Garrett GTI-1500 vs. Whites Matrix M6

[Dick from IA]

Garrett GTI-1500 vs. White's Matrix M6

After a winter of research, for my main interest, old coin hunting, I've boiled it down to these two detectors. Both are touted as excellent coin and jewelry machines.

Neither is equipped with manual ground balance, but both claim to handle mineralization well. Mineralization is not much problem here in Iowa, but I do travel to areas where it would be a factor. Both are simple units and that's what I like; some people thrive on "tweaking"; not me; I prefer pretty much turn on and go.

I'm looking for comments, good or bad, about how these detectors react to mineralization, salt/sand and hot rocks.

Thanks in advance to all who reply

 

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[l.cutler]

Re: Garrett GTI-1500 vs. White's Matrix M6

Both of these machines are target ID detectors. Just a word of warning, if you are looking for old coins, do not believe the target ID feature. Some old coins are different composition and won't ID as coins, also deep coins will not always ID correctly. Not knocking these particular detectors, just a shortcoming of target ID detectors in general.

 

[Willy]

Re: Garrett GTI-1500 vs. White's Matrix M6

For old coin hunting, and coin hunting in general, I'd say that the GTI 1500 might be the better detector. The imaging feature really works and I've tested out an older model 1500 in the Arizona desert and it went really deep with the stock coil. Now they've come out with a new chip to handle extreme mineralization, so it could be even better. If, on the other hand, you plan to go for really tiny gold, the M6 is probably the better detector. One thing I noticed is that the stock coil on the GTI is amazingly sensitive to small gold (given the low operating frequency), possibly due to the dual receive coils. ..Willy.

 

[Dick from IA]

Re: Garrett GTI-1500 vs. White's Matrix M6

Thanks for the replies l.cutler and Willy!

Think I am leaning toward the GTI-1500.
Time will tell

 

[Willy]

Re: Garrett GTI-1500 vs. White's Matrix M6

Just one more thing; the M6 might have 7 tones, but the GTI has 24 notches (as well as 3 tones).. the M6 is rather deficient when it comes to notches. ...Willy.

 

[Johnny Cache Hunter]

Re: Garrett GTI-1500 vs. White's Matrix M6

Well, I can't speak on the subject of hot rocks but as far as salt mineralization, say at the beach, I find the 1500 to work well, without any noticeable difficulties. Unlike the Ace250 that goes absolutely nutty at the shore line. The 1500, as I'm sure your aware, has a salt elimination mode that can be enabled when in heavily mineralized areas.

I'm far from being knowledgeable on the subject of various detectors, but I too, like you, enjoy a simple turn on and go machine that incorporates enough bells and whistles to enable me to find the goods.

As far as coins go, I find the 1500 to be a vacuum cleaner, but thats me.
Good luck on your decision whatever you choose and happy hunting!

Johnny

 

[khouse]

Re: Garrett GTI-1500 vs. White's Matrix M6

The M6 is a great detector. But the 7 tones was a bit too much for me. All you really need is 3 or 4 tones. I have to say that for coin shooting the notch detectors are great. So the Garrett would get my vote.

 

[R-bass]

Re: Garrett GTI-1500 vs. White's Matrix M6

Its all in the sounds the M6 makes the sounds don't lie the id will lie on deep targets if my choice on the detector learn the sounds get the 7 tone M6 your best bet

 

[The-Bone]

Re: Garrett GTI-1500 vs. White's Matrix M6

try both units out...if the 1500 has the same bell tones as the ace it may very well drive you insane! good machine, just could'nt stand the bell tones

 

[gregl01]

Re: Garrett GTI-1500 vs. White's Matrix M6

Well the M6 does have auto-ground tracking and the VDI system. The Garrett is older technology that works ok. The notching feature is nice if you like to miss good targets as well as bad. I would recommend the M6 for its newer, offers more features and has a truckload of different coils available, and it runs at a little higher frequency which is better on gold and brass, the M6 is better all around.

Greg

 

[Willy]

Re: Garrett GTI-1500 vs. White's Matrix M6

Basically, I see it as a case of "six of one and 1/2 dozen of the other". . . both detectors are fine machines with both good and bad points. It basically comes down to what features are most important to you. I've had both detectors and sold them. Does that make them crummy machines? Nope... they just didn't fit into my type of hunting and what I was trying to accomplish. Thing to remember, especially if buying used, is that detectors are not like herpes... you can always get rid of em if you don't like what you have. ...Willy.