X-Terra user's read this

[SkiWhiz]

As some of you are aware, I am about ready to purchase a X-Terra 30 (my first Minelab detector) and I have been doing all the reviewing I can find. I came across this one somewhere & I it doesn't sound very positive and would like your feedback. Here is the review and i quote:

Having used the new V Flex search system I noticed no major leaps in technology in fact no difference at all apart from a worrying signal delay from the target passing the coil to the actual sound in the headphones, performance is on par with the Garrett 250 ace and the whites Prizm range, putting technology aside I think its closest relation is the C Scope 1220 R as it also has a clear bold numeric display.

The X-terra 30 50 and 70 have the same performance and will probably be a logical choice for Minelab supporters who find the Explorer II and Quattro to heavy or complicated.
I would rate the Minelab X-Terra
Performance 6/10 Balance and simplicity 8/10
My thoughts on the x-terra range and v flex technology
Personally I hope this machine is not a sign of things to come, technology has not advanced despite what magazine adverts and DVD's suggest, I can only describe it as a case of outsmarting itself, 2 steps forward resulting in four steps backward. End quote.

I might hold off on ordering until I hear your responces. Thanks! Steve.

 

[Digger]

you do not buy a detector from the dealer in Corpus Christi who posted that review. If he isn't smart enough to recognize the technological advances made by the X-Terra technology, and the obvious differences between the three models, I sure wouldn't want him making any recommendations to me about detecting.

It is important to get different opinions on detectors. But I think it is more important to get them from people who actually use the specific make and model. With that said, I recommend you read through the 59 pages of posts on this forum. Some are good and some are critical. Analyze them and pay special attention to those whose manner of detecting most resembles what you intend to do. And then make up your own mind based on what all you have read. I will say, however, if you "hold off" buying one until everyone agrees, you will never buy anything. HH Randy

 

[B.T]

Should I respond, shouldnt I, ahh how can I resist!
I rate the review by who-ever wrote it, thats if anyone really did because I have my doubts and think its really just to get a rise out of someone, a big 0/10.

 

[SkiWhiz]

I didn't know who wrote it, it ust came up while I was inputting X-Terra 30 reviews into Google. I guess you are right no one will agree 100% on which detector to buy. I just would really like to try the X-terra 30 and at almost $400 (alot of money in my position) I don't want to get a machine that won't do the job (finding coins & jewelry). Thanks! Steve.

 

[patricks]

Hi, it's to late for me, i bought my new x-terra 30 this last tuesday. because of weather, and some other doings that needed doing, i have not really had the opportunity to give my e-xterra 30 a good chance to prove itself, and too, "i must learn its language, as in what its beeps and tones are trying to tell me....then doing the digging to see what those beeps, and tones are lelated to, ie: pull-tabs, bottle caps, tinfoil, scrap-metal, and etc; and also planting a test garden with the above said items, as well as a assortment of coins: pennies, nickles, dimes, quarters, and etc; and studying my machines responses to those idems as i use it on my test garden, as well as in the field.
i like the sturdy quality feel my x-terra 30 has. it will be even nicer when the 6" inch search coil becomes available, that will be soon i am thinking. if all goes well, in a few months of using the x-terra 30, and i like it well enough, i may step-up to the x-terra 50, or possible the x-terra 70...tho i am not sure i need all the bells and whistles that are in the x-terra 70.
"Good hunting" *Patricks*

 

[nugget71]

Have a little faith my little chickadee!! Its quite obvious to me and should be to you as well (Im not trying to be a wise guy here) that like in life there will always be someone out there that isnt happy about something! I'm not gonna get all fanboy here and tell you how good minelab is or how brilliant there detectors are but I will say this.........LOAN IT.........TRY IT.........THEN BUY IT! If you can do this then maybe it might set your mind at ease.
Cheers!

P.S Not every feather tickles!

 

[bfodnes]

Hi.

This origanates from www.garysdetecting.co.uk

A guys opinion is a guys opinion and it may be different reviews if he did different detecting.He however tells it like he sees it and I dont want him to do anything else.

