airbornebob
Full Member
Started with a Bounty Hunter I've had for 15 years... in October I bought a cheapo Dr Otek... and just this week upgraded to the Minelab XX-Terra Elite Expedition pack from Big Boys Hobbies with a military discount for $509.
Newbies - what make and model metal detector did you buy?
- Thread starter maxxkatt
- Start date
Oldbill
Forum Supporter
Great choice Bob. Almost went that way instead of the Triple Score from BBH. Eager to hear your field reports.
Dangerranger60
Full Member
I'm also looking at the Simplex as an easy to start MD. I have never had a waterproof MD and am looking forward to trying some old swimming holes, wagon crossings, and lake beaches. These last couple months have been my first looking for coins. DR
airbornebob
Full Member
I got the MT/XR in October, and soon realized that an upgrade was needed. Researched a lot and the Elite was recommended by numerous members here and on other sites, so I saved my peanuts and got it just last week. Now the weather is in the 20's when its not raining, so I am like the kid with a new ball and glove waiting to go outside!I received the Dr. Otek MT/XR for Christmas to get me started. I'm already eying the Minelab X-Terra Elite.
Basil_Clench
New Member
I suppose that, technically, I'm not a true "newbie".
My first detector was a Radio Shack "Micronta 3001", purchased in 1984 for about $25, I think. Had lots of fun finding shallow coins and relics mostly in my friend's/ family's yards. It would sit in the closet for years at a time, then I'd bring it over to someone's house if they wanted to try it. Still have it. My best finds were at my friend's first house on Whidbey Island, outside Seattle. Many cool coins-including a nice Barber half and a couple dozen .45/70 Govt spent casings that dated from late 1800s to early 1900s.
In 2017, we were doing some work on my 600' driveway, and needed to locate a buried, old, galvanized-steel drain culvert and get it working again. Down at least 4', my Radio shack unit couldn't find it. So what the heck, I bought a Bounty Hunter Time Ranger, the 10" coil, and a pinpointer from Amazon. All for about $220. I found the culvert easily, which was fun.. Unfortunately, I was too busy with work and caring for my mom to dive into the detecting world, so the Time Ranger spent most of the time cuddled up to the Radio Shack unit.
I'm now retired and want to really enjoy the Ranger on a regular basis. I might even pick up that big Bounty Hunter12COILDD-BH 12-Inch Black Search Coil ($199). That Coil would cost more than my Time Ranger unit, LOL, but, whatever.
First I need to learn how to run the Time Ranger properly. I am still a newbie with that. Considerably more complex than old Micronta.
My first detector was a Radio Shack "Micronta 3001", purchased in 1984 for about $25, I think. Had lots of fun finding shallow coins and relics mostly in my friend's/ family's yards. It would sit in the closet for years at a time, then I'd bring it over to someone's house if they wanted to try it. Still have it. My best finds were at my friend's first house on Whidbey Island, outside Seattle. Many cool coins-including a nice Barber half and a couple dozen .45/70 Govt spent casings that dated from late 1800s to early 1900s.
In 2017, we were doing some work on my 600' driveway, and needed to locate a buried, old, galvanized-steel drain culvert and get it working again. Down at least 4', my Radio shack unit couldn't find it. So what the heck, I bought a Bounty Hunter Time Ranger, the 10" coil, and a pinpointer from Amazon. All for about $220. I found the culvert easily, which was fun.. Unfortunately, I was too busy with work and caring for my mom to dive into the detecting world, so the Time Ranger spent most of the time cuddled up to the Radio Shack unit.
I'm now retired and want to really enjoy the Ranger on a regular basis. I might even pick up that big Bounty Hunter12COILDD-BH 12-Inch Black Search Coil ($199). That Coil would cost more than my Time Ranger unit, LOL, but, whatever.
First I need to learn how to run the Time Ranger properly. I am still a newbie with that. Considerably more complex than old Micronta.
Cherry Picker
Forum Supporter
I would still like to see more about whether you were influenced to buy your detector by watching videos orthe opinions of users. You don't need to name where you bought it from, just whether you were influenced by watching videos or reading the opinions of uses.
LovestheShiny!
