X-Terra 705 with pro coil.

[Crusty]

I have been checking here lately expecting to see some threads pertaining to a X-Terra 705 package with a 11" pro coil like the one on the Explorer SE Pro.
I have no information on this other than my long time detector dealer who I have been dealing with for years says he is getting two of them and I have put a down payment on one of them.
He wasn't sure on when he would get them but suspected 6 to 10 weeks from now.
I know there has been a lot of talk about a pro coil for the X-Terra's and that Minelab should come out with one. Sounds to me like it may actually be happening.

Dave

 

[Digger]

I am not aware of any 11-inch Pro-coil being commercially available for the X-TERRA. With that said, I did purchase two of them awhile back on another forum. A 7.5 kHz and an 18.75 kHz. The person (a guy in Florida) who had listed them claimed they were prototypes and were not going to be manufactured. They got snatched up before I could buy them from him. But I made an immediate offer to the person who did buy them from him, and eventually got them both.

A bit of background.....Minelab had asked me a couple years ago about Field Testing an 11-inch DD coil. They were only going to make the prototypes and wanted me to put them through their paces on the beach. Since I don't live near the beach, and that was their specific instructions, I suggested they find someone who was a beach hunter. After that, I never heard anything else about this particular coil model. I can only assume they must not have performed as expected or Minelab would have had them on the market long before now. But that is purely speculation on my part. All I know for sure is that I was fortunate to end up with the two that were listed. Which makes me wonder if I didn't end up buying the same two coils that I had been asked to Field Test in 2008. Karma!

[attachment 162773 705and11inchMFcoil.JPG]


As to my impression on how these two perform........my jury is still out. HH Randy

 

[morelic55]

Very Interesting!! Althou I am very happy with the 10.5 coils as far as depth on relics, I would really be interested in giving one of those a try. An inch or two more in depth would be a advantage. Right now, I'm keeping up with the ET's in my area........

 

[David]

Randy, are those X-Terra PRO coils made my Minelab, or aftermarket coils? Did you test them and briefly how did they perform(compared to the 10.5" DD's)?

Yes a 11" round DD PRO coil would be very good for X-Terra's, and I want one, but I would much rather have an elliptical 10x18" or 10x20" DD coil for my X-70., are you listening Minelab!

 

[Digger]

The coil is made by Minelab, and looks exactly like the pro coil on my Etrac. If not for the coiled end of the Etrac cable, you couldn't tell the difference. I won't be taking them apart, but assume there is a Freq. designated microchip in the block area where the cable enters the coil. I am still in the process of "unofficially" testing them. I hesitate to post my thoughts for two reasons. 1. they are not commercially available, so no reason to get anyone excited. 2. If they ever do decide to come out with a similar coil, I don't want to create confusion with those I now have. HH Randy

 

[TURNMASTER]

Randy, you are most likley correct on the chip thing, although I thought there could also winding differences that could benefit one freq or another.

As to points #1 and #2, thanks. You show more restraint than I own. Which is how the rest of the world knows I have not found a giant cache and am now wealthy. Things just POP into my mind and out they come.

Jeff

 

[lambo1]

My personal opinion is Minelab abandoned us on the xterra line. Sure, they came out with extra 5 on the end of their models and a few more bells and whistles but have done nothing to try to keep the xterras users competitive with other machines by giving us better coil options in the DD range. I think RandD needs to step up because I am seeing more and more faithful users moving on. Lambo

 

[David]

I am very satisfied with the lighweight and waterproof Concentric coils and the 6" HF DD, as they are very good. BUT I do agree some(but not all) X-Terra coils are 'long in the tooth'. The gold nugget prospecting 5x10" HF DD coil is 'not' waterproof which is very odd. The 10.5" DD's, which are not waterproof again, are too heavy being old model 3rd generation coils which Minelab used on the older Quattro and Explorer, so old that 2nd generation are the Slimline coils, and 1st generation are the PRO coils. We defininitely need a coil revamp for the X-Terra's 5x10"(making it waterproof) BUT more so and especially for the 10.5" DD coils as I mentioned above to make them in the 11" PRO DD configuration, and also have lightweight-waterproof elliptical 10x18" or 10x20" (LF, MF, & HF) DD's for prospecting, relic, & large farmers field-homestead coverage. (A 15" WOT or 12x15"-15x18" SEF works for this purpose on the Musky and MXT, as the BBS and FBS machines are too slow of a sweep for not enough ground coverage in a day.)

We also need a 6" LF DD and a 11" LF(also MF & HF) PRO DD coil. Or licence out the chip technology for a fee so an X-Terra 15" WOT or 12x15"-15x18" SEF's can be made for it.

"I am seeing more and more faithful users moving on. Lambo" Move on to what Lambo? An E-Trac, Safari, F75 Ltd, T2 Ltd, or Spectra V3i?

 

[KurtB]

Agree with you 100%. I keep trying new machines but all I really want is a lighter 10.5" DD coil for my X70.

