Whites Spectra vz3

[Junkbucket]

Hello all, This MD popped on a local auction site. It looks like a fairly high end model.
Anyone out there with an opinion on this machine?

 

[Rattlehead]

If memory serves, the VX3 was a slightly simplified version of the Spectra V3i. SMF with a nice color display. It was released a little over a decade ago. Pretty good detectors, but could be a challenge to navigate the menus and get set up properly (at least on the V3i). I'm just going off of memory here, but seems like they retailed around $1k back then. It is no longer in production. Nowadays, you can get a new detector with similar performance that's likely easier to use for less than $500, so keep that in mind.

 

[tnsharpshooter]

There were 3 models
V3, V3i and Vx3.

I had V3i.
Oem battery run time lacking.
Aftermarket li pro was available some time back. Don’t know if one is available anymore or not. Units can be run with AA batteries,

Menu system complicated.
On the heavier side weight wise.
Nice looking screen.
Like pinpoint trigger and location.
Can be difficult to set up per site for maximum performance.
Has a lot of very minute settings for adjustments. For speed,,etc.
Machines will hunt.
New user will expect to put quite a bit of time in to learn.
I don’t recommend for beginner detectorist.
And believe it or not V3i was my first detector.
But I was retired and could spend loads of time fiddling with.
Think there were some counterfeits made too. Be careful.
V3 was more noisy why White’s made V3i.
Vx3 is a dumb down version of V3i and was cheaper.
Support for units I am unsure about,

Good luck

 

[Martin_V3i]

There were 3 models
V3, V3i and Vx3.

I had V3i.
Oem battery run time lacking.
Aftermarket li pro was available some time back. Don’t know if one is available anymore or not. Units can be run with AA batteries,

Menu system complicated.
On the heavier side weight wise.
Nice looking screen.
Like pinpoint trigger and location.
Can be difficult to set up per site for maximum performance.
Has a lot of very minute settings for adjustments. For speed,,etc.
Machines will hunt.
New user will expect to put quite a bit of time in to learn.
I don’t recommend for beginner detectorist.
And believe it or not V3i was my first detector.
But I was retired and could spend loads of time fiddling with.
Think there were some counterfeits made too. Be careful.
V3 was more noisy why White’s made V3i.
Vx3 is a dumb down version of V3i and was cheaper.
Support for units I am unsure about,

Good luck

The V3i was my first "paid for" metal detector. I got really good with it and still own the V3i now, since 2010. I'll always keep mine. Navigating the menus would intimidate me if starting over but I have it down pat. The battery issue? I bought a printed CAD battery battery holder which uses 3 rechargeable LI-ON batteries, made in Ukraine. Run time is great. I can pick that V3i up and tweak any setting I want, no problem.

It is heavy by todays standard and the processing speed is a bit slow, but the polar plot alone is worth the wait. All I know is the V3i model. Be ready for a learning curve, but I learned a lot with my V3i. It will be a challenge to a new owner. Hope this helps.

To add though, the stock D2 coil is the worst Whites coil I ever owned. My D2 coil crashed and burned quickly. The stock 6x10 was never my favorite either. Best coils for the V-series is Detech 10x12 and the 8x6. I keep the 8x6 Detech on mine to this day, a sweet coil. I see them for sale even today.

Make sure that the V can run at full 15 sensitivity if it comes with a Whites stock coil. Their coils lose null if left in the heat. Lesson learned. You can't abuse Whites coils. The resins in the coil melt with neglect to temperature. My Detech have never failed.

 

[iDetectorX]

Out of all my detectors I consider the V3i my premier detector. Martin is right about the stock coil. I replaced my D2 with an Detech Ultimate 13 and a 9” Spider concentric coil. The only thing that keeps me from using my V3i more than I do is I’m afraid to put too much wear on it and not be able to get it fixed. So I just take it out a couple times a month. Most of my detecting these days is with the Deus II. I don’t consider the V3i much more complex than a Deus really.

 

[The Rebel]

Great machine but does get heavy after hrs of swinging with the 10" Coil, 6x9 DD coil makes it easier to swing longer.

Parts/Service is done here: https://www.centrevilleelectronics.net/parts.htm