Forum Supporter
Watched the Hoover Boys on YouTube back in late 2016-early 2017. They used the AT Pro and "vacuumed up" a ton of good finds. That completely convinced me about that detector, so... I went out and bought an AT Pro in 2017, haven't looked back as it too has vacuumed up a ton of goodies!
maxxkatt
Forum Supporter
I bought the Vanquish 440 or 540 (can't remember which). But is was a very good starter and beyond detector.
maxxkatt
Forum Supporter
Boy that is the truth. Once you get a tube Amp or receiver and very good speakers and turntable you will be ruined for anything less. Best place to look is estate sales or decent thrift shops (not Goodwill). Goodwill cherrypicks the good electronics and sells them on-line. So all you will find in the stores is cheap monitors, tv's and DVD players.
Sand Hunter
Junior Member
Post #1 of 3
Bingo!! I totally agree with Ken.
My decision on what detector I just purchased was made based on my personal metal detecting experience, detector brands I’ve previously owned and watching a TON of review videos on YouTube.
Hint: I’m not just looking at what detectors are being recommended; I’m also looking to see what detectors the influencers and those detectorists with channels are actually using themselves. So, for me, it’s more of a “don’t listen to what they say, watch what they do” type thing. They might be compensated by making a recommendation video, fair enough, but I want to know what detectors they themselves are really, personally using, and you’ll see that if they have a YouTube channel with additional videos. I’ll listen to their recommendations, but I’ll also watch their other videos to see what detectors they typically use for their hunts.
I’m not new to metal detecting but I recently joined this Forum as I’m coming back after a few years hiatus. I started detecting 57 years ago when I was 10, my first detector was a Heathkit, then my mom got me a White’s Coinmaster IV. I've owned a bunch of detectors since then, including a Fisher 1225X, Garrett Ace 350, AT Pro, and several Minelab Sovereign’s (love them). For the last 10 years, I’ve been swinging a Sovereign Elite with a depth mod from the previous owner (see my profile pic), primarily sand hunting the beaches, but I also love coin shooting old houses, old parks, etc.
Since my Sovereign is older technology, bulky, and requires more set up time to get going, I figured it was time for an upgrade. For those not familiar with the Sovereign’s, they’re audio only, no screen, no bells, whistles or doodads. But that BBS detector transmits something like 18 or 19 frequencies at the same time, and each frequency has a separate audio tone, so once you reach a proficient level of experience, you can infer a target based on the tones. And on beach sand, the Sovereign is DEEP, and with my 12x10 SEF coil, I’ve dug ½ way to China for some targets. Soda cans anyone, lol.
But now, I’m older and want a lighter detector, more features, more up-to-date technology, waterproof, a detector I can grab and go AND wireless. And by the grace of God, I’m finally at a point in my life where I can afford any detector I want, so for me, price wasn’t a consideration. That said, I vividly remember my poor days, so I’m still more interested in total value for my $. Higher price doesn’t always mean “better” or “deeper”, it may just mean that the detector has more features, bells, whistles, and doodads for those that require or desire. Whatever a company makes, they always seem to have a more expensive model, to cater to those that want the “best”.
So as a Minelab fan boy, I started looking at Minelab’s new detectors. I first noticed the Manticore ($1,799.00), NICE detector, LOTS of bells & whistles & looks really sweet. OK, I’ll get that one. But wait, let me check out the Equinox 900 ($999.00). Damn, another fine detector, feature rich, extra frequencies for gold. Then it was on to the Equinox 700 ($749.00). Hmmm, I like this one too, with enough features for me and it’s in the Equinox lineup, so this one looks really good for my needs.
I wasn’t even thinking about the X-Terra line, but then I heard that they were waterproof, so I figured I’d check them out as well. I checked out the X-Terra Elite ($479.00). Damn, it’s lightweight, waterproof, has Multi-IQ (just like all the Equinox’s), has wireless headphones, and reasonable price. All these detectors look great and would work for me, no problem. Decisions, decisions…
I didn’t consider the X-Terra Pro as that one is single frequency. All my detectors prior to the Minelab Sovereign’s have been single frequency. But since then, I’ve owned several Sovereign’s, which are all multi-frequency, so I’ve been a multi-frequency convert for a long time, so the X-Terra Elite was my low cut-off point for consideration. And, with the X-Terra Elite, you can switch from using multi-frequency to single frequency (15kHz I believe), so I could get both.