What I can say is. I have had the Ace for 2 years and have tried the 1220 as long as Gary tried the 50. Mind you I have only had the 70. The 70 outshines both the mentioned by far, no comparison.Really it isnt.

Since i have only had the 70 I can only speak for that one.

 

[John: VK2NIX]

G'day all; I cannot comment on any comparative test between the X Terra's and any other detector because the 70 is my first machine, and I'm happy with it. What has always worried me though about embedding a chip in the X series coils is the need for the chip in the first instance. Is'nt the coil just one part of a tuned circuit on the output and input stages of a transmitter and receiver respectively?. Since when does a series or parallel tuned circuit need a chip?. Crystal sets dont, antenna tuners dont, hf, vhf, and uhf transmitters and receivers dont. The VFlex system is making me feel cynical about what I see as an attempt by Minelab to stop aftermarket coil manufacturers from getting in on the act. Somebody help cure my cynicism please. Cheers:from John, in the wilds of Cootamundra.

 

[RonNH]

As a newcomer to the X-Terra (70) and having had 6 White's machines and an Explorer XS in the past, I wanted to state that right now, the Terra stands out above the rest. It's a simple machine to run, much simpler than the DFX that I own. The Terra has a display that you can actually see in all light conditions. The machine is light and easy to swing (I only have the stock coil for now, waiting for the 10.5" DD). The depth is very respectable, I just found a small, delicate silver broach this week at an honest 10". I really like the 4 tones and the VDI's lock on to tell you trash from treasure. The only improvements I would make is to have a bigger stand below the arm cup and a rechargable battery system, something where you can pop out the 4 AA's as a whole.

I don't think it's fair to compare it to another brand. All machines have a plus or minus. No machine can do it all perfectly, all the time, but the X-Terra comes close.

Just my 2 cents worth, Ron

 

[Shenandoah Digger]

Well, I own quite a few detectors, all of which are more expensive than the Xterra 30. I bought one for my son knowing that it was an easy machine to use and of good quality. I took it to an area I just got permission to hunt that had driven my other detectors nuts, due to the mineralization and hot rocks. Even though the GB can't be adjusted on the 30, by turning the sensitivity down to 8 it worked like a charm and had no chattering. I picked colonial buttons and bullets out of trash that my experienced Explorer II buddy missed. While the 30 may not be an Explorer, it's a darn good machine, and really impressed me. I'm looking to buy a 70 as I write this. I had been considering an F-75 or a T-2 before trying the 30, but not now. My only question now is if the 70 will be a great improvement over the 30. With its additional features and from what I've read, it should well be.

 

[Jackpine Savage]

Steve,

Get a good used X-50 or X-70 and save the depreciation loss on a new machine if its not for you. If you like it and want a warranty sell it off and buy a new one.

Tom

 

[Dan-Pa.]

Read all posts on the forums or ads with a grain of salt and you will get to know who the knowlegable guys are as many post on several forums..
All in all X-terra is a user friendly, medium depth detector with large numbers on the screen and has many of the bells and whistles of much more expensive units.
Its light ergonomically good and lets you hunt for hours with no discomfort, has a nice notch system and tone ID.
I hate to disagree with the writer about advances in the industry but over the years they made them lighter, more user friendly,deeper,and if you compare what a dollar would buy in 1980 or so not that expensive not to mention getting a lot more out of the batteries as many older models took 2,3 and yes 4 times the amount of batteries.
Is an X-terra perfect or for everyone( certainly not) but expect a lot of bang for the bucks and do visit a Minelab dealer for a looksee and then make your decisions depending on your wallet and what your looking and am sure one of the X models will be to your liking..

 

[Digger]

If you don't have a dealer in your area that will let you test a couple detectors, I would loan you my X-30. But, you must agree to a few "rules". You pay for insured shipping both ways. You send it back in as good of condition as you received it. And, you send it back within a couple weeks. If you are interested, let me know. HH Randy

 

[SkiWhiz]

[quote Digger]If you don't have a dealer in your area that will let you test a couple detectors, I would loan you my X-30. But, you must agree to a few "rules". You pay for insured shipping both ways. You send it back in as good of condition as you received it. And, you send it back within a couple weeks. If you are interested, let me know. HH Randy[/quote] Thank you so much for the offer Randy, I just ordered one. I think it was a good move, can't wait to get it. Not just anyone would loan me a detector, almost like borrowing someone's wife, well not quite that but a real nice offer just the same! There are no dealers in my area or for thst matter no one that detects (I only know 2 other people that detects alittle bit in my area) I appreciate everyone's comments & soon will be a "Minelab man". Thanks! Steve.

