Thinking about another xterra to take along

[ronhob]

I've been thinking about getting another xterra model to take along on trips so I can just leave a designated coil on it. Sounds kinda stupid to buy another detector for this reason, but I have seen so many good deals on used 305, 505, and sometimes X70's, that I might be stupid to not go that route.
For instance, a new lower shaft alone is $42+shipping. Most used coils are relatively close to $100, (other than the stock concentric),when sold. I've seen 305's sell for $200-$250.
I have a 705, and I can run any of the coils on it, so I think the 305 would be plenty good for running my HF DD(most the time) or even the MF 10.5 (on occasion).

The other benefit I see in it is having an extra machine, that is comparable in performance, for those days the boy wants to try something different. I wouldn't even mind giving up the 705 to him if I have a similar toy to play with.
I also thought about pricing out a new one because sometimes you really can't beat the deal a dealer can give you either. If I were to get a more sell-able coil than the stock coil, and get the peewee rod included, I could sell the coil and gain two usable lower rods with a new machine. (Probably dreaming, but you never know til you ask).

I am in no hurry to buy, so I will wait for the right deal to arise one way or the other.

Anybody else use the two machine method instead of changing out coils?

 

[Old Longhair]

I've thought about getting a 305, but not for that reason.
What I've been thinking about is hard wiring a set of rechargables, waterproof headphones, and sealing it all up w/HF coil attached, making a 305 a shallow underwater machine.

 

[mapper65]

I chose just to buy multiple lower shafts for each of my coils. Swapping a coil is a snap and didn't have to worry about getting used to another processor or carrying another machine around.

 

[ramairnut]

I've thought about getting a 305, but not for that reason.
What I've been thinking about is hard wiring a set of rechargables, waterproof headphones, and sealing it all up w/HF coil attached, making a 305 a shallow underwater machine.

Awesome! Look out AT Pro Please do this Longhair. I have some buddies here that constantly bring up the waterproof capability of the AT Pro.I just tell them that Garrett takes part of their profit from the AT Pro sales and gives it to Minelab so they wont bring out an underwater X-terra and kill the AT Pro.

 

[Old Longhair]

Either way that you go, you can't go wrong. I'd probably look harder for a 505, 70, or 705 for what you want, if you don't just decide to pick up a couple of lower shafts. The 30 and 305 are just a bit too limiting for a 705 veteran.

My reason for wanting a 305 is because it's inexpensive (in case I fry it), yet can run 18.75kHz (unlike a 30), will give me better idea of what I'm over than my 1280x, as well as still being a lightweight land machine.

I've thought about getting a 305, but not for that reason.
What I've been thinking about is hard wiring a set of rechargables, waterproof headphones, and sealing it all up w/HF coil attached, making a 305 a shallow underwater machine.

Awesome! Look out AT Pro Please do this Longhair. I have some buddies here that constantly bring up the waterproof capability of the AT Pro.I just tell them that Garrett takes part of their profit from the AT Pro sales and gives it to Minelab so they wont bring out an underwater X-terra and kill the AT Pro.

I have to admit that that is a part of my motivation. I know that I shouldn't be that way, but I feel like you and can't help it.

 

[ronhob]

I'm with you on the limited part of the 305,Old longhair. I was originally leaning more towards the 505 too. Then I seen that the used X70's are not too much more, so I'm kinda at a fork in the road. I suppose price will be the determining factor. I suppose I will be satisfied with any of the three if the price is right.

 

[ramairnut]

With my budget,I was looking at a new 505 when the X70 I have now, came up for sale from the original owner with 2 coils.(5x10 and stock 9"). Got all of it for $325 shipped and it came in the original box with the owner's manual. I was and am still thrilled with the deal. I bought a 9" 3kHz coil a couple weeks later for $100 shipped. I got the X70 a little late in the season but was able to get out alot with it. Point is , there are some good deals out there if you really look. Just be patient and keep your eyes open.

 

[Old Longhair]

Found my 705, in the original box w/original paperwork, in as new condition for..........$300. And that was a while ago. Just be ready.

I'm keeping an eye out for a $200 (or less) 305. Sooner or later one will turn up. I'm in no hurry.

 

[ronhob]

I assume all three models(305,505,705), have the same recovery speed. I guess I should ask someone who has used several of the models to make sure though. It would definitely persuade me differently if the response time between targets were slower on the 505 or 305 than the 705. Anyone ever tested them?

 

[ronhob]

Found my 705, in the original box w/original paperwork, in as new condition for..........$300. And that was a while ago. Just be ready.

I'm keeping an eye out for a $200 (or less) 305. Sooner or later one will turn up. I'm in no hurry.

WOW!!! That was a bargain!!!

 

[ramairnut]

Found my 705, in the original box w/original paperwork, in as new condition for..........$300.

Well you really beat me there. That is the best deal I have seen by far.Honestly, I will focus this season on learning the X70 even more then look for another X-terra next year this time. I am in school till August of 2014 so maybe if there is some grant money left next year.....

 

[Old Longhair]

I assume all three models(305,505,705), have the same recovery speed. I guess I should ask someone who has used several of the models to make sure though. It would definitely persuade me differently if the response time between targets were slower on the 505 or 305 than the 705. Anyone ever tested them?

I haven't tested them, but I believe that the processor speed is the same on all three.

And yeah, when I got my 705 I was so tickled at the price that I bought three coils for it, and still didn't have the advertised price of just the machine into the whole mess. When the right deal turns up, you have to be ready to strike like lightning.