MXT vs. Ace 250

[gallileo60]

Ok, guys please help out here..Anyone have both of these detectors What would the main advantage to the MXT be over the Ace 250 I DO NOT hunt Gold........I have a 250, and a Land Star right now..I may be coming into some "extra" money in a week or so, and would like to get something better than what I have now...I will not have the money to do it again for a long time...I have had over the years a 5900D Series 3 Coin master (loved it) a Ace 300 (ok) a CXII master hunter (good), a Land Star (ok), and now have a Ace 250 (good)...........How does the MXT compare to the above I know it is much more expensive than any of the above....I mostly coin shoot, but would like to do the beach a bit more.......Thank you for any replys folks, and feel free to tell me about your thoughts on this machine.....Tom

 

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[gallileo60]

I would get a Minelab Quattro MP or the Explorer SE
One of those will be my next machine

Well thank you very much, but im really wanting to hear about the MXT for now...might look into something else later..I played around with the MXT, and liked the way it felt, and looked....Just want to hear from some users, the pro's, and the con's..BTW, have you used this machine..Once again, thank you for your reply...Tom Shaw

 

[gallileo60]

I would get a Minelab Quattro MP or the Explorer SE
One of those will be my next machine

Was just wondering about the MXT right now, but thank you very much...Tom

 

[Eu_citzen]

I don't know the MXT but look around and read reviews like on:
http://www.garysdetecting.co.uk/whites_mxt.htm
http://metaldetectorreviews.net/detectors/4-1-whitesmxt.html
http://losttreasure.com/fieldtests/

Regards,
Eu

 

[ivan salis]

the MTX is alot like the M6 --- however the M6 has a Beach Mode -- quite handy if you salt water (beach / wet sand) hunt or want to have the "ability" to do so while on vaction -- its about the same price as a MTX (actually a bit cheaper) and is easy to use -- might be worth a thought -- M6 most folks that have one like them very much--- Ivan

 

[TonyinCT]

The MXT is far above the other detectors you have mentioned. It is in the upper echelon of detectors and can be used in most areas with great results. It does have a problem in wet salt sand conditions even if the toggle switch is in the SALT position. This is the same control as on the M6. I think that this is a ver y versatile detector that can be used for many types of hunting in many types of soil with no loss of performance. Call me if you need more info.
TonyinCT
860-623-1153

 

[dahut]

I gotta agree with Tony. In truth, the Ace is a basic detector. It was designed to be one and it works like one. The LandStar is, well... not even in the same league, IMHO.
If you liked your CXII and wanted to entertain possibilities, I'd suggest you get a Garrett 1350 - it's much like your little 250, but also MUCH more - even more than that CXII... I've owned all three of them. It is especially suited as a coinshooter and beach machine. Ive nearly worn out mine in those exact pursuits.

However, you want none of that and wish to hear ONLY MXT lore. Lets delve into it a bit, shall we?

What isn't readily known by most is that the MXT is a specialty instrument, developed as an offshoot of the GMT series of gold detectors. It uses the same front end circuitry as the gold units, with modifications to the frequency and software to make it more of a general purpose detector. Frankly, it has been engineered to the teeth and is very sensitive. Do not scoff at the prospecting mode, either - it offers more for you than you think, even if you dont haunt the goldfields out west.

There is really only one accessory needed for it, too, in your case. That is a small coil, and there are a couple to choose from. White's is good at making them and has it down to an art form. This is nice.

On the other hand, there are things about the MXT that may trouble you.
It is balanced differently compared to your others, a trait common to the Whites "E" series. This alone sets it apart. Unless you have used some of the water machines or others with under-arm control housings, it will be a re-adjustment. Go back to your CXII for some inkling as to what I mean.
The MXT is also "circuit noisy" at higher gain settings, the most commonly quoted complaint. While mild mannered most of the time, when high-gain settings are actually called for (which is less often than you might think) it chatters and requires you to learn its language... the salt shore and other difficult ground taxes your understanding in how to deal with it, too.
Feature-wise, it is little like the ones you've mentioned, either, with the exception of your CXII (are you noticing a common thread here??). It is a sort of 'odd duck', actually, being an analog/digital hybrid. I find it offers a good mix: understated hi-tech, cooking along under the surface, yet retaining an "oldschool" ease of use.

It is so much a unit unto itself, I might add, that at least one person felt the need to write a book about the thing to aid understanding. For a seasoned veteran - it would present only challenges. For you, it sounds like a good step up and is about due, considering your experience.

