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Whites Spectrum XLT

Price: $800

Avg. Score: 5 stars!

4.57
Based on 49 reviews

Avg. Durability: 5 stars!

5.00
Avg. Ease of use: 5 stars!

4.86

XLT Fine By me

August 26, 2005

I have had my White's XLT for about a month. At first I was a little worried about all the programs and settings. I have not learned them all, but I have found the more I just calm down and read the manual and other literature, the easier the machine is to work. With a little practice the pointing is right on. I am finding things deeper than with my old detector. I am anxious to keep learning the settings and what other coils have to offer. I also hear good things about Minelab, but the best unit they have is almost twice as much money as the XLT. Even if the Minelab is a little newer and goes a little deeper as some claim, I know it won't go twice as deep, so I am not inclined to spend twice the money. I have become addicted to metal detecting and love the XLT. Jt

Overall Rating 5 stars!

John Tewell from Columbus, Ohio

392

Garrett Deepseakers Lasting Quality

August 05, 2005

In a recent article in a well respected treasure hunting magazine the author mentioned the outstanding depth performance of the Garrett Deepseaker (ADS, Groundhog, etc.) detectors of the '70s and 80's. Having been involved in this hobby for the past 32 years I have learned a thing or two from being out in the field using various models of metal detectors. New top of the line metal detectors from respected manufacturers have incorporated the technological advances of our time which bring greater advantages to recreational coin and relic hunters. That being said, this technology has its price. The fact that the capabilities of the Deepseaker models is still being referenced in comparison to all metal detectors speaks volumes about their quality.

I have owned a Groundhog ADS and it was a sophisticated piece of electronic equipment and not basic metal detecting circuitry being passed off as a metal detector. Since these machines are old school technology they can be purchased for a fraction of their original retail costs ($25-$75) and are truly found treaure when one can be aquired. I highly recommend these detectors for someone wanting to explore the hobby without spending a fortune up front to start out. A cheaper new detector may not have the capability to deliver the performance that is the Garrett hallmark. The Garrett Ace series are reasonably priced high technology and are also great introductions to this hobby. The inroduction of new metal detectors does not overshadow the fortune in finds that was uncovered by earlier models. The quality of these detectors has survived for decades beause of the results they have achieved in the hands of users with various levels of ability. I am not a metal detector dealer nor do I have a personal or financial connection to Garrett electronics. My other detector is a Bounty Hunter.

Overall Rating 4 stars

Gil Garcia from Northern California

1658

XLT is a Great Detector!

July 26, 2005

I've run the XLT now for only a month and really am impressed with the overall quality and useability. I coinshoot in parks with alot of trash 60% of the time and with the 5.3" Black Max coil I have a hot set-up. I originally was set on getting the MXT but after talking it over with my local dealer I went with the XLT and don't regret my decision. Much quieter in trashy areas and finds stuff as deep as I would care to dig. Proven custom programs are available at various websites on the internet and work well but so do the 5 programs permanently loaded in the XLT. Definitely gives you the option to power up and go or when I feel like it I can customize the settings. The whole fear factor around adjusting the programming is way overblown and doesn't even have to be used if you care not to. The only concideration for me when I purchased mine concerned whether I liked the push button menu screens or whether I would like rotary knobs for settings instead. I got used to the screens and using the shortcuts for common adustments within the first couple of days. Go with the XLT you won't regret it

Overall Rating 5 stars!

Bluemax from Holyoke, Massachusetts

372

EXceLenT detector

July 19, 2005

I have been MD'ing for 5 years now. I started out with the Whites Classic 2 SL and did very well with that.I traded that one in for a brand new Spectrum XLT. I found more nickels with the XLT that with the Classic 2. You have many different ways to see what you have detected. First I listen for the sharp and loud distinct BEEP. Then I look at the monitor and make my judgement call. then I squeeze the pinpoint trigger - and zero in on the target and it also gives me an accurate depth.The only downside to this detector is its expensive price.You will love this detector- I think it even looks better than the garretts (Garrett models remind me of weed-wackers).

Overall Rating 4 stars

Paul from Saginaw, Michigan

173

A must have

July 11, 2005

The XLT is designed to keep functionality in differrent situations. I have used the XLT for 6 years now and have only a few issues.

Pros: This machine will find many targets on average of 4 inches deep, some targets can be much deeper depending on their size and composition. For instance, a quarter can be easily read at 7 inches whereas a dime may not. Overall the XLT has a huge amount of settings making it versatille and effective on most terrains. It also makes it easy to recognize trash so you don't waste time digging it. Relic hunting or park scavanging- this is great choice.

Cons: You may have a long and difficult learning curve but it will eventually pay off. As another read wrote- "get a beach specific detector if your going to use it on the beach" The XLT will work well on dry sand, even in dual mode, and will produce great finds. The wet sand can be hunted but it's very difficult and you lose a lot of the machines capability to find stuff. On wet sand only really loud targets such as quarters can be read making Salt water is a huge NO NO! As soon as a wave breaks and sends a small amount of saltwater under your coil the machine "flips out". It's absolutely no good around saltwater.

Overall Rating 5 stars!

Steven Goodman from Virginia

321

XLT-------XCELLENT

June 13, 2005

I have used a Garrett Master Hunter CX,Garrett 400,350,Bounty Hunter Landstar.I also have rented a Fisher CZ-5 WHICH IS VERY NICE BY THE WAY!The XLT has the most information on the target than any of the detectors Ive mentioned.If your a newby and you want a whites try the QXT.The basic adjustments are about the same as the XLT.Or get the XLT and just use the basic adjustments.Get the ground balance,threshhold and sensitivity right and your on your way.I think its that simple, I think.After that the control and balance are excellent and adjustments are infinit.PINPOINTING IS RIGHT ON THE MONEY!!!

Overall Rating 5 stars!

Ben from Lakeville,MN

201

Great Detector

April 07, 2005

Excellent coin machine. It beats the pants off of the Garrett GTAx 1250 that I had. Great discrimination, accurate target I.D., above average depth. The XLT can be configured to suit the user, not the other way around. I don't know what types of problems the other guy was having that he had to constantly adjust his machine, but I assure you that is not the case with mine, or for others I know that own one. I didn't think the machine was too difficult to learn and there was absolutly a small learning curve. But, nothing too steep that an average weekend detectorist can't overcome rapidly.

Overall Rating 5 stars!

Dave B. from Maryland

260

ALL AROUND GREAT DETECTOR

February 17, 2005

I USE MY XLT FOR RELIC AND COIN DETECTING AND HAVE BEEN VERY SATISFIED WITH IT. BEFORE MY XLT
I HAD A GARRETT CX3 GMH WHICH IS ALSO A GOOD DETECTOR BUT THE WHITE XLT IS MORE COMFORTABLE AND DEEPER DETECTOR. I'M ALWAYS LOOKING A BETTER DETECTOR SO I JUST PURCHASED A MINELAB EXPLORER II BUT I WILL BE KEEPING MY XLT BECAUSE I KNOW IT IS A GREAT DETECTOR.

Overall Rating 5 stars!

SMT57 from ALBANY KENTUCKY

102