Whites MXT Metal Detector: The All-Terrain Relic Hunter
The Whites MXT metal detector has earned its reputation as one of the most versatile and reliable machines for serious treasure hunters. Released in the mid-2000s, this detector continues to be a favorite among relic hunters, coin shooters, and gold prospectors who demand performance across diverse hunting conditions. Whether you’re searching Civil War battlefields, old homesteads, or mineralized gold-bearing soils, the MXT delivers consistent results that keep enthusiasts coming back year after year.
Understanding the MXT’s Three Operating Modes
The MXT shines through its three distinct operating modes, each designed for specific hunting scenarios. The Relic mode excels at identifying brass, bronze, and lead artifacts while filtering out unwanted iron targets. Coin/Jewelry mode optimizes discrimination for modern coins and precious metals, making it perfect for parks and beaches. The Prospecting mode enhances sensitivity to small gold nuggets and hot rocks, essential for gold country hunting.
Each mode comes with preset ground balance and discrimination settings that work well right out of the box, but the real power lies in the ability to fine-tune these parameters for your specific hunting environment.
The Iconic White’s 10″ DD Coil
The standard 10″ DD coil that comes with the MXT provides excellent depth penetration and ground coverage. The DD design offers superior performance in mineralized soil compared to concentric coils, making it ideal for relic hunting in old farm fields or gold prospecting in challenging terrain. The coil’s waterproof construction allows shallow water hunting in streams and along shorelines, though the control housing remains land-only.
For those seeking specialized performance, optional coils include the 6″ concentric for tight spaces and extreme depth on small targets, and the 14″ DD for maximum ground coverage when searching large areas quickly.
Ground Balance Mastery
One of the MXT’s standout features is its exceptional ground balancing capabilities. The manual ground balance allows precise adjustment to handle everything from mild park soil to highly mineralized gold-bearing ground. The “Grab” feature makes quick ground balancing simple – just pump the coil a few times, press the button, and you’re ready to hunt.
Experienced users often spend time properly ground balancing their MXT, as this single adjustment can dramatically improve target separation and depth. In areas with variable soil conditions, you may need to rebalance every hour or when moving between different terrain types.
The VDI Number System Explained
The Visual Discrimination Indicator (VDI) numbers on the MXT range from -95 to +95, providing precise target identification. Lower negative numbers typically indicate iron and steel, while positive numbers in the 20-60 range commonly represent coins and valuable relics. But, learning your local soil’s effects on these readings is crucial for accurate identification.
Many successful MXT users keep a notebook of VDI readings for common targets in their hunting areas. This personalized reference becomes invaluable when deciding whether to dig questionable signals, especially in areas with high iron content or mineralized soil.
Audio Tones and Target Identification
The MXT’s audio system uses multiple tones to help identify targets before digging. The standard mode provides a single tone that varies in pitch and volume based on signal strength and conductivity. Many hunters prefer the “Relic” audio mode, which uses different tones for different conductivity ranges, allowing experienced users to identify targets by sound alone.
The threshold tone feature provides subtle audio feedback that helps detect small or deep targets. Adjusting the threshold to a barely audible level allows you to hear the slightest changes in the signal, though this requires practice and concentration.
Real-World Hunting Performance
In actual hunting conditions, the MXT consistently impresses with its depth capabilities. Coin-sized targets can be detected at impressive depths – often 8-10 inches in moderate soil conditions. Larger relics like buttons, buckles, and bullets can register at two feet or more when properly ground balanced.
The machine’s performance in iron-infested sites sets it apart from many competitors. The combination of proper ground balancing and discrimination settings allows hunters to work areas that would overwhelm lesser detectors. Many Civil War relic hunters consider the MXT their go-to machine for heavily hunted battlefields.
Tips for Maximizing Your MXT’s Potential
Success with the MXT comes from understanding its nuances and adapting your technique to different conditions. Always start with the factory presets when hunting a new area, then make small adjustments based on results. Pay attention to how slight changes in sensitivity or discrimination affect your target recovery.
When hunting in highly mineralized soil, reduce sensitivity slightly to smooth out the threshold and prevent false signals. In areas with lots of surface trash, increase discrimination carefully – too much can cause you to miss valuable deep targets.
Take time to learn the subtle audio cues that indicate good targets buried beneath iron. The MXT often produces a distinct “double-beep” or tone break when passing over good targets amid iron trash. This skill develops with experience but can dramatically increase your success rate in difficult sites.
Maintenance and Care
The MXT’s durability contributes to its longevity in the field. Regular cleaning of the coil and control housing prevents dirt and moisture buildup that can affect performance. Check the coil cable periodically for wear, especially where it connects to the control box.
Store the detector in a dry place and remove batteries during long-term storage to prevent corrosion. The MXT’s sturdy construction can handle rough treatment, but proper care ensures years of reliable service.
Comparing the MXT to Modern Detectors
While newer models offer advanced features like digital target ID displays and wireless technology, the MXT remains competitive in raw performance. Its simplicity becomes an advantage in the field – there are fewer settings to adjust and fewer components to fail.
The learning curve for the MXT is steeper than some modern entry-level machines, but most users find that the effort pays off in better target recovery and more finds. The detector’s reputation means there’s a wealth of knowledge available through online forums and local detecting clubs.
Who Should Choose the MXT?
The MXT suits hunters who want a single detector capable of handling diverse hunting scenarios. It’s particularly well-suited for relic hunters who need to work iron-infested sites, coin shooters who want depth and reliability, and prospectors who need a machine that can handle mineralized soil.
Beginners willing to invest time in learning the detector will find the MXT rewarding, while experienced hunters appreciate its raw performance and reliability. The detector’s weight (around 4 pounds with batteries) may be noticeable during long hunts, but the hip mount kit helps distribute weight for all-day comfort.
Final Thoughts on the Whites MXT
The Whites MXT has earned its place as a classic detector through consistent performance and versatility. While it may lack some modern conveniences, its ability to find targets in challenging conditions keeps it relevant years after its release. Whether you’re a dedicated relic hunter, a serious coin shooter, or a gold prospector, the MXT offers the performance and reliability needed to succeed in the field.
The key to success with any detector lies in understanding its strengths and limitations, and the MXT rewards those who take time to master its operation. With proper technique and patience, this detector continues to produce impressive finds and remains a valuable tool in any serious detectorist’s arsenal.