doing some research on MDs...

[shadowulf]

I'm looking at getting a metal detector for general use and prospecting. I have 3 in mind, but want to get the pro/cons of each from those that have owned or used them.
I'm very interested in the xterra 70/705 as it seems to be a good and light in weight machine. If I were to get one, what do I need to look out for or be aware of?
I also figured on a few coils would be needed.
Would the 6" 18.75Khz be a better choice over the 10x5?
Would a 3Khz coil work for a coin/relic setup?

Thanks in advance,
Al

 

[7centsworth]

The xterras are really good detectors. Read the faq faq post at the top of the page . A lot of good info there. I use a 3khz coil for coins, it really likes the coins. I have used several brand detectors and the minelabs are my favorite. I bought two different xterra 70's of this forum on the classifieds. And they were both good. I sold one. I only bought it because I wanted the 9 inch 3khz coil and he would not separate the package. The 70/705 has auto ground balance as well as manual and tracking . That is one of my favorite things about them. Another favorite is the give multiple tones in all metal and you can choose how many tones. Hope this helps.

 

[BillF]

It might be nice to know what other 2 you have in mind. Many of us have or had several different detectors and can give you a better comparison.
I, personally have had Tesoros, Garretts, a couple I can't remember and so far my 705 is my favorite.of the modern detectors. That could change if I ever upgrade to a more expensive unit.

 

[atomicscott]

The X-Terra is a very versatile machine, and with the right coils, it can excel at many types of hunting. There is a guy in Boise ID (Gerry), who has some good videos on the X-Terra 705, and he has found some nice gold and gold/quartz specimens as well as many silver coins, etc... He swears by the 705 for all-terrain use (and he uses a CTX 3030 as well). The 6" DD 18.75 rocks and it's waterproof, whereas the 10x5 coil is NOT waterproof. I only have about 15 hours on the 6" 18.75 DD coil so far, but I found a copper penny at an honest 10", and found 19 clads that I missed with the concentric 7.5 kHz coils. The separation is excellent. I'm hoping to get out to the desert here soon for some nuggetshooting now that the weather is nice!

 

[shadowulf]

It might be nice to know what other 2 you have in mind. Many of us have or had several different detectors and can give you a better comparison.

The other 2 detectors are the Fisher Gold Bug Pro and the White's MXT. The goldbug seems to cover what I would want in a light package. The mxt is older and heavier, but seens to have a good rep.

 

[Digger]

Having read your second post, I will be able to give a more accurate "comparison" as to what best suits your needs. All three are good detectors. All three would serve well for prospecting. I would suggest the Gold Bug may not be as good at coin shooting as the other two, based on Fisher's own comments, taken from page 3 of the manual...... " its user interface and features are not specifically designed for this purpose. As a coin-shooter, you will notice that the Gold Bug Pro exhibits slightly lower sensitivity to high conductivity coins, like a U.S. quarter; this is a result of its specialized design to emphasize sensitivity to small low conductivity metals like gold nuggets."

As you noted, the MXT is a bit heavier. I would add that it also takes twice as many batteries as the X-TERRA. The Gold Bug Pro takes one 9 volt battery. Fisher says you might get 15 - 20 hours out of a battery. I've found my X-TERRA provides twice that, using the four AA cells. I've owned a couple MXT's and have very few complaints. The two major "drawbacks" for me are having variable discrimination and lack of multiple tones. (relic mode provides two tones on the MXT. or you could step up to the MXT Pro for more$$$ and get what they call musical notes. A total of 7 different tones, representing 189 VDI numbers) There is also variable discrimination on the Gold Bug Pro. Variable discrimination means that, when you set your level of discrimination, you are rejecting everything below that point as well. If you reject aluminum can slaw, you'll also be rejecting nickels and most gold jewelry. The MXT does have a "pull tab notch", but it is preset and limited in it's parameters. With the fully functional notch discrimination of the X-TERRA, targets are "broken down" into 28 different groups. Each of these notch segments can be set to produce a separate and unique audio tone. You decide which notch segments you want to accept and which notch segments you want to reject. And by having four Patterns, you can "pre-build" your discrimination patterns based on the targets you seek at specific sites. Since each notch segment only includes two TID numbers, you can literally notch out pull tabs, and accept all targets with greater or smaller TID numbers.

The Gold Bug pro operates at 19kHz. The MXT operates at 14kHz. The X-TERRA offers the ability to operate at 3kHz, 7.5kHz or 18.75kHz. You simply change the operating frequency by switching to a different frequency of coil.

The X-TERRA offers Noise Cancel, to minimize the adverse effects of RFI, EMF and other electronic interference. Both the Gold Bug and MXT suggest lowering the Gain, Threshold or Sensitivity to reduce the interference. Here is Fishers explanation, taken from page 11 of the manual....."Your first line of defense against EMI is to reduce the Gain and/or Threshold. In areas with heavy EMI, operating at reduced sensitivity levels will result in the loss of some depth, but at least the metal detector will be usable." Fisher also suggests raising your discrimination to the mid 60's, to reduce interference. Since nickels hit around 58 on the Gold Bug, you can see where doing as they suggest, you will be rejecting targets that you may want to dig.

