I got into metal detecting about six months ago and I bought the Vanquish 440 to get started. I've found quite a few good coins with it. But just today I started doing research on the X-Terra Pro. Wow! I started feeling discontent pretty quick but maybe I'm getting too anxious about it. I really like the modes and the waterproof factor of the X-Terra! But I do like the Multi-IQ that the Vanquish has. So I'm wondering. Would it be a worthwhile upgrade to go with the X-Terra Pro or should I go with the equinox line when the time comes for an upgrade. I'm on a pretty limited budget so I'd love to have some input on this!
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X-Terra Pro vs. Vanquish 440?
- Thread starter Joshc
- Start date
You might just want to pick up the Xterra Pro and keep the Vanquish.
Let me explain my thinking.
I've got an Xterra 705 and an Explorer SE. One three frequency (one at a time, determined by coil selection), and one multi-frequency machine. They're a dynamic duo. Between the two, there weren't many places that I couldn't hunt successfully. With a selection of coils for both machines, I could set up for any situation.
I operate on a pretty tight budget, too. I've found that I can do just as well or better than guys with more expensive units by tailoring my equipment to each hunt. Couple that with only having to cough up smaller amounts periodically for additional coils and it makes good results more affordable. In the end, you might have just as much money into your collection than if you had bought the more hotrod machine to begin with, but guys with those machines won't be able to outhunt you, so it's pretty much a wash at that point.
Monkeys Uncle
Well-known member
Don't know the other machine...but, use and love the Vanquish 440. Especally, light weight and its simplicity. Used an Etrac for years (great machine...maybe the best) but too heavy and toooooo many options.
I own the xterra pro and the vanquish 540 pro pack . The xterra pro has more features like waterproof etc but to me the vanquish with the multi iq i think is better . The id’s are more stable I guess because the scale is not from 0-99 like the xterra ? . The wireless headphones are great , xterra no wireless yet . Lightweight. More coils available for the vanquish right now . A few other things but that price point on the exterra , now that is what hooked me into getting one . Just can’t beat it with all the features it comes with . Just my opinion . Good luck with whatever you decide. HH
The X-Terras features for the price is what really intrigued me initially as well. My only real experience has been the Vanquish so things like adjustable recovery speed, ground balance, and tones look really interesting to me. But I'll wait and enjoy my Vanquish for the time being. Like I mentioned earlier I've had really good success with it! Now what I'd really like to see is a really good head to head comparison video of the two! Depth, separation, recovery speed, etc... I'm sure someone will do one eventually. I just haven't seen one yet. Thanks for the input!
Monkeys Uncle
Well-known member
Not trying to discourage you and your interest in other detectors...but my experience with machines with multiple options/configurations can lead to frustration, i.e., "what if" I'd used this/that/another setting...would I have detected more/better/deeper targets???? The answer is yes AND no. Complete satisfaction with multiple options is extremely elusive and I question whether it is even achievable. Simplicity works for me, but I'm old, lazy and assume the 'perfect' machine has not been designed...much less, assembled yet. HH and good luck!
Finally...IMHO, like Real Estate philosophy...location, location, location is THE KEY!
I see things a bit differently. To me, the availability of options for settings means flexibility. If what you're doing isn't working, change something!
I put a lot of time into actually learning my machines, and I just shake my head when someone says they've "mastered" a machine after only owning it for a couple months, when I know darn well that they couldn't possibly have learned all it has to offer in that period of time. The 705 is a prime example.
bigtim1973
Well-known member
I once had a vanquish 550 and now I have the xterra pro currently.
I know the vanquish is going to id a target more accurate at depth than the new xterra pro will.
However in higher iron infested areas the xterra will be more forgiving being a single selectable frequency unit not falsing so much.
I thinl you will like the control rod and screen layout on the xterra pro better than your vanquish.
The xterra pro will punch pretty deep in my mild soil.
I know the vanquish is going to id a target more accurate at depth than the new xterra pro will.
However in higher iron infested areas the xterra will be more forgiving being a single selectable frequency unit not falsing so much.
I thinl you will like the control rod and screen layout on the xterra pro better than your vanquish.
