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Minelab just released the X-Terra 70
- Thread starter JW
- Start date
Eddie Currents
New member
http://206.188.2.79/products/detectors/x-terra70.htm
EC
EC
steve herschbach
New member
Wow, I want one of these ASAP!
Main Minelab spec page at http://206.188.2.79/products/detectors/x-terra70.htm
Steve Herschbach
Steve's Mining Journal
Main Minelab spec page at http://206.188.2.79/products/detectors/x-terra70.htm
Steve Herschbach
Steve's Mining Journal
steve herschbach
New member
Hi JW,
The 70 really looks great. Funny thing, I was wondering why the 18.75 high frequency coils were marked "H" but the 7.5 coils were marked "M". I guess now we know, because I'm guessing the 3 kHz coils will be marked "L"!
And threshold tone! Prospecting mode! Look out nuggets, here I come!!
Steve Herschbach
Steve's Mining Journal
The 70 really looks great. Funny thing, I was wondering why the 18.75 high frequency coils were marked "H" but the 7.5 coils were marked "M". I guess now we know, because I'm guessing the 3 kHz coils will be marked "L"!
And threshold tone! Prospecting mode! Look out nuggets, here I come!!
Steve Herschbach
Steve's Mining Journal
I will need my wrap around shades.alaskaseeker
New member
I'm thinking the waterproof box may be in order now LOL.. Hanging out around Rye Patch for a few days 3.5" of snow this morning and it has been in the high 20's. Going to Kingman area this next weekend for a Meterorite hunt then around the 6th of Apr there will be a gathering near Gold Basin should be fun.......Visiting W.B. here and will come back later when the weather gets better, looked at some interesting spots...HH...Geo
Sorry, can't see a reason to spend the extra $200 over my X-50. A few more bells and whistles. The ad says maximized depth, but truth be known, the 30, 50, and 70 will all get about the same depth with similar coils. The only difference is in hot ground the 30 may have some difficulty.
Andy Sabisch
Active member
Not sure where you came up with that but the three units definitely have three different max sensitivity levels. The X-70 with a max of "30" allows one to fine tune the selected sensitivity better than on the 30 (obviously) and the 50. As a result, you can run it a bit higher without a loss of stability which equates to more detection depth.
Now if you are talking about the infamous "air test" . . . . the test where we see how far away from the coil we can find coins in the air as if we ever come across coins floating around in the park . . . . the X-50 beats the X-30 and the X-70 beats the X-50 at the same level; i.e., 50%, 75% or 100% sensitivity level.
I'm sure that the purpose of the X-70 was not to get X-50 users to upgrade. The X-70 is more of a PRO version in that it has a number of features not found on the 30 or 50 as well as the separate PROSPECTING mode . . . . two detectors in one housing.
I've spent a lot of time with the X-70 comparing it to the other X-Terra's as well as other detectors . . . . . is it a replacement for a high-end unit? Well, weight or simplicity may decide that but probably most users will stick with their "Cadillacs"! Will it out perform an Explorer, Sovereign, DFX, CZ, GTI, or T-2????? Sort of asking if the new Honda hybrid will outperform a Ferrari or Lamborghini! I'm sure that die-hard hunters that want every possible inch of detection combined with the ability to accurately ID targets at 12"+ will not be scrapping what they have for the X-70. On the other hand, people that want a light weight detector that can be used for general treasure hunting, prospecting and salt water beach hunting, is fairly simple to use and, yes I know it is getting old, has that "fun factor", will definitely give the X-70 more than a second look.
Just a few thoughts from one that has burned up several sets of batteries using the X-70 over the past few months . . .
Andy Sabisch
Now if you are talking about the infamous "air test" . . . . the test where we see how far away from the coil we can find coins in the air as if we ever come across coins floating around in the park . . . . the X-50 beats the X-30 and the X-70 beats the X-50 at the same level; i.e., 50%, 75% or 100% sensitivity level.
