Question for Garrett GTI 2500 / Whites DFX Users

[Oddfello]

Question for Garrett GTI 2500 / White's DFX Users

Hi all.

I have been lurking here for some time and have been detecting for about a year and a half. I started with a Garrett GTAx550 to see if I had the patience, time, and wearwithall to seek out places to hunt. Well I can say now that I am still very enthusiastic about detecting. I also have a member of my family who has become interested in the hobby as well, making it all that more enjoyable. So here is my question: I am looking to invest a bit more at this point and have been looking at both the Garrett GTI 2500 and the White's DFX. It seems after reading many a review that the Garrett functions very well but has somewhat of a steep learning curve to employ it to it's fullest whereas the Whites is very nice out of the box and the interface is a bit more user friendly. Would love to hear from peeps who use either of these and especially those who have used both. I am also interested in EXcelerator coils in regards to money vs. usefulness. Wouldn't mind hearing opinions on the Minelab Explorer II as well. This would be a bit over my $1000-1100 cap but if there is something that sets it apart, far and away, from the Garrett and White's I may consider it.

Great Forum, glad I finally registered.

Jason

 

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[mrmark55]

Re: Question for Garrett GTI 2500 / White's DFX Users

Jason,
All machines definitely have a learning curve to master what it is telling you regardless of how the graphics on the screen are displayed. Even the sounds that they make take a while to figure out. I was doing quite well coin shooting with my Bounty Hunter and Garrett Treasure Ace 300 but I had always just wanted a top end machine. I chose the DFX. When I first got it the hype had me expecting to immediately start digging gold and silver etc. At first I was frustrated because this did not begin to happen. I believe it was because I was a little intimidated with all the setting choices. However after simply using the preprogrammed programs and changing them on a regular basis and listening to the different tones I now consider this to be an absolutely awesome machine. I got the pinpointer with it and thought it was a little cheesy at first but if you coinshoot much it will pay for itself quickly. Everyday that I go out I find out more and more that I made the right choice. But then you know the old adage......Opinions are like elbows everybody's got one! If you have any specific questions about the DFX feel free to E-Mail me and I will try to help if I know the answer. Deep, Deep, Deep!
Mr Mark

 

[spotz]

Re: Question for Garrett GTI 2500 / White's DFX Users

Yes! It is a fact that no matter what machine you use, it has a learning curve. I have a DFX & a QXT. It has taken some time to get attuned to the DFX & it impresses me every time I go out. I looked for all the short cuts & even called the tech guys at Whites to see if they offered any classes at the factory. They do not & the tech told me that the best way to learn is to play around with the machine. You cannot erase the default settings so you are in no danger of messing things up. He said that to get reasonably proficient with the machine is to get in at least 100 hours in the field. HE was right. Good luck & welcome to the forum. Spotz

 

[corncrasher]

Re: Question for Garrett GTI 2500 / White's DFX Users

I have a dfx and I had used detectors before but very little. i didn't think the dfx was difficult to learn. I'm to impatient to read directions so when I got mine I turned it on, selected a preset mode and with in minutes I was digging up nails. I soon got tired of nails so I went home and watched the video and read the directions. I think I still have a lot to learn about the machine but I don't think it's hard to use at all.

 

[Shutterbug]

Re: Question for Garrett GTI 2500 / White's DFX Users

Jason,
When I decided to get into the hobby, I read all the reviews and decided to get the DFX as my first detector. I figured if I got what I felt to be the best of the best, I wouldn't have to upgrade in the near future. I've had my DFX for three years now and it has paid for itself a couple times over. I'm still expermenting with the different setting. It's very user friendly right out of the box, yet there are still things I'm learning about it three years later. Which ever one you get, I'm sure you will be happy with the results.

 

[Oddfello]

Re: Question for Garrett GTI 2500 / White's DFX Users

Thanks for the response. I think I am going to go for the DFX. I expect a learning curve from one machine to the next, however, I wanted to get to know the detector through some very good preset programs which by all accounts the DFX has. After reading reviews and now hearing your opinions I am sure that the White's will be a nice upgrade in both quality and logevity.

Thanks.

 

[gomerpyle]

Re: Question for Garrett GTI 2500 / White's DFX Users

I own a DFX. I am very pleased with it. Very ergonomic and comfortable to use. You can swing it all day without a problem. If you get DFX make sure you purchase the book "digging Deeper With The DFX" by Jeff foster. http://www.digdeepdfx.com./DDORDERINFO.htm This book should be a replacement for the original owners manual. It explains not only the how to make adjustments but the why you want to (if that makes any sense). I would also recommend another forum for you to check out regarding the DFX. http://www.dfxonly.com If you have any other questions about the DFX private message me or email me.

 

[Oddfello]

Re: Question for Garrett GTI 2500 / White's DFX Users

Thanks Gomer,

I regiestered on the forums you posted and I'm going to give it a good look. Thanks for the tip on the book as I often like to go beyond the basic manual to find information on most things I do.