Menu
What's new
Find's Treasure Forums

Welcome to Find's Treasure Forums, Guests!

You are viewing this forums as a guest which limits you to read only status.

Only registered members may post stories, questions, classifieds, reply to other posts, contact other members using built in messaging and use many other features found on these forums.

Why not register and join us today? It's free! (We don't share your email addresses with anyone.) We keep email addresses of our users to protect them and others from bad people posting things they shouldn't.

Click here to register!

Need Support Help?

Cannot log in?, click here to have new password emailed to you

Help in finding Minelab metal detector

M

mtj21

New member
I had an Xterra 505 which has stopped working. I used it about 5-6 hours a year. I mostly searched for steel and iron and other metals to clean up properties.
Would sometime like to look for coins and such.
Would likes:
1. Loud audibles
2. AA batteries… fear rechargeable require to much attention and not a usb person. Maybe some packs can sit for 11 months and be recharged and good to go, but doubt it
3. Fairly easy to operate

Equinox 600 or 700, Xterra model, or the 540/440 line which can’t remember name? Is there another brand to consider…I think I’d prefer to stick with Minelab. Also, opinion on buying a used one.

Thoughts, opinions, would be appreciated.
 
The minelab equinox 600 is imo better than the 700, probably better than alot of machines out there new or old..Just my opinion, but if anyone buys anything more expensive than the equinox 600 they're basically paying for their own peace of mind and more bells and whistles..,I highly doubt a $1000 + machine will hit a target the 600 won't hit just as clearly , maybe you might come across 1 in a 100 the 600 won't hit as clearly as a thousand dollar + machine...These are just my thoughts and experiences from owning every machine on the market so far .I don't test machines in test beds, nail tests,etc. I use machines I buy in the fields,parks and yards ..
 
Is the 600 everyday batteries or 200 dollar pack requiring year round maintenance? Is the audible or sound fairly loud? Would you go new or look for a used one if any on market?
 
mtj21 said:
Is the 600 everyday batteries or 200 dollar pack requiring year round maintenance? Is the audible or sound fairly loud? Would you go new or look for a used one if any on market?
Click to expand...
It's a rechargeable battery that lasts a long time, and it's easy to change if it ever goes bad, I've never seen one go bad though..it has a volume adjustment, and the audio is very good, nice minelab tones..I would buy used ,I buy used machines all the time,and new also.. save a few hundred bucks used on a equinox 600 for sure.. probably get a good deal on a used one right here on this forum, I believe pastor Bob had one listed last month on here, , I don't think he sold it
 
The Nox 800 is going bye bye this year so stay away from it. The X-Terra series are great detectors and have bought the XTP used for $200 to just have another for the Coiltek 5x10 coil. The Elite is just a X-Terra/Vanquish hybrid in my opinion.
 
I had an AT Pro that used AA batteries. I added an Equinox 800 to my stable, but was wary about the switch from AAs to a rechargeable detector. That wariness didn't last for long. I'd never go back to AAs. Sold the AT Pro because the Nox was just better. I'm using an X-Terra Elite with the Expedition pack. Super machine. If you do go for a machine that uses AAs, stay away from Duraleak batteries. They'll leak and ruin your equipment. Rechargeable Panasonic Eneloop batteries are the best AAs.
 
Dirt Duke said:
I had an AT Pro that used AA batteries. I added an Equinox 800 to my stable, but was wary about the switch from AAs to a rechargeable detector. That wariness didn't last for long. I'd never go back to AAs. Sold the AT Pro because the Nox was just better. I'm using an X-Terra Elite with the Expedition pack. Super machine. If you do go for a machine that uses AAs, stay away from Duraleak batteries. They'll leak and ruin your equipment. Rechargeable Panasonic Eneloop batteries are the best AAs.
Click to expand...
The Vanquish (run time) does go through AAs quite quickly.
 
mtj21 said:
Have any of you used a Notka 3 score? Was told I should consider on of them or maybe a Legacy I believe. Sounds like everything is rechargeable now.
Click to expand...
The score is an excellent machine, a lot of bang for the buck with the extra coil and wireless headphones. I had a score 2 for a short time as I flip through machines a lot. I know this story has been told b4 but I have an area of a park I beat to death over the years with every machine out... In a short hunt with the score 2 and small coil I pulled 3 silvers from that area that were no deeper than 5 inches. Couldn’t explain it to myself but it happened..I know the Legend hits coins on edge like nothing else I’ve ever used, and I believe the score has the same DNA ..
 
Yes, as said the xterra elite or pro has a great choice of coil options. Coils from the Equinox line or series can also be used and are interchangeable with the xterra elite or the pro. I have a new elite that I almost sold, but I backed out. I'm giving it a chance and give it a try. Sometimes us older guys don't like change that much, speaking primarily about myself. I will say this, the xterra elite and pro have a lot of built in technology and are a well built quality detector. Big Bang for the buck so to speak. I recommend watching utube videos. They have videos on most all make and model detectors out there, and this would help you in narrowing your search and reaching a decision before you make a purchase. Best of Luck to you.
 
In my opinion, most people here will sell their internal battery detectors before the warranty runs out. If not, they will pay $40 or more to install or have someone else install a new battery. I won't pay that much to recharge my AAs on my dozen or so detectors in a hundred years. Will the same batteries with the same connections still be available in future years or will the detector become worthless like the various cordless power tools and spotlights I have purchased in the past? I have a Bandido 2 that was made in the 80's and it will still be usable many years in the future, unlike my Deus, Nox, and Legend. And even if the Vanquish is a "battery hog", I can still recharge them quicker than they go out. I keep charged spares of AA and 9Vs in the pickup at all times. If that is because I am old and resistant to change, so be it. If you update almost every time a new detector is introduced, internal batteries make sense. Not everyone can afford that. If you plan on using your detector long term, batteries available at Walmart is a better idea. The poster gave specific requirements and everyone seems to be telling him, "No, you don't want that. Buy a planned obsolescence one!"
 
Dirt Duke said:
5 years of buying AAs will cost you a whole lot more than $20.
Click to expand...
Maybe if you buy alkaline ones. I bought some Eneloop batteries 4 for $12 about 10 years ago that I still use. They recharge for less than 1 cent for the electricity. If you find one for the Nox today for $20, let me know. All I see are $29-35+ and I am not sure how long they will be available. I don't see AAs going obsolete. I know they are easy to change while the battery with the specific plug are available but how long will that be?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top