XTerra 30 vs. Prizm

[Heavy]

Hello all,
I have been researching for months on what i should purchase as my first MD. I currently live in Ga. but will be moving to Tx soon, both places will allow me to get to the beach once in a while but will be spending most of my time at old homes, parks, schools etc.. With the rough economic times I would be hard pressed to spend more than $400.00 I like what I hear about the 30 but understand that Whites makes a good MD as well. I also wanted to know is the Prizm II the best bang for your buck when it comes to the Prizm line? I look forward to reading your thoughts.

Thanks, Heavy

 

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[mastereagle22]

I can only speak to the 30. My sister has one which I helped her get and also a lady at work has one that I helped her buy. I really like the machine. It is lighweight, easy to use and does a good job. If you can find a used Ex 50 or even a 70 you would be better off. The 70 is a GREAT machine and I saw one advertised on here for $450 not to long ago. Watch for a deal like that.

I have only used the Prism V which is a pretty good machine but don't know anything about the II.

Good luck.

 

[khouse]

They don't make a P2 any more. The new P3 has a 9 inch spider coil and is the best bang for you buck of the Prizm like excluding the new P6t. The P3 costs only 249.99 and does a good job. The exterra 30 cost 398.00 and is a good detector. It has some more features. But you can't beat Whites on service.

 

[khouse]

Just to add some info. You didn't mention the Garrett Ace 250. This detector matches up quite well to the XT30. Both have set GB, 12 notches, full accept or reject, depth meter, battery meter, sens meter, tone ID, 4 AA batteries, weigh the same. There are some pluses the Ace has over the XT30. This is better pinpointing, buttons easier to push, more target info in the PP mode. Accessory coils are half price of the ML. Ace has a 4.5 inch sniper coil that is a killer around trash and steel. The ace is half price of the XT30. I sold the XT30 and bought an Ace 250 a few years ago. That was a good move for me.

 

[mastereagle22]

Sorry to disagree but pinpointing with the X30 is as easy as it gets.

I'm not putting down the Ace at all it's a good machine. But that wasn't the question asked. I haven't bought any extras for the X30 so I cannot really address the pricing issues.

I wouldn't rule out an ACE 250 but I would REALLY try to find a used X70 for around the $400-450 range because there is a HUGE difference between a 70 and an ACE 250.

 

[khouse]

Eagle22,
No doubt about it the XT70 is better than the P2 or 250. But that wasn't the question asked either. In my opinion the Ace 250 matches up much better to the features of the Xt30 than really any Prizm except the 6t. I had difficulty pinpointing with the 30. I had a 50 and 70 and they pinpointed great. The 30 was wishy washy for me. I know another hunter with the same experience with the 30. There is a difference in what the 250 tells you in the PP mode even over the 50 and 70.

 

[mastereagle22]

Eagle22,
No doubt about it the XT70 is better than the P2 or 250. But that wasn't the question asked either. In my opinion the Ace 250 matches up much better to the features of the Xt30 than really any Prizm except the 6t. I had difficulty pinpointing with the 30. I had a 50 and 70 and they pinpointed great. The 30 was wishy washy for me. I know another hunter with the same experience with the 30. There is a difference in what the 250 tells you in the PP mode even over the 50 and 70.

I guess it is what you use and how you learn the machine. For me PP wasn't an issue. I agree (don't want to anger any white's fans) but I would buy the 250 before any of the Prizms. And as far as PP mode, I hardly EVER use it on the Explorer and all I want my PP mode to tell me is that the target is aprroximately "right here" and approximately "x" deep where x is a number.

I'm glad you like the 250, I know a lot of people that do. They also make a Sunray for the 250 and they don't the X30. So that is another advantage to the 250.

 

[khouse]

Eagle22,
Being in this forum where all makes are discussed we won't hurt anyone"s feelings. I haven't used an Explorer but they look pretty sophisticated. The 250 is not a do all wonder machine. But in good and moderate soil does great. Plus the price is right.

 

[Heavy]

Well I can't help but be curious by all the talk on the Ace 250, but I found a X-30 on eBay for $230.00 (Can't wait for it to get here!) Although my father has also got bit by the MD bug and wanted me to give him some advice on a MDer that he could use. At first I told him about the Prizm III, but will now do a little more research and may suggest the Ace 250. Either way it will give me/us a chance to compair two different yet smiler machines. Thanks again for responding.

 

[SkiWhiz]

Don't forget to check out the Tesoro Silver uMax ($239.20 brand new w/ a lifetime warranty) in my opinion it is better than all the previous mentioned detectors put together. I have owned and used the Ace 250/Prizm II/ and the Xterra 30/. Steve.

 

[khouse]

I think it's more fun to have different detectors at one site. This way you guys can check each others signals. That would be no fun with identical machines.

 

[mastereagle22]

I think it's more fun to have different detectors at one site. This way you guys can check each others signals. That would be no fun with identical machines.

That is EXACTLY correct!