunting on the surface as well as deep as I can with a detector. I read up on the 2 box sets and I am going to wait until I do more treasure research before getting one.

 

[thompy]

Re: Garrett's GTI 2500 or Whites DFX?

iheard the 2500 is deep, but doesnt handle minerals very well, and both of those are pretty heavey compared to say a fisher f-75, and they handle the minerals well, as well as deep

 

[Eu_citzen]

Re: Garrett's GTI 2500 or Whites DFX?

I have never had any problems with minerals the new GTI's have a new chip to let them better handle the minerals the old ones had problems.

The Eagle Eye works in "True all metal mode" this might not always be good for you.

 

[hollowpointred]

Re: Garrett's GTI 2500 or Whites DFX?

if you want the two box system get the Garrett. otherwise i would go with the whites. in all honesty the GTI does not deliver enough to warrant the expensive price tag. if it were me i would look at the minelab and tesoro machines as well before i made a final decision.

 

[Bridge End Farm]

Re: Garrett's GTI 2500 or Whites DFX?

I enjoy my DFX, bought it used with extras like 3 coils etc. Does great in florida and surrounding states

 

[TheHarleyMan2]

Re: Garrett's GTI 2500 or Whites DFX?

Well I guess I can probably put this as one who prefers Fords and one prefers Chevrolet. I was just hoping to find someone who owns both that could give me a comparison. The Minelab Well I guess I could get a cheap model that doesn't tell me the depth or the type of target it is or I could spend $4,000.00 for a really good one that will!!! (OUCH!!) The Tesoro, didn't really see anything that impressed me. Seeing a picture of detector at an angle with not showing much about.

 

[SgtSki in MI]

Re: Garrett's GTI 2500 or Whites DFX?

I can't speak firsthand of the DFX. But I have had the opportunity to try out a GTI 2500. I'd have to say that price-wise I wasn't very impressed with the construction of it at all. It was very "toy-like" in construction and didn't feel near as sturdy as I thought that it should be. I didn't use it long enough to give an honest opinion about its operational quality. When I used it I dug a Merc, a silver Washington Quarter, and a mess of wheaties and clad in about 2 hours. It was spot-on on target ID and the depth was reasonably accurate, but I have nothing to gauge it against on depth accuracy, as my "regular" detector is an Explorer XS and as far as depth goes, well, lets just say my Explorer lies like a rug, mainly because the baseline coin Minelab used when writing the software for the Explorer S and XS was the Aussie 20-cent piece.

I'm not saying the 2500 is a bad machine. It works well as far as I'm concerned. I feel that based on the way that its built, it is overpriced by about $200.00 or so.

I've heard way more good things about the DFX on here than the GTI2500, and I'd take IT over the Garrett based on that alone.

Also, you commented that you didn't want to buy 3 different detectors to do different things. Well, if you're seriously into detecting using more than one particular discipline ( Coinshooting, beach hunting, prospecting, relics, cache hunting, water hunting, competition hunts) then you pretty much are going to HAVE to have more than one machine. Personally I own 4 machines going on 5.

I'd suggest that you decide what your PRIMARY type of detecting is going to be and base your choice off of that. Mine is coinshooting and whatever "collateral" finds that come along while doing it. My primary and backup machines selection (Minelab Explorer XS and Fisher CZ-5) was based on that. My 3rd machine (Fisher 1236-X2) is meant for freshwater beach/surf hunting and can also do double-duty as a great competition machine. My 4th and last machine (Wally World Bounty Hunter Pioneer 202) I just have because I happen to have spotted it as a Xmas floor model at WalMart that was on clearance for 20 bucks as-is. That's the machine that I lend to people or let the kids use. My soon-to-be fifth (and LAST machine according to the BossLady....yeah right) is going to be a White's MXT because I'd like to dabble in relics and prospecting a little and it's a good all-around detector that most of its owners seem to be quite pleased with. It isn't OUTSTANDING in all three of its settings (Coin/Jewelry, Relics, Prospecting) but it does do all three very well. I've used one before (longer than the GTI2500) on an old schoolhouse site and GAR Campsite and was pretty happy with its performance.

...SO.....

If you plan on doing different types of hunting but don't want to buy a bunch of machines, then the MXT is what, personally, I'd recommend to you. But if you want to concentrate on one particular type of hunting then I highly recommend that you get a machine that is most meant for it.


Anyway that's my two crusty zinc cents' worth,

-SgtSki

 

[Archaeologist16929]

Re: Garrett's GTI 2500 or Whites DFX?

