I did want the M6.. But now.....

[Steeler1]

I am the type of person that must know things inside/out. I want to know every capability of what I have spent my money on. But I am selective as to what I want to spend hours and hours learning. Electronics are in that list. I do not have the time or patience to learn electronics.

That being said, I had my heart set on a M6. Simple, powerful, and capable. Perfect for me. But now I have been offered a deal that is hard to let go. I can get a brand new 705 for a heck of a deal.

Would getting a 705 frustrate me? How hard is the learning curve? Mostly hunting coins/jewelry at schools, parks, fields. Not a ton of trash. Seems to me the 705 has so many programs...options..menu's etc. I do want quiet, stable, detecting. My MXT was very "chattery".

The last thing I want is to get something and be frustrated, not knowing what I am doing and be forced to learn. Plz understand I have no problem learning electronics, I choose not to. I have a watch that only tells time. A old cell phone that only makes calls. ok, you get the idea..

Suggestions plz.? Thanks in advance.

[DirtAngler]

As I mentioned, for the deal you can get on a new Xterra 705, I'd go with that. For that price, just be sure it is an actual Minelab machine and not a knockoff. There are fakes being sold as Minelabs. Minelab has a genuine sticker on the box seal, look for it. The Xterra 705 is quiet and stable when set up correctly and with the right coils, deep. Plus you can change the frequency buy buying other coils. It can be a turn on and go machine plus the menu settings allow nice adjustments but are not complicated. JMHO.

[Longhair]

PM sent.

For the entertainment of any looking at this thread, here are some pics of my last couple weeks best finds with the 705. Not unlike anyone else that's not retired, I don't get near as much time hunting as I'd like, so considering that these all came from public places that all get hit regularly, I don't think this is too bad.

[Steeler1]

Very very nice... Im impressed. One strike and you paid for your machine.

And thank you for your messages, here and pm. I got a little more research to do, but I just may get me the 705..

[Martin_V3i]

Originally Posted by Steeler1

Very very nice... Im impressed. One strike and you paid for your machine.

And thank you for your messages, here and pm. I got a little more research to do, but I just may get me the 705..

Your extra coils will cost a bit more on the Minelab than for the Whites. Your old MXT coils will work on the M6, if I am not mistaken. I have the M6 and use my V3i coils on it. The 705 gets high marks though. Tough call. martin

[Longhair]

Originally Posted by Martin_V3i

Your extra coils will cost a bit more on the Minelab than for the Whites. Your old MXT coils will work on the M6, if I am not mistaken. I have the M6 and use my V3i coils on it. The 705 gets high marks though. Tough call. martin

Actually, if you look at prices on new coils somewhere like Kellyco (or anywhere that has coil prices listed), you'll find that size-for-size and configuration-for-configuration, they price out nearly the same, and in some cases the Whites coil is more expensive.

[vanstheman3]

My first MD was a 705 Gold Pack. The 705 has many cool features and options. Being under 3Lbs makes it like swinging a stick. You can do a lot worse than a 705! I suggest joining Minelab's website, going into the members area, and Downloading the E-book "Understanding Your Xterra" by Randy (digger) Horton! Also Watch the Video's and get a better insight into the machine. GL & HH.......Pat

[bigtim1973]

I like the xterra line of minelabs as they are light and fun but to get any decent depth you have to buy the DD 10" Coils for them. It makes them out of balance and they never tighten up on the shaft and flopped around a bit. The most fun coin shooter I ever had was an Xterra 50 with the 6" DD HF coil. It would really find those coins hidden in the trash. Never needed to use the pin point feature either with that set up. If your looking for a unit that is light for parks and such the xterra is a good way to go. But if your into digging relics and deep coins then I am not sure about going that route. Good luck, Tim

[Steeler1]

Thank you all for your replies and advice.

I think I have made a decision. Your going to think Im nuts but so be it. Im leaning back towards the M6. You see, so many people here and in pm's have told me the same thing. I need to read the instructions, watch the video's, download the and read the book. Then re-read again.

This is exactly what I didn't want to do. I am 100% positive the 705 is a terrific machine. Just more than I need, right now. Id spend more time learning and reading that swinging the thing. Thus, Id get frustrated.

I hope I dont sound too cazy but I seriously think the 705 might be more than I need/want right now. I want a simple, quiet, semi-powerful machine that I can find some coins/jewelry with. Im thinking the M6 is perfect for my needs.

One question though. Is there any advantage to buying a newer M6 than one say 3-4-5 years old?

That you all again for your help and advice!

