White TDI Compared To Newer Models?

[mntnflyr4fun]

I have an opportunity to buy an original Whites TDI but am wondering if it would compare to newer machines.

I know its an old box version, but really interested in how it would setup and perform next to the newer designs.

Anybody with some experience out there??

[Joe D.]

Black box TDI? Pro or SL? Pictures would help! It should be a PI machine, so you would have to "compare" it with newer PI machines, price notwithstanding; like the Axiom or E1500! But they all basically work the same and share some of the same coils! 

  I've got two of the tan box TDI SL's, and they have done a fine job at the beach, but you will be digging most everything, and it's not waterproof! They have taken a backseat since January when I bought a used Manticore, but are still quite formidable machines, albeit a bit dated!🍀👍👍

[Steve Herschbach]

https://www.detectorprospector.com/magazine/steves-reviews/whites-tdi-pulse-induction-metal-detector/

https://www.detectorprospector.com/magazine/steves-mining-journal/whites-tdi-moore-creek-alaska/

https://www.detectorprospector.com/topic/3615-under-4-pound-under-2000-gbpi-challenge/

Depends what your intended use is. For nugget hunting any PI made now is a more powerful and better option than the TDI, including any Minelab made since the SD2200D. A Garrett Axiom for $1999 new (less on sale) is twice the machine a TDI ever was for nugget detecting. On the other hand the TDI original big box models were some of the best beach PI detectors ever made.

If by newer designs you instead mean the newer TDI SL - it's actually less powerful than the original TDI and TDI Pro models. The links above should help. And if they are not enough here are 230 more threads to look at:

https://www.detectorprospector.com/tags/whites tdi/

[mntnflyr4fun]

The one I have been watching (feebay) is the original black box with the lights on it. Owned one a long time ago and I WAS considering it in comparison to newer designs (Axiom, Algoforce) as a nugget shooter as I already have a Manticore and know its a  solid performer but was thinking a PI for my future more hardcore nugget trips.

Have been dragging my feet on that particular unit tho as its big and heavy, not waterproof,and sketch support availbility even tho I have used Centerville a couple times successfully. 

I am watching Algoforce closely, I like the  coil selection and clean design.

 

Thanks for the feedback, got my head straight again now....

[Steve Herschbach]

On 3/23/2025 at 10:00 PM, mntnflyr4fun said:

The one I have been watching (feebay) is the original black box with the lights on it. Owned one a long time ago and I WAS considering it in comparison to newer designs (Axiom, Algoforce) as a nugget shooter as I already have a Manticore and know its a  solid performer but was thinking a PI for my future more hardcore nugget trips.

There is no way I would consider using a TDI instead of an Algoforce or Axiom for nugget hunting. If I had one and could afford nothing else I guess but for nugget detecting the single channel TDI is basically obsolete by the standards of todays dual channel PI detectors. You are better off persevering with the Manticore even in adverse conditions. In the worst hot rocks just notch them out. Yeah, that might mean missing some gold but not as much small gold as you'd miss going to the TDI.

[mntnflyr4fun]

47 minutes ago, Steve Herschbach said:

There is no way I would consider using a TDI instead of an Algoforce or Axiom for nugget hunting. If I had one and could afford nothing else I guess but for nugget detecting the TDI is basically obsolete by the standards of todays PI detectors. You are better off persevering with the Manticore even in adverse conditions. In the worst hot rocks just notch them out. Yeah, that might mean missing some gold but not as much small gold as you'd miss going to the TDI.

clarity of thought, that's what keeps me coming back to this site..........

[Skull diver]

13 hours ago, mntnflyr4fun said:

clarity of thought, that's what keeps me coming back to this site

I'm the least involved with nuggets here, being at thousands of miles from the nearest gold ground to me, but...

Having a Manticore and using it as similar as possible to a PI, I can only suppose an Algoforce Plus as a further step from what You're used now.

But forget real trash rejection, cause miracles are still far and people love to spread (bad) traces.