X-terra 705 or Whites MXT

[Tony2]

I know this question must have been asked before but my attempt at a search failed miserably. It seems these 2 machines fit my requirements for beach & light prospecting and are in my price range.

I understand that the 705 has a few more features such as multi-frequency (with separate coils), better notching ability and lighter weight. I understand the MXT will have a larger choice of coils and I'm guessing that the MXT has an easier learning curve. I'm a husky guy but am 64. Would the extra weight of the MXT take it's toll at the end of the day, especially down the road? Are the Minelabs as durable as the Whites? Have any of you used both machines?

I'd sincerely appreciate your expert opinions.
Tony

By the way, it has really been educational reading this forum. You guys really know your stuff!

 

[Elton]

T2-F75

 

[Monte]

I have a good deal of time in with the MXT and the X-Terra 70, which is essentially the 705. Same physical package and basic performance.

I know this question must have been asked before but my attempt at a search failed miserably. It seems these 2 machines fit my requirements for beach & light prospecting and are in my price range.

Yes, it has been frequently asked and comparisons of these two models is always going to be subjective based upon what the responder personally owns and uses. In short, "biased," although some of us might be a bit more open minded.

I understand that the 705 has a few more features such as multi-frequency (with separate coils), better notching ability and lighter weight. I understand the MXT will have a larger choice of coils and I'm guessing that the MXT has an easier learning curve.

There are a number of differences between these two models, and both have some functions I like. Let me just mention a few that separate the X-Terra and MXT, from my point of view:

The X-Terra provides a quick Auto-Balance buy selecting that function. The MXT provided that quick balancing function when you turn it on in an un-locked setting. They can each provide a fast auto-tracking function. The X-Terra does offer manual GB, although it is a little 'different' from what we've traditionally heard when adjusting.

The X-Terra does provide Notch or Segmented Discrimination which can be useful, sometimes. The MXT, however, provides a variable discrimination control. While you can accept or reject certain notch segments with the X-Terra, you have no control of the preset ranges of acceptance or rejection. The MXT's variable discrimination control allows the operator to fine-tune the rejection point for the ground mineralization and other conditions present at a site.

The X-Terra does provide an motion discriminate mode with what's labeled as no rejection (All Metal accept) at the press of a touch-pad, and the MXT provides true all metal acceptance by turning the Discriminate control to '0'.

The MXT's Sensitivity control gives the operator an extra measure of audio control at the higher settings as it not only increases the gain, but boosts the Target Volume and also a more Saturated (non-modulated) audio report.

I find the mode change toggle of the MXT, and the audio response provided, gives it a distinct edge when using a Pinpoint mode function.

The MXT isn't all digital thus it is less 'quirky' in-the-field performance compared with models hat are very-to-all digital.

When Pinpointing, the MXT, I have found, is better at pinpointing and providing target depth estimation (coin-sized targets).

The MXT provides an excellent Mixed Mode Audio function in the Relic mode, and some operator control over it based upon the triggeer toggle selection.

In the Prospecting mode, the MXT's S.A.T. provides an added useful function for All Metal mode searching.

As you noted, search coil selection definitely favors the MXT.

I'm a husky guy but am 64. Would the extra weight of the MXT take it's toll at the end of the day, especially down the road?

I hit 60 a couple of months ago, but my body has "aged" as it I were closer to 85 according to some doctors. The degenerative disk disease, plus degenerative back disease, coupled with diabetes and other ailments and the challenges I have of getting around with cane in hand qualify me as a hobbyist who would be very conscious of the detector's weight, but even more aware of the detector's balance or 'feel.' The MXT's rod length is much more adjustable than the X-Terra. The MXT has, for me, a better overall 'feel' or 'balance' due to the location of the control housing near the elbow and under the rod rather than a more top-heavy location.

Then there are the other issues that enter into the 'fit' category, such as how well the search coils are secured and don't flop or work loose. Also, the headphone jack location that helps to keep a headphone cable out of my way (MXT) compared with one that is more prone to getting in my way or tangling with brush (X-Terra).

Are the Minelabs as durable as the Whites?

In my opinion, no, they are not. They aren't the worst on the market, but they aren't up to the White's level of build quality. Do they have a full 2-year warranty on the search coil and does Minelab recognize and honor warranty transfer during the 2-year period?

Have any of you used both machines?

Yes. I've had the opportunity to use the X-Terra 705, and I've owned and used X-Terra 70's as well as owned 5 MXT's. I'll be getting a new MXT in the coming months, and use my M6 for most hunting tasks until then. I've used both the Whites MXT and Minelab X-Terra 70 for casual nugget hunting and felt the MXT was superior in handling, and performance. I've used both for some of my favorite ghost town hunting in Utah and Nevada and Eastern Oregon and while the X-Terra did 'OK' the MXT gave the better performance. I've also used both at some older parks searching for older and potentially deeper coins, and I found the MXT to get a little better depth. This was when comparing standarad coils on both units, as well as smaller concentric coils.

I think the Minelab X-Terra series is a good line to offer the hobbyist, and for many it makes a fine choice. For me, however, I felt the White's MXT provided me with a better 'feel', fit, and performance for the hunting I do and conditions I find myself in.

Monte

 

[Tony2]

Wow, Monte! What a comprehensive, definitive answer. Thanks you very much.
Tony

 

[morelic55]

Monte made some great points, however, HERE WE GO!!! I have both and I use the MXT to "Explore" New sites to get targets down to the "Magic" 8" depth that most VLF detectors have today. Then, I break out the Xterra 70 with the 10.5 DD 7.5 coil. I have found more targets down to the 12" mark with it than any other detector that I have, that includes the Tejon & Nautilus IIBa. Yhe ID ###'s may be a little jumpy, but I've learned by digging the "Iffy" ones that you can find great stuff. I have found that the MXT gives "Iffy" signals in the relic mode at the 8" mark PERIOD!!! If I get a "Iffy" with the MXT, I dig a plug, if I get a high tone then I finish recovering the target. I have also used the prospecting mode in less trashy sites with some success, then switch ovet to the relic mode for further ID. In case you could'nt tell, I am a relic hunter and very seldom go to parks or yards........Just My 2 cents............MO

 

[Tony2]

Thanks Mo. I picked up a good deal on the MXT with the 6x10DD. Both unused with 23 month warranty left. If I'm disappointed, I'll start looking for a 70/705.

 

[DETECTORMAX]

please send air test charts with almost same size coils

 

[TerraDigger]

8" in Relic mode............whats the object........I have a White's Silver Eagle........that can acquire a dime @ 8" in heavily mineralized Idaho soil in the Coin/Jewelry mode. The MXT is a deeper unit. Especially in its Relic mode. Now the MXT's factory pre-set Coin mode does kinda suck for depth. But not the Relic mode. It's either your settings in Relic are off.............or the machine needs service.