Although I’m fortunate that I could buy any of these detectors, the tough times and poor & lean years in my younger days taught me to always look for total value, and to squeeze the most I can out of my money. You’ve seen the Minelab detectors I was considering, and you know that price wasn’t a factor in my decision.
So, which Minelab detector do you think I bought? The answer and my rationale for my decision will be in my follow-up post #2 below.
Sand Hunter
Junior Member
Post #2 of 3
This is a follow up to my previous post, deciding on which new Minelab detector to buy after coming back to detecting
after a few years hiatus.
The Answer is: I decided to go with the Minelab X-Terra Elite Expedition Pack (first). I know some of you are probably wondering why I would go with the X-Terra Elite and not the Manticore or NOX 900, since I can afford any of these detectors. There are several reasons that led to my decision.
Manticore: I know the Manticore is a totally new/different detector, 50% more power, LOTS more features and might give an extra ½”- 1” of depth or so. But lemme tell ya, on the beach, I’ve frequently dug ½ way to China getting targets with my Sovereign Elite and 12x10 SEF coil, so any minor depth differences really don’t matter much to me when I’m sand hunting, my arm is still gonna get sore from digging.
Plus, If I recall, I believe the coils for the Manticore are specific to the Manticore. So, if you also have a NOX or X-Terra Elite, I don’t think you can use your NOX or X-Terra coils on the Manticore or vice-versa, so you’ll need to buy more coils just for the Manticore, which means spending more $. BUT if you own a NOX & X-Terra Elite (same/similar family), the coils are interchangeable so you can swap the coils you already have. Or buy a new coil for the NOX, knowing that you can also use it on the X-Terra Elite. To me, that’s common sense, much more convenient and will save me a lot of $, as coils aren’t cheap these days.
Equinox 900: Has a few more features than the 700 & X-Terra Elite, expanded sensitivity (from 25 up to 28) & a couple other increased ranges (tone break, recovery speed, etc), along with 2 more frequencies (20kHz & 40kHz) for gold prospecting. But since I don’t prospect for gold, except gold rings on the beaches, lol, I really didn’t need those 2 extra frequencies, expanded sensitivity, etc. And speaking of sensitivity, in my experience, most of the time I’ve spent at the beach or on land, depending on mineralization & EMI, I found myself lowering sensitivity, not raising it. Watch some beach or land hunter videos on YouTube. Due to black sand, mineralization or nearby EMI, the guys swinging the Minelabs are usually setting their sensitivity from about 20 - 23, so they’re typically going lower, not higher, so I don’t think I would need the expanded sensitivity of the NOX 900 for my area on the East Coast.
So, at this point, I’ve eliminated the Manticore & NOX 900, and now my decision is between the NOX 700 and X-Terra Elite. The reality is, all these detectors are great, and any one of them will have me reaching for my tube of Icy Hot after several hours digging, lol. But which one is right for me and presents the best value?
For me, both the NOX 700 & X-Terra Elite more than meets my needs, and both look like great values, so I’ve decided to get both, as I can get both detectors for less cost than the Manticore. My initial plan was to go with the NOX 700 first, and then pick up the X-Terra Elite in a few months. I always like to have a capable 2nd/backup detector, so having both of those would be perfect in my case. They both have almost identical operation, so should be easy to switch back and forth.
But a visit to the Minelab website changed that plan, and I decided to pick up the X-Terra Elite first, as Minelab currently has a promotion running on X-Terra’s until the end of this month (January) that I just couldn’t pass up. I’ll still be getting both, I just switched the order of the detector I would buy first from the NOX 700 to the X-Terra Elite, to take advantage of Minelab’s promotion.
On Minelab's website, an X-Terra Elite by itself lists for $479.00, but at that price, you get just the detector w/12” coil. It doesn’t come with headphones, so getting the ML 85 Wireless headphones will cost you an additional $125.00. They are, however, including a free Minelab Pro-Find 40 pinpointer ($149.00), so you are still getting a deal if you order just the detector. So, this would be a good deal for someone who already has an Equinox, wireless headphones, and is looking to pick up a 2nd detector.
But then, I saw their promotion for the X-Terra Expedition Pack ($599.00), and IMHO, this is THE deal to get and is the package that I ordered directly from Minelab. BTW, they also include Free 1-2 day Express Air Shipping, so I got the detector in just 2 days.
