First let me say I own an xterra 50 and considering upgrading to a xterra 70 but I am waiting to see if minelab surprises us with an upgraded 90. Mine lab has always been close mouthed on there new releases. Like when the xterra 50 came out and everyone rushed out to buy them and then 2 months later they popped the xterra 70 on the public. My peeve is why has minelab not made a simple and cheap styling change on the stand on the xterra line. People have been heating and melting the legs to get wider stance, coming up with pcp pipe stands, clip on stands, folding tripod stands and complaining for years now over how top heavy the xterra is and how easily it tips over. I think they should at least offer something in the after market arena like they did the shorter rod they came out with to replace the way to long rod the xterra was introduced with. Another weak point that I have experienced is the bubbles on the menue buttons. My xterra 50 main menue button went flat and was hard to navigate so I called minelab and they rushed me another control head. This is when the xterra 50 first came out. I have a whites xlt with the same bubble type menue buttons and they are much stronger feeling and crisper and can actually hear them when you click them. I have heard others on the forum complain about this button problem also. Just seems minelab would put alittle more quality in the product especially when your getting up there in the 800 dollar range with the xterra 70.
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why doesnt minelab fix the problem in the xterra's since day one of there release
- Thread starter mitwes56
- Start date
The stands are a problem for all manufacturers with the control head with batteries above the shaft. The Ace 150/250's, Tesoro uMax's and the Whites Prizms to name a few. (excluding the Prizm 6t) I just like you can't figure it out either? It seems so simple. But on the other hand I know hunters that never set the detector on the ground. Who knows?
nero_design
New member
There's a problem? That wasn't fixed since release? Are you sure you're not a shill from a competing brand?
You'd be hard pressed to find a fault in either the design or the function of the X-Terra 70.
And announcing that you are waiting for an X-Terra 90 is a bit like saying you'll get re-married just as soon
as a leggy 23 y/o girl with green eyes and blonde hair comes along to replace your existing wife.
Good luck with that. Minelab are not going to announce new models unless they feel a need to do so.
If you buy a hypothetical (& presently non existent) X-90, you'll still get people here declaring that they'll be waiting for the
X-100 which MUST just be around the corner. I myself chose to hold off getting one of Minelab's top
of the line Pro Gold detectors... and held off visiting a new area I was told about until I had a more penetrating
detector in my hands.... Well, as luck would have it, I found out just last week that another guy went to the same area I was
about to visit... with the X-Terra 70 (same as mine) and dug up about 70 thousands dollars worth of Gold.
My fault really. But if I had been out in the field I might have had a spectacular year/month/day.
I'm not aware of ANY problem with the X-Terras since release. Too many short people complained that they
wanted a shorter mid-shaft or that they wanted to reduce the length so their kids could use it more easily.
That was sorted out almost immediately. It's typical of new generations of products and when a new model is someday
announced (including an X-90 if it happens), there will be a flurry of people who will want changes to that model too.
That's also the first time I heard about a "bubble" in the control panel going flat.
With so many thousands of owners out there, we have an ample opportunity for genuine complaints
yet this is a trouble-free detector so we generally don't hear many. Any electronics & design issues are
immediately dealt with by Minelab. Even your own control head was "rushed" back to you.
People have often sat back waiting for a newer model of camera, car or detector to be announced ...and that
usually doesn't happen until the competition from other brands forces this to happen.
At the moment, there's no competition from the other brands, including Whites & Garret.
Since the X-30, X-50 & X-70 each fill a specific niche, don't be one of those people who sat back and
waited for a non-existent X-90 because you may be waiting an awfully long time. On this forum here
there were people talking about an X-90 as if it were in production over a year ago. If they didn't buy a detector
in the ensuing months and weeks, that means they were unable to get out and detect and are still sitting on
the sofa whilst others are out in the field.
The stand is meant to keep the detector upright on a flat surface, not so much off the ground outdoors.
Flattening the stand only stabilizes the unit very slightly and many users (including myself) just place it
sideways on the ground. If you widen the "stand" blades by heating and flattening them, you can end up
interfering with your swinging.
