Ken Walls

  I would recommend something in the way of the ATX or SDC. They are far easier to use, perform very well and cost less than the 5000. With your limited experiance using detectors, these would be far less intimidating. You also get the added water proofing and compactness for easy transport, and ease of operation. 

 I have not tried the 8 inch mono coil on the ATX as of yet, so I can not compare it to the 12 inch DD or the SDC. I will not say that the ATX is better or the Minelab is better. They both have a rightful place and purpose to each person. I will say from what I have seen and from my own observations, That there is really no clear performance winner between these 2.

There may be personal preferences from different individuals, and thats to be expected, bottom line is these are both great detectors, and will open up new potential for the user that takes the time to learn them.

 Very nice

  I have not performed any official tests with the SDC as of yet. I did have someone drop by with a wide array of nuggets that he wanted to test on a ATX. Since I had a SDC also, we performed a air test using both machines. Both machines were set using the highest sensitivity  they could run at while still giving a clear signal, It was 4 on the SDC and 10 with the ATX.  The ATX was using the 12 in DD. This was no official test, I did not weigh any of the nuggets, The largest was altittle over 1/4 ounce the smallest was very tiny and I have no idea.

Anyways, to my surprise they both sounded off on most nuggets passed under or over the coil. The ATX however sounded off more clearly, and seemed to have more depth. The larger the nugget, the more the added depth really shined on the ATX.

There was no size that one picked up and the other did not.

I know air tests do not show the true performance, but im just sharing the only testing I have done.

   I agree with the tipping issue, I know it wont hurt the machine, but im alittle anal when it comes to my equipment. I dont want it getting scratched up or muddy if I can help it. The Garrett ATX is the same, it wont tip, but it does sit directly on the ground. 

I have fit little rubber legs that I bought at True Value Hardware to both machines. A dab of superglue on each leg , now at least im not setting the machines on the dirt or mud. It doesnt help the tipping issue with the SDC, but Im just careful setting it down.

I think if the SDC gets more popular, there will be more people looking into ways to help out with the little issues we dont like.

So far it seems that the SDC has not taken off like they had thought, or at least thats my view. I have not recieved one call on the SDC yet, and have not sold one yet either.

I totally agree with this. I am sure Minelab figured people would just take some backup alkaline batteries in the field with them. But there still needs to be a better way to recharge them in the field, and it should be in the package. 

I can only wonder how long those solar panels will take to recharge these batteries, mine take all day plugged into a wall outlet.

Still a great detector.

  They do get you into some very remote areas, but be very careful with those off brand UTV's. Remember if something goes wrong with it out there, you have to get it out. I would stay with the top brand names when it comes to off road vehicles. Far easier to get parts for, and most are dead nuts reliable. Some of those off brand vehicles are pretty dangerous, made with very cheap parts.

  Sounds like the SDC really worked out for guys. How has the performance been at depth with the SDC?

  Should make it more sensitive.

 This sure seems crazy, I can't understand why Minelab has not come up with a dedicated charger set up, seems to have been a afterthought. 

The model number from the Vanson supplied charger is BC-1HU.

I noticed the batteries get very hot, I know they normally get pretty warm while charging, but these things got hot enough that they could not be held without much discomfort. I would not want to leave these charging while I was away, or asleep. 

I do not know what the normal charge time is, but I had them on the charger for 5 hrs and the lights were still red so I stopped charging because I feel the batteries were too hot.

  I would talk to Jobe, 1-760-961-8700 they build alot of their own equipment and are always looking for new things.

  Unbelievable. Some people have all the luck.

Love to see it and I will be there for sure so finally get to meet you. Looking forward to it, been too busy to chase you down.

 I talked to you and Chris at the last meeting for a minute, I did not realize it was you. I brought over the suspected dino tooth that someone had found.for Chris to look at.

  Finally got a Deep Seeker package on the way, should have them in  Fri. Cant wait to see how that 20" mono coil performs. May bring one to the Comstock meeting Tues evening for people to check out, That is if they stick around long enough.

 That is a beauty. 

All I can say is WOW.

  What coil are you looking for, Steve has a couple for sale here on the forum. The standard 12X14 coil cover fits both the mono and DD infinium coils.

 If anyone has a Garrett ATX and needs a coil cover to protect the coil until one is available, you can use the covers for the Infinium coils, they do leave a small overhang in the front and rear, but its not bad and they do snap on for a snug fit.

Say what? That is news. I do not see it on the website now that you mention it, but I figured that was an oversight. Temporarily unavailable or no longer being made?

  I used to keep them in stock, but a few months ago when I tried to order more I was told that the individual that made those coils for them had passed away. It didnt sound like there  was any plans to have them made somewhere else either. Maybe if there is enough demand that will change.

I think the NF Sadie coil gives more performance although it is more expensive.

Mine does have the hip mount clip on it - all TDI and TDI Pro models do I believe. The SL is rod mount only. I do like hip mounting it but I push it back over my wallet pocket. That way it is not in way when I bend over. It also comes with clips for chest mounting and I am going to rig a harness for that. It keeps the controls more accessible and less prone to getting knocked around. It also puts less strain on the coil cable where it enters the control box. Hip mounting tends to be hard on cables.

 

The 6x9 is a good coil. There is a reason that size coil comes on so many nugget detectors. Just a good size, covers ground sweeping sideways, narrow for poking into places, and solid so as to not hang up on stuff.

  That dual field mono is a good little coil, but it is no longer available through Whites.Another great coil on the TDI's is the NF 8X6 Sadie, its made for the Minelab GP series detectors, but you just need to run a extra rubber washer between it and the Whites shaft and it works great.

  I really like the Garrett, I have never tried the other options as of yet.

OK, thanks. So you must be Ken Walls? I will look you up for sure and see what you have. That way I know where to send people - I try and support the local guy.

  Yes thats me, thanks for the support.

What shop do you own whylee? OK to give yourself a plug here! Then I can come visit.

 

The SL is very light at only 3.5 lbs and very well balanced. It is one of those detectors that feels good on my arm. The battery pack was dropped down below optimum to allow for a 12V AA battery pack and noise suppression engaged to create a more stable threshold. This all adds up to a less expensive, smoother operating nice and light detector, but one that gives up a bit of an edge in depth. Honestly not enough to matter to most people but it admittedly disappointed some people who had a TDI and were looking for more power, not less. I had a TDI SL myself and really liked it but I could not get over the niggling feeling I was giving up that 1/4" I wanted. So I sold it and got another standard TDI. Don't read too much into that though. Digger Bob, a real TDI guru, prefers his TDI SL.

 

Coils is kind of a personal thing but I really like the 7.5" coil almost more than the 12" coil myself. I may have to pick another one up. Can't really say you need one though. I just like smaller coils for poking around.

  I own Eureka Prospecting Supplies, I do all my Detectors from my home office for now. You can come by anytime my number is 775-846-6357. I will be setting up a rack in the shop for them soon. I carry Minelab, Whites, Fisher, Garrett, Tesoro and normally have all the Gold detectors in stock.

 Great info