Air Testing = Real World Results?

Tom, how much weight/importance should be given to the results of an air test? I've been told some detectors air test poorly yet have a big fallowing of users. I'm referring mainly to VLF detectors.

Many folks downplay air-testing. It is a very important tool.........unto which produces a very good base-reference/starting-point. Usually.....if a detector fails in a certain/specific air-test............chances are...........it'll fail in the real world. Also..........because a air-test removes nearly all variables..........it is a nearly perfect tool.... for folks in different areas.... to compare unit-to-unit.

All said-and-done.........real world dirt is the 'final' answer. It is not unusual for Brand-X detector to perform spectacular in a air-test.......spectacular in low-mineral dirt................and fall flat on it's face in bad dirt......................VS..............................Brand Y detector that performs 'average' in a air-test..........'average' in low-mineral dirt...............and ABOVE average in bad dirt...when compared to Brand X.

Do not take air-testing lightly!