There's no such thing as the perfect detector ... or even the perfect coil. But some come close to being ideal and
in my opinion, the X-Terra 70 is quite the powerhouse for a FLV detector. To many other brands are claiming
to be in the same league and it's up to readers and users to make their minds up after talking to others.
Feel free to wait for a detector which currently doesn't exist. Many X-Terra 70 owners will thank you if you do.
Especially the ones who hunt where you hunt.
You'd be hard pressed to find a fault in either the design or the function of the X-Terra 70.
And announcing that you are waiting for an X-Terra 90 is a bit like saying you'll get re-married just as soon
as a leggy 23 y/o girl with green eyes and blonde hair comes along to replace your existing wife.
Good luck with that. Minelab are not going to announce new models unless they feel a need to do so.
If you buy a hypothetical (& presently non existent) X-90, you'll still get people here declaring that they'll be waiting for the
X-100 which MUST just be around the corner. I myself chose to hold off getting one of Minelab's top
of the line Pro Gold detectors... and held off visiting a new area I was told about until I had a more penetrating
detector in my hands.... Well, as luck would have it, I found out just last week that another guy went to the same area I was
about to visit... with the X-Terra 70 (same as mine) and dug up about 70 thousands dollars worth of Gold.
My fault really. But if I had been out in the field I might have had a spectacular year/month/day.
I'm not aware of ANY problem with the X-Terras since release. Too many short people complained that they
wanted a shorter mid-shaft or that they wanted to reduce the length so their kids could use it more easily.
That was sorted out almost immediately. It's typical of new generations of products and when a new model is someday
announced (including an X-90 if it happens), there will be a flurry of people who will want changes to that model too.
That's also the first time I heard about a "bubble" in the control panel going flat.
With so many thousands of owners out there, we have an ample opportunity for genuine complaints
yet this is a trouble-free detector so we generally don't hear many. Any electronics & design issues are
immediately dealt with by Minelab. Even your own control head was "rushed" back to you.
People have often sat back waiting for a newer model of camera, car or detector to be announced ...and that
usually doesn't happen until the competition from other brands forces this to happen.
At the moment, there's no competition from the other brands, including Whites & Garret.
Since the X-30, X-50 & X-70 each fill a specific niche, don't be one of those people who sat back and
waited for a non-existent X-90 because you may be waiting an awfully long time. On this forum here
there were people talking about an X-90 as if it were in production over a year ago. If they didn't buy a detector
in the ensuing months and weeks, that means they were unable to get out and detect and are still sitting on
the sofa whilst others are out in the field.
The stand is meant to keep the detector upright on a flat surface, not so much off the ground outdoors.
Flattening the stand only stabilizes the unit very slightly and many users (including myself) just place it
sideways on the ground. If you widen the "stand" blades by heating and flattening them, you can end up
interfering with your swinging.
There's no such thing as the perfect detector ... or even the perfect coil. But some come close to being ideal and
in my opinion, the X-Terra 70 is quite the powerhouse for a FLV detector. To many other brands are claiming
to be in the same league and it's up to readers and users to make their minds up after talking to others.
Feel free to wait for a detector which currently doesn't exist. Many X-Terra 70 owners will thank you if you do.
Especially the ones who hunt where you hunt.
My brother recently attached to his X70 the, "blades" from an old White's detector. He placed it right next to the handle. He did have to drill a hole for the bolt. He says the detector is now very stable and doesn't tip over. He's sending me a picture, I will post it when I get it. He also states the extra blades do not get in the way of his normal swing.
I know that my past Xterra 30 used to turn off on its own. I couldn't figure it out until I realized that sometimes when it fell over on it's right side it jarred the batteries that interrupted the connection. Once I figured that out I just laid it on it's side. This took care of the problem. A wider or repositioned stand would help.
More quality in ML products? Maybe you should check out one of the other brands on "quality".
Those are minor issues you have stated, now if there were a lot of folks sending back their ML's because they either weren't working properly or were plain out dead then I would consider that they need to put more quality into their products.