I'm sure that the purpose of the X-70 was not to get X-50 users to upgrade. The X-70 is more of a PRO version in that it has a number of features not found on the 30 or 50 as well as the separate PROSPECTING mode . . . . two detectors in one housing.
I've spent a lot of time with the X-70 comparing it to the other X-Terra's as well as other detectors . . . . . is it a replacement for a high-end unit? Well, weight or simplicity may decide that but probably most users will stick with their "Cadillacs"! Will it out perform an Explorer, Sovereign, DFX, CZ, GTI, or T-2????? Sort of asking if the new Honda hybrid will outperform a Ferrari or Lamborghini! I'm sure that die-hard hunters that want every possible inch of detection combined with the ability to accurately ID targets at 12"+ will not be scrapping what they have for the X-70. On the other hand, people that want a light weight detector that can be used for general treasure hunting, prospecting and salt water beach hunting, is fairly simple to use and, yes I know it is getting old, has that "fun factor", will definitely give the X-70 more than a second look.
Just a few thoughts from one that has burned up several sets of batteries using the X-70 over the past few months . . .
Andy Sabisch
steve herschbach
New member
Hi George,
Good to hear from you. Sounds like you took winter south with you! Looks like you'll have to get an X-Terra now. I'm told the Prospecting Mode is similar in feel to the Eureka. I'll have one waiting for you!
Steve Herschbach
Good to hear from you. Sounds like you took winter south with you! Looks like you'll have to get an X-Terra now. I'm told the Prospecting Mode is similar in feel to the Eureka. I'll have one waiting for you!
Steve Herschbach
Andy, while I generally respect your opinion, I've never seen a situation in recent years where you give a field test and have anything negative to say about a detector. Both the Explorer and the Quattro have their problems, as well as many other detectors you've reviewed. Their negatives are never pointed out in your tests. That being said, I will continue to look at your tests for the positives of each detector, but will look elsewhere for the true abilities of each.
I like how they opened up the disc segments from 18 on the X-50 to 28 on the X-70. Spec wise it sounds like a winner but I do question the marketing strategy with the V-Flex.
Like Andy said, it's nice to be able to change frequencies with just the coil but you're looking at laying down some considerable money just to switch the frequencies. I think the better approach would have been the ability to automatically & manually select between those frequencies within the detector's menu and with one single coil. That way you could have 3 frequencies in one 9" coil then when they added additional coils, they could be bigger or smaller in size but yet have the same features of changing frequency via menu.
My wife really loves her X-50 and I like it awful well too but I guess for a jewelry hunter, the X-70 is going to allow more precision in the notching for seperating rings from aluminum/foil.
Like Andy said, it's nice to be able to change frequencies with just the coil but you're looking at laying down some considerable money just to switch the frequencies. I think the better approach would have been the ability to automatically & manually select between those frequencies within the detector's menu and with one single coil. That way you could have 3 frequencies in one 9" coil then when they added additional coils, they could be bigger or smaller in size but yet have the same features of changing frequency via menu.
My wife really loves her X-50 and I like it awful well too but I guess for a jewelry hunter, the X-70 is going to allow more precision in the notching for seperating rings from aluminum/foil.
Andy Sabisch
Active member
jsamsky,
I think that you need to review my reports that have been published. Not sure how you express yourself but there is a "politically correct" way to bring out negative aspects and then you can simply trash someone's product which in reality is simply someone's opinion. Do you think any of the manufacturers today make a bad detector? If they did, they would not last long - especially with the Internet spreading information as quickly as it does.
I assume you are focusing on the comments I have made on the X-Terra's and the X-70 in particular since I really try to stay off the forums due to the deluge of comments I get such as yours . . . . . you know what, each of us has a hunting style and techniques that work for us . . . if you do not agree with my or someone else's techniques or impressions, fine but as long as we are both successful, are either of us wrong?