With the Expedition Pack, you get the X-Terra detector with included 12” coil ($479.00). But you also get an 8” Double-D Elliptical Coil with Skidplate ($125.00), the free Pro-Find 40 pinpointer, which I was planning to buy anyway ($149.00), AND ML 85 Wireless Headphones ($125.00), for a total value of $878.00. Buying the Expedition Pack is saving me $279.00, enough to offset the cost of adding a CoilTek 10”x5” elliptical coil to my arsenal.
If you bought just the X-Terra at $479.00 and also bought the ML 85 wireless headphones at $125.00, you’d wind up spending $5.00 more than the cost of the Expedition Pack and wouldn’t get the extra 8” coil. Buying the X-Terra Elite either way will still get you a free Pro-Find 40 pinpointer ($149.00), but the Expedition pack is the way to go IMO as you’ll also get the extra 8” coil, along with the wireless headphones and free Pro-Find 40 pinpointer.
If you’re in the market for an X-Terra, or even if you’ve been looking at the NOX’s but want to save hundreds of $, go to Minelab’s website, the X-Terra Elite promotion should be one of the slides you see when you land on the site. Just remember, the promotion only runs through the end of this month (January). And if you’re planning on getting a NOX and think that spending less $ on an X-Terra Elite would somehow be going with a “lower level” detector, and you wouldn’t get the same depth as with a NOX, I think you’d be making a big mistake.
I’ll tell you why in my next follow up post #3, as there’s 1 more very important reason why I went with the X-Terra Elite, and why I think the X-Terra Elite will detect just as deep as a NOX 700 or 900. I have a hunch and a theory that I’ll detail in my next post, which will be #3 below.
This is a follow up to my previous post, deciding on which new Minelab detector to buy after coming back to detecting
after a few years hiatus.
The Answer is: I decided to go with the Minelab X-Terra Elite Expedition Pack (first). I know some of you are probably wondering why I would go with the X-Terra Elite and not the Manticore or NOX 900, since I can afford any of these detectors. There are several reasons that led to my decision.
Manticore: I know the Manticore is a totally new/different detector, 50% more power, LOTS more features and might give an extra ½”- 1” of depth or so. But lemme tell ya, on the beach, I’ve frequently dug ½ way to China getting targets with my Sovereign Elite and 12x10 SEF coil, so any minor depth differences really don’t matter much to me when I’m sand hunting, my arm is still gonna get sore from digging.
Plus, If I recall, I believe the coils for the Manticore are specific to the Manticore. So, if you also have a NOX or X-Terra Elite, I don’t think you can use your NOX or X-Terra coils on the Manticore or vice-versa, so you’ll need to buy more coils just for the Manticore, which means spending more $. BUT if you own a NOX & X-Terra Elite (same/similar family), the coils are interchangeable so you can swap the coils you already have. Or buy a new coil for the NOX, knowing that you can also use it on the X-Terra Elite. To me, that’s common sense, much more convenient and will save me a lot of $, as coils aren’t cheap these days.
Equinox 900: Has a few more features than the 700 & X-Terra Elite, expanded sensitivity (from 25 up to 28) & a couple other increased ranges (tone break, recovery speed, etc), along with 2 more frequencies (20kHz & 40kHz) for gold prospecting. But since I don’t prospect for gold, except gold rings on the beaches, lol, I really didn’t need those 2 extra frequencies, expanded sensitivity, etc. And speaking of sensitivity, in my experience, most of the time I’ve spent at the beach or on land, depending on mineralization & EMI, I found myself lowering sensitivity, not raising it. Watch some beach or land hunter videos on YouTube. Due to black sand, mineralization or nearby EMI, the guys swinging the Minelabs are usually setting their sensitivity from about 20 - 23, so they’re typically going lower, not higher, so I don’t think I would need the expanded sensitivity of the NOX 900 for my area on the East Coast.
So, at this point, I’ve eliminated the Manticore & NOX 900, and now my decision is between the NOX 700 and X-Terra Elite. The reality is, all these detectors are great, and any one of them will have me reaching for my tube of Icy Hot after several hours digging, lol. But which one is right for me and presents the best value?
For me, both the NOX 700 & X-Terra Elite more than meets my needs, and both look like great values, so I’ve decided to get both, as I can get both detectors for less cost than the Manticore. My initial plan was to go with the NOX 700 first, and then pick up the X-Terra Elite in a few months. I always like to have a capable 2nd/backup detector, so having both of those would be perfect in my case. They both have almost identical operation, so should be easy to switch back and forth.