Product lines are always being updated with new releases, that is just how the world turns.....
Those are minor issues you have stated, now if there were a lot of folks sending back their ML's because they either weren't working properly or were plain out dead then I would consider that they need to put more quality into their products.
Product lines are always being updated with new releases, that is just how the world turns.....
Treasure Nut
New member
Very well said, Nero!!!
In the past, I have had a minor problem with my X-Terra 50's pinpoint button and battery spring issue. Minelab took care of it ASAP and I couldn't be happier with their service, design, quality, durability, and performance .
In the past, I have had a minor problem with my X-Terra 50's pinpoint button and battery spring issue. Minelab took care of it ASAP and I couldn't be happier with their service, design, quality, durability, and performance .
christopher-ohio
Active member
I have owned a couple of new X-Terra 50's and 70's over the years. I too appreciate the lightweight design and the detector's abilities, especially with target separation in iron at the old home sites I usually hunt. I have always felt that for a now $600 and $700 detectors respectively (for some who may not know that they reduced the MSRP from what it used to be) that the 70 offers a far better feature set for just another $100 compared to the 50. The lower shaft length has always bugged me, even being 6'2" since the detector won't completely fit in most detector bags so the shorter length lower rod is appreciated and necessary for many for a few reasons. I felt for the money and Minelab's engineering expertise a much better stand for the detector should have and could have been included with the detector-not an expensive but a very important piece of hardware in my opinion. I've been fortunate to never have a button or battery box spring problem with any of them. I do think Minelab does make super quality products overall but if I would design them, I would try to think like a consumer about every issue to get it right as possible for most in all aspects-perfection for anything or electronic devices especially is a rather illusive achievement to met everyone's design hopes and needs 
I do think it would be nice and appropriate for all companies to have at least an industry requirement or time to release standard to announce new product releases for the consumer benefit and courtesy...if you want to just buy the earlier model fine but it would be nice to have a choice and the knowledge before we put out the big bucks $...I remember when the 70 was announced/released to many's happiness and some's dismay too I don't think an X-terra 90 model is on the horizon since the 70 pretty much has it all to meet most needs and the price point may get too lofty for many out there for this type of machine with a new model. For me, I still like the 50 model the best since I have found the target "lock-on" to be better and less bouncy especially in all the iron and trash although I have found the 70 to have better resistance to EMI plus I have to futz around quite a bit less with the 50-just manually ground balance and go but it's truly a personal thing as to what you like as with anything else...HH
I do think it would be nice and appropriate for all companies to have at least an industry requirement or time to release standard to announce new product releases for the consumer benefit and courtesy...if you want to just buy the earlier model fine but it would be nice to have a choice and the knowledge before we put out the big bucks $...I remember when the 70 was announced/released to many's happiness and some's dismay too I don't think an X-terra 90 model is on the horizon since the 70 pretty much has it all to meet most needs and the price point may get too lofty for many out there for this type of machine with a new model. For me, I still like the 50 model the best since I have found the target "lock-on" to be better and less bouncy especially in all the iron and trash although I have found the 70 to have better resistance to EMI plus I have to futz around quite a bit less with the 50-just manually ground balance and go but it's truly a personal thing as to what you like as with anything else...HHthedeserttortoise
New member
Geez... I thought those wingy things on the back were there to keep my shaft from getting scratched when I halfway toss the thing to its side while hunting.....hey Mitwes. Don't get discourged. We all love our Xteras. I can't find a single thing wrong with mine. But don't ever feel weird about airing a complaint you might have as if it is something that is a common problem you get to be part of the solution. As far as the unit not laying right on the ground, my Etrac gets to assume about the same position most of the time. Just me. I do agree though, for someone this isn't a slob like me, the supports on the back arnt as good as those on some other models. And the battery problem with the contacts loosing tension, not mine yet, still an easy fix, but YES, who ever criticized the company is right. That's not an issue that should come up as often as I've heard it here. I just had to chime "ding, ding" in. I do really like this machine and for some darn reason I keep using it even though I've got a newer model....go figure.