Do I need to provide links to field tests that do not paint a glowing picture of everything I have tested? Care to see the 100+ pages of notes that I exchanged with Minelab about the various incarnations of the X-Terra's dating back to 2004? Very little in there was positive . . . . . but the only way the manufacturers can fix things in the development process is to hear the truth and correct it. With that said, if 95% of my gripes were corrected, how much more negative do you think I have to write about? Sure, I bet some will not like the gray color or the touch pad location or how it operates in a specific park in some town I have not visited but as far as my testing and usage has gone, the X-Terra line works real well and I do not have a lot of bad things to say about them.
There are some manufacturers that have pulled their advertising from Lost Treasure Magazine due to my reports . . . . . if they are all positive, why would that be the reaction?
As far as many of the detectors I have reviewed having problems . . . . how is it then that I can find a forum or users group of that specific model where the owners are very happy and successful? If there was one PERFECT detector, all the other companies would be out of business. I personally have more than 20 detectors for me and my family - and each serves a specific purpose. A few are pushing 20 years old and yet they still find more than their share when I take them out.
We spend a lot of time on the forums discussing the pros and cons of each detector . . . the only problem with that is what may be the BEST detector in say Pennsville, NJ may be worthless in say, Marietta, GA. Ground conditions can change the way a detector operates DRAMATICALLY which would make someone that buys it based on a report or recommendation on the forum question their investment.
In summary, I feel that many that read my articles, call me or communicate via E-mail know that I call them the way I see them . . . . and it is NOT always positive. I have sent some detectors back telling the manufacturer that I can not write a report on the detector based on how it functions in my area . . . . would you prefer that I trash a detector that might work fine 100 or 1,000 miles away in different ground? How would that be fair to all those using it successfully?
I appreciate you reading my reports, I just ask that you read them with a critical eye and see that there are not all positives in the reports.
Andy Sabisch
I think that you need to review my reports that have been published. Not sure how you express yourself but there is a "politically correct" way to bring out negative aspects and then you can simply trash someone's product which in reality is simply someone's opinion. Do you think any of the manufacturers today make a bad detector? If they did, they would not last long - especially with the Internet spreading information as quickly as it does.
I assume you are focusing on the comments I have made on the X-Terra's and the X-70 in particular since I really try to stay off the forums due to the deluge of comments I get such as yours . . . . . you know what, each of us has a hunting style and techniques that work for us . . . if you do not agree with my or someone else's techniques or impressions, fine but as long as we are both successful, are either of us wrong?
Do I need to provide links to field tests that do not paint a glowing picture of everything I have tested? Care to see the 100+ pages of notes that I exchanged with Minelab about the various incarnations of the X-Terra's dating back to 2004? Very little in there was positive . . . . . but the only way the manufacturers can fix things in the development process is to hear the truth and correct it. With that said, if 95% of my gripes were corrected, how much more negative do you think I have to write about? Sure, I bet some will not like the gray color or the touch pad location or how it operates in a specific park in some town I have not visited but as far as my testing and usage has gone, the X-Terra line works real well and I do not have a lot of bad things to say about them.
There are some manufacturers that have pulled their advertising from Lost Treasure Magazine due to my reports . . . . . if they are all positive, why would that be the reaction?
As far as many of the detectors I have reviewed having problems . . . . how is it then that I can find a forum or users group of that specific model where the owners are very happy and successful? If there was one PERFECT detector, all the other companies would be out of business. I personally have more than 20 detectors for me and my family - and each serves a specific purpose. A few are pushing 20 years old and yet they still find more than their share when I take them out.
We spend a lot of time on the forums discussing the pros and cons of each detector . . . the only problem with that is what may be the BEST detector in say Pennsville, NJ may be worthless in say, Marietta, GA. Ground conditions can change the way a detector operates DRAMATICALLY which would make someone that buys it based on a report or recommendation on the forum question their investment.
