I'm not going to spend a lot of time on the technical details in these reviews because that can be found from the manufactures. I will proved a link for those who want that information.
White's Electronics Metal Detectors
The DFX is Whites top of the line detector. With a suggested retail price of $1099.95 it's for the serious hunter to be sure. Although I only paid $889 for mine brand new. I've seen used ones sell on Ebay for around $700. As a top of the line it has all the bells & whistles and some features unique to only the DFX.
The DFX is a multi-frequency detector operating at 3khz, 15khz or both simultaneously. Most single frequency detectors operate around 6khz giving it good overall response to small gold targets as well as good depth while dealing with mineralization. The higher the frequency the more sensitive a detector is to small gold targets and the lower the frequency the better penetration/depth and better able to deal with ground mineralization.
What the DFX does it to give you the option to use 3khz when hunting demands maximum depth and mineralization is a problem, or 15khz when hunting demands extra sensitivity to small gold items and mineralization is not a problem. This is like having 2 detectors in 1. The DFX also allows it to be used with both frequencies at the same time. Once a target is detected the DFX checks to see if the target best responds to 3khz or 15khz helping to determine it's identity.
OK enough of the boring stuff. Lets get on to the fun stuff.
I've seen others say the DFX is a complicated detector and not for the beginner. To that I say hogwash. The DFX is as simple or complicated as you want to make it. For the beginner you simply turn it on, pick a preset program, ground balance and you're off. No different than any other detector. As you learn or if you are experienced the DFX gives you the flexibility to adapt to any hunting condition.
My first 3 months with the DFX was spent using only the preset programs and I found the performance to be excellent. My first day out I found a buffalo nickle at 8" in an area I myself had hunted to death. This same area has also been hunted by pretty much every detector in town.
The DFX seems to be one of those detectors you either love or hate. I've seen some reviews that were nothing short of
rediculious. They either have never actually used the DFX or had a bad experience with it. When I chose the DFX I could have bought any detector I wanted. I spent 6 months reviewing all my options and 2 months comparing the 2 top dogs. The Whites DFX and the Minelab Explorer II. I have not been disipointed in my choice.
Some of the features and their descriptions from the White’s web site:
Multiple Frequency Operation. Hunt in 3 kHz, 15 kHz, or use both frequencies simultaneously. Best Data displays the most reliable target info, or use Correlate to reject iron and other questionable targets.
EEPROM hunting programs. Use these Pro-designed programs or erase them and create, name and store your own custom metal detector programs.
DSF® Signal Filtration. Change your ground filtering at will, from 2 filters to 6. Use 2 for quick response in high trash
areas or 3, 4, 5, up to 6 for superior depth in mineralized grounds.
9 Turn-on-and-Go! Programs- ready to hunt right out of the box. Completely automatic, professionally engineered metal
detector programs for high performance.
10 Basic Adjustments and 34 Pro Options. Adjust virtually every aspect of your metal detector hunting. Popular adjustments include Tone I.D., Sweep Speed, Silent Search, Fade Rate, Recovery Speed, Block Edit, Auto Trac® Speed and more.
Complete visual display information. Target icons, VDI numbers and White’s exclusive SignaGraph® bar graph target signature. 3 independent and precise ways to define a target. Flip the trigger and activate the depth screen. Display size is 2 7/8 x 1 5/8
Automatic Ground Balance with AutoTrac®. Tracks and adjusts to changing grounds as you hunt