NO I am not a shill for a competing company. I love my xterra 50 and its my primary use machine. I have 100% confidence in its abilities with the proper coil selection. I dont always have a nice flat solid piece of dry ground to sit my detector down on and I simply stated the legs on the stand would be better alittle wider. I do have one consolation tho nero, all those other xterra owners are so happy I am waiting around for the xterra 90 to come out.-- not!
I don't think the original poster questions the performance of the Xterra's. He just has a concern of why something called a stand from a manufacturer doesn't work like one in a lot of terrain. I've had all the Xterra's and they do and will fall over. But there are a lot of control head above the shaft brands that do the same thing. I named a few in my other post. I know it has been brought up a lot about the Garrett Ace's. They fall over and we post our views. This is just a way to vent and maybe an engineer will look at the issue.
Now the "bubbles" the poster is referring to is simply what he is calling the buttons. Where they are raised but not bubbles under the face membrane. I know personally that they are a little hard sometimes for me with my fat thumb to push the center. But that's me.
On another forum there is a section called "talk to whites" This as a direct link to the Whites engineers. This is where some complain and give advice on existing and hopefully better future models. One engineer said they were not aware that a smaller than stock coil was that important to hunters. I replied by saying "you've been building detectors over 50 years and didn't know?" I guess that makes me a smart azz. But it was the truth.
Like it has been said here "no detector is perfect" But with a little prodding from users there may come a day when we grab a detector and say "perfect, absolutely perfect"
With respect,
Kenny
Now the "bubbles" the poster is referring to is simply what he is calling the buttons. Where they are raised but not bubbles under the face membrane. I know personally that they are a little hard sometimes for me with my fat thumb to push the center. But that's me.
On another forum there is a section called "talk to whites" This as a direct link to the Whites engineers. This is where some complain and give advice on existing and hopefully better future models. One engineer said they were not aware that a smaller than stock coil was that important to hunters. I replied by saying "you've been building detectors over 50 years and didn't know?" I guess that makes me a smart azz. But it was the truth.
Like it has been said here "no detector is perfect" But with a little prodding from users there may come a day when we grab a detector and say "perfect, absolutely perfect"
With respect,
Kenny
nero_design
New member
This might seem odd to many, but the first impression is often the most important one. This also applies to products.
Whilst I can't flaw the design or operation of the X-Terras, I did find the normal operating sound effects (when you start up or press a button) to be mildly comical.
A little bit like the sound effects on a poker machine. By comparison, the new E-Trac has a more appealing audio effect library. This is such
a minor observation though and is just personal preference only.
: mitwes56: Sincere apologies if my comments seemed pointed in any way. Often a rival manufacturer who wants a bigger slice of the marketing pie will
enter these forums and place threads and key search terms designed to spook potential buyers into reconsidering or having second-thoughts.
Like you, I have also experienced the X-Terra fall-over (usually annoying if the ground is dusty or wet) but I note also that all the top of the line GPX users have much the same problem with their own detectors and sometimes lay them on their sides when digging targets.
The "bubble buttons" are something which have good and hypothetical bad points though (doesn't everything): On the good side the membrane is ideal for keeping out moisture and debris from the control box when in normal use. On the downside, cleaning with ammonia products or general UV exposure may eventually (years later) cause these bubbles to split open. This happened on the same type of button used on 1980's laser pointers. Of course the polymer and plastic products of today may be entirely different and there has been no reports (to my knowledge) of defects occurring in the interface material of the X-Terras other than your own experience. In fact, considering how many there are out there, this is a very good sign.
The original response I gave was intended to be tongue-in-cheek in mood... something which is difficult to portray without the use of 'smileys' (which I loath using).
I think honest feedback is very important to both other detectorists and also the manufacturers and I sincerely apologize if my response gave you offense.
Regards,
Marco
Whilst I can't flaw the design or operation of the X-Terras, I did find the normal operating sound effects (when you start up or press a button) to be mildly comical.
A little bit like the sound effects on a poker machine. By comparison, the new E-Trac has a more appealing audio effect library. This is such
a minor observation though and is just personal preference only.