[Longhair]

I think that you've gotten a wrong impression.
The suggestions as to what to read have nothing to do with it's complexity, but mearly to give you an idea of what it can do either automaticlly or manually, as well as it's ability, and simplicity if that's what you choose. What the 705 doesn't do, is limit you the way that the White's machines do. I can take mine out of the bag, spend 20sec to let it automaticlly pick a noise cancel channel, and start swinging.....it's that easy. Beyond that it's just a matter of learning the machine's language, just like any other new machine.

[Porsche914]

M6..... turn on, quick ground balance (4 pumps), start hunting.
It all boils down to where you hunt and if you get your coil over it.

[vanstheman3]

Originally Posted by bigtim1973

I like the xterra line of minelabs as they are light and fun but to get any decent depth you have to buy the DD 10" Coils for them. It makes them out of balance and they never tighten up on the shaft and flopped around a bit. The most fun coin shooter I ever had was an Xterra 50 with the 6" DD HF coil. It would really find those coins hidden in the trash. Never needed to use the pin point feature either with that set up. If your looking for a unit that is light for parks and such the xterra is a good way to go. But if your into digging relics and deep coins then I am not sure about going that route. Good luck, Tim

I had the 705 Gold pack which came with the 5x10In Coil. The Depth was Fine? The Balance was fine? There was never anything that resembled a floppy Coil Mount? maybe you were missing a rubber washer between the rod and Coil? As longhair stated I know my suggestions about the Ebook, Video's and such, were definitely Recommended to show The superiority of the 705 over an M6 (in my opinion)! But hey we all Like what we Like. I hope you enjoy your Choice whatever it turns out to be! GL & HH......Pat

[pescadore]

I had a 705 gold pack and it was a good machine. Its not difficult to learn and the depth with the stock coil is good. With that being said if you think you would be more comfortable with a m6 then go for it. I like Whites machines and have decided to stay with them even when i upgrade.

[Steeler1]

.....I can get them both for about the same money. A 705 or M6. I really wanted the simplicity and power of the M6. But if the 705 is a much better machine then I will take the time to learn it. That will be time well spent.

So you see this has been my problem. Trying to decide IF the 705 is better (deeper, more targets) than the M6. Talk to a M6 owner and it's the best thing since a slice of bread. And same with the 705. I will take the time to learn the 705 (or any other machine) IF it is that much better than the M6. This is where I am having an issue. Trying to decide.

Add the fact there are several other options in my $500 price range, and you can see why it is hard for someone to pull the trigger.

[AIRFORCEMIKE]

705 is the better choice by far. My wife swings the 705....and its simple. Noise cancel..(one button) and ground balance. If you hunt the same type of conditions most of the time no need to change anything. I would put money on it she can set it up and hunt just as fast any anyone with the M6. Then she will whoop your M6 butt when she hits the beach and you watch.

[Longhair]

FWIW, tomorrow is supposed to be the day that Coiltek releases three new coils for the Xterra.....a 15" DD 18.75kHz, a 15" 3kHz DD, and a 6" 3kHz DD (they already have a 15" 7.5kHz DD coil available).

If deep is what you're looking for, and your ground will allow it, then the 3kHz 15" WOT will be the hot ticket. If you get one, you won't want to take it anywhere that you won't want to be seen with a shovel....'cause your normal Lesche digger isn't gonna cut it.

[hawgdawg]

If I had the chance id say 705....I don't know why but its something about it that is pulling me to it....that's what I was going to get when I started out and the the money problems hit....so it was a 250.....usually when I get a gut feeling about something I'm right....except women....I don't always pick the right one there.....but I'm getting better at that with age.......that's my opinion for what its worth

[DirtAngler]

The majority of us go through this problem and the truth is that no matter which detector you choose, you will sometimes wonder if the other choice might have been better. Most detectors are or at least can be, with coil choices, fairly equal for everyday dirt detecting. Some have more features that supposedly help eliminate trash and only get the good stuff, I haven't found one yet. The point is, get a quality detector and LEARN it and you'll find the same targets with it as you would have with the other choices.

[AIRFORCEMIKE]

The detector is only as good as the individual operating it. If he is not smart enough to turn it on the odds are he is not going to find anything.

[dirt doctor]

Originally Posted by DirtAngler

The majority of us go through this problem and the truth is that no matter which detector you choose, you will sometimes wonder if the other choice might have been better. Most detectors are or at least can be, with coil choices, fairly equal for everyday dirt detecting. Some have more features that supposedly help eliminate trash and only get the good stuff, I haven't found one yet. The point is, get a quality detector and LEARN it and you'll find the same targets with it as you would have with the other choices.

DirtAngler knows of that which he speaks .