Pros and Cons of the Minelab Xterra 70?

[Canewrap]

Seems that this detector keeps coming up when I'm asking about machines with certain characteristics. Problem is, everbody is so reluctant to give a balanced review on machines. If you have some meaningful comments, please don't hesitate to PM me. I'm not a newby, been using a Whites MXT, but I'm looking for a machine with comparable features, but lighter (I'm chiefly a relic hunter). Both for myself and for my teenage daughter, who has started detecting with me.

TIA,
Bill W.

 

[rifleman]

Just go up to the X-Terra section on this site. Look at the FAQFAQ and the posts in that section. I have one and love it. Minelab really did a great job in the design and features of the 70. It has an easy learning curve and really does everything well. There may be better single purpose detectors out there, but this is one detector that will surprise you as to it's versatility. If it has any fault it is that it Id's soda bottle caps as quarters, but once you get to relay know it well, you can tell the difference. That is the only fault I have found. I've yet to see a post from anyone who has bought one who is not extremely happy with the 70.

Good hunting, John K

 

[UK Brian]

Its overpriced and another poor Minelab design in that it falls over, is nose heavy (why not put the batteries in a pod at the back?) relatively insensitive to very small/thin coins in general detecting mode and lacks depth on large items so I'm not convinced it would be the best choice for you for relic hunting.
Jack of all trades apart from wet sand and fairly good for the coinshooter but by the time you have the range of coils you need the cheaper/better option is to buy a couple of other detectors.
I would see if could have a go with one through a local detecting club before buying.

 

[Horsesoldier]

I primarily use the MXT also but have been using the XT70 off and on with great success. I run in all metal mode using at least 2 tones with the stock mid frequency coil. If I'm digging .22 casings at 4" - 6" I'm satisfied that I'm not missing much if anything. Yes, there are some design issues that I don't agree with (such as the headphone jack location) but all in all this machine is a contender. The only thing I dislike about the machine is the audio. I has that "hollow tube" sound. If you want to see the XT70 in action visit

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmBc8SDhKxY

 

[rifleman]

[quote UK Brian]Its overpriced and another poor Minelab design in that it falls over, is nose heavy (why not put the batteries in a pod at the back?) relatively insensitive to very small/thin coins in general detecting mode and lacks depth on large items so I'm not convinced it would be the best choice for you for relic hunting.
Jack of all trades apart from wet sand and fairly good for the coin shooter but by the time you have the range of coils you need the cheaper/better option is to buy a couple of other detectors.
I would see if could have a go with one through a local detecting club before buying.[/quote]

Maybe it's just because you are in the UK and other machines work better there for you on your side of the pond. The X-terra 70 is worth every dime you spend on it. Yes, it may be a little top heavy when setting it down on the ground, but I will match it against any detector in it's price range. It sounds to me like you are a Minelab hater. That's fine as we are all entitled to our own opinions and as we all know, the machine you are most comfortable with will make the most finds for you. Look at the number of posts in the X-Terra section of this site, Read about how happy the owners of the X-terra are with their detectors and try one if you get the chance. Minelab did a great job in the design, performance and number of features in the 70. The ease of use, deep finding ability and versatility of the 70, it's light weight and the fact that 4 AA batteries seem to last for ever make it the best detector for the money.

Good hunting, John K

 

[EZrider]

Take a look at what all the top name relic hunters are useing and why. You will find your answer is and around the F75

 

[rifleman]

I agree that the F75 is one hot relic finder and a great coin shooter. But when you look at the price, the X-terra 70 with extra coils is more versatile. With the 10.5" DD 7.5 kHz and the 3 kHz coils available, it doesn't give up too much to the F75. Then add the 6" coils for the trashy areas and you have a package that will do more for less money. For pure relic finding, the F75 is hard to beat. You have a great detector, enjoy it !!! If I had the money, I sure would like to try one. I guess my point is that for the price, the 70 is hard to beat. The F75 cost quite a bit more, but many are very happy with it.

Good hunting, John K

 

[Ex-Sox]

I like mine. As far as tipping over, take a heat gun to the base and push it to a concrete slab or something else flat to widen it. (I saw this neat little mod on the forum somewhere) Mine doesnt tip over anymore. The only thing I dont like is the headphone jack placement and it could stand to have a little more volume for the days I forget my headphones. Other than that, I like it as much as my SE as of now.