: mitwes56: Sincere apologies if my comments seemed pointed in any way. Often a rival manufacturer who wants a bigger slice of the marketing pie will
enter these forums and place threads and key search terms designed to spook potential buyers into reconsidering or having second-thoughts.
Like you, I have also experienced the X-Terra fall-over (usually annoying if the ground is dusty or wet) but I note also that all the top of the line GPX users have much the same problem with their own detectors and sometimes lay them on their sides when digging targets.
The "bubble buttons" are something which have good and hypothetical bad points though (doesn't everything): On the good side the membrane is ideal for keeping out moisture and debris from the control box when in normal use. On the downside, cleaning with ammonia products or general UV exposure may eventually (years later) cause these bubbles to split open. This happened on the same type of button used on 1980's laser pointers. Of course the polymer and plastic products of today may be entirely different and there has been no reports (to my knowledge) of defects occurring in the interface material of the X-Terras other than your own experience. In fact, considering how many there are out there, this is a very good sign.
The original response I gave was intended to be tongue-in-cheek in mood... something which is difficult to portray without the use of 'smileys' (which I loath using).
I think honest feedback is very important to both other detectorists and also the manufacturers and I sincerely apologize if my response gave you offense.
Regards,
Marco
Fact is the terra's do fall over, so do other brands. IMO it would be something a company might rethink on the design. On a level surface their fine. On any incline they tip. I think the man was just asking why it wasn't redesigned for better stability. He said it worked fine.
mitwes56 said:
First let me say I own an xterra 50 and considering upgrading to a xterra 70 but I am waiting to see if minelab surprises us with an upgraded 90.
Digger's response:
I've been involved with the X-Terra since it's initial field trials. I have not heard any comments from Minelab, as to the release of another model in the X-Terra series. But on the other hand, I've got a few modifications and changes I'd like to see implemented, if they do. A wider stand would be among them.
Mine lab has always been close mouthed on there new releases.
I think most manufacturers are "closed mouth" with their new releases. Cars, computer operating systems and metal detectors. Not much to talk about, really, until they are available to the public. Anything prior to actual "hands-on" use is just marketing hype, as far as I am concerned.
Like when the xterra 50 came out and everyone rushed out to buy them and then 2 months later they popped the xterra 70 on the public.
The X-30 and X-50 came out in the fall of 2005. The X-70 didn't come out until the middle of March, the following year.
My peeve is why has minelab not made a simple and cheap styling change on the stand on the xterra line. People have been heating and melting the legs to get wider stance, coming up with pcp pipe stands, clip on stands, folding tripod stands and complaining for years now over how top heavy the xterra is and how easily it tips over.
I won't disagree that the X-Terra housing control is mounted in such a way that it makes the detector "top heavy" if, and when, you set it on the ground. A wider stand might remedy the situation. I believe that the X-Terra is "the way it is" in an effort to keep the control housing easily accessible. And at the same time, minimize the overall weight of the detector. For years, folks have complained about the location of the controls on Sovereigns, Eurekas and Muskies. And, they have complained about the ergonomic design of the Explorer and Quattro. The X-Terra removed those complaints. But in doing so, they apparently created a new one for some. As to Minelab coming out with "an aftermarket" solution...... would you prefer a folding tripod stand, a clip on stand, or just making the legs wider on the existing stand? My point is, these aftermarket solutions are already available. What would be the point in Minelab doing any one of them, again? Maybe implement this into a new release. But I can't imagine any manufacturer spending money on this, as an aftermarket accessory product. Of course, I could be wrong.
I think they should at least offer something in the after market arena like they did the shorter rod they came out with to replace the way to long rod the xterra was introduced with.
