X-TERRA PROS & CONS???

[St Bernard]

I am looking at the E-Trac and the X-terra detectors I like the price on the X-terra and the coils available as compared to the E-Tracs price. Could have about 2 X-terra for the price of the the E-Trac. What I see about the X-terra is having to switch coils to change freqs. Is this a real problem when out detecting and find yourself wanting to change coils as conditions change and figuring out how to carry extra coils with you? How is the X-terra for finding deep coins etc?
The E-Trac has a much bigger learning curve and with no one here in my area having one to learn from it will be a problem. I have read quite a lot and watched videos on the X-terra and it seems much easier to learn. I have a Whites detector and have always wanted a Minelab. The only CON I can see is carrying extra coil if a person wants to change. Feedback appreciated Thank you

 

[Bonel]

If you have the money, buy the Etrac. No doubt is the next level detector and has the FSB technology (Utilising FBS technology with simultaneous frequencies ranging from 1.5kHz - 100kHz the signal received from the detectors coil is analysed from a wide range of responses. This allows E-TRAC's advanced signal processing to analyse more target information so that target identification is more accurate).
It is programable, and fully automated ( you don't have to set the ground balance and noise cancelation), just switch it on and go.
My hunting buddy has Etrac and told me about his machine, I have Xterra for a month or so. Compairing with the old F2, it's a whole new world for me.

But if you want to save the money, buy the 705. The coil will fit your backpack and in 2 minutes you can set it up.
Hope this helps.
Bone

 

[azdigger]

I have a 705 and an Explorer XS. I would not give up my 705 at all , been thinking of selling the Explorer.
I carry my extra coils in a back but very seldom change. I love the 6" DD 18.75.
As far as depth.....I can't say one way or the other as I have found deep stuff with both machines. Of coarse in AZ so all we got is sand mostly.
This just my opinion...

 

[7centsworth]

The only con I have is the xterras are not good at all around electric fences. I only complain about that because the field I civil relic hunt in has a electric fence and it is hard to hunt in. My buddy has a different brand and has no problems around it. Other than that they are great detectors. And what's the chance of hunting close to a electric fence.

 

[dougmanning]

Hi Bemard ; i have had 2 e-tracs. and they are great detectors.don't sell the xterra short ! i have the 705 and the 70,and like both of them ! i can get coins 12'' deep with both machines. the guys like digger olh mark, post all the time and are always there to help you ! the 705 and 70 with the 10.5dd 7.5khz coil on them will hold there own with any detector out there!!

 

[morelic55]

I've had the FBS Machines, EXII, Safari (3 times) and Etrac, I always seem to come back to the X-Terras. Ease of operation is the main factor. Don't worry about the different frequency coils either. I run the 18.75 DD coils and a friend of mine runs the 7.5 DD 10.5 we both find the same amount of relics. Get the 705 Gold Pack with the 5x10 for trashy areas and get the 10.5DD for the general use coil. Of all the X-Terras that I've bought new, the 9" 7.5 coil stayed in the box and I never used it. HH Mark

 

[Dimefinder]

If you asking if it's worth upgrading to an etrak, or even a 3030, then make sure your also willing to shell out the cash for any extra coils you may want. That's one of the draws of the xterra to me. The coil costs are manageable.

 

[mike slaw4all]

I've had the FBS Machines, EXII, Safari (3 times) and Etrac, I always seem to come back to the X-Terras. Ease of operation is the main factor. Don't worry about the different frequency coils either. I run the 18.75 DD coils and a friend of mine runs the 7.5 DD 10.5 we both find the same amount of relics. Get the 705 Gold Pack with the 5x10 for trashy areas and get the 10.5DD for the general use coil. Of all the X-Terras that I've bought new, the 9" 7.5 coil stayed in the box and I never used it. HH Mark

hey mark,

how does the safari compare to the 705 ? it's priced around 500 less than the E-trac last i looked but is still an FBS machine.

thanks,

mike.

 

[morelic55]

Well, as far as relic hunting, I really hoped that it would be better, but it is a slower platform and TERRIBLE in iron trash that I hunt in. I could go on & on about the machine that I tried to use in iron, but in the end the X-Terra with the 5x10 or 6"DD coil beats them all out. You have to remember, you don't want depth in a trashy site, you want separation. Dig ALL of the one way high tone signals because there IS a non-ferrous target there, it's just masked by the nails. I've dug a hand full of square nails out of a hole, only to find a great button in the hole with them!! HH Mark

I've had the FBS Machines, EXII, Safari (3 times) and Etrac, I always seem to come back to the X-Terras. Ease of operation is the main factor. Don't worry about the different frequency coils either. I run the 18.75 DD coils and a friend of mine runs the 7.5 DD 10.5 we both find the same amount of relics. Get the 705 Gold Pack with the 5x10 for trashy areas and get the 10.5DD for the general use coil. Of all the X-Terras that I've bought new, the 9" 7.5 coil stayed in the box and I never used it. HH Mark

hey mark,

how does the safari compare to the 705 ? it's priced around 500 less than the E-trac last i looked but is still an FBS machine.

thanks,

mike.

 

[Venner]

Dig ALL of the one way high tone signals because there IS a non-ferrous target there, it's just masked by the nails. I've dug a hand full of square nails out of a hole, only to find a great button in the hole with them!! HH Mark

I have to agree with this -- depending on the site of course! -- as I've found lots of small buttons, brass knobs, rivets, even a gold-plated earring that seemed to be deep iron (-8 to -4), but which consistently chirped a high tone in one particular pass-direction. This seems to be especially true in harsh soil conditions, as the one site I hunt and find such things always ground balances in the low single digits; sometimes it is iron or rust in the hole, sometimes it is just difficult soil.

 

[Bonel]

The only CON I have found so far .... the shaft. For this price, we would deserve an E-trac shaft.
One of the cam locks is loose, and the whole shaft is wobbly.