But a visit to the Minelab website changed that plan, and I decided to pick up the X-Terra Elite first, as Minelab currently has a promotion running on X-Terra’s until the end of this month (January) that I just couldn’t pass up. I’ll still be getting both, I just switched the order of the detector I would buy first from the NOX 700 to the X-Terra Elite, to take advantage of Minelab’s promotion.
On Minelab's website, an X-Terra Elite by itself lists for $479.00, but at that price, you get just the detector w/12” coil. It doesn’t come with headphones, so getting the ML 85 Wireless headphones will cost you an additional $125.00. They are, however, including a free Minelab Pro-Find 40 pinpointer ($149.00), so you are still getting a deal if you order just the detector. So, this would be a good deal for someone who already has an Equinox, wireless headphones, and is looking to pick up a 2nd detector.
But then, I saw their promotion for the X-Terra Expedition Pack ($599.00), and IMHO, this is THE deal to get and is the package that I ordered directly from Minelab. BTW, they also include Free 1-2 day Express Air Shipping, so I got the detector in just 2 days.
With the Expedition Pack, you get the X-Terra detector with included 12” coil ($479.00). But you also get an 8” Double-D Elliptical Coil with Skidplate ($125.00), the free Pro-Find 40 pinpointer, which I was planning to buy anyway ($149.00), AND ML 85 Wireless Headphones ($125.00), for a total value of $878.00. Buying the Expedition Pack is saving me $279.00, enough to offset the cost of adding a CoilTek 10”x5” elliptical coil to my arsenal.
If you bought just the X-Terra at $479.00 and also bought the ML 85 wireless headphones at $125.00, you’d wind up spending $5.00 more than the cost of the Expedition Pack and wouldn’t get the extra 8” coil. Buying the X-Terra Elite either way will still get you a free Pro-Find 40 pinpointer ($149.00), but the Expedition pack is the way to go IMO as you’ll also get the extra 8” coil, along with the wireless headphones and free Pro-Find 40 pinpointer.
If you’re in the market for an X-Terra, or even if you’ve been looking at the NOX’s but want to save hundreds of $, go to Minelab’s website, the X-Terra Elite promotion should be one of the slides you see when you land on the site. Just remember, the promotion only runs through the end of this month (January). And if you’re planning on getting a NOX and think that spending less $ on an X-Terra Elite would somehow be going with a “lower level” detector, and you wouldn’t get the same depth as with a NOX, I think you’d be making a big mistake.
I’ll tell you why in my next follow up post #3, as there’s 1 more very important reason why I went with the X-Terra Elite, and why I think the X-Terra Elite will detect just as deep as a NOX 700 or 900. I have a hunch and a theory that I’ll detail in my next post, which will be #3 below.
Sand Hunter
Junior Member
Post #3 of 3
There’s 1 more important reason why I went with the X-Terra Elite, why my 2nd detector will be a NOX 700, and why I didn’t select the NOX 900 or Manticore. It had nothing to do with price.
First, let me say upfront that this is a hunch, a theory. I’m not able to either prove or disprove my theory right now, but I will be trying to get a definitive answer, either to confirm or deny my theory. But if anyone in this forum can give a definitive answer, i.e., they know absolutely 100% for sure, I’d appreciate them chiming in.
Here’s my hunch/theory: I think the NOX 900 & 700, and the X-Terra Elite & Pro, are all the same detector. And by same detector, I don’t mean that they all look the same, I mean I think they have the same core/internals, i.e., same printed circuit board (PCB), same components, same processor, same layout & architecture, basically they’re the same core detector.
I have several reasons why I think they’re all the same, which I’ll outline below, but again, right now, this is just my hunch/theory. I could be right or wrong. But personally, based on my 43+ years industry experience in IT, working with and hiring design engineers, software developers & architects, product & project managers, technical professionals from all specialties, and working with manufacturing companies and even having my own business manufacturing products, I think I may be right on this. But until I can be absolutely 100% certain by verifying with someone who knows for sure, don’t take this as gospel, it’s just something to ponder at this point.
