Menu
What's new
Find's Treasure Forums

Welcome to Find's Treasure Forums, Guests!

You are viewing this forums as a guest which limits you to read only status.

Only registered members may post stories, questions, classifieds, reply to other posts, contact other members using built in messaging and use many other features found on these forums.

Why not register and join us today? It's free! (We don't share your email addresses with anyone.) We keep email addresses of our users to protect them and others from bad people posting things they shouldn't.

Click here to register!

Need Support Help?

Cannot log in?, click here to have new password emailed to you

Changed email? Forgot to update your account with new email address? Need assistance with something else?, click here to go to Find's Support Form and fill out the form.

Help!!!Xterra or Ace 250 or???

L

lambo1

Member
I am almost a newbie as I have yet to buy a MD.
I am looking for something decent for a newbie but don't want to have to upgrade out of frustration.
I will be using the MD a little on the beach(going to Vero Beach in a couple of weeks and some beaches in IL and Mi) but the majority
of use will be in Northern Il and some Michigan older home sites, etc.

Any suggestions on what to buy? I have read good and bad reviews on pretty much everything and it makes it very confusing.
 
that if you ask this question on the Garrett forum, the answer will be much different than your asking it on the X-Terra forum. Both are lightweight and both have their following. But having owned both, in my opinion, that is where the commonality stops. Depending on which model of the X-Terra you have, the functionality varies. But regardless of which X-Terra, compared to the Ace 250, you will be getting more depth capabilities, better pinpointing characteristics and more flexible notch discrimination (Patterns) with the X-Terra. If you let us know which X-Terra you are considering, we could address specifics. JMHO HH Randy
 
I would like to stay under or close to 500 beans.
From what I am reading having a good ground balancer can save a lot of frustration.
I am trying to avoid getting frustrated and wanting to upgrade and feel spending a little more upfront, will pay off.
 
You really don't need nothing special for fresh water wet or dry beaches. But the wet salt beaches may give you some fits. For this reason I would suggest the Xterra 70. Otherwise the 50 would be great.
 
If price is your primary consideration, you can buy the Ace 250 for around $200. A new X-30 will cost around twice that much. And a new X-50 will be another $150 higher than the X-30. Based on what your budget allows, if you have never owned or used a metal detector before, you may want to go with a new Ace 250 or a used X-Terra. I know that the X-Terra is a far "better" detector for many of us. But I am speaking of folks who are not new to the hobby. Folks who already know whether they enjoy swinging the coil or not. Folks who are willing to do the research, dig the holes and spend the money to get a detector that fits their needs. If you or I had a dollar for every detector leaning against a closet wall somewhere........ most purchased with every intention of using it on a regular basis.......... only to find out there isn't enough time. Kids have little league, wife wants to go bowling, you spent too much on that bass boat and feel like you should be fishing.......... well, we'd both be rich! Life only gives us 7 days each week, with 24 hours in a day. There is only so much time to spend doing what we really like to do. If detecting isn't going to be your forte, or you aren't going to have enough time to dedicate yourself for successful hunts, you'd be better off finding that out with a $200 Ace than a $400 X-30 or a $550 X-50. On the other hand, if you are 100% positive that you are willing to learn the proper technques, do the research and learn the detector, then don't buy something that will dig every pull tab and rusty nail, and quickly turn you off on the hobby. If you are going to hunt clad in the park, any decent discriminator will do the job. For the beach, make sure the coil is waterproof. If you are wanting an "all around" detector that will go deep, is sensitive to small targets, has a wide variety of coils available, offers excellent notch discrimination characteristics and offers the user the ability to fine tune the detector for the site, the X-Terras will prevail. If your budget will allow, of the three detectors you mentioned, I'd opt for the X-50. In addition to the features offered by the X-30, the X-50 also has an adjustible Ground Balance, "tighter" notches than either the X-30 or the Ace 250, 4 tones opposed to three, two programmable Patterns plus an all metal mode, Noise Cancel channels, more refined settings on volume and sensitivity AND the X-50 allows you to use all the coils available in both 7.5 kHz or 18.75 kHz. For a more in-depth comparison between the X-30 and X-50, go to the FAQFAQ section at the top of these posts. In there you will find links that take you to the Operators manuals for each. Since the manual for the X-30 and X-50 are in the same book, you can read about the functionality of each, and determine whether or not the price difference is something you can justify.

Now with all that said, I am not putting down the Ace 250. For the price, it may do all you need to do. It simply depends on what it is you are going to be hunting for and how serious you are about the hobby. Having owned all those mentioned, and having been blessed to be in this hobby for 36 years, for the type of hunting I do, I'd tget an X-Terra". But that is simply my opinion.

If you have any specific questions, fire away. Lot of experienced hobbyists on this forum. And most are willing to take the time to give a hand. Best of luck with which ever detector you chose. HH Randy
 
I also owned a Ace 250. A good machine for the price. The X-Terra is better for all the reasons all ready mentioned. If you have no time constraints, watch the Classifieds and you can usually get a nice, used X-70 for around Mid 500's and a X-50 for less. Warranty could be an issue,unless the seller would take care of any problems carried under his warranty program, but the X-Terras are built very well.
 
n/t
 
and would take the Terra first if it was a 70 and nothing below because of its versatility and prospect mode. The 30 and 50 are great but if you want room to move go for the 70. The Ace 250 is a fantastic little machine and packs some punch however on the beach you will need to turn your sensitivity down some to handle the salt sand which basically makes you loose depth. I have used both machines on the beach and the 70 does tolerate the conditions better then the Ace (Wet sand I'm talking about) the Ace holds its own in the dry stuff. Check out the Garrett forum and ask some questions there also before you roll out the cash, depending on what you will use the your machine for will ultimately help you on what machine you will end up buying. Also investigate what type of coils and coil sizes can be used on both machines, this will also play a part in your choice trust me.Good luck.
Cheers!
 