Each model offers some sort of "tracking". But the X-TERRA is the only one that allows you to offset your ground phase, while maintaining the tracking mode. Both the Gold Bug Pro and MXT offer visual indications of the levels of mineralization. The MXT offers numbers and the Gold Bug has a graph. The X-TERRA offers Iron Mask in Prospecting Mode, but does not provide mineralization numbers. In Coin/Treasure mode, you can get a general idea as to the mineralization levels, by the ground phase number displayed. (similar to the Gold Bug Pro)

I'd encourage you to review the specs for each detector, thoroughly, and compare what they have to offer for the type of hunting you will be doing. If 99% of your detecting will be prospecting, any of the three will perform well. If you intend to do some beach hunting or coin shooting, I'd opt for the MXT or X-TERRA. Between the two of them, and I have used both extensively, (in addition to what I mentioned above) I like the weight and balance of the X-TERRA much better. No use beating yourself up when the object is to enjoy the hobby. JMHO HH Randy

 

[therover]

Just gotta add one thing...the 705 gets better and better the more one uses it ( at least it does for me ). Lots of flexibility for lots of different applications.

 

[shadowulf]

Thanks for all the feedback. The xterra is the detector I am least familiar with. Which I why I posted this topic. I have used a mxt in a test garden and used a demo gold bug in air tests, but have yet to have any quality time with the xterra.
I have to admit that the xterra's versitility and coil/frequency choices interest me the most. And it seems all 3 detectors hold their value well and have their commited fans.
Anyway, looks like I need to get my hands on a xt70/705 for some personal testing.
Thanks for the input, experianced advise always helps.

 

[Old Longhair]

Anyway, looks like I need to get my hands on a xt70/705 for some personal testing.

If we knew where you were, we might be able to help you out with that.

 

[shadowulf]

I'm just north of Reno. My work schedule is crazy (rotating shifts) but I'm sure time could be found.

 

[7centsworth]

I have used the mxt and use a xterra now. I really like the maxt for relics but for coins I like the xterra better and I can only have one detector so I use the xterra for both. The xterra is really good for relics too and that is what I hunt most . But for coins I did not like the one tone of the mxt. I have been using a xterra for a few years now and honestly I can not ever see me being without one. Even if I did upgrade to a etrac I would keep the x terra.

 

[shadowulf]

The tones are a big feature for me. I have used machines in the past where one had to interpet the sounds the detector made. Not that there is anything wrong with single tone machines. But a clearer indicator of what's in the ground helps me. In the past, I dug every sound. I prolly will still dig the iffy ones. It would be nice to have a little better guess of what I'm digging up.

 

[7centsworth]

You can choose the sounds also. 1,2,3,4,or 28 tones on the xterra 705. That is another big plus.

 

[shadowulf]

What are the current "street prices" for used x-terras?
I'm thinking about a used x-terra 70.

Thanks

 

[BillF]

That's a hard one. Last week there was one on the MD for sale forum for $215. There is one on CL near me for $500.
I bought a new, in an unopened box 705 from a forum member for $500.

What are the current "street prices" for used x-terras?
I'm thinking about a used x-terra 70.

Thanks

 

[shadowulf]

I missed out on the 70 on the board by a day. And been outbid on ebay too many times to count.

I still prefer to get an xterra 70/705. They seem to be the best "bang for the buck". I hope over the off season I can find one at the right price to get a couple extra coils. But only time will tell on that.

 

[tjhoosier]

I bought a used in the box 705 for a bit over $500. It was just like brand new and got it from one of the forum Sponsors:t Backwoods Detectors. I have been very pleased with it and in fact had a Minelab 505 prior to that. Sold it to a buddy of mine and he loves it. Minelab is a very versatile quality product. Great customer service also if you find it necessary.

 

[shadowulf]

Yes, I'm finding that they are so good most people are not very willing to part with them. My search for one will have to go on the back burner until after the xmas holiday. But I'm still hoping to find axterra 70/705 with at least 1 HF coil for prospecting. Missed out on one that was on fleabay. Had the 6" HF coil that's waterproof.
Oh well, if the credit card and bank account survives the holiday, the hunt will be on again.

 

[shadowulf]

I have been very pleased with it and in fact had a Minelab 505 prior to that. Sold it to a buddy of mine and he loves it...

How would you compare the 505 to the 705? I know the 505 is missing the Prospecting mode and breaks up the discrim. into larger blocks.
The frugal side of me has seen a few deals on the 505, and the wanting is starting to out pace my patience.

Also, after some more research, it seems more like 3 or 4 coils would make for a good "quiver" for what I plan on hunting.

• The 5x10, 18.75kHz for gold prospecting and general "dry area" sweeping
• The 9inch, 3kHz or 7.25(?)kHz coil for c&j and general use (possibly just have both?)
• The 6", 18.75kHz "scalpel" for tight/trashy areas,.

And another question.
How is the x-terra for hunting meteorites?
I know just about any decent all-metal detector can find the iron types. But has anyone used the x-terra for finding "space pebbles"?

And thanks for all your opinions and advice. I've always looked for a "true" all-around detector, but the tech of the time always seemed lacking.
I looks like the x-terra seems to fit that category for me.

 

[Dirt Hound]

You will want to add the 10.5" MF DD to that quiver And I'd likely replace that 6" HF with the 6" 3khz Digger if it's silver/copper you are interested in!