Somebody explain why you need more than 50 numerical segments for the I.D.. You have 50 tones to work with also. I've had a 99 numerical I.D. machine, and didn't find it particularly helpful in eliminating digging trash.
To me the more numbers you have the more the I.D. numbers fluctuate on deeper targets. Plus there seems to me to be a wider set of numbers to contend with for say square tabs. Does a 99 I.D. machine tell nickels from square tabs better. Or a IHP from a Zinc penny? Or maybe a penny from a dime? I had the 99 I.D. machine over a year when I switched to the Equinox and I didn't feel I started having problems digging more trash. As a matter of fact I've seen the Equinox out I.D. some other highly respected detectors.
I fully admit I could be wrong, but in my experience the Equinox I.D. is absolutely fine.
I'm with you - I don't think it's necessary.
No current metal detecting technology, in my opinion, is good enough where those extra segments will consistently make a difference. Why? Because of so many other variables that can affect the VDI.
Let's use Minelab's VDI scale as an example. Some say they can tell the difference between a reading of 13 and 14, ie it's a nickel or a non-nicklel. I believe them. But what good is that skill if the machine could be off a few hunts later? Maybe it's the changes in soil conditions (wet, not wet, different location, etc.) Or perhaps the ground balancing wasn't done quite the same way.
Put another way (for you scientists out there), this is an issue about "sig figs" (significant figures). What good is having a tool that can measure something to say...a hundredth of an millimeter if what you're measure can vary by 1 millimeter every time? That's right, there's no point.
So even if you can tell the difference between a 13 and 14 on your Minelab machine, it doesn't matter b/c environmental variables will result in changes that are more than 1 VDI segment. In other words, if a nickel on an Equinox is 13 +/- 2, what good is having a 100 segement VDI? All that'll change is that a nickel is 26 +/- 4.
I personally think it's a matter of preference...and that's fine. Go with what you're comfortable with.
Just like how a machine that can go up to 50 tones instead of say...25. How many people can honestly tell the difference? Not that many. Basically only the super duper hardcore users of that machine can tell the diference...and those with perfect pitch.