Myers Depot Metal Detectors

help me! V3I or E-trac

If I were to get a V3i one of the main reasons would be the polar plot and the expanded conductive range compared to the Etrac. One thing that bugs me about Etrac is how it is hard to tell the difference between a copper penny and a clad dime. I don't know if polar plot can speed up your decision making? But I hope it would be helpful in differentiating shallow gold rings from slaw and tabs. Deep signals are more ear training. Every time I get pumped on getting a V3i, I read a bunch of negative reviews and back off. On the other hand, I read a lot of great things about the Etrac, and after using it for about 300 hours I would say it is the least producing detector that I have ever used. Very little silver and no gold so far. Maybe I just started hitting tougher hunting grounds since my purchase? I think I have Etrac down pretty good, but I am always considering the V3i swap, especially since I prefer hunting jewelry.
 
Diggler

Don't know about the Etrac but i had the MXT for 5 years and have had the V3i for two months and i've done way better on silver then on gold. I would have to attribute that to location more then anything. Still looking for a gold ring that is other then plated. I know i've dug enough pulltabs that i should have a gold ring by now. So i'll keep diggin til i get one.

If you get the V3i you will like it. If features like the polar plot is what your after it has that and much more. You will like it.
 
Diggler said:
If I were to get a V3i one of the main reasons would be the polar plot and the expanded conductive range compared to the Etrac. One thing that bugs me about Etrac is how it is hard to tell the difference between a copper penny and a clad dime. I don't know if polar plot can speed up your decision making? But I hope it would be helpful in differentiating shallow gold rings from slaw and tabs. Deep signals are more ear training. Every time I get pumped on getting a V3i, I read a bunch of negative reviews and back off. On the other hand, I read a lot of great things about the Etrac, and after using it for about 300 hours I would say it is the least producing detector that I have ever used. Very little silver and no gold so far. Maybe I just started hitting tougher hunting grounds since my purchase? I think I have Etrac down pretty good, but I am always considering the V3i swap, especially since I prefer hunting jewelry.
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Both detectors I own are hard to differentiate a copper penny from a dime but usually a 38 is a dime and a 36 is a copper penny.
 
Well I thought I had it all figured out! I just knew the v3i was the machine for me! But after more research and more videos, the e-trac is also an amazing machine! So I'm back at square 1. I do know it will be one of these two though!
 
Diggler said:
I think the Etrac would be easier to detect at the beach but the V3i will do just as well if set up correctly, which really isn't too hard, just not super simple like Etrac is. I think in older parts of the country where old silver is to be found the Etrac is the clear winner. The V3i is close there, but has the potential to out perform in every other situation. The FE readings of the Etrac are invaluable when trying to ID junk in the field but... the Polar Plot of the V3i looks to be even more accurate from the videos that I have seen. ID'ing trash is my main goal. If it's not trash I am digging. Once you learn to distinguish a can with any detector, finding silver is just a matter of getting your coil in range. Gold is a whole nother animal, and what the V3i has to offer has me seriously considering swapping out my Etrac. There are less silver coins to detect every day but gold is always replenishing and often overlooked (discriminated out) by most detectorists.
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Nice post, Diggler!!!!!!!!

Based on cost this year I went with the DFX but will upgrade again to the V3I least I'm hoping at some point. Heard and have seen the e-trac in action with deep silver coins looks pretty good. I have hit parks with my DFX cleaned them out, went back over it with the V3 in Pro mode hit a standing liberty, a large cent, and a gold ring inside 10 mins. Detectors just dont miss coins and gold like that in a clean park, the V3 didnt miss them my DFX did and if you saw how small the park was and where it was you would be impressed I was.
 
13rannon said:
No, I haven't upgraded my machine. My partner got his upgraded and couldn't tell a difference. I still find more than he does with my MXT. I will however upgrade it before I sell it. I'll be lucky if I can get a 1/3 of the money back that I have in it. I was told by White's my upgrade would be free. Wouldn't be the first time they have told me a story though.

There is a reason that V3/V3i's sell for 700-800 used (more than 50% off retail) and E-Trac's sell for $900-1000 retaining more than 65% of it's retail value.

Think about it.

The E-Trac is $200 less new and resells for $200 more than the V3/V3i.

You will not only find more with the E-Trac you will retain more of your hard earned money with the Minelab E-Trac.
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Could you give me a direct link or the site where you have seen V3/V3i for sale for 700-800 used? I've been looking for one, but can only find them in the $1400 range on Ebay. Thanks.
 
bayoudigger said:
Could you give me a direct link or the site where you have seen V3/V3i for sale for 700-800 used? I've been looking for one, but can only find them in the $1400 range on Ebay. Thanks.
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I would like to see that also because I would buy another one and then resale it and make 400 on the deal
 
xlogit3k said:
Both detectors I own are hard to differentiate a copper penny from a dime but usually a 38 is a dime and a 36 is a copper penny.
Click to expand...

In answer to the above quote, pennies read in the 60's to the mid-70's on the V3i, while clad dimes read 76-78 on the V3i. Silver dimes will read 78-81 on the V3i.

One of the most overlooked features of the V3i is the ability to expand the resolution of the VDI numbers...in other words, you can expand the range between the different types of coins, making it easier to tell a clad quarter (normally an 83 VDI), from a silver quarter (which is an 84 VDI). With a few easy clicks on the menu, you can change it so the difference between a clad quarter and a silver quarter is 3 instead of one, and a difference of as much as 5 on a dime!