Kurt

 

[GunnarMN]

Boy was that mini deep

 

[Digger]

You said Minelab abandoned us and has "done nothing to try to keep the xterras users competitive with other machines by giving us better coil options in the DD range"? You have to be kidding! I have been involved with the X-TERRA since the initial field test, when there was just one coil available. Now there are eight coils commercially available. Half of which are DD coils. Name one other detector on the market that has 8 or more OEM coils specifically made for that detector series, without having used the technology already developed for another detector model in their lineup. Good luck coming up with one.

With that said, I would like to see more coils too. I've been telling Minelab that I'd like to see a small 3 kHz DD and a larger MF "lightweight design" for several years now. But if Minelab doesn't come out with them, I can assure you there has to be a solid technical reason. It is certainly not because they abandoned you.

As to the last three models, You said that they only added a few "whistles and bells". I did not field test the last three models. But I did BUY them in an effort to better understand them. By actually using them, unlike you, I would be able to provide accurate information here on the forum. A forum which, by the way, pays me the same amount of money that I get paid to field test products. $ZERO.00 ZILCH! NADA! When I got out and put the coil to the soil, I noticed quite a few useful functions in each of the new X-TERRA series. The X-305 added Threshold, another Pattern, multiple audio tones and manual ground balance. The X-505 added the ability to use the low freq coil, an additional Pattern, enhanced depth, multiple audio tones and a Threshold. The 705 added a backlight, tracking GB offset, a fourth Pattern, two modes of Pinpoint and a more sophisticated processor that allows for maximized depth and a faster reset between targets. For you to say that those are just whistles and bells indicates to me that you are either misinformed or just ignorant of how this functionality may have been an improvement over your X-70 that you listed on the Classifieds a couple weeks ago.

You said: "I think RandD needs to step up "? You are, once again, ignorant of the facts. I have nowhere to "step up". I am not employed by Minelab, I have never been employed by Minelab and I have no intention of being employed by Minelab. I'm just a guy who has been metal detecting for over 38 years, enjoys many aspects of the hobby, owned nearly every detector made, has field tested products for several manufacturers (including Minelab) and was asked to voluntarily moderate this forum. A position which has occassionally tested my patience. But I have to say, your post contains the most ill-informed comments I've ever read on here.

 

[Digger]

I agree David in that I'd like to see a Pro style coil "commercially available" for the X-TERRA. But making one, and making one that meets Minelab's expectations, is apparently two different things. There have been a lot of different manufacturers build coils and "push them out the door" to the consumer. I think you'd agree that many of those have not produced the results that were expected. But I have to hand it to Minelab, they don't churn out products just to make money. I'm sure the bottom line is a consideration for R&D. Could they make some improvements with waterproofing etc. Sure they could. But at least they admit some of the coils can't be submerged to certain depths. For the record, waterproof vs water resistant has more to do with water pressure factors than not letting water seep in. I know when I was having that discussion with them, they were concerned with how deeply submerged a coil might be, at any given time. I'm confident that those engineering factors were used to establish the waterproof categorization. JMHO HH Randy

 

[TURNMASTER]

I do not understand the desire for an extra 1/2 inch size in a DD coil. ie; 10.5" to 11". The numbers do not justify the expense.
If the detection field is, for instance 1" wide, then an 11" coil only samples an area 1/2 sq inch more than the 10.5".
In terms of volume the larger coil would sample another 5 cubic inches at say 10" depth.

Now I understand that the larger coil should get a little better penetration, but how much better for a 1/2" size increase? I do understand that the design difference could add another bit of depth. But is the expense justified when compared to tweaking the machine to hit just a tad deeper.
To me the attraction would be a lighter coil with the slight increase in depth.

More important to me would be a 3khz big DD and small DD.
OR
Eaqually nice would be to licence the tech. to a reputable aftermarket coil manufacturer. That would bite into Minelabs $ although the availability of an outside coil could sell more machines to put them on.

My best guess here is ML may be testing to come up with a 3rd gen Xterra.

I for one do not feel abandoned. If I want more depth on a trashy coin site I might buy an Etrak or an Exporer. A larger Xterra coil will not help me much in the trash.

Just My Rambling Thoughts
Jeff

 

[Digger]

I agree with the diameter comparisons Jeff. My comments toward a larger coil were based on the lightweight design of the Pro coils, not the diameter. I also agree with your thoughts on aftermarket coil availability. Unless Minelab is currently working on more coils for the X-TERRA, maybe it is time to turn over the "technical specs" to one of the aftermarket coil manufacturers. I realize it might put a damper on their OEM coil revenue. But as you said, it could greatly enhance their revenue from selling more detectors. I'd have to think they would have figured that "marketing strategy" out by having those same circumstances in play with their BBS, FBS and their 5kHz detectors. JMHO HH Randy

 

[lambo1]

Digger,
Didn't mean to get you all upset and I love my Xterra. I was responding to a post about a Pro coil not being available for the Xterra.
Maybe I should have specified the 10.5 DD coil is where I think they are abandoning me but again, this was a post about a 11" Pro coil. I also know that I am not the only person out here with this gripe.

