Minelab X-TERRA Forum

I tell you what, I have owned (and love very much) my whites dfx for around 3 yrs now. I have learned a lot about the dfx and enjoy many of it's features. I am far from expert with it, but I feel I do fairly well in the field with it.
I recently purchased an exterra 705 after rigorously searching for a detector that has a lot of the same features as the dfx, but without the extra weight.

I haven't had much field time with the 705 yet, but from the testing I did between the two last night, I have to say I'm PROBABLY going to have a new favorite!

I can't believe how stable this detector is, even with the EMI from inside the home.
The 705 has FAR quicker target response in comparison to the dfx
I also like the 705 tones way better than the dfx.
The 705 menu is a blessing in comparison.
I like that the target id stays on while in pinpoint.
I like that you can keep the same settings while changing discrimination patterns.
Backlight is a breeze to turn on and off.
4 batteries instead of 8.
I also like the ability to change frequencies(like the dfx, only better selection)

Seems a bit one sided, so I'll just say I WON'T be getting rid of the dfx either. I love the pinpoint on my whites, the target discrimination of the dfx can be separated a lot further, you can feel every extra oz of quality, I like the head phone jack placement far better, love the trigger pinpoint, sits well on the ground while digging your plug with headphones attached(705 always tips over), goes very deep in the right conditions(not around a lot of EMI).

I have always liked the dfx for quick retreival of newer clad coins, but it wears on my shoulder,back, and arm after a while. I think the 705 is just what I was looking for-plus a little!

Thanks for posting your thoughts. Always nice to hear what some of the "first impressions" are from those with experience on other makes and models. If one has the resources to own more than one detector at a time, I encourge them to do what you are doing. Simply a matter of having different tools for different situations. HH Randy

---

You'll never know for sure......unless you dig it! HH "Digger"

Welcome to the xterra forum . I have hunted places with my 70 that was so called hunted out and I have founds loads of things.

---

Christian Ky Boy
Minelab x-terra 70

On my X-70 I replaced the factory detector stand with the metal armcuff from a White's Spectrum and now it doesn't tip over.

I don't believe whites can even come close to competing with minelab, for the reasons you stated plus many others. Just my personal thoughts. Glad you love your X-terra. I've had my 705 since 2009 and it is a joy to use every time I turn it on. Minelab rules!

A friend of mine has a DFX, he has had to send it back for repairs 3 times! Usually its the membrane keypad that fails, one other time they replaced the entire inner circuit board. He has also had nightmares with dealerships doing the repairs and he had to go directly to the factory. I understand that they are good machines, but it's reputation from what I know about it is not good.

---

HotRod
Pittsburgh, PA

Xterra 705 gold
Tesoro Cutlass II
Garrett Pro pointer

Stimulating the economy one coin at a time since 1972.

Its not just about the treasure, it's about the hunt for treasure! (revised quote from Tom Massie)