In summary, I feel that many that read my articles, call me or communicate via E-mail know that I call them the way I see them . . . . and it is NOT always positive. I have sent some detectors back telling the manufacturer that I can not write a report on the detector based on how it functions in my area . . . . would you prefer that I trash a detector that might work fine 100 or 1,000 miles away in different ground? How would that be fair to all those using it successfully?
I appreciate you reading my reports, I just ask that you read them with a critical eye and see that there are not all positives in the reports.
Andy Sabisch
steve herschbach
New member
Hi Dan
It is my understanding that you can build a machine to switch between multiple frequencies as on the Eureka Gold, but that you are making a compromise in performance by doing so. Coils specifically tuned for each frequency should provide optimal performance.
I think the concept of multiple frequencies and coils will not be truly realized until we get more coils. I would like an X-Terra 70 with the 7.5 kHz stock coil, a small 18.75 kHz coil, and a large 3 kHz coil. It is by mixing not just frequency but size that things will get interesting... plus throw in the DD coils.
Steve Herschbach
Steve's Mining Journal
It is my understanding that you can build a machine to switch between multiple frequencies as on the Eureka Gold, but that you are making a compromise in performance by doing so. Coils specifically tuned for each frequency should provide optimal performance.
I think the concept of multiple frequencies and coils will not be truly realized until we get more coils. I would like an X-Terra 70 with the 7.5 kHz stock coil, a small 18.75 kHz coil, and a large 3 kHz coil. It is by mixing not just frequency but size that things will get interesting... plus throw in the DD coils.
Steve Herschbach
Steve's Mining Journal
Andy, I respect your point of view but pretty much disagree with some of the things you're stating. I know of folks who have bought particular detectors that you endorsed only to have them find that they were very slow retuning, particularly poorly balanced, etc. Unfortunately these things were never reported in field tests, even if one tries to read between the lines. I understand the concept of "if you can't say anything good, don't say anything at all", but a field test really is supposed to be like Consumer Reports, subjective. They buy the products, test them, and then report to the public, good or bad. What I've found is that testers who usually get to use the product free of charge are in a position where if they say anything bad, they won't be used as a tester in the future. Kind of like the fox guarding the henhouse.
An 18.75 kHz DD coil is what I'd like to see.. maybe 2 of them, a 5" and a 10" with both being an open design. That would be the ticket for prospecting and should keep down ground/hotrock responses. I wonder if Minelab will allow others to build coils for the Xterra line, given that the chip in coil bit is most likely proprietary ( hardwear and/or software). It's a great way to maintain a strangle hold & make a few extra bux, but can be really lousy if the manufacturor fails to develope the accessory lineup. Just check out Fisher and also the Whites Prizms/Coinstrike/CZ's/Edge, etc. ...Willy.
Joe of South Jersey
New member
I would like to add an opinion to this here is your statement,"What I've found is that testers who usually get to use the product free of charge are in a position where if they say anything bad, they won't be used as a tester in the future"
I find this statement to not be true. Any detector on the market faults can be found. You must weigh the facts as you see them. Sometimes faults are not know until 100's of hours in the field. I have in fact put many hours into the use of many detectors.
For proof of this just go back to the post/test about the X-terra 50. You will find that many of the testers had different findings. A detector that operates well on a California beach, seems not to work the same on my East Coast Beach. This was found also with land hunting. Don't shoot the messenger if you don't like the message.
This is only my opinion,
I find this statement to not be true. Any detector on the market faults can be found. You must weigh the facts as you see them. Sometimes faults are not know until 100's of hours in the field. I have in fact put many hours into the use of many detectors.
For proof of this just go back to the post/test about the X-terra 50. You will find that many of the testers had different findings. A detector that operates well on a California beach, seems not to work the same on my East Coast Beach. This was found also with land hunting. Don't shoot the messenger if you don't like the message.
This is only my opinion,
RICK IN KY
Active member
I been detecting over 20 years and I appreciate a good field test when I see one,Keep up the good work.
Rick in KY
Rick in KY