I've used the 250 and now own the x70. I not a garrett fan, don't really care for them, but if your new to the thunting. I would recommend the 250 to see if thunting is what you want to do. not ever owning a metal detector and going straight to a x70 might cause you not to like the sport. and it is all about fun and if your confused about what setting to have or how to gb and don't even know what that is,,, then what fun is it. A turn and go machine would be best and to have one that has an id is better. You can get a used 250 for around $150. if you like it and think you want something more powerful then move up. Now the x30 would also be a good machine but, for the price the 250 would probably be better, ESPECIALLY, if you are new to thunting. 150(used) vs 300+
 
I think pressing one button the "GB button" then the auto button isn't gonna confuse anyone? If anyone finds that too complicated then they need to find another hobby. You can make the 70 as basic or as complicated as you like, thats what the instruction manual is for..............hence there is plenty of room to move with the 70.
Cheers!
 
I like my 70 and it is a very easy machine. It is the 1st detector I have owned (a 10 year old Radio Shack) that I never used, does not count. It has been great I would do it again in an instant, Beale.
 
if you have 500 i would get the xt 70 ive seen them for 450 used, dont see many xt-50 for sale, still usually around 400 used, i would look at the fisher f-2 for 199 with 2 coils,and 5 yr warranty,if your not looking to spend to much, handles iron well, fast audio responce, dont think minerals will be a big problem in your area, if you looking for a salt water beach machine look for a multi frequency machine$
 
n/t
 
I currently own both. I have been detecting for about 7 years, but I go in cycles. I started with an old whites, graduated to a Tesoro SS umax, then my first real good machine, a Whites XLT. Sold that bought a Minelab XS pro, I believe to be better. Sold that when it was sitting around. About two years ago I decided to buy a Treasure Ace 250, it was cheap and I still own it today, some nice finds but never anything really too deep and it would chatter in junkie areas. Received my Xterra 70 last week, been out twice an am already making nice finds in my old "hunted out spots". I always gauge how many wheaties I find, cause that tells me there is potential for more. I think the 70 could rival the XLT and Sov XS Pro in most conditions. Plus it is a hellava lot lighter, and simpler to use. If you think you will get the bug go with the xterra. That being said the only other detector I would recommend is a Tesoro without the visual ID. My first Tesoro really taught me to listen for those faint signals. However, since using visual id machines, I could never go back.
Dave in NJ
 
It will mostly come down to personal preference as to which detector that you buy. I own the X-Tera 30 and the Ace 250 and have logged hundreds of hours on these machines. Time wise, almost an even split. They each have have a different feel to them, and it's simply a matter of what works best for you. I prefer the Aces very accurate pinpointing over the X-Terra's. It does take a bit of guidance to point you in the right direction though, as if you tried to do it as per the instruction manual, you'll go nuts. Garret's do have a better explanation on their website. I prefer The X-Terra's audio system by a country mile over the Ace. It's a lot easier on the ear, and results in more good finds at the end of the day. While they both hear the same targets, I think that because the Ace is a bit more blunt with it's signals, it can cause you to ignore a good target more easily.
I have tested these 2 units, on the same coin at the beach (the coin was 20mm in diameter[around three quarters of an inch]) with both armed with their large coil. The X-Terra had a maximum reach of 8 inches and the Ace hit it at 10 inches, with a 2 inch wide signal(so it could pick it up maybe another half inch or so deeper). The large coil is lighter, actually, with the large coil on, the Ace is the same weight as the X-Terra with it's standard coil on.
If you can get yourself to a detecting shop to compare these 2 directly, then you will be able to make the best choice at that time.
Which ever unit you choose, the folks on both these forums are fantastic, so don't be shy to ask for help. Just remember; that you will be learning a new skill; so what ever you choose, you will feel frustrated at times. This is quite normal and is often solved by asking questions, because it's usually caused by either a lack of knowledge, or simply not enough time to be familiar enough with what the detector is telling you. The more you use it, the more you will surprise yourself. This is a great hobby that just gets better, the more curious you become.
Good luck.
Mick Evans.
 
I haven't used one, but just by the features the xt30 is crippled compared to the xt50 or xt70. I would definitely chose the 250 over the 30. If highly mineralized ground is any consideration, then the xt70 would be the way to go.
Dave in NJ
 
This is all great info. My challenge is I don't want to spend a ton because I won't have the opportunity to use a lot.
SW beach use would be extremely limited but I do want to do fresh water.
My brother in-law owns the lodge in the pic here...place was built in early 1900's in UP, Michigan and was home and often visited by very affluent people.
I know there are some good finds there in the water/beaches but I heard the mineral content is high there so being new, I would like something that has
good ground balancing on it's own.
I think the Xterra 70 would be a fit but my price range might have to be used. Any suggestions to find a good deal on used?

Thanks for all the info
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top