The TRX definitely has a depth advantage over all other pinpointers I've used. Yes it can become unstable at higher sensitivity levels, but despite that, it can be useful both for checking near surface targets, and locating deeper in-hole targets. Once you get a rough location in the hole, then you can just rachet it back for more accurate pinpointing and minus any instability.
If the plug isn't deep/wide enough, and the coin is still out of effective range of most pinpointers, then the TRX's depth capability is very handy, and can save scratching the coin if the hole needs to be excavated further. I know some of the plugs I have dug for pre-decimals have often not been deep enough, and they were well beyond 6", all depends on the site and soil cover. It is also hard to judge how deep to dig initially on some deeper targets, as depth meters aren't exactly accurate when at their effective limit - some targets will barely register in pinpoint mode (VCO all-metal).
The battery performance will always vary, depending on brand used, type of battery, and capacity. Sometimes I use cheap packets of AA's, other times I will use rechargeables, pretty much whatever is on hand. Battery longevity will always vary between other users, regardless of using AA or 9v, some el cheapos I have found are great, whilst others not so great, even some of the known brands haven't been too flash. Quite frankly, I never usually notice how long a set of batteries will last, I just carry spares with me and change them out when required. I detect probably every second night, so I tend to go through a fair few.
Another quirk with this pinpointer, is that TRX not only registers a signal at the tip, but also from the LED light of the top of the shaft, down to the "S" on the Bullseye inscription. So if you are holding the TRX at an angle into a hole, the TRX may sound off on targets near the top, side or simultaneously from the bottom of the hole, or from a target in the spoil already excavated from the hole.
Falsing from pushing the TRX tip into the soil isn't as prevalent or an issue at all compared to on the Profind/Propointer, probably due to the fact that the sensor is not solidly expoxied into the casing, much like on the X-pointer.
Here's some figures for the TRX added in. On sensitivity setting 4, it was running on the ragged edge, so give or take a couple of mm on these figures.
1c coin:
GPP - 32mm
Minelab - 44mm
Deteknix - 51mm
Whites TRX - 75mm
$1 coin:
GPP - 45mm
Minelab - 60mm
Deteknix - 69mm
Whites TRX - 95mm
50c coin:
GPP - 60mm
Minelab - 74mm
Deteknix - 83mm
Whites TRX - 113mm
On a 0.36gm nugget - 16mm
On a 2.35gm nugget - 58mm
Both on full sensitivity.
