Help with Minelab buying decision...

[TreasureHawk]

Thinking seriously about buying a Minelab detector.

Looking at Safari, Explorer SE Pro or E-Trac. Maybe a X-Terra 705.

Any thoughts/reviews both positive and negative would be appreciated.

I was concerned about the recovery speed. Any thoughts about recovery speed.

Would you buy Minelab again?

I have been using a Whites Eagle Spectrum since 1992.

Thanks.

Robert

 

[Old Longhair]

The VFlex technology of the X-Terra allows for faster recovery than the FBS technology machines that you listed. None are as fast as Fisher machines, but at least for me it's not a race. Minelab machines are slow, however thay are also very accurate and deep seekers.

Would I buy another Minelab? You bet! I just did.

Of the machines that you listed, the X-Terra is the most versitile and the fastest. Regardless of whatever other detectors I might have, I'll always have an X-Terra in the stable.

 

[Blank Planet]

have both 705 and etrac both are great units 705 i think is a bit deeper and sure many will disagree but those are my findings, 705 is not as accurate VDI as the etrac or anywhere near as tight in discrimination.patterns.

etrac has more coil options and loves old silver coins, only reason i use the etrac more is the coil options , but the 705 finds coins the etrac misses and the etrac finds coins the 705 misses as Digger calls them the dynamic duo.

yes i would buy anther one.


BP

 

[michaelosully]

Robert,
I cannot speak to the speed of the FBS or BBS technology for speed of recovery as I have no actual experience. I can speak for the X-Terra VFLEX speed as I started with a X-Terra 305, then bought another (the X-Terra 505), and then traded the 305 for a 705. So, you can look at my signature below and see what I think. Actions speak louder than words.

I have been pleased with my X-Terras and I really like the flexibility of using different coils for the different tasks and soil conditions I hunt. My DD coils function better in higher mineralized soils and I still like the standard CC coil for coin shooting in lesser mineralized soils. I feel really secure knowing I have 2 machines that will coin/relic hunt & prospect along with the best of the other choices out there.

Would I buy another X-Terra ... YES. Would I recommend the X-Terra line to a friend ... YES. Would I recommend it to an experienced MD'er ... YES. What I would not recommend is that you buy a 305 or 505 first...just go ahead and get the 705 for the additional features it offers over the 305 and 505.

Since you are open to thoughts from X-Terra users, I would also recommend you read Randy's eBook Understanding Your X-Terra. You can download it for free in PDF form and it will be a great source of info before you purchase.

Hope this helps.
Good findings!

 

[pescadore]

I have owned the Explorer up to the Explorer II but not the etrac of se pro so can speak for them. I currently hunt with a X-terra 705 and it has been my favorite detector I have ever owned so far. The Explorer's are great but slow and heavy where the X-terra is fast and light. Due to my RA the X-terra is my detector of choice. If I could swing one I might on an Etrac but I would still have the X-terra for certain circumstances. Do I love Minelab detectors ... Yes
Will I buy another one .. Yes as soon as I can afford it, I will own another X-terra for a backup.
Would I recommend Minelab to a friend .. already did and he now has a SE Pro and does very well with it.

 

[mapper65]

We have (3) 705's in my immediate family along with my uncle having one, a friend having one and an acquaintance recently buying one. I believe that we are all very satisfied.

I've entertained the idea of buying an E-Trac but haven't found anything convincing that makes me think that I would be that much better of a detectorist if I "upgraded".

 

[DirtAngler]

I had a Xterra 705, fell for the FBS hype and traded it for a Safari. Didn't like the weight and balance or tones as well as the slower speed so traded it towards an Etrac. The extra features of the Etrac make it a good machine but it is still heavier and slower than the Xterra. If you don't want to miss potentially good targets, you're going to dig iffy signals. Some even hype the Etrac up saying they can tell the difference in a clad dime and silver dime. I tried to a few times and could not each time. They read the exact same and sounded the exact same. Now I also have physical problems so that played a small part in my decision but I sold the Etrac and bought another Xterra 705 and don't feel I'm missing anything.

 

[rogerwalco]

I "only" have a 305, and am fairly new to detecting. But, i will say that based off the high manufacturing quality of the device and the way it lets me hunt by ear--along with the ridiculous depth it finds things at--i am very sold on minelab and would very likely upgrade to a fancier minelab instead of ever looking at another make. just my 2 cents. hope its slightly helpful!

r/.

 

[ronhob]

(IMHO)Get the 705, you Won't be disappointed! The response time between targets may not be as fast as the f75, but it's not that far off.. I was absolutely thrilled with the speed of target separation when I first got mine. The multi tone option is also a blessing for target separation.

 

[calibil]

I have the 705 and etrac, like them both-705 is lighter but fails on Montys nail board test-not my choice in ground where there is lots of iron, etrac is very good on silver, more of a slower sweep machine, good at the beach-705 not so good in wet salt water. Think what type of detecting you may be doing most-targets too, and where.

 

[Terra1959]

Not a hard decision from my point of view
Deep , accurate hunting = Etrac
Fast ground coverage = Xterra 705

Etracs need a slower a slower swing ...stands to reason as they filter out ferrous objects and hunt deeply as they go
I swing my old Xterra 70 pretty fast hunting modern shallow coins for bread and butter $ and it handles it well.
Xterra can hold its own for relics and old coins but you cannot compare it with an Etrac which is much more expensive and does so much more

So it all depends on your favoured type of hunting the majority of your time as to which one to choose.
JMHO
Good luck
T59