eagle spectrum vs. V3i

[flyingeagle]

Sure this has been discussed here before? Getting back into detecting from 20 years ago, I have a spectrum that I am very familiar with. Was wondering is the V3i that much better than the spectrum? Looking to go to my old sites and find deeper older coins, will the V3i do this for me?What are the major differences? Just trying to justify the price. Thanks Brian

 

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[a4wdguy]

The differences are acute. IIRC, the eagle spectrum uses four 'C' cell batteries, which makes for a fairly large control box, and the display on the pod is pretty rudimentary when compared to the V3i's huge color display. Other differences are, of course, three frequencies vs. one.
First, new technologies and closer tolerances in coil manufacturing as well as integrated circuitry has resulted in greater actual depth, that is, the magnetic field being generated is larger and more sensitive to anomalies.
Second, the 6.6 kHz the eagle spectrum operates at is a good compromise, work-horse frequency choice. However, the three frequencies that the V3i operates at are better choices in terms of response to metal.
Third, even though the eagle spectrum has a digital display, it is still an analog detector. It's ground filters are controlled by an analog device. The processors of the V3i compare and correlate millions of bits of data per second to provide you with the best signal response and interpretation possible. It's ground filters are electronic and selectable to suit conditions.
The price is well justified, the V3i is much more capable than the eagle spectrum. However, there is a huge amount to learn and just about none of it transfers over from the spectrum. You may be so comfortable with the spectrum that you don't want to leave it, especially in light of the amount of effort required to truly learn the V3i (if you want to maximize it's capabilities). Don't get me wrong, you can certainly use the canned programs with great success, but if you want the most ROI, then you are going to want to get under the hood and optimize the controls to match the environment you are in.

 

[glabelle]

V3i vs Eagle vs MXT

I too had the Eagle II. Since then I had the XLT, DFX, MXT and V3i (with a couple of ML machines in between ;-). I'm now back to the MXT PRO, and very happy. I did considerable testing using a highly mineralized test garden.

The ability to accurately track ground, while responding quickly to targets seems to be key in hearing weak signals and not falsing. In this, the MXT, possibly because of the hybrid of analog and digital circuitry, excels.

George

The differences are acute. IIRC, the eagle spectrum uses four 'C' cell batteries, which makes for a fairly large control box, and the display on the pod is pretty rudimentary when compared to the V3i's huge color display. Other differences are, of course, three frequencies vs. one.
First, new technologies and closer tolerances in coil manufacturing as well as integrated circuitry has resulted in greater actual depth, that is, the magnetic field being generated is larger and more sensitive to anomalies.
Second, the 6.6 kHz the eagle spectrum operates at is a good compromise, work-horse frequency choice. However, the three frequencies that the V3i operates at are better choices in terms of response to metal.
Third, even though the eagle spectrum has a digital display, it is still an analog detector. It's ground filters are controlled by an analog device. The processors of the V3i compare and correlate millions of bits of data per second to provide you with the best signal response and interpretation possible. It's ground filters are electronic and selectable to suit conditions.
The price is well justified, the V3i is much more capable than the eagle spectrum. However, there is a huge amount to learn and just about none of it transfers over from the spectrum. You may be so comfortable with the spectrum that you don't want to leave it, especially in light of the amount of effort required to truly learn the V3i (if you want to maximize it's capabilities). Don't get me wrong, you can certainly use the canned programs with great success, but if you want the most ROI, then you are going to want to get under the hood and optimize the controls to match the environment you are in.

 

[Viddy]

I just got my first White's... a new V3i.
I am not familiar with your detector, but the noticable difference between the V3i and many detectors I have had are:
--the 3 frequencies are an advantage with different metals, especially analyzing to dig or not to dig as compared to the single frequencies I have used and also use like my T2, AT Pro, F2, etc. They also make it SO MUCH easier to run on the beach, in salt, like my multi-frequency Etrac is.
--the filter changing option is great for stuff like swing speed and EMI, especially when running the detector 'hot' for maximum depth.
--the stock programs are great, but the customizing is awesome. Not just customizing word sizes on the screen and colors, but customizing the tones, notching out VDI numbers, threshold, etc. I have a Etrac program I liked in the parks. A basic coin program with a low threshold, fast recovery, broad low-high tones, and only 4 tones. I was able to make EXACTLY what I wanted and liked to hear, which made me comfortable and effective when I was out.
--other things like backlighting, boost, novelty icons on the screen, windows style menus, and wireless headphones are a lot nicer and make detecting for convenience and fun.
--White's are very very well built machines, so far as I can tell, after a few weeks.
It's all what you personally choose. I have a friend who has an older big box Fisher machine. It goes DEEP. It's also heavy, loud, and big. Comparing his Fisher to my V3i.... is like comparing an old musclecar Camaro to a new hightech Ferrari. Both are sweet... just 2 different styles... you know?

 

[VWandSTUDEBAKER]

I went from a 5900 Di SL Pro to the V3i, so I had a MAJOR learning curve. Thanks to the folks on the Whites Factory forum, I have learned a lot. Even some nice programs to use and tweek to your needs.

 

[Mortamus]

There is no comparison
Yours is old school no offense of course
The V3i is new school and worth every penny

 

[flyingeagle]

Guess I'll talk my better half into it being justifiable then. Of coarse she's gonna want something in return

 

[Mortamus]

Guess I'll talk my better half into it being justifiable then. Of coarse she's gonna want something in return

Like nice rings from the park..as my own does