Ace vs Xterra 305

[slingshot]

I have the Ace. Here's the dilemna. No g/b-HOWEVER other posters say the xterra is best in a/m mode. Well, I started using my Ace in a/m mode with great results. So, has anyone ever used BOTH and what are the comparisons?

 

[DirtAngler]

Not putting the Ace down at all, but the Xterra will give you more features along with ground balance which can deter the machine's capabilities if you are in an area that ground balancing is required. Almost all, if not all, machines will go deeper in all metal mode but there are times when depth is not as important as maybe quieting the junk signals down using some discrimination. Some like hearing everything and listening for the tone variances, then checking VDI's to help decide to dig or not. Again, tones first is a rule for all machines. Download the Xterra manual and see if you think it will be better for your purposes. In my opinion, the Xterra 305 would be an upgrade but I would opt for the 705 if I was upgrading to the Xterra line, but if you like the Ace I'd go for the AT Pro. JMHO.

 

[slingshot]

Thanks. There's not too much tough ground here-just in some spots. Makes it a hard decision.

 

[khouse]

I've had both and the 305 is a huge upgrade. GB, Volume contol, noise cancel, different frequency depending on coils, better balanced, huge display, threshold adjustment, different tones and modulated target response just to name a few. The 250 is a great little machine but the 305 eats it's lunch.

 

[slingshot]

I've had both and the 305 is a huge upgrade. GB, Volume contol, noise cancel, different frequency depending on coils, better balanced, huge display, threshold adjustment, different tones and modulated target response just to name a few. The 250 is a great little machine but the 305 eats it's lunch.

Wow! First time I've heard that there was that big a difference. Thanks.

 

[Shenandoah Digger]

I would agree that the 305 is a substantial upgrade over the Ace, but of course it costs quite a bit more. But at $400 the 305 is a lot of bang for the buck.

 

[khouse]

I've bought two 305's used for around 200. One for 225 and the other was 195. Even at 399 they are a great deal.

 

[ramairnut]

Definitely check the different MD sites for used MDs. There are alot of good deals to be had out there if you can be patient.I had a 305 at one time to "get my feet wet" with the Xterra line of MDs.Right before that I had a Garrett 1350 GTP. The 305 was much smoother than the Garrett and a heck of alot lighter to swing plus you can't beat the coil/frequency options.

 

[slingshot]

Ok. The reviews and replies I got from other posters wer sorta negative so I have further research to do. Thanks.

 

[Mtnmn]

If you are now getting great results with the Ace, why not stick with it. If later on you want better results and don't already have a larger DD coil on your Ace, get one and go from there. Like already mentioned you can always up-grade in the future to a used AT-Pro or XT-705, if needed.

 

[slingshot]

If you are now getting great results with the Ace, why not stick with it. If later on you want better results and don't already have a larger DD coil on your Ace, get one and go from there. Like already mentioned you can always up-grade in the future to a used AT-Pro or XT-705, if needed.

That's what I'm gonna do. It's a strange situation. I went out with a fairly deep machine-my Silver umax and realized that in my area and my sites there is so much large iron near the surface that depth is not my problem. And it's all within a 60 mile radius! I really don't have any open, clean sites. The fact that I can turn the sensitivity down FURTHER with my Ace than any detector I own makes it a must in my part of East Texas. After going over the same site with my Ace at 3 bars sensitivity, I was amazed at how quite it was compared to the constant signaling I was getting from a deeper detector. At 4 bars, it starts signaling like the others=with jumping icons all over the id. I further realized this when a detecorist with the 11" coil came to me for help-he couldn't even use the coil!

 

[khouse]

Having a ground balance adjustment on the 305 is another reason why it would be better than the Ace in tougher ground.

 

[Mtnmn]

I have lots of ground like that here in PA (loaded with iron) and while having a detector with ground balancing capabilities is a definite plus, cutting back on your sensitivity is one of the best ways to handle iron saturated areas. That and if depth and coverage isn't an issue, a sniper coil can work exceptionally well in such areas too. Although something a little larger than Garrett's 4.5" sniper coil would probably be more ideal because of the extra depth and coverage it would provide, while still maintaining great separation ability.

 

[slingshot]

I have lots of ground like that here in PA (loaded with iron) and while having a detector with ground balancing capabilities is a definite plus, cutting back on your sensitivity is one of the best ways to handle iron saturated areas. That and if depth and coverage isn't an issue, a sniper coil can work exceptionally well in such areas too. Although something a little larger than Garrett's 4.5" sniper coil would probably be more ideal because of the extra depth and coverage it would provide, while still maintaining great separation ability.

And ain't it a peculiar thing?I've seen others with really nice machines throw up their hands and if they're new in the hobby just quit because they thought the higher priced machines were gonna make them rich-my area is history rich. I've also seen huge holes dug to get one of these signals-in the middle of a tot lot!

 

[khouse]

You are right. The Ace suites you better than the 305 would.