When I was looking at the NOX 900, then 700, I decided to also take a look at the X-Terra Elite, as I heard it was waterproof and used Multi-IQ technology, same as the NOX’s. As I was reviewing the specs for the X-Terra Elite, I noticed that the specs appeared to be almost identical to the NOX 700. So, I pulled up the specs for both detectors, reviewed them line by line, and every spec appeared to be the same, except for 1 or 2 minor variations in features.
The NOX 900 was very similar as well, except for a few expanded/additional features, like expanded sensitivity & more recovery speeds to choose from. But the vast majority of specs were the same for the 900, and the specs for the 700 & X-Terra Elite were almost identical.
Hmmm, the NOX 700 lists for $749.00, the X-Terra Elite lists for $479.00, almost a $300.00 difference. So, what was the difference? The NOX 700 comes with a carbon-fiber shaft, the X-Terra Elite has the standard shaft. The NOX 700 has a couple minor differences in the features, but nothing that I would find dramatic, or that would make me believe that the NOX 700 detected “deeper” than the X-Terra Elite.
The similarities of the detectors got me thinking that these just might all have the same internals, the firmware for the processor might just be programmed to either include or remove certain features, depending on the model. Manufacturers are always looking for ways to streamline manufacturing, lower costs, and increase profits. That’s business and common sense.
Let’s say that you’re the manufacturer of the NOX 900, 700, and X-Terra Elite and Pro, so 4 different models. Which method of manufacturing do you think would be more cost effective, more reliable/repeatable, quicker to manufacture, and would make more business sense?
For instance, the X-Terra Elite runs in Multi-IQ, but you can select single frequency if you’d like, 15kHz I believe. The X-Terra Pro runs in single frequency, but allows you to select between several single frequencies, 5kHz, 10kHz, 15kHz, or 8kHz in Beach mode. This can be accomplished by programming the software/firmware of the different models to either include or exclude certain frequencies, or to disable Multi-IQ and only allow single frequency operation as for the X-Terra Pro.
This is similar to what car/truck manufacturers do. For example, you can buy a base level Ford XL F-150 pickup. You can move up to the XLT, more expensive but includes more features. You can move up even higher to a model like the King Ranch, which can cost upwards of $100K. BUT the truck is still the same, same frame, same body, same engine, same transmission, same suspension, etc. The primary difference of the cost of the pickup models is the type and amount of features, creature comforts, bells, whistles, and doodads each model includes. So, a model with leather seats, premium stereo, moonroof, etc., will cost a lot more than a lower-level model with cloth seats, standard stereo and no moonroof. The truck is still the same, it’s the features, creature comforts, bells, whistles, and doodads that are different and result in higher costs.
Lastly, take a look at the search coils that can be used for each model. For the new Manticore, that’s being marketed as a totally brand-new detector, new design, new architecture, etc. The Manticore has its own coils that can be used, so you can’t use one of your NOX or X-Terra coils on a Manticore. That’s because the electronics and internals are different.
But with the NOX 900, 700, X-Terra Elite, and X-Terra Pro, the coils are interchangeable, so you can use a NOX coil on an X-Terra Pro or Elite or use one of their coils on a NOX. IMO, that’s a tip-off right there that the internals of the detectors are the same. If the detector electronics and internals were different, like with the Manticore, they would require search coils specifically designed for their unique architecture. But if all those detectors share the same electronics and internals, then you’d be able to use the same search coils.
Again, this is my hunch/theory, but if this holds to be true, then there should be no difference in the detection depth of an X-Terra Elite vs a NOX 700 or 900. I don’t think that Minelab would intentionally limit the depth of a lower priced detector. There’s too much competition in the industry and every company wants to have the bragging rights of having the “deepest detector”. So, I think that they program each model, no matter what the cost, to give maximum depth.
So, this is why I went with the X-Terra Elite first, and will pick up a NOX 700 later, just to get those few added features. I think the detection depth of all of these detectors, except the Manticore, would all be the same, because if it’s like I think, the electronics and internals are all the same, and the only differences would be how the processors firmware is programmed to either add or subtract features, depending on the model and cost of the model.
There’s 1 more important reason why I went with the X-Terra Elite, why my 2nd detector will be a NOX 700, and why I didn’t select the NOX 900 or Manticore. It had nothing to do with price.
First, let me say upfront that this is a hunch, a theory. I’m not able to either prove or disprove my theory right now, but I will be trying to get a definitive answer, either to confirm or deny my theory. But if anyone in this forum can give a definitive answer, i.e., they know absolutely 100% for sure, I’d appreciate them chiming in.
