As I am wrapping up my 40th year in this great sport I can proudly say that I have had an XLT in my personal battery most of the time since I bought my first whern they were released in '94.Preparing for a 10-day detecting trip in September, I added a new XLT back into my personal detector battery and there it will stay.
The main problem with an XLT isn't really with the XLT itself, it is with the consumer who doesn't understand the strengths .. and weaknesses .. of some of the adjustable features. Too often I get my hands on someone's XLT and scroll thru their 'custom programs' only to see a number of 'errors' they have made in setting them up.
If you get an XLT with the stock 950 coil, and add just one accessory coil, such as the excellent 5.3 BullsEye, you will have a very functional detector for a wide variety of hunting applications. All that will then be required is for you to learn it and master it.
If you have any specific questions, feel welcome to drop me an E-mail: MonteVB@comcast.net
There is no perfect detector. I always have at least two with me, and sometimes all three or four of my detectors. Today, however, as just about any day, I have my XLT and IDX Pro resting on the back seat at the ready for any oppportunity that might present itself ... especially if the blasted rain stops!
Monte