Which is better? I think they are both top notch. I think each one has its advantages over the other, but it is always a trade off. I use a V3i, while my detecting buddy has an etrac.

Here is what my observations are:
Ease of use goes to eTrac. No need to ground balance and change many settings.

Configurability goes to the V3i. There are 168 different adjustments available including things like screen colors, sounds, icons etc.

Depth: This is a tough one, almost a dead tie. but I might give a slight edge to the etrac on its ability to find deep silver coins.

Sensitivity to deep small objects: Definitely goes to the V3i, especially in the foil range . Tiny pewter buttons, small gold, etc. are where the V3i really excels!

One drawback on the V3i is its sensitivity to charcoal (hot rocks). These tend to come up in the same range as the pewter buttons so you will dig a lot more hot rocks with the V3i. It is a small price to pay if you want to dig tiny gold and buttons.

These are observations made on numerous hunts with my buddy. We like to call each other over to compare signals so I think it is a fair assessment.

You cannot go wrong with either detector.

bayoudigger said:
Could you give me a direct link or the site where you have seen V3/V3i for sale for 700-800 used? I've been looking for one, but can only find them in the $1400 range on Ebay. Thanks.
Click to expand...

You are not likely to find either for less than $1100 used, but keep an eye on Craigslist. Every once in a while you get great deals. Believe it or not I got a Minelab Excalibur 1000 AND a two week old V3i from two separate sellers...My TOTAL FOR BOTH DETECTORS was $875!
 
Newby said:
Well I thought I had it all figured out! I just knew the v3i was the machine for me! But after more research and more videos, the e-trac is also an amazing machine! So I'm back at square 1. I do know it will be one of these two though!
Click to expand...

Good morning!
If you will Email me: [email protected] I'll put you in touch with one of our Factory Trained, certified Metal Detector Experts who will work with you and answer all your questions. Kellyco is the Largest and Oldest metal detector Dealer in the world. We've been in business over 50 years and we are a sponsor on this forum. In addition, Kellyco’s policy is to meet or beat ANY competitor’s price quote (in most cases). I look forward to hearing from you!

And no matter what, Happy Hunting!
 
KellycoChick said:
Good morning!
If you will Email me: [email protected] I'll put you in touch with one of our Factory Trained, certified Metal Detector Experts who will work with you and answer all your questions. Kellyco is the Largest and Oldest metal detector Dealer in the world. We've been in business over 50 years and we are a sponsor on this forum. In addition, Kellyco’s policy is to meet or beat ANY competitor’s price quote (in most cases). I look forward to hearing from you!

And no matter what, Happy Hunting!
Click to expand...

ABC: Always Be Closing.... :)
 
Newby said:
Well I thought I had it all figured out! I just knew the v3i was the machine for me! But after more research and more videos, the e-trac is also an amazing machine! So I'm back at square 1. I do know it will be one of these two though!
Click to expand...
this is where I'm at also,,, cept I want the etrac and am now seeing the V3i as a contender,,, can't they just combine the two and cal it an 3V-trac,,,,
 
KellycoChick said:
Good morning!
If you will Email me: [email protected] I'll put you in touch with one of our Factory Trained, certified Metal Detector Experts who will work with you and answer all your questions. Kellyco is the Largest and Oldest metal detector Dealer in the world. We've been in business over 50 years and we are a sponsor on this forum. In addition, Kellyco’s policy is to meet or beat ANY competitor’s price quote (in most cases). I look forward to hearing from you!

And no matter what, Happy Hunting!
Click to expand...

Hey KellycoChick!
I'm almost positive I will go with Kellyco! I'm very impressed with the things I've heard about your deals and customer service! I am hoping to place an order within the next month or so! I really hope you guys can make me a good deal on the the v3i w/wireless hp, I'm not wanting all of the extra stuff! But I also want a good deal on a good water machine! So thank you very much for the advice! Dan
 
All I can say is flip a coin as to which one to buy
I am lucky enough to own both and I cant decide which one to use half of the time
I have had the V3I for about 8 months and the E-Trac for 2 weeks
The E-Trac seems to have a little better target seperation in trash
The E-Trac feels lighter to swing
The E-Trac is easier to pinpoint with
The V3I's screen is much easier to see by far !!!
The cordless headphones on the V3I are great !!!
I will be buying the Airheadz for the E-Trac soon
I also like the trigger on the V3I Versus thumb button on E-Trac
the E-Trac does seem to be more user friendly at least I picked up on it faster than the V3I
The E-Trac will be the one I loan to beginners when I am trying to suck someone in to the hobby
I have done side by side comparisons on average targets (coins/trash)
spent about 4 hours doing this so far
In my garden and a local park
They both gave me the same info
I am for the most part a sound/beep digger
they both are good at that
if you like more screen info go with the V3I
Personally I dont care if a screen says zincon or double gold eagle I dig if I like the SOUND
This really isnt a fair comparison as I havent had the E-Trac as long the V3I
and I dont really know Jack about either compared to people that have had them for a lot longer
These statements are just my experience so far
your mileage may very :)
 
PAID EXERCISE said:
The V3I's screen is much easier to see by far !!!
Click to expand...

I've never used the V3i but I have the Etrac. The display is very difficult to see during the day if you're not facing the right direction. Add sunglasses and forget it.

I generally only look at my screen to get an idea of the depth of my target and when pinpointing, other than that, I go by tone.

The one thing that made me choose the Etrac over the V3i and F75 was the USB port. You can connect it to your computer and save an infinite amount of patterns. You can also trade patterns with other Etrac users.
 
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