Here’s my hunch/theory: I think the NOX 900 & 700, and the X-Terra Elite & Pro, are all the same detector. And by same detector, I don’t mean that they all look the same, I mean I think they have the same core/internals, i.e., same printed circuit board (PCB), same components, same processor, same layout & architecture, basically they’re the same core detector.
I have several reasons why I think they’re all the same, which I’ll outline below, but again, right now, this is just my hunch/theory. I could be right or wrong. But personally, based on my 43+ years industry experience in IT, working with and hiring design engineers, software developers & architects, product & project managers, technical professionals from all specialties, and working with manufacturing companies and even having my own business manufacturing products, I think I may be right on this. But until I can be absolutely 100% certain by verifying with someone who knows for sure, don’t take this as gospel, it’s just something to ponder at this point.
When I was looking at the NOX 900, then 700, I decided to also take a look at the X-Terra Elite, as I heard it was waterproof and used Multi-IQ technology, same as the NOX’s. As I was reviewing the specs for the X-Terra Elite, I noticed that the specs appeared to be almost identical to the NOX 700. So, I pulled up the specs for both detectors, reviewed them line by line, and every spec appeared to be the same, except for 1 or 2 minor variations in features.
The NOX 900 was very similar as well, except for a few expanded/additional features, like expanded sensitivity & more recovery speeds to choose from. But the vast majority of specs were the same for the 900, and the specs for the 700 & X-Terra Elite were almost identical.
Hmmm, the NOX 700 lists for $749.00, the X-Terra Elite lists for $479.00, almost a $300.00 difference. So, what was the difference? The NOX 700 comes with a carbon-fiber shaft, the X-Terra Elite has the standard shaft. The NOX 700 has a couple minor differences in the features, but nothing that I would find dramatic, or that would make me believe that the NOX 700 detected “deeper” than the X-Terra Elite.
The similarities of the detectors got me thinking that these just might all have the same internals, the firmware for the processor might just be programmed to either include or remove certain features, depending on the model. Manufacturers are always looking for ways to streamline manufacturing, lower costs, and increase profits. That’s business and common sense.
Let’s say that you’re the manufacturer of the NOX 900, 700, and X-Terra Elite and Pro, so 4 different models. Which method of manufacturing do you think would be more cost effective, more reliable/repeatable, quicker to manufacture, and would make more business sense?
- Build each model differently, each having a different control box, different buttons, different functionality, different PCB, different components, different layout, and different processor?
- Build each model the same, same control box, same buttons, same functionality, same PCB board, same components, same layout, and same processor?
For instance, the X-Terra Elite runs in Multi-IQ, but you can select single frequency if you’d like, 15kHz I believe. The X-Terra Pro runs in single frequency, but allows you to select between several single frequencies, 5kHz, 10kHz, 15kHz, or 8kHz in Beach mode. This can be accomplished by programming the software/firmware of the different models to either include or exclude certain frequencies, or to disable Multi-IQ and only allow single frequency operation as for the X-Terra Pro.
This is similar to what car/truck manufacturers do. For example, you can buy a base level Ford XL F-150 pickup. You can move up to the XLT, more expensive but includes more features. You can move up even higher to a model like the King Ranch, which can cost upwards of $100K. BUT the truck is still the same, same frame, same body, same engine, same transmission, same suspension, etc. The primary difference of the cost of the pickup models is the type and amount of features, creature comforts, bells, whistles, and doodads each model includes. So, a model with leather seats, premium stereo, moonroof, etc., will cost a lot more than a lower-level model with cloth seats, standard stereo and no moonroof. The truck is still the same, it’s the features, creature comforts, bells, whistles, and doodads that are different and result in higher costs.
Lastly, take a look at the search coils that can be used for each model. For the new Manticore, that’s being marketed as a totally brand-new detector, new design, new architecture, etc. The Manticore has its own coils that can be used, so you can’t use one of your NOX or X-Terra coils on a Manticore. That’s because the electronics and internals are different.
But with the NOX 900, 700, X-Terra Elite, and X-Terra Pro, the coils are interchangeable, so you can use a NOX coil on an X-Terra Pro or Elite or use one of their coils on a NOX. IMO, that’s a tip-off right there that the internals of the detectors are the same. If the detector electronics and internals were different, like with the Manticore, they would require search coils specifically designed for their unique architecture. But if all those detectors share the same electronics and internals, then you’d be able to use the same search coils.