Most of my hunting is in pretty mineralised ground average of around 24 GB and some of my hunting is in the Upper Peninsula where
I am happy if I am above 10 so a big DD coil is what I need. The 10.5 DD is a good coil but it's 1st generation and you would know more than me
of how old that is. My gripe, and I believe I am entitled to it, is that after all these years I find it hard to believe Minelab can't/hasn't come up with a better option. They do have a great selection of coils but on average of 90.00 a pop for used coils you have to pick and choose what works best for you or you no longer have a mid-range price detector. I am a pretty fit guy but swinging that big coil for 8 or 9 hours wears you down so in an open forum, why can't I express my honest opinion without being lambasted (no pun intended)?

I was not knocking the new xterra line at all with bells and whistles. A lot of people use that term loosely for new releases but pointing out that their R&D should be putting more effort into giving us an option on a larger DD coil or even a 3Khz coil that is DD for the people that hunt in mineralised ground. I have never tried the 5x10 on the advice from my Minelab dealer that swings the Xterra 70 and said he woudn't recommend it for my type of hunting so my only options are to keep swinging the heavy, unbalanced coil or switch machines. I have the 6"HF coil which is the best coil of all but you can't cover much ground with that.


I do have my detector out there in the classifieds section up for trade and have had quite a few offers from people to buy it which I have turned down so thanks Digger for pointing that out. Also, thanks for starting off your reply by cursing at me and using your moderator status to access and respond using my first name instead of my username.You have contributed above and beyond to this forum and I thank you for all the help you and the forum have given me.
I send people all the time to this forum from other sites because of all the great info and knowledge shared here but IMHO I think you should take a step back
and look at how you respond to people that have different views than you - moderator or not. I think new people coming here to check out this forum will be turned off if they feel they can't share their opinions without being attacked by the mod because he has a different view or if he mis-interperts someones post.

Good luck to you all and Happy Hunting.

Lambo

 

[Digger]

Now you claim that I obtained your first name due to my Moderator privileges. That is NOT true. If you click on your username lambo1 at the top of your posts, the page it takes you to shows the name Todd because that is what you put in your profile. You put it there. I didn't.


You felt it was OK to post a modified spelling of my given name (RandD) when you told me to Step Up in your initial post. Yet you take offense when I use your given name of Todd in my response. You were offended when I used symbols to gain attention to my response to your post. But your using an improper spelling of my name in your initial post, while calling me out by telling me to Step Up (because of your perception that Minelab is abandoning the X-TERRA line) seems to be OK to you. You said that I needed to Step Up in your first post. When I responded, you want me to Step Back. How can it be that the person who points out mistakes in a post where he is asked to Step Up, corrects those mistakes and is then told to Step Back? Why is the person who makes the first post entitled to their opinion, and the person who disagrees is not entitled to theirs? Not even when they are specifically called out, by (an incorrect spelling of) their name? How come the person who posts inaccurate information is suddenly a victim of the person who points it out? Why can't the person who made errors in his initial post step up and admit it? Why is the person who pointed out those errors the one who is told to Step Back? What ever happened to right and wrong? What happened to wanting to speak the truth, and simply wanting to learn the truth? What ever happened to holding people accountable for their words or actions, and not making excuses for them or allowing them to turn it around, passing the blame to others, and making themselves appear the victim? What ever happened to admitting your mistakes and getting on with life? Has this forum entered the world where we don't keep score and everyone gets a trophy for participation?

finally, in response to your last comments... and then I am done ......you said "I think new people coming here to check out this forum will be turned off if they feel they can't share their opinions without being attacked by the mod because he has a different view or if he mis-interperts someones post".
Personally, if I were in the market for a new detector, or wanted to learn more about the one I had, I'd want to know the truth. I would feel more "turned off" by someone whining that Minelab had abandoned the X-TERRA line than I would by the Moderator disagreeing with ( and correcting) a technically inaccurate post. I think the owner of this website, and the manufacturer who helps pay for this forum (where those comments are posted) would agree. If they don't, they can drop me an email to let me know who took over as moderator.

Randy

 

[lambo1]

Digger,
RandD was meant as Research and Development and had nothing to do with you. I typed that message from my Blackberry and wasn't sure where to find the & sign. The whole post was regarding why they (R&D) hadn't come up with a better option after all these years.

Later

 

[TomB]

Research & Development...out of "RandD" I don't think so. TomB

 

[lambo1]

Digger, I am sincere when I say my post had nothing to do with you but everythoing to do with the 10.5 dd so I apologize if it sounded that way! I should have been more careful with my choice of words using abandon but merely expressing my frustration for the heavy coil. I still strongly believe Minelab could and should do something about giving us an option and I was responding only regarding the subject of the thread. Lambo

 

[TURNMASTER]

I think RandD needs to step up because I am seeing more and more faithful users moving on. Lambo

OH I get it R and D duh post makes sence now