Money

[stikes]

i was wondering what are the main differences between say the at pro vs the e trac. the at pro runs for around 500 and the e trac for around 1400. is there really that much of a difference between a mid range detector and the high end detector that the price is nearly 3x's the amount. what do the high end detectors have that the mid range dont have? is it the frequencies, depth, etc. and is it that much better to have such a price difference? just was wondering and thanks for your input

[donnyjaguar]

I think in economics its called the law of diminishing returns. The more you pay, the less the increase in value. You have to decide how far up that slope you wanna go. If paying that 900$ premium nets you the additional level of satisfaction (regardless of how attained) then it is good value. Paying 1400$ for a metal detector isn't outrageous by recent typical hobby standards, in my opinion. I'm into ham radio too and a decent base station can easily chew up 5,000$ for something rather modest. I'm also into trail bikes and a good used one can chew up more than 1400$ I assure you.

[DirtyHarry]

Yea, check out the data of each, E-trac like the lexus class, atpro like the toyota. No disrespect fellas.

Just depends on your cash, might look at G2, Safari, T2, F5. Are you looking for gold or relics or combo of.

MineLabs use multi freqs and some whites I think. Then you got coil size and type etc.etc.etc.

I use a Omega 8000, light weight, easy to use, one battery you can buy anywhere if the old one dies.

[RickO]

Speaking from my experience, Yes, there is a difference and it is very significant. The V3 is an awesome machine and will give results not attainable by low end units. If you are really into the hobby and will be staying with it, it is well worth the investment. As is the TDI PI machine if you are prospecting - or the Dual Field PI for beach hunting. I started out with the DFX, at the time, the cadillac of metal detectors. Yes, it was a steep learning curve, but what a machine. I knew, at the time, that the machine would out perform me, so it was up to me to learn enough to utilize the capablilities to the fullest extent. Good luck, RickO

[cmbtvet]

It's mostly the bells and whistles. I'm sure that depth also plays a part in it as the Etrac is a deep machine.

Discrimination is a key factor between the Etrac and just about any other machine out there. The Etrac can be very specific on discrimination and is completely controled by the user. Most other machines have factory set discrimination/notching that can't be fine tuned.

I just recently got my Etrac so I'm still learning it's capabilities and I'm far from being an expert, what I do know is that I love my Etrac and fear that my GT may not get used much any more. The good news for my 250 is that my mom, brother, and kids will get some use out of it

Someone used cars as a comparison; An Impala will get you from point A to point B but it is a much nicer ride in a Cadilac

[Rob479]

The AT pro has different audio tones for junk and coins...best I was able to determine with my research as no one could tell me anything else that set it aside from the other Aces.

[Dirty Money]

Originally Posted by cmbtvet

Someone used cars as a comparison; An Impala will get you from point A to point B but it is a much nicer ride in a Cadilac

It's not a question of a Cady's value over a Chevy, but, rather, whether the value of a Cady is 4 to 5 times the value of a Buick.

As a rule of thumb, equipment one to two steps off the top of the line tend to offer the most bang for the buck.

JMHO

Dave

[tabdog]

Hay Stikes,

Yes there is a difference.

How much. That is debatable.

In the end, if you have two guys of equal experience, one with an AT
pro and one with an E-trac,

The one with with the E-track should find a few more goodies.

On the other hand, I can take my $70 Compadre and run circles
around an E-track in a tot lot,



I can take that same Compadre and hold my own in trashy areas
with any high end machine.

But, in less trash the E-track, the Sovern, the MXT, the CZ and
2500 will go deeper and get a few that I can not get even with my
Vaquero and what others are getting with the AT Pro.

I have hunted side by side with all those I stated except the E-track.

I think you may be better off with a good starter machine. The high
end machines can be frustrating and don't yield more than a good
starter machine in the beginning.

Then you can learn what your needs are and what machine will be right
for you.

Also, by that time, you will realize a need for a back-up, which you will
already have.

Sounds like a plan to me,

[tabdog]

Look at it this way,

a guy with a Troy X5 came down this weekend and
waxed all our buts.

In the end, it is the operator and not the operate-tee,

if that makes any sense,

[Dustyloins]

Originally Posted by Rob479

The AT pro has different audio tones for junk and coins...best I was able to determine with my research as no one could tell me anything else that set it aside from the other Aces.

The AT Pro also has a higher frequency (15 kHz) which is better for gold prospecting.....

Dusty

[tabdog]

Originally Posted by Dustyloins

The AT Pro also has a higher frequency (15 kHz) which is better for gold prospecting.....

Dusty

It also has ground balance and is wet proof and has better iron handling capabilities
as well as a DD coil...

They say it is not as deep as an MXT but more versatile.

Happy Huntin,

[dirtdiver45]

http://www.kellycodetectors.com/compare/?a=85

This compares the 2. u will see that the E-Trac is superior to the AT Pro by far! The E-Trac is my next detector, and it is sweet!

[stikes]

Originally Posted by tabdog

Hay Stikes,

Yes there is a difference.

How much. That is debatable.

In the end, if you have two guys of equal experience, one with an AT
pro and one with an E-trac,

The one with with the E-track should find a few more goodies.

On the other hand, I can take my $70 Compadre and run circles
around an E-track in a tot lot,



I can take that same Compadre and hold my own in trashy areas
with any high end machine.

But, in less trash the E-track, the Sovern, the MXT, the CZ and
2500 will go deeper and get a few that I can not get even with my
Vaquero and what others are getting with the AT Pro.

I have hunted side by side with all those I stated except the E-track.

I think you may be better off with a good starter machine. The high
end machines can be frustrating and don't yield more than a good
starter machine in the beginning.

Then you can learn what your needs are and what machine will be right
for you.

Also, by that time, you will realize a need for a back-up, which you will
already have.

Sounds like a plan to me,

sorry forgot to mention for the last 5 years i have been using the ace 250. it has treated me well but time for something better.

thanks for everyones replies and keep them coming