Again, this is my hunch/theory, but if this holds to be true, then there should be no difference in the detection depth of an X-Terra Elite vs a NOX 700 or 900. I don’t think that Minelab would intentionally limit the depth of a lower priced detector. There’s too much competition in the industry and every company wants to have the bragging rights of having the “deepest detector”. So, I think that they program each model, no matter what the cost, to give maximum depth.
So, this is why I went with the X-Terra Elite first, and will pick up a NOX 700 later, just to get those few added features. I think the detection depth of all of these detectors, except the Manticore, would all be the same, because if it’s like I think, the electronics and internals are all the same, and the only differences would be how the processors firmware is programmed to either add or subtract features, depending on the model and cost of the model.
Diga
Elite Member
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Sand Hunter,
RE: Post # 35: You pretty much nailed it.
Minelab introduced Multi IQ with the original Nox. The typical SMF detectors since then are either Multi-IQ or Multi-IQ clones. That, along with the SMF / VLF teat being squeezed dry long ago, is why the raw performance of the SMF detectors is so similar.
If you haven't seen it already, check out this video by Loren Lemcke. It goes into further detail as to why the VLF / SMF ceiling was hit, and why raw performance gains are minimal.
RE: Post # 35: You pretty much nailed it.
Minelab introduced Multi IQ with the original Nox. The typical SMF detectors since then are either Multi-IQ or Multi-IQ clones. That, along with the SMF / VLF teat being squeezed dry long ago, is why the raw performance of the SMF detectors is so similar.
If you haven't seen it already, check out this video by Loren Lemcke. It goes into further detail as to why the VLF / SMF ceiling was hit, and why raw performance gains are minimal.
Sand Hunter
Junior Member
Thanks Diga. Yeah, I've seen that video, I have Loren's channel bookmarked so that I can go back and watch some of his other videos. But I pulled this on back up and will watch again, this time, with much more focus.
I kinda get a kick out of seeing "Multi-IQ" technology. My Minelab BBS Sovereign Elite puts out about 18 or 19 frequencies simultaneously if I recall. It's audio only, so no screens or bells & whistles. Each frequency has a different tone. It took some time, actually, a lot of time, to get used to all those tones, but they really help to infer targets, since there's no screen or VDI to view.
But back when Minelab was still selling the Sovereign's, they listed how many frequencies the detector transmitted in their marketing materials and on their website. But for the X-Terra and NOX's, they list frequencies on their spec page, but they never really come out and say that the detector transmits x number of frequencies simultaneously. At least I couldn't find any reference to how many frequencies the detector is transmitting at the same time, like with the Sovereign's.
Now, it will be interesting to compare the X-Terra Elite with 12" elliptical to my Sovereign Elite with 12x10 SEF Butterfly coil. I can't wait to see what, if any, depth difference there might be.
Diga
Elite Member
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I'm not too familiar with BBS / FBS, and I could be wrong, but I don't think they transmit that many frequencies. I believe it's more like two or three. I'm also unclear as to what you mean by each frequency having a different tone. The frequencies don't determine the pitch of the tones. Are you referring to the different tone pitches based on the target's characteristics?
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Sand Hunter
Junior Member
Yes, slip in my thoughts while typing. Higher conductivity targets produced a higher pitched tone, lower conductivity produced lower pitch tones. But I vividly remember Minelab advertising that Sovereign's were putting out about 18 or 19 frequencies. I'll have to Google to see if I can find anything, but I'm pretty sure it was many more than 2 or 3.
Sand Hunter
Junior Member
OK, found it. I think this description was generated by AI, but I also saw a listing from Minelab on the Google results that also confirmed 17 frequencies for BBS.
A Minelab Sovereign Elite detector operates on 17 individual frequenciessimultaneously, utilizing Minelab's "Broad Band Spectrum (BBS)" technology which transmits all these frequencies at once to maximize depth and sensitivity across a wide range of target conductivities.
Key points about the Sovereign Elite frequencies:
- BBS technology:
This is the key feature allowing the Sovereign Elite to transmit multiple frequencies simultaneously. - Frequency range:
While the exact frequency range isn't always explicitly stated, it generally covers a spectrum within the kHz range.