Hello, I use the Garrett 2500. I love this machine. I find its easier to use then the whites. Not as complicated to me.

 

[Eu_citzen]

Re: Garrett's GTI 2500 or Whites DFX?

Hello Arch!
Yes it is easy to use but that also equals less flexibility when programming it.
Common sense is often good even when choosing detectors. Oh and reviews.

 

[gemhunter]

Re: Garrett's GTI 2500 or Whites DFX?

I have a GTI 2500 and wouldn't use any other machine unless I do under water or strictly gold hunting.
Some have said its too heavy, I've gone 6- 8 hrs and & then my arm starts getting a bit tired, I guess it's a personal thing.
For those with weak arms ether work out a bit or get a lighter detector!
Pinpointing works very well, the depth & ID size sometimes gives false reading, but I've read that all detector can false from time to time!
For relic/coin & most land hunting the 2500 works very well, if you want some depth get 12in., if you want deep get the Eagle eye two box.
I've never used the 2500 on any sandy salt beaches, but will be on the ocean in late summer and will be trying it out.

The ground here is not highly mineralized, so I don't t worry about this issue. If the mineralized ground is your problem, do more research for the optimal detector for your area.
The 2500 can also use rechargeable batteries or through away batteries.
The settings are very simple to set & lots of choice, also you can do manual ground balance and has true All Metal.

Some say the GTI 2500 cost a bit too much, but then try selling you a Minelab, which are even more pricey.

As I've read on this forum, many of the experience people say buy according to your needs & area you hunt. I know some are brand loyal, like me, but I won't run down another brand of detector. Buy what you need & can afford, ignore the hype, there is no machine that can do it all!

I love using my 2500 & will never part with it.

Well that's my 2 bits for this matter

 

[relikhunter]

Re: Garrett's GTI 2500 or Whites DFX?

Myself i would go with the dfx.Better display better depth,better weight,....jmoho hope this helps.......rh

 

[bootybay]

Re: Garrett's GTI 2500 or Whites DFX?

well I am still adjusting to my dfx..but honestly I like it...and I love the way it handles my salty over mineralized beaches here in nj..

 

[hollowpointred]

Re: Garrett's GTI 2500 or Whites DFX?

Some say the GTI 2500 cost a bit too much, but then try selling you a Minelab, which are even more pricey.

if this is aimed at me im not selling anything. i was merely pointing out the fact that the Tesoro and Minelab machines are both excellent choices that should be investigated before making a final decision. i also own a GTI 2500, but my opinion of it differs from yours. im not saying its not good....it is. its just not the only choice out there.

 

[DFX-SCOTT]

Re: Garrett's GTI 2500 or Whites DFX?

I dont think the best metal detector has been made yet!
I have had six detectors and all af them Get confused.
My DFX looses its capability to recognize targets at around 5 inches,

the deeper it gets the more the target becomes a nail, even if it is a coin

i am waiting for the detector that says copper
silver
brass
aluminum
lead
iron
This would help me decide what to dig! I have dug all these metals thinking I had a quarter,except brass I havent found any brass yet
I dig targets that sound and read pretty good, then when I dig the hole out pops a square head nail or large bolt, then it doesnt recognize the good signal i originally dug.
I find myself thinking my $1000.00 was suppose to eliminate this problem.
sorry im so bitter today i have 5 hours of detecting in the last 3 days and only found some clad 1961 dime and 3 wheaties worth 3cents

 

[DFX-SE Gregg]

Re: Garrett's GTI 2500 or Whites DFX?

I dont think the best metal detector has been made yet!
I have had six detectors and all af them Get confused.
My DFX looses its capability to recognize targets at around 5 inches,

the deeper it gets the more the target becomes a nail, even if it is a coin

i am waiting for the detector that says copper
silver
brass
aluminum
lead
iron
This would help me decide what to dig! I have dug all these metals thinking I had a quarter,except brass I havent found any brass yet
I dig targets that sound and read pretty good, then when I dig the hole out pops a square head nail or large bolt, then it doesnt recognize the good signal i originally dug.
I find myself thinking my $1000.00 was suppose to eliminate this problem.
sorry im so bitter today i have 5 hours of detecting in the last 3 days and only found some clad 1961 dime and 3 wheaties worth 3cents

Scott it will get better...keep at it...if you are just trying to find clad to get used to the target signals go to a tot lot and dig all signals... The dfx will recover coins...patience grasshopper....read that post on the dfx readings you replied to and send me a pm....