You mention that you use an XLT. My XLT middle rod has four holes for length adjustment. Measuring from the middle of the grip base to the coil mount, it measures 32.5-inches at it's shortest setting to 40-inches at it's longest. The X-Terra middle rod has 6 holes for adjusting the lower rod from 34-inches to 42-inches. That is 1.5-inches longer than the White's at the shortest length. But again, it has 6 adjustment holes. Not just 4 as on the White's. Interesting to note that White's doesn't make a shorter rod for their detectors. In fact, the only other rod they make is actually 10-inches longer than the stock one I described. If the X-Terra stock lower rod is too long, I have to wonder why White's accessory rod is 10-inches longer than their stock rod? Maybe White's and Minelab know something about the market that we don't? And maybe that is why fewer than 5% of the X-Terra sales have resulted in the sale of a shorter lower rod.
Another weak point that I have experienced is the bubbles on the menue buttons. My xterra 50 main menue button went flat and was hard to navigate so I called minelab and they rushed me another control head. This is when the xterra 50 first came out. I have a whites xlt with the same bubble type menue buttons and they are much stronger feeling and crisper and can actually hear them when you click them. I have heard others on the forum complain about this button problem also.
Glad to hear they rushed you another control head when you had a problem. In addition to the X-Terras, I have an XLT. From a physical standpoint, the White's pads are designed much differently than the Minelabs. Better? I suppose you would think so if you never had problems with the White's and did with the Minelab. So far I've not had any problem with either of them. But recognizing that they are highly sophisticated pieces of electronic equipment, I am careful to only press it enough to activate the microswitch.
Just seems minelab would put alittle more quality in the product especially when your getting up there in the 800 dollar range with the xterra 70.
$400 for an X-30, $600 for an X-50, $700 for an X-70, $900 for an XLT, $1000 for an F-75, $950 for a GTI 2500 and $1100 for a DFX. At those prices, you'd think they'd all be perfect. It's easy to find fault. But when you take everything into consideration, and read some of the problems other manufacturers are having with new releases, you'll recognize the X-Terra has a much better "track record" than many others. When they do what we want them to do, it's an investment. When they don't, it is an expense. (and a pain in the A$$) JMHO HH Randy
First let me say I own an xterra 50 and considering upgrading to a xterra 70 but I am waiting to see if minelab surprises us with an upgraded 90.
Digger's response:
I've been involved with the X-Terra since it's initial field trials. I have not heard any comments from Minelab, as to the release of another model in the X-Terra series. But on the other hand, I've got a few modifications and changes I'd like to see implemented, if they do. A wider stand would be among them.
Mine lab has always been close mouthed on there new releases.
I think most manufacturers are "closed mouth" with their new releases. Cars, computer operating systems and metal detectors. Not much to talk about, really, until they are available to the public. Anything prior to actual "hands-on" use is just marketing hype, as far as I am concerned.
Like when the xterra 50 came out and everyone rushed out to buy them and then 2 months later they popped the xterra 70 on the public.
The X-30 and X-50 came out in the fall of 2005. The X-70 didn't come out until the middle of March, the following year.
My peeve is why has minelab not made a simple and cheap styling change on the stand on the xterra line. People have been heating and melting the legs to get wider stance, coming up with pcp pipe stands, clip on stands, folding tripod stands and complaining for years now over how top heavy the xterra is and how easily it tips over.
I won't disagree that the X-Terra housing control is mounted in such a way that it makes the detector "top heavy" if, and when, you set it on the ground. A wider stand might remedy the situation. I believe that the X-Terra is "the way it is" in an effort to keep the control housing easily accessible. And at the same time, minimize the overall weight of the detector. For years, folks have complained about the location of the controls on Sovereigns, Eurekas and Muskies. And, they have complained about the ergonomic design of the Explorer and Quattro. The X-Terra removed those complaints. But in doing so, they apparently created a new one for some. As to Minelab coming out with "an aftermarket" solution...... would you prefer a folding tripod stand, a clip on stand, or just making the legs wider on the existing stand? My point is, these aftermarket solutions are already available. What would be the point in Minelab doing any one of them, again? Maybe implement this into a new release. But I can't imagine any manufacturer spending money on this, as an aftermarket accessory product. Of course, I could be wrong.
I think they should at least offer something in the after market arena like they did the shorter rod they came out with to replace the way to long rod the xterra was introduced with.
