X-Terra 705 metal detector, or real tests of additional probes and recommended settings

The sun went down a bit and at least a few clouds appeared in the sky, so Dan and I finally got to test the long-planned X-Terra 705 with additional probes.

The X-Terra 705 is a detector that will get everyone by its technical processing. The possibility to use three working frequencies and the prospecting mode is quite exceptional at this price. In addition, there are additional types of probes that can be used with this detector and the choice is more than decent. We have tested the probes individually at various locations, but never together like this. I was quite excited to see what the differences would be between the different targets. On the new polygon there are now targets at depths from 15 cm to 50 cm, so you can test anything.

Detector settings

The X-Terra 705, despite the great possibilities it gives, has a very simple setup. However, you need to follow a few standard procedures.

Number oftones - according to your preference. If one digs every color, one can walk around in two-tone audio without a problem. But if you prefer the most accurate evaluation, multitone is the best choice
Threshold settings - as always, soyou can hear it. But I would see a minimum value of 6
Interference tuning- I would always recommend using auto mode before you start looking.
Sensitivity setting - leave the probe free 5cm above the ground in a place where there is no metal. Set the sensitivity to maximum and swing a few times. If the detector makes a clicking noise, lower the sensitivity one notch and repeat. Do not try to lower the sensitivity too much. There are many locations where you can walk around at settings 27 to 29 and it shows in the range!
Volume - bypreference . Without headphones probably always about max, always depends on ambient noise. But using headphones is definitely recommended.

Soil influence tuning

The Terra 705 offers a total of three options to get things done. The classic standard method is to press the detune button, use the minus button to go down to the lowest value and then slowly pump between 2 and 20 cm, adding a plus value and looking for the point where the detector goes silent. The second semi-automatic option is to press the detune button, start pumping and leave everything to the automatic (split crank/mince button). The result is very similar in most cases. The last option is to press the curve symbol on the control panel, which then appears on the LCD. In this mode, the detector continuously evaluates the mineralization. It is a mode suitable for locations where the values change very quickly. However, the price for this luxury is a slight loss in range.

Probe test

The detector was tested in the following settings: sensitivity 25, threshold 12, disk All Metal, audio Multitone, working channel 1, manual GB setting. We found Nel Hunter, Nel Storm, Coiltek WOT and Nel Big to be the most interesting additional probes from manufacturers other than Minelab. I will start with the description from the beginning, i.e. from the smallest one.

Nel Hunter at a working frequency of 18.75 kHz It could certainly be considered at first glance as a probe suitable primarily for separation or purely as an alternative to the basic probe that comes at 7 kHz. This probe was the biggest surprise of the test.

Results achievedwith the Nel Hunter 18 kHz probe

The result was better than we expected, especially considering that it is literally dry as hell. Additionally, the probe has very hilarious separation properties and I would personally rate it as the best I've seen so far for everyday searching.

Nel Storm at 18.75 kHz I have had the opportunity to see in action most often and I know what this probe can do. Even with the heavier weight, anyone can get a couple of hours with this coil. It should be ideal for tracking deeply buried targets over larger areas.

Results achieved with the Nel Storm 18 kHz probe

The probe has shown what it can do and with basically the results we expected. This reel can only be recommended when you decide you want to give yourself a good dig.

The probe we tested, perhaps for the first time, was Coiltek's WOT 15"but at a lower operating frequency of 3 kHz. The probe is designed primarily for searching for deeply buried targets. I was surprised by the nice steady response to detected targets.

Results achieved with the Coiltek WOT 3 kHz probe

I think the probe is mainly for finding larger targets, but we liked it a lot. Moreover, it has literally excellent workmanship and of all the Coiltek coils I rate it the best in terms of workmanship!

The last probe I would like to point out is the Big from Nelu on 7 kHz. To be honest, apart from the big weight, we didn't expect much at the beginning.

Results achieved with the Nel Big 7 kHz probe

The problem with these giant probes is the large coverage. Because of this, even on a relatively clean polygon, it is easy for other targets to get under the probe, which then affects the response on both the LCD and audio. The response only stabilizes when you find the center of such a target and shorten the movement. Despite the weight of the probe and these problems, we were very pleasantly surprised that it did not put the targets in "iron".

There are a number of other complementary probes being made for the X-Terra series that have their pros and cons. In terms of versatility, however, we found these four to be the best, unless you ignore the probes made directly by Minelab, where the 26 cm 2D 18 kHz probe in particular is rightly very popular.

Just as we played around with range today, next week we'll torment the other probes on the X-Terry in separation tests. We'll post the results on LP then.

Video

In the video, you can see the new polygon setup as the Guardian and I captured it last week

Catalogues of the X-Terra series of metal detectors Minelab are freely downloadable in pdf format