 

[Shenandoah Digger]

Steve, you'll be more than happy with the 30. I agree with all the posts above except one item Dan stated. I believe the 30 is a whole lot deeper than a medium depth detector. Not the depth of my Nautilus, but every bit as deep as my Tejon.

 

[steve herschbach]

Hi John,

Well, I'm sure not up on the exact technology,but the coil and control talk to each other. My X-Terra 70 can run at one of three frequencies. Now I suppose Minelab could have put a switch on the unit that I would use to tell it what the coil frequency is. But Minelab choose to take the fool-proof approach of having the coil tell the control box what kind of coil it is, and the control box sets itself for the coil. Not only does my XT70 know the frequency but it knows if the coil is concentric or DD.

One coil can use different frequencies, as in the Eureka Gold with three selectable frequencies. But I have yet to be convinced it is better than a coil and box tuned for a single frequency. The Eureka works best at 20 kHz and the 60 kHz mode does not perform as well as a White's Goldmaster at 48-50 kHz or a Fisher Gold Bug 2 at 71 kHz. Multi freq units like the Explorer do not small gold as well as nugget machines even though it is quoted as using up to 100 kHz frequencies. The Explorer seems to hit best in the silver/lower frequency range, which was no doubt the main design intent.

So long story short I think Minelab has recognized that in any single frequency you want the coil and box perfectly tuned to each other for best performance.

And that's my theory, no matter how wrong it is. I do not much care as long as Minelab gets the coils out. People have been critical, but name me a totally new line of detectors that has had as many coils introduced in such a short time. But yeah, I'm impatient for a small one myself!

Steve Herschbach
Steve's Mining Journal

 

[bfodnes]

Steve, I think we see great stability cause of that. Would not wanted it any other way. the stability speaks for itself, around here atleast.

 

[John: VK2NIX]

Thanks a lot Steve for the great reply, I agree with you in that I don't care either, so long as the coils hit the market, I will buy 1 or 2. As far as I'm concerned the 70 is great, and I now have 75 various Australian and english coins to attest to its ability to sniff out what I'm looking for, and I'm still on the first set of batteries. What comes out of my previous posting when I re-read it, apart from my cynicism, is that I simply cannot understand why a tuned circuit needs to be told what coil has been attached to it. In my limited experience as a ham radio operator, I have never come across an instance where tuned circuit needs to be instructed as to what changes are being made to it, in the case of the 70, I of course mean the coil. I always thought that if one increases the inductance, then frequency decreases, and vice versa, and does so without being told to. The other thing that I have trouble with is why the chip can't be in the control box, it' not as if it has a long way to travel. Thanks once again for your reply Steve; John

 

[BarnacleBill]

I might be wrong, but I think it's not just a matter of frequency shift. The real bugaboo is consistency of target ID across different coil types & frequencies. The method of detection relies heavily on phase angles and you can arrive at resonance using several different values of capacitance & inductance, but the "Q" will vary depending on the particular combination. Also temperature shift throws a big wrench in there as the windings lengthen & shorten.

So I think the more info the microP or DSP has about what coil is attached helps. I would not be surprised if there were a lookup table in a microP in the machine that has offset factors for ID depending on the coil type & frequency. In amateur radio single band antennas will always kill multi-bands, all other factors being equal. So rather than a multi-band coil, they opted to try the three single band approach, with the antenna(coil) telling the detector(antenna tuner) "what frequency I am" and that "I am" a vertical or horizontal etc.

It's tough enough to wind single freq concentric coils with consistency, let alone different sizes, styles, frequencies.

HH
BarnacleBill

 

[John LA]

n/t