You mention that you use an XLT. My XLT middle rod has four holes for length adjustment. Measuring from the middle of the grip base to the coil mount, it measures 32.5-inches at it's shortest setting to 40-inches at it's longest. The X-Terra middle rod has 6 holes for adjusting the lower rod from 34-inches to 42-inches. That is 1.5-inches longer than the White's at the shortest length. But again, it has 6 adjustment holes. Not just 4 as on the White's. Interesting to note that White's doesn't make a shorter rod for their detectors. In fact, the only other rod they make is actually 10-inches longer than the stock one I described. If the X-Terra stock lower rod is too long, I have to wonder why White's accessory rod is 10-inches longer than their stock rod? Maybe White's and Minelab know something about the market that we don't? And maybe that is why fewer than 5% of the X-Terra sales have resulted in the sale of a shorter lower rod.
Another weak point that I have experienced is the bubbles on the menue buttons. My xterra 50 main menue button went flat and was hard to navigate so I called minelab and they rushed me another control head. This is when the xterra 50 first came out. I have a whites xlt with the same bubble type menue buttons and they are much stronger feeling and crisper and can actually hear them when you click them. I have heard others on the forum complain about this button problem also.
Glad to hear they rushed you another control head when you had a problem. In addition to the X-Terras, I have an XLT. From a physical standpoint, the White's pads are designed much differently than the Minelabs. Better? I suppose you would think so if you never had problems with the White's and did with the Minelab. So far I've not had any problem with either of them. But recognizing that they are highly sophisticated pieces of electronic equipment, I am careful to only press it enough to activate the microswitch.
Just seems minelab would put alittle more quality in the product especially when your getting up there in the 800 dollar range with the xterra 70.
$400 for an X-30, $600 for an X-50, $700 for an X-70, $900 for an XLT, $1000 for an F-75, $950 for a GTI 2500 and $1100 for a DFX. At those prices, you'd think they'd all be perfect. It's easy to find fault. But when you take everything into consideration, and read some of the problems other manufacturers are having with new releases, you'll recognize the X-Terra has a much better "track record" than many others. When they do what we want them to do, it's an investment. When they don't, it is an expense. (and a pain in the A$$) JMHO HH Randy
Reconmarine1984
New member
I have had my X-70 almost 2 years. It well know that Relic Hunters on Avg. are harder on there machine since we hunt in some tough conditions woods, Fields and all types soil. The only problem I had was with length lower rod being little long, so just cut 2 inches off, and perfect balance and can hunt all day with 10.5DD coil. The X-70 is powerful machine super light weight. If start add Stands on new control box before you know it the X-70 will be same weight as Explore. I highly recons the Min lab Dust cove to protect again rain and will protect Setting button. If you have button height or bigger on faceplate , then have another problems of setting being hit , or changed. My person option The X-70) is great in depth, lightweight, and the most dependable Relic Machine I use in my over 30+ years of Relic Hunting!! And dollar for dollar it beat most other brads higher end machines!!
I purchased my first xterra 50 off of the classifieds and I assumed it was about 6 months old based on the release date. I noticed right off the getgo that the main menue button was flatter than the rest as if it had been overly pressed hard by the original owner. This caused excessive pressing to get it to function. I called minelab and explained the situation and was told to be patient they would send me a new xterra 50 control head and to use the box and enclosed shipping labels to return the old one to them. This was all completed in less than a 5 day period. I have tried about all of the major brand detectors but the xterra has become my primary use detector for everything now. Its just that good and reliable. It gives the feeling of trust and faith that when you fininsh detecting an area you did not miss anything much. I have added the 6in hf dd coil to my collection and I am just flabbergasted at that little coils performance in trashy areas now I need one for the beach , maybe a 10inch dd in mf or maybe hf , still trying to decide that. thanks
waltripcrew
New member
Here are my complaints about the Xterra 70. I have only had my machine for a few months and have gotten into so much trouble with it because the batteries last to long and with its light weight I spend to much time out hunting and not enough time with the wife. I have nothing but good things to say about my machine.