minelab xterra 305

[jls]

Hi ! I am new to this forum but not to detecting. I have been out of it for a couple years and just recently decided to start detecting again. I have ordered a minelab xterra 305 that should be here Friday. My last detectors were a whites spectrum xlt and a whites dfx. I had lots of good finds with both of these detectors. I didn't want to spend that much on a detector right now so I decided to go with the xterra 305. I realize that the minelab probably won't be as good as the whites I had but I am hoping it will be a decent detector. Does anyone know how the 305 compares to the XLT? I am looking forward to more good finds and I will share them with everyone here. Also which coil gives the best depth on the xterra 305? Thanks and good detecting. Jeff

 

[marxionu]

Im using 5x10DD 18Khz. On my country it works best for old hammered silver. Its a good an light little machine you learn it fast. Digg only repeatable signals on every angle then you cant go wrong.

 

[Carolina Phil]

I have an X-Terra 70, and I have owned an XLT. In my opinion, any new series X-Terra would be a better choice than the XLT, and you will do fine with the stock coil.

Good luck!

 

[Mick in Dubbo]

Hi Jeff.
I had an X-Terra 30 for over 3 years (replaced with a 70 now) and have an older model XLT. I don't have a great deal of time on the XLT, so my knowledge on it isn't huge, but from what I have experienced, I much prefer the X-Terra 30 (305). The reasons are; the X-terra's are far more user friendly, just turn on and away you go. Having only 12 notches is good enough. I find that the numeric display on the XLT is too fine and no better than 12 notches anyway. The X-Terras seem to have a much better recovery rate and detect deeper on the outer parts of the coil. The X-Terra's are lighter and probably have the easiest learning curve of any detector that I've used to date.Far easier than the XLT.
The XLT's do have the signagraph, which is of some help and I like being able to adjust the DC sensitivity. I find that the amount of adjusting that is required on the XLT to be irritating, which to me is a big draw back.
I know the XLT has a lot of fans and in the right hands is a good machine, but I'm just not one of them.
Mick Evans.

 

[dignit]

I have used an MXT before I got my X-terra 70. There is a slightly larger learning curve with the x-terra compared to the White's, but from reading the posts here, and experimenting with your x-terra you will not be disappointed with the price you paid nor it's performance. I now only use the MXT for those really quick hunts when looking for clad coins, etc. Your ears will really enjoy how quiet the X-terra is. I have used the MXT, and boy is it NOISY (and heavy as well).
Good luck and hope to see you posting some photos of some of your finds with your new X-terra!
Mike, Lacey WA

 

[jls]

Thanks for the info guys. I should be receiving my 305 sometime today. I am really looking forward to it. I will certainly keep reading the forum and will post my finds. Have a great day!!! Jeff

 

[Beale]

IMHO I think you will be suprised! It is a sweet unit, and will find the goods, Beale.

 

[jls]

Hi Guys, I finally had time to use my new xterra 305. I am very pleased with it. It seems to have about the same depth capability as my Whites XLT and my Whites DFX had. I was surprised that it went so deep. I have noticed that it doesn't have as good of target separation as far as the target ID numbers go as the Whites had but that is because it doesn't have as many notches. I can live with this. But all in all it is a great detector especially for the price. I don't believe I will miss my Whites at all. I haven't found much yet except for some clad coins but hopefully I will soon. I highly recommend the 305 for someone who wants a good detector at a great price.
Jeff