X-Terra production dates

[Digger]

I can't think of any other hobby detector company that doesn't have aftermarket companies making aftermarket accessories for their products.

Personally, I can't think of any leading detector manufacturing company that doesn't have aftermarket coils on their detectors. Keep in mind that it is much "easier" for some than others, due to the compatibility between models. For example, the same coils used on the Tesoro Tejon can be used on the Cibola, Vaquero and the Lobo. And the same coil used on their Silver uMax is used on the Cortes, Deleon and Golden uMax. But even with those compatibility allowances, not ALL aftermarket manufacturers are authorized to produce coils for ALL makes and models. For example, SunRay, DeTech (Excelerator) and CoilTek are authorized to make coils for the Minelab FBS and BBS series. Only Coiltek is authorized to make aftermarket coils for the X-TERRA. DeTech makes coils for Tesoro, First Texas, White's, Garrett and Minelab. But the 6 X 8 SEF "Butterfly", one of the most popular aftermarket coils used on the Explorer, E-TRAC,White's Spectra V3i, DFX, MXT and M6, and Garrett's ACE 150 and 250, is not available for First Texas or Tesoro detectors. Nor is it available for Garrett's "top of the line" GTI or GTA models. And, the Ultimate Series coils are not available for any Tesoro product. SunRay does not make coils for First Texas, Garrett, Tesoro or White's. However, they make in-line electronic probes (basically a mini-coil) for Minelab, White's, Garrett and First Texas. But, those probes are not available for all of the models of any brand. And they don't offer any coils or probes for Tesoro products. Coiltek makes coils for all Minelab detectors except the CTX3030. But they don't make any coils for First Texas, Garrett, Tesoro or White's. Jimmy Sierra makes coils for Whites, but not for any other brand of detector. Some White's detectors can be used with some DeTech and Jimmy Sierra coils. Not all of the designs are compatible with all White's detectors. First Texas detectors can be used with some DeTech coils. Again, not all FT detectors are compatible with all DeTech coil designs. Minelab is the only leading manufacturer who "authorizes" coils from all three aftermarket coil manufacturers......SunRay, Coiltek and DeTech. So to say that Minelab doesn't allow aftermarket companies to make aftermarket coils, is misleading, at best.

I believe that the availability of aftermarket coils (and in-line electronic probes) for specific makes and models is reflective of the "state of the art" technology involved in the manufacturing of that specific make and model. When you examine the technology being developed, it becomes apparent that manufacturers are becoming reluctant to share the "latest and greatest". The most recent models for Garrett include the AT Pro, AT Gold and ATX. If you have any of those models, I believe there are ZERO aftermarket coils available at this time. The only new detector that Tesoro has come out with for years is the Outlaw, which has ZERO aftermarket coils being made at this time. White's newest offering, the MX5, uses the same coil as their V3I, VX3, MXT, M6 and DFX. Considering the fact that the MXT has been available for more than 10 years, I wouldn't consider these coils as having the latest technology. Minelab introduced the FBS2 CTX3030 18 months ago. There are ZERO aftermarket coils being made at this time. The VFLEX based X-TERRA, the subject of this forum, offers FOUR aftermarket coils available at this time. All from Coiltek. So when you compare technology to technology, it seems the trend may be toward manufacturers being less than willing to share their design information. And as such, more protective of their patent rights. From a user's standpoint......one authorized aftermarket source is better than none.

just expressing my opinion.. Hope that's okay .

Opinions are welcome. I've found them to be a great learning tool. But when we express our opinions, it is beneficial to others if we support them with facts. JMHO (and facts) HH Randy

 

[Digger]

I can only say i that read that Ralph from sunray said that they stopped making the sunray probes for minelab because minelab raised the price on the lower shafts to the point it became not-profitable.

Actually, what Ralph said was......

Minelab has raised the price of the upper shafts to the point that we would have to charge over $250.00 for the completed X-1 probe. Add to that, that our production costs and parts have also increased and we have been absorbing those costs for a couple of years now. With reduced demand we can no longer purchase parts in the volume that we used to, further increasing our costs. We will continue to honor warranty and other repairs as we are reserving replacement parts for that purpose.

Here is the link: http://www.findmall.com/read.php?50,1880088,1880276#msg-1880276

The Explorer having been manufacturer discontinued plays a big role in there being a reduced demand. Reduced demand created a situation where parts could not be purchased in the volume previously used. And in Ralph's own words: "Add to that, that our production costs and parts have also increased and we have been absorbing those costs for a couple of years now". On SunRay's website, although the product is now discontinued, it says to add $47.09 for a new upper shaft for pre-mounted probe. http://sunraydetector.com/sun_ray_x-1_page.htm With all that said, considering that new upper shafts are now selling for a street price of $57 or less, it is not accurate to solely blame a $10 price increase for the shaft, as the reason that the popular $230 product was discontinued. JMHO HH Randy

 

[yowow#1]

Does anyone know if there is any way to figure out the production date of an X-Terra 705 from the serial number?

WOW! I think the original posters post has drifted a little. My apologies for being part of that, and my apology to anyone i made angry with my post. Merry Christmas and Happy holidays to everyone on the X-terra forum. Again i really like my 705 more everyday.

 

[foiler]

Personally I applaud Minelab for the way they are protecting their proprietary rights. The technologies they developed, at great cost, belong to them. We should support and encourage those companies that attempt to advance this hobby with development of new technologies. Buying stolen property does not demonstrate a sound moral foundation

 

[tjhoosier]

Merry Christmas everyone!