That is really good information, Dennis. I have the VLF X-Terra 705 with elliptical coil and have been looking at the difference between those PI detectors and have come to the realization that if I can't find gold with my VLF then a PI detector probably isn't going to get me much more. Just deeper holes. Thanks for the advice.

Andy... I will have to agree with that philosophy when it comes to VLF and PI.

I just sat in on a metal detecting seminar at the Gold and Treasure show in Stockton, CA presented by Kevin Hoagland... very informative. I learned a lot and can't wait to get out in the field again. He opened my eyes quite a bit... I really had no clue about many of the things he mentioned.

I like the concept of the PI, but will try getting better with my VLF first. Once I have learned to "trust" my detector and learn more, then I may spend a few (cough, cough) more dollars for a PI. lol!

I have a similar question,,,

I had the Whites GMT since my son moved into gold country i gave it to him, that and i could never get used to it...

I try and get out of town to go prospecting once a month, but am also looking for a detector that i can use at local parks, and something i can also take to the beach??

Most important after my frustration with the Whites, is i need something easy to use and understand.

I do not have unlimited funds, i have been told that the Garret AT-pro, or at Gold, were good, someone also recommended the Minelab X-terra 705....

I could a ford to bump the price to get the Minelab E-trac, i understand it is more complicated to use...

Looking for a recommendation,,

HELP CONFUSED SHOPPER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

David,

I have a Minelab Excalibur with 8 inch coil, for past 10 years and I am amazed how well it works. It is a multi frequency VLF and waterproof down to...I think like over 100ft deep...But I use it mainly on the beaches and dry land. It works great. What is nice is because it is totally waterproof, I never need to worry about protecting it if in a hard rain either. I have found lots of stuff, don't use it for gold though.

David,

I have a Minelab Excalibur with 8 inch coil, for past 10 years and I am amazed how well it works. It is a multi frequency VLF and waterproof down to...I think like over 100ft deep...But I use it mainly on the beaches and dry land. It works great. What is nice is because it is totally waterproof, I never need to worry about protecting it if in a hard rain either. I have found lots of stuff, don't use it for gold though.

Hey Guys,

Some good information shared here. I own and operate both, along with sell them. They both are different animals, but the GPX 5000 no questions has the overall edge with technology and versatility to change timings and settings on various ground conditions. The ATX is a MPS PI unit, means a single pulse, basic PI. The GPX 5000 is DVT, which is Dual Voltage Technology, includes SETA and some other stuff. DVT is many generations over the basic MPS PI units.

Price is a big factor, one is $5795.00 the other is $2150. One is waterproof, the other isn't. One is very heavy at 7.2+ pounds, the other is around 5 pounds.

Both will find gold, but I give the overall advantage to anyone serious about metal detecting for gold to search for a used GPX 5000 right now, they can be found around $3500-$4000 as many have upgraded to the SDC 2300 or the latest GPZ 7000.

Hope this helps a bit,

Rob Allison