I wouldn't hesitate to get one. If I may, let me mention something Charles Garrett says time and again...
(sic) "No matter whose detector you select, add $100 to the purchase price and get the next upgrade. You'll get better performance and more room to grow..."

Move up from the lower ranks, brother... Get the MXT.

 

[gallileo60]

Dahut, Thank you very much for all the info..It is very useful...Went down today, and look at it (MXT) again...I cut my teeth so to speak on a Whites 5900D Series 3, and loved it..It was stolen out of my car due to me being stupid.....I am currently using the Ace 250 with the small sniper coil, and am liking the ease of operation...My main gripe is that I cannot see the damn little tiny isty bitsy display...(might be just me)..Im not sure if the MXT is a little too much detector for me as I kinda like to turn on, and go, but I miss the threshold noise from my old Whites....I may look at the M6 a bit closer...Any thoughts on that one The only thing is it is a quit type detector, which is what my Ace is...BTW, for the money the Ace 250 is quite alot of machine...I never was really impressed with the CXII, I think it was better suited for relic hunting...The only reason I have the Land Star is the fact that I got it new for 89 dollars on a closeout deal..It is ok, the Ace blows it away.....You have given me much to think about...BTW, what did you mean when you said not to underestimate the gold setting on the MXT Would that perhaps come in handy for coin shooting That is such a good looking machine, altho the girlfreind thinks im nuts for spending that kind of money...BTW, it is not written in stone that I get a Whites.... Thanks again for your help...Tom Shaw

 

[dahut]

"...what did you mean when you said not to underestimate the gold setting on the MXT Would that perhaps come in handy for coin shooting"

Use the prospecting mode (it's rightful name) for coinshooting? I dont think you'd like it, although I know of one fellow who uses it exclusively - as you might guess, his gold count is higher than most dirt diggers. What you may learn to like about it, though, is that it will let you learn more about your soils than you want to know! People assume that gold detectors are only VERY sensitive, so thats why they are good at finding nuggets. Not so.

More importantly, besides being sensitive, they are also configured to deal with extreme ground mineralization and give you features to overcome it. Maybe a little intro into gold is in order.

See, free gold like nuggets comes from igneous geologic sources. Essentially, this means volcanic upheaves. This sort of geology is loaded with minerals and alkalis that can overwhelm even common detectors like coinshooters. You've heard all the howling over ground balance and mineralization, "hot rocks" and so on, right? This is the source of the aggravation.

So now, you want to find itsy-bitsy gold nuggets in the worst sorts of these 'hot' soils?? It does little good if you whank out the receiver gain to find pinhead gold nuggets, if your detector cannot track and overcome the shifts and blooms in ground matrix minerals that are often encountered in gold fields.

Units like the MXT and its parent the GMT have features that allow for extremely fast ground balancing and tracking of changes in these soils, should it be needed. But, they also give you feedback to tell you what you are working with beneath your coil when it gets bad.

Okay, so you dont expect to use it, but what if you understood things better because it was there? What if you said, "Hey I have the feature, so why not go on a little vacation where I can use it and open a few new horizons?" Wouldn't that be worth having? What would your GF say to it?

Keep in mind that the MXT was created to be good at THREE things:

• Coinshooting
• Relic Hunting
• Prospecting

How much would you expect to pay for three SEPARATE detectors for each of those activities?

 

[gallileo60]

Well thanks again...The gold hunting feature would not be used by me at all..I have detected for close to 30 years on, and off..Have never once had the urge to prospect..Now relic hunting tho, that is on the list of things to do...I am going to sit back, and think about this before I commit to a unit right this second...I do appreciate your help, and input...Tom

 

[gallileo60]

Well still havent bought a detector yet....Just cant seem to make up my mind, or find a great deal...

 

[PENNYHUNTER]

I have Benn swinging my MXT for a year are so and has treated me well. You can see my post under SOME OF THE JUNK I HAVE FOUND WITH MY MXT. It is a good machine and would recommend it, its simple to use,lite., and nimble. Some time when it hits gold it doesn't give a costint reading so I dig allot of junk ,but some times its a ring are a nickle. so my advice if you get one is to swing slow and you will like it.

