Safari or XT 705

[Mikeconley]

I have this post in the XT section as well.

Hello, buying my first detector and narrowed it down to the Safari or xt 705. I was leaning toward the Safari before I read a post on another review that mentioned people on the Minelab forum were not fans of the Safari. I really didn't want to spend the additional $270 but thought the added features were worth the additional cost. I would enjoy hearing opinions to help with my decision. I will hunt mainly coins and jewelry.
I have read a few posts in this forum comparing the two but continue to go back and forth. I don't recall the users name but he is from MO. and he loves the 705 for Relics but Safari for silver. I know I have to make the decision on my own, hoping there might be a few more comparisons and thoughts since the last threads. I can only afford one detecor but want the best I can afford and the high side is around $1,000.
Is the FBS technology that much better than the VLS?
For those that have used both, which one would you buy now if just one was an option?

Thanks!
Mike

 

[MetalMiner]

I cant speak about the XT 705 never tried one. But I can tell you I love my Safari & will never get rid of it. The Safari uses FBS technology I believe the 705 is single frequency MDer. The Safari also works great on the saltwater beaches. If I were you I would definitely go with the Safari, I don't think you would be disappointed. Good luck its always a tough decision when buying a new MDer, everyone wants to get the best bang for their buck.

 

[Wolfdog]

I just got the Safari only been out with it 4 times,but I like what I have seen so far.

 

[mark j brelsford]

I was in the same boat as you are...

I went with the Safari due to the FBS technology, ease of operation, choice of modes and editing the settings.

I just feel I get more out of the Safari, for a very little cost increase. It does take a bit to learn, but once you understand what it is telling you, look out!

The Safari is my go to detector, and I really enjoy it!

Mark

 

[issombeituni]

I own the 705 and love it. I been thinking of upgrading to the safari. I been reading the safari manual. I don't know to much about safari but the 705 has manual and auto ground balance does the safari has this? I read the manual and didn't see anything

 

[KinTN]

I actually made the same choice. A friend had a NIB 705 that he wanted to sell me at a discount. I studied the specs, easily went Safari, and have never regretted it. I have tried his 705, but don't have the hours on it to make a comparison call so I wont.

If there is a better machine on silver, it will be digging the target out of the ground for you. Period. Safari Rules on silver.

My only gripe with the Safari is that it isn't waterproof and I'm going to have to buy an Excaliber if I want to get wet above my ankles. But I see the Excal as a water only machine, so I'd still recommend the Safari for dryland and beach/swashzone hunting.

But probably most importantly, what kind of hunting do you want to do? Also, remember that you are on the Safari board.

 

[Mikeconley]

Thanks, I appreciate the feedback!
I did post the same message in the XT forum to gain the additional perspective.

 

[jerseyjim]

All I could tell you is I have no complaints as a Safari owner. I dug up a dime and a part to a watch the size on a nail head at approximately 12 " of sand. I am learning more and more about the Safari and it keeps getting better. I have never used the XT 705. Good luck

 

[Treasurechic]

I know I love my Safari and yes I too have read some negetives on it, I also would like to add that most people put a negetive feedback on a machine because they can afford to buy a new machine every week, As soon as something new comes out they buy it, try for an hour and if they cant perfect it in a short time they 'dis' it. A good high-tech machine takes time to learn. Its like buying a new car, I know how to drive just fine, but when you buy a new car you have to get used to how it feels, drives and any new gadgets it comes with!

 

[afieldsne]

I really like my Safari, but it's not the Holy grail of detectors. I've had quite a few and I'm sure I'll trade off my safari in time. I've had it 5 years and it's paid for itself many times over. It's such a simple to use detector, but I'd ask for improvements, it's been out long enough that it could be improved.

 

[KinTN]

So what did you get, Mike?