Hello I am thinking about purchasing the Xterra 70 as my first detector.Can anyone tell me how it is as far as easy or hard to use for a beginner.Also would like to know how it does for mainly coins and jewelry and occasionally nugget hunting.I live in Northern Nevada which is very high in mineralization.Has anyone had to have them repaired and how was the service?Are there other detectors in this price range that compete with the Xterra 70?Thanks for any information.
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Xterra 70 feedback
- Thread starter nevada
- Start date
I think it was pretty easy to learn, (still learning everyday). I read everything I could get my eyes about the machine before it even got to me. Very important, (I think) to read the FAQFAQ section, tons on valuable information. The DD coils should help out with the mineralization problem. I've found lots of coins with my X-70 and some jewelry. The sweet tone a quarter makes with this machine is sweet music. Of course there are other detectors that will do the job. I sold my treasured MXT to buy my X-70. The MXT is a very good machine and I would never bad mouth it. However, I have found more coins with the X-70 than I ever did with the MXT. Especially nickels. Heard Minelab went through some slow down a while back on repairs but everthing appears to be OK now. I've never had any repairs done to mine.Good Luck. Haven't had to chance to nugget hunt but, I hear the X-70 is pretty good at that too.
Mick in Dubbo
New member
Xwyokid made some very good points.
The MXT is the closest in performance in that they are both well suited to coin and nugget hunting. I have the the X-Terra 30 and have found it to be the easiest to learn detector out of all the detectors that I have used. I have used the X-Terra 70 a few times and don't think that it would be much harder to learn than the 30.
The slow down in repair time happened a few months ago when Minelab released 3 new upgraded detectors, the GPX4500, the E-Trac and the Safari. With all manufacturers, you are always going to have glitches when you put a new design out on the market, so it was to be expected. I bought my detector 3 weeks after the X-Terra's first came out and had a number of glitches that needed sorting. I sent it back more than once, partly because of different problems and partly because of a communication brake down and the problem wasn't understood. I asked for them to replace the entire control box due to a lose of confidence with the unit, of which they were happy to do. So I give them full marks for back up.
The X-Terra will be a great way to get into the hobby in that it is a flexible machine that is light high performance, easy to understand and learn. If I were to own only one detector, the 70 would be it.
Just remember that you will dig a lot of junk as well as good targets, even when you get good signals. It's a good idea to at first recover any targets that sound good, just to see what they are. Over time, your skills improve and you will become more familiar with what is good and bad. Although when you see pictures of some great recoveries, you will not normally see pictures of the junk that is also recovered. So don't be lead in a false belief that good detectorist only recover good targets. A good detectorist is curious by nature and will often dig up iffy sounding targets when they have a nagging feeling that there is something about a signal that they can't put their finger on, but may actually be a good target in disguise. Some of these signals can turn out to be your best discoveries! They are targets that the average detectorist may well walk over because it didn't sound right.
I seem to be waffling.
Anyway good luck and welcome to the hobby.
Mick Evans.
The MXT is the closest in performance in that they are both well suited to coin and nugget hunting. I have the the X-Terra 30 and have found it to be the easiest to learn detector out of all the detectors that I have used. I have used the X-Terra 70 a few times and don't think that it would be much harder to learn than the 30.
The slow down in repair time happened a few months ago when Minelab released 3 new upgraded detectors, the GPX4500, the E-Trac and the Safari. With all manufacturers, you are always going to have glitches when you put a new design out on the market, so it was to be expected. I bought my detector 3 weeks after the X-Terra's first came out and had a number of glitches that needed sorting. I sent it back more than once, partly because of different problems and partly because of a communication brake down and the problem wasn't understood. I asked for them to replace the entire control box due to a lose of confidence with the unit, of which they were happy to do. So I give them full marks for back up.
The X-Terra will be a great way to get into the hobby in that it is a flexible machine that is light high performance, easy to understand and learn. If I were to own only one detector, the 70 would be it.
Just remember that you will dig a lot of junk as well as good targets, even when you get good signals. It's a good idea to at first recover any targets that sound good, just to see what they are. Over time, your skills improve and you will become more familiar with what is good and bad. Although when you see pictures of some great recoveries, you will not normally see pictures of the junk that is also recovered. So don't be lead in a false belief that good detectorist only recover good targets. A good detectorist is curious by nature and will often dig up iffy sounding targets when they have a nagging feeling that there is something about a signal that they can't put their finger on, but may actually be a good target in disguise. Some of these signals can turn out to be your best discoveries! They are targets that the average detectorist may well walk over because it didn't sound right.
I seem to be waffling.
Anyway good luck and welcome to the hobby.
Mick Evans.
Since this is going to be your first detector you are on the right track.....................when I say this I mean you will have plenty of room to move and grow with this machine. While it's not the best at one thing it's pretty good at everything which is what makes the 70 a very mouth watering choice. On coins and jewelry it works a treat and as far as gold species and nuggets go she holds her own. Investing in the 18.75khz elliptical coil is a good investment if your going to hit the gold fields. I have never had any problems with the X-Terra 70 when it comes to repairs (touch wood) and I must say I can be a bit rough at times. As far as mineralization goes for a VLF machine the 70 is decent. It is only in extreme areas that I have had a few troubles with the 70 but still managed to find gold in these areas which does tell you something about its capability. In prospect mode with discrimination set to 1 and with the Elliptical 18.75khz coil you have a very sensitive machine, keeping in mind to move slowly in tracking mode, moving slowly is the key. The 6" 18.75khz coil has also given me a few nice finds in creeks and on river banks because it is totally water proof, this coil is also wonderful when moving in and around tight objects and in my opinion a valuable asset to helping you win some nice booty! Hope the info has helped.
