What the best De Filter for lots of sand, Grid or Cartridges?

[intrepid]

I have a 60 sq.ft. Pentair De Filter. It is leaking around the 1 1/2 fittings. I used some fiberglass to seal off the leak, but don't have it 100% stopped yet. I still have a pin-hole leak but it is much better than before. The filter is on the side of my home so it doesn't matter that much to me about looks. My wife on the other hand doesn't have the same feeling as I. I’m starting to look at replacing the filter and would like your opinions on which filter would be best. One thing to keep in mind with my pool is lots of sand. I have a 30 foot long sandstone wall with five small waterfalls. Even with the waterfalls not running the rocks are still in the water and I end up with sand in the pool. I have to use one of the best cleaner on the market to keep up. I end up cleaning my DE filter about once a month in the summer.
I’m looking at replacing my DE filter without changing my plumbing, so I want to stay with the Pentair De Filters. I would like to know if the new “Pentair Quad 60 Sq. Ft. Swimming Pool DE Filter w/ 4 Cartridges & Valve”, would work as well as my 60sq.ft with the 8 grids filter? It would seem like the 8 grids have more surface area to catch all the sand over the four cartridge filters. I’m I on the right track here? Would I be better off staying with the grids over the cartridges? The cartridges might be easier to clean but if they get dirtier faster, then I don’t want them.
If I missing something please help me to understand my best options?