Looking for a new detector: f75, V3i or E-Trac??

[Forino]

I know this is a hot topic but I'd like to hear it again lol. I've been using the DFX for a few years and I love it but recently I am feeling the need to buy another machine. I've narrowed my choices to White's V3i, the Minelab E-trac or the Fisher f75. I guess I would like to hear some opinions from people who have used these machines. I am most interested in the machine that has the best depth. I am partial to the whites because I have always had one but I am not so impressed with the reviews of the v3 compared to the DFX. I like what I hear about the F75 but it sounds like an unstable machine. As far as the e-trac, I do not hear too many bad things so its at the top of the list right now. Love to know what everyone thinks. Thanks and HH.

[CoiltoSoil]

Originally Posted by Forino

I know this is a hot topic but I'd like to hear it again lol. I've been using the DFX for a few years and I love it but recently I am feeling the need to buy another machine. I've narrowed my choices to White's V3i, the Minelab E-trac or the Fisher f75. I guess I would like to hear some opinions from people who have used these machines. I am most interested in the machine that has the best depth. I am partial to the whites because I have always had one but I am not so impressed with the reviews of the v3 compared to the DFX. I like what I hear about the F75 but it sounds like an unstable machine. As far as the e-trac, I do not hear too many bad things so its at the top of the list right now. Love to know what everyone thinks. Thanks and HH.

I see you're in CT so if you plan to colonial coin/relic hunt or hit cellar holes the F-75 would be my choice. I've used Explorers and DFX's but the Fishers tend to be the better cellar hole hunting and relic machines in general. As far as depth they are all close enough that it really shouldnt be a deciding factor.

[Forino]

Originally Posted by CoiltoSoil

I see you're in CT so if you plan to colonial coin/relic hunt or hit cellar holes the F-75 would be my choice. I've used Explorers and DFX's but the Fishers tend to be the better cellar hole hunting and relic machines in general. As far as depth they are all close enough that it really shouldnt be a deciding factor.

Yea all of out hunting is relic. Do you have the F-75 with the boost mode or without? Do you know if that's worth it? Thanks

[CoiltoSoil]

Originally Posted by Forino

Yea all of out hunting is relic. Do you have the F-75 with the boost mode or without? Do you know if that's worth it? Thanks

I have an F75 without boost, for me I got such a good deal that it wasn't worth paying a few hundred more for boost. Boost is nice, it add's some depth, not a huge amount but it will make some iffy signals ring out better vs. the standard machine. Ask some of the dealers on here what the difference in price for you would be and decide if it's worth it. For your interference question by keeping the disc between 6-12 it will cut down on it a lot, I generally run my sens about 85-95 which is pretty high considering 99 is max. Its such a light machine with such a fast sweep that it lets you get in and under brush very easily and cover a lot of ground quickly. One of the other things which I like a lot is the screen tells you a ton of info at once without having to flip to different screens and I also like the trigger pinpoint just like the Whites machines use. Of the 3 detectors you mentioned the F75 seems to be what most guys who relic hunt go for, the E-trac is big among the deep silver park hunters and the v3i seems to be a good jewelrey/coin machine.

[ramer]

I recently purchased a used F75se. Great machine. I thought about the etrac, but the two major complaints I keep seeing is the weight and slow swing speed/recovery rate of the etrac. Great machine otherwise.
The F75se is ligher machine and you can swing it as fast as you want. The recovery speed is incredible. In fact, the manual specifically states that the faster you swing the deeper it will detect. Add that you can get 40 plus hours on only 4 double A's and I was sold.

[Rattlehead]

I'd suggest trying to find some folks in your area who own the machines you're interested in, and try them before you buy.

Here's why:

I've always been primarily into relic hunting, and a few years ago when the F-75 came out it was getting great reviews from fellow relic hunters.. So I bought one. I ended up selling it just a few weeks later because that machine and I just didn't speak the same language. Having used White's detectors since I got into the hobby, the F75 was just too chatty compared to what I was used to. Don't get me wrong, its without a doubt an excellent machine because lots guys do really well with it.. It just wasn't for me. I'm sure the same can be said by guys who went from Fisher to White's or Minelab to Fisher.. etc.

I've been using the DFX for a few years and I love it

If you liked the DFX and you can't try all of the machines before you buy, I'd seriously look at the V3i if I were you.. Coming from a DFX, the Spectra should feel right at home.. The feel of the detector will be very similar to what you're used to.. and even though the menu is different, you'll recognize a lot of the settings from your DFX. I went from an XLT to the Spectra and it was a very easy transition for me. The performance of the Spectra is outstanding (IMHO). It gives you more info about the target than any other detector on the market (AFAIK).. and properly tuned, its one of the deepest seeking machines availible.

Good luck with your decision.

[Big Boys Hobbies]

Originally Posted by Forino

I know this is a hot topic but I'd like to hear it again lol. I've been using the DFX for a few years and I love it but recently I am feeling the need to buy another machine. I've narrowed my choices to White's V3i, the Minelab E-trac or the Fisher f75. I guess I would like to hear some opinions from people who have used these machines. I am most interested in the machine that has the best depth. I am partial to the whites because I have always had one but I am not so impressed with the reviews of the v3 compared to the DFX. I like what I hear about the F75 but it sounds like an unstable machine. As far as the e-trac, I do not hear too many bad things so its at the top of the list right now. Love to know what everyone thinks. Thanks and HH.

Feel free to give me a call tomorrow. I can go over it all with ya. Love to help!