Cheers!
Cheers!
BarnacleBill
New member
n/t
nero_design
New member
I really like the Minelab X-Terra 70 and consider it to be an extremely capable detector for those wanting more than just a standard coin finder. In my opinion it's still the best multi-purpose detector on the market at the time of writing. Some other models have a steep learning curve and this can be frustrating for all but the experienced user to learn. The X-Terra 70, on the other hand, is 'almost' a turn-on-and-go detector with many useful features otherwise found on the top of the line units. The main reason to pursue this detector is the featured Prospecting Mode - for those wanting to dabble in hunting for Gold Nuggets. But even as a beach detector (Jewellery) or one used for Coins & Relics, this is an excellent detector which gives most others a run for their money. Numerous coils are available for the X-Terra 70 ...in Low, Mid or High Frequencies... to ensure you have the right coil for the type of detecting you enjoy pursuing.
Many users, including myself, report up to 40 hours of use with just four AA batteries (depending on the brand) and the light weight of the X-Terras means they're convenient and easy to lift, use, swing or even toss into the trunk of your car just in case it's needed. It's good value for money and handles reasonably strong mineralization that many other detectors simply can't see through. Good discrimination and a reliable nature have attracted many new users to this particular detector. Even a few pros keep it as a backup. I've heard they are subjected to a drop-test and this appears to be a plausible rumor because they can take a considerable amount of abuse. I like mine immensely and always bring it with me for specific targets. It's comfortable to use for long periods of time and that's always an important aspect to consider.
[size=small]Suggested:
*Buy the optional Environmental Cover to protect your display and buttons from excessive wear or scratches from rocks and tree branches... or simply to keep the salt air at bay should you visit the beach regularly.
*If interested in Prospecting, obtain the optional Elliptical 10x5" Double-D High Frequency Coil to maximize your finds in the mineralized Goldfields.[/size]
Many users, including myself, report up to 40 hours of use with just four AA batteries (depending on the brand) and the light weight of the X-Terras means they're convenient and easy to lift, use, swing or even toss into the trunk of your car just in case it's needed. It's good value for money and handles reasonably strong mineralization that many other detectors simply can't see through. Good discrimination and a reliable nature have attracted many new users to this particular detector. Even a few pros keep it as a backup. I've heard they are subjected to a drop-test and this appears to be a plausible rumor because they can take a considerable amount of abuse. I like mine immensely and always bring it with me for specific targets. It's comfortable to use for long periods of time and that's always an important aspect to consider.
[size=small]Suggested:
*Buy the optional Environmental Cover to protect your display and buttons from excessive wear or scratches from rocks and tree branches... or simply to keep the salt air at bay should you visit the beach regularly.
*If interested in Prospecting, obtain the optional Elliptical 10x5" Double-D High Frequency Coil to maximize your finds in the mineralized Goldfields.[/size]
treasuredog
New member
I think the xterra 70 is an excellent machine. It is better on nickels! I found two buffalos and one v nickel at a "hunted out park",that I keep going back to.
BarnacleBill
New member
Another corker of a winter. Lots of snow and very cold, global warming my pi-tuttie!
The whole Northern tier of the U.S. from West to East coast had a brutal winter But a couple 5 to10deg C days and things are looking up. However compared to some of the nastiness I saw you had on the tele I should count my blessings. And I do, except when I walk past the snow blower and utter some blasphemous statements.
Good luck to you as you enter your cooler hunting season.
HH
BarnacleBill
The whole Northern tier of the U.S. from West to East coast had a brutal winter But a couple 5 to10deg C days and things are looking up. However compared to some of the nastiness I saw you had on the tele I should count my blessings. And I do, except when I walk past the snow blower and utter some blasphemous statements.
Good luck to you as you enter your cooler hunting season.
HH
BarnacleBill
I also live in Northern Nevada and I love the X-Terra 70 for going out in the hills looking for coins, jewelry and treasures from the many Ghost towns around the area. I have had some pretty good luck finding a few old coins, a couple of trade tokens, some jewelry, and treasures from the past. I have also found some gold with the X-Terra 70 out in some of the placer fields around the area.
Bill
Bill
BarnacleBill
New member
Was out your way last summer visiting Kin. Had to hit all the tourist traps of course, or it wouldn't be a family vacation. The thought had crossed my mind to hit Rye Patch, but time was gonna be tight.
http://www.findmall.com/read.php?55,787162,787162#msg-787162
HH
BarnacleBill
http://www.findmall.com/read.php?55,787162,787162#msg-787162
HH
BarnacleBill
I've had mine since last April (1st detector) and feel I made a good choice. As far as learning the machine was very easy. I went out the first night in the back yard and found coins and tools the kids lost. I learned a Lot form the FAQ on this site. I think it's a great a multie purpous machine.