The xterra pro will punch pretty deep in my mild soil.
Monkeys Uncle
Well-known member
Good...(no)...valid point(s). With the Etrac, I grew tired of wondering whether I EVER had the right settings for the location, mineralogy, electrostatic???, soil conditions, sensitivity, tone, ??? etc., etc. PLUS finally realized I could hunt longer with a lighter machine. The weight and simplicity of the Vanquish filled my wish list...plus old age has seemingly allowed me to NOT WORRY if I missed something and left it for other, more diligent detectors.
I understand completely.......even the age related advantage of a new machine over the old FBS units. My point was mostly that there more valid lines of thought about upgrades than we can express.
FOR ME, it's worked out well to have more than one detector, so I have four that I use. Each brings something to the table that the others do not. Point being that an "upgrade" doesn't necessarily mean the old machine is not still better at some things, especially if the newer bigger badder machine is based on different technology. That's why I always felt the 705 and Explorer SE complimented each other, because V-Flex and FBS are very different technology even if you overlook the single frequency vs multi-frequency thing, which by itself is a difference that merits having both.
After having the Equinox 600 and 800. since the Equinox and just using the Xterra Pro just for one day. I have worries. The Xterra Pro will stand on its own right with the 600 / 800.
I mainly got the Xterra Pro for water Because I was not comfortable submerging a $600/$800 detector when I can do the same thing with a $269 detector that will stand up right with the 600/800.
I spent 4 hours today and I have confidence the XTP. Will work fine.
I think Minelab has a big hit on the market. Learn your numbers with practice and the XTP. Will stand its ground with any detector on the market.
I mainly got the Xterra Pro for water Because I was not comfortable submerging a $600/$800 detector when I can do the same thing with a $269 detector that will stand up right with the 600/800.
I spent 4 hours today and I have confidence the XTP. Will work fine.
I think Minelab has a big hit on the market. Learn your numbers with practice and the XTP. Will stand its ground with any detector on the market.
Ok so here's the scoop. My wife and I had our first baby recently and we're throwing most of our extra cash towards a house we are fixing up. So I'm on a really really tight budget and probably will be for a good while. I keep watching videos on the Xterra Pro and it's driving me nuts that no one is doing a comparison video in a language that I can understand. So far what I've seen has impressed me. Here's what I'm up against. I don't have much money to invest in a new detector so in order to buy another one I really should sell my Vanquish 440 but I'm trying to decide if I'm stupid to do that or not. The price point for the two is very comparable. If I'd have the 540 it would look different to me. Also I don't have a beach close by to detect so my hunting has all been on ground with low mineralization which makes me think the Multi-IQ isn't overly important. So I'm throwing this suggestion out there to you guys that have connections. Can we please have someone do a video comparing the two?? Or should I just be content with the 440?! I've been trying to be content but it's been hard! LOL
KSDfisher77
Well-known member
I think there is a youtube vid of the vanquish 540 & the xterra pro. Idk how much difference from the 440 to the 540 vanquish series. But FWIW the vanquish did just as good as the xterra pro.
Thanks I like the straightforward answer!
woodbutcher
Well-known member
I've run all three vanquish models and the 440 would be my pick out of them all..Best coil is the 7x10 imo.. I have a Xterra pro on the way to see how it fairs in my soil..in all fairness and just my personal opinion,but most machines on the market will find most targets, including the vanquish 440.. location is the key,these guys posting fistfuls of old coins aren't getting them from wore out sites with a new machine, they're hitting fields, door knocking and curbstripping.. Gotta put the work in to reap the rewards of this hobbie
Monkeys Uncle
Well-known member
Used my 440 today. Old baseball field. Picked up some clad...all dated in the 80's and most were around 8 or 9 inches deep. Still amazes me how accurate it ID's the target...I'm so old, I don't dig pennies or nickels anymore...just dimes and quarters. Get a ring every once in a while. Only one error target today (copper wire fixture???). Also pulled one qtr. that was resting against a steel nut. ID'ed the qtr, but with a little scratch and digital bounce. Did dig 3 copper pennies that ID'ed as dimes...probably due to damp soil conditions. HH and do stay well/safe!! Gig em