 

[gallileo60]

Pennyhunter,
Thanks for the advice...I am kinda looking at a used machine right now...I know I cant seem to make up my mind, but its like I have 2, or 3 already, and the ol lady is like "why do you need another one" It is hard to justify spending 700, or 800 hundred dollars, when times are like they are.....I just really got off on the way the MXT looked, and sounded the little bit I got to mess with it...Thanks to all on the board for your replys......This place is great.......Tom

 

[Rowdy]

Tom,

I have the M-6, which is my first detector, and like it! It has 7 tone I.D., as well as the VDI numbers, and symbols to go by. If you come across a coin, it WILL tell you what it is if it's at a reasonable depth. Of course, it can be fooled by decaying rusty iron, like screw caps and such. In other words, if it's a penny, it will tell you so, but if it says quarter, it may or may not be. From what I've seen, most machines can be fooled by wet rusty iron, especially if it's circular!

From what I understand, the M-6 has the same basic circutry as the MXT. It's very simple to use since it has auto ground balance. Personally, I've never tried the discrimination, so I can't say how that works! One important thing about the M-6, it's a silent search machine, no threshold or background sound. If that's a feature you want, it may not be the machine for you.

I paid $640 for mine, delivered to my door along with an apron, Lesche digger, and Whites gun style case.

In your posistion, I'd try to find a dealer in you genaral area, and ask them to let you try out an MXT, and maybe an M-6, or maybe put you in touch with someone who has one. I just got mine back from a co-worker, after two weeks. He's thinking about getting into the hobby, so I loaned him my machine so he could see if he likes it. If you were closer, I'd let you try mine out!

 

[TonyinCT]

gallileo60. Call me !!!

 

[hollowpointred]

the ACE250 is a nice entry level detector. the MXT is in another class altogether. call Tony, he can answer any questions you have.

 

[gallileo60]

Thanks everybody............

 

[Willy]

Having used both detectors, I'd take the Ace 250 in a heartbeat when it comes to coin hunting and just plain bashing around in the brush. It's surprisingly sensitive to small targets and the notch/tone ID is a real bonus. Hunting in 'all-metal' using the tone ID is where it shines.. it also has a fast recovery. The MXT, on the other hand, will kick Ace 250 butt when it comes to prospecting/gold. Weight-wise, it's all Ace 250, and the same goes for batteries. The Ace is also easier to convert to a chestmount for hunting in the water/rain. If the MXT would have had a decent notch, tone ID (not the so-called 'relic' mode) and something other than the pod design.. I would have kept it. As it were, I spent too much time looking at the display or worrying about getting it wet (I prospect (streams/rivers) and jewellry hunt (lakes).. amongst other things). ..Willy.

 

[gallileo60]

Having used both detectors, I'd take the Ace 250 in a heartbeat when it comes to coin hunting and just plain bashing around in the brush. It's surprisingly sensitive to small targets and the notch/tone ID is a real bonus. Hunting in 'all-metal' using the tone ID is where it shines.. it also has a fast recovery. The MXT, on the other hand, will kick Ace 250 butt when it comes to prospecting/gold. Weight-wise, it's all Ace 250, and the same goes for batteries. The Ace is also easier to convert to a chestmount for hunting in the water/rain. If the MXT would have had a decent notch, tone ID (not the so-called 'relic' mode) and something other than the pod design.. I would have kept it. As it were, I spent too much time looking at the display or worrying about getting it wet (I prospect (streams/rivers) and jewellry hunt (lakes).. amongst other things). ..Willy.

Willy, Thanks for the info.....I think the MXT is out after thinking it over....I will use the Ace till I can find a good used Coin shooter, then keep the Ace, and the BH as backups, or maybe do the water mod on the 250.......Im listening to what everyone thinks is the best coin shooter....I dont do much else but coin shoot......Thanks everyone...I have learned alot from this thread...Tom

 

[Willy]

Hey there Tom. I'd wait a bit before springing for a new VLF detector. Looks like the Pulse Devil should be coming out within the next few months, as well as the lower prices (specialized) versions. If you're hunting in nasty ground (like mine) the limitations of a VLF detector become readily apparent. Below the first couple of inches, everything starts to read as iron.. and big iron reads as silver!! Supposedly, the PD (Pulse Devil) and it's offshoots will give Minelab PI depth with reliable disc./ID down to full depth! All this in heavily mineralized ground too. That's why Willy sez to hold onto the Ace 250 and save those bux for something revolutionary instead of the same ol', same 'ol. ...Willy.