Probes:shrug::ausflag:

[Hungry]

I recently purchased an X-Terra 70, I am now looking at probes, as there is bugger all in Australia, i will have to buy from the States.What probe is considered the best to compliment the X-Terra, and why

 

[nero_design]

That's a good question as I've been contemplating the use of a probe myself with my own X-70. I haven't seen any pinpointers here either. Perhaps there's a reason for this... Perhaps the more gentle US soil is more suited to pinpointer/probe use? Our Aussie soil in pretty hot by comparison.

You'll probably have to spend about the price of an extra coil for the right probe.. The Pocket Uni Probe is supposed to be handy if you want to mount it to your machine. Those high end detectors like the GPX-4000 (which are super sensitive to deep gold in small sizes) would demand a probe as an accessory because the coil is wide and the unit heavy - plus it's going to spot tiny bits of gold deep where a probe is needed. I don't think the X-Terra needs a probe unless you find yourself digging targets that you can never seem to find without an ungodly amount of effort. If you can afford one, I'm sure it won't be a waste.

I might add though that most of the Terra coils like the 6" can give a pretty clear target area for where your item is located in the hole without the need for a probe. In fact the larger Terra coils like the Concentric and the Elliptical are pretty good at pinpointing too and the unit doesn't detect at horrendous depth. I've seen some 4000 users dig craters in the earth that can probably be seen from space.

 

[Digger]

What some of us refer to as probes, do not detect metal. They simply confirm it's' presence, when you stick them into the ground above the target (like a long screwdriver with a rounded brass tip). If you are talking about electronic probes, there are lots of them available. The one I prefer is the VibraProbe. I have the same 560 that I have been using for several years. The reason I like the Vibraprobe is because of it's durability, reliability, the length of the shaft, it's sensitivity at the tip, it vibrates so I don't have to remove my headphones to use it, and it turns itself on by tipping it up and turns itself off when I put it back in it's holster. A new 560 will cost you around $100 USD. The new model (570) lists for around $140. Used ones, naturally, sell according to their condition. JMHO HH Randy

 

[RonNH]

In New England, where I detect, most everything that isn't silver will look the same drab brown when it's out of the hole. The X-Terras being what they are, will detect the head of a pin and I like to know made me dig in the first place, so I use a hand- held pinpointer. They save much valuable time, instead of sifting through that elusive dirt pile or waving hand after hand full of dirt over the coil, you just make a few quick swipes with the pinpointer. They are also useful for finding targets in the side of the hole that you have dug. Ron

 

[Beale]

I also like my VibraProbe. Very well made unit, easy to use, and warerproof. I wish I had not waited so long to buy one, Beale.

 

[Silverbackbob]

You will never regret it and never want to hunt w/o it ever again. they are built like tanks and work like a charm. Saves you time so you can detect more and look for the target in the hole less. HH. Bob.

 

[Mick in Dubbo]

I bought a Pocket Uniprobe from David of Dixie detectors 18 months back. It was $269 US. They are supposed to be the deepest seeking ones. At it best I hit a $2 coin at 4 inches, but only just hit it. Normally 3 inches is it's reach. It's a fragile unit though, due to a weak centre connector of the coil (probe) to the main body, similar to a CB radio. It doesn't like side ways pressure on it, which is what happens to it, if you mount it on your waist. Personally, I'd go for the Vibraphone 570. It is claimed to reach about 3 inches, an inch more than the older 560.
In the September 2006 edition of Gem and Treasure mag, BT field tested a Tesoro Treasure mate, when he did a field test of the Vaquero. If you ask him real nice he might be able to give you some input on it.
Personally, it will make hunting with the X-Terra a lot easier. I prefer not to use one if I can, but with the X-Terra, it just saves a lot of time and frustration.
Mick Evans.
P.S. When the centre connector broke, I spoke with David, and frankly, the guy couldn't do enough for me. He was fantastic; even though I was half way around the world. I can highly recommend him to you. He is also, a forum sponsor!

 

[Hungry]

Thank you one and all, It looks like a 570 Vibraprobe is the one to buy then. I have an X-1 Probe on my Explorer, Brilliant piece of equipment, but i wanted one for my X-Terra, Like they say Don't leave home without it, Bob

 

[Ancient Dave]

I also use the Vibra Probe 570 and can't imagine heading out without it. Some people didn't like the fact that there is no off switch and that it stays on for 1 minute from the last metal target detected. I however don't find this to be a problem. When the target is located with the probe I just put it back in it's holster and it shuts off automatically. So it doesn't interfear with the X-70 while waiting for it to shut off I keep the Vibra Probe Holster on the back of my left hip, I swing with my right arm. This way no interference between probe and detector.

The Vibro Probe is very well made and waterproof which has come in handy when I was digging plugs in a very wet grass field next to an overflowing river. The hole would fill with water right away but I could still use the Vibra Probe to locate the target in the muddy water.

Dave

 

[Daniel A.]

I use the uniprobe headset mostly but have the pocket probe as well between them the headset is better in that less trouble with cables getting tangled and hearing the sound because the flip of a toggle switch just like a sunray probe. I also use the vibraprobe 560 and 570 for water hunting the new 570 is worth the money improved range more than double the 560. Dan

 

[kansas]

Check out the treasure mate probe.. The vibra probe is also good. But i lean more to the treasure mate because i can tune it . Works good on coins and gold nuggets.....