MINELAB X-Terra (3. X-Terra Pro)

Bought this to take guests with me on some hunts or as a backup if my Nox 900 goes down. That has never happened but nice to have. Easy to use for a beginner with Minelab level performance. After putting it through it's paces, I feel that it preforms above it's price point. In fact I will be using this machine in difficult terrain where a slip and fall are possible instead of risking the Nox.

Note, I've only had this detector for exactly one week today. Prior to owning this, I bought a $149 detector from Harbor Freight which was a piece of junk so I promptly returned it and got the Xterra Pro. Though I am completely new to metal detecting, this detector got me up and detecting in no time. I've used it to dig up scrap metal(nails, screws, whatever)in my front yard, and to do a bit of coin hunting. I've only really done actual hunting on two occassions. The first was hunting for coins and the second was scrap metal. This was all done mostly in my front yard. The pictures are the results. Most of these were found no deeper than 6 inches under ground.As a novice metal detector, I have nothing but accolades for this detector. Before purchasing this detector, I saw a review on Youtube saying the grip on this detector was a no go for this individual due to arm fatigue. Being a small person, this naturally concerned me. When I first used it, I extended it out so the detector was 3-3.5 feet in front of me and this was causing arm fatigue per the video. I experimented with new postions and found that if I extended it only like 6" -12" in front of me, it solved the arm fatigue issue. Note, I tend to sweep more to my side than directly in front. On top of that, I found it more natural detecting with this posture. Now all the detector does is pull on my arm. It no longer torques my arm like before which was tiring after a while.So how good is it? Unfortunately, I have none to compare it to except the $149 Harbor Freight one and let's just say this is in a league of it's own so how can you. Is it hard to use? Yes if you dont't take the time to learn it. But absolutely not if you do your homework; it's very easy to use. How good is it at finding things? I'll let the pictures speak for themselves. All I can say is that if it tells you something is there, it's there. The depth guage is pretty accurate as best I can tell based on all my findings. When it comes to locating the item, based on the signals, I can usually get within a 3.5-4" diameter circle without my Garrett proPointer AT. You have to learn to do this because when the item's too far down, pointers aren't going to be able to detect it. There are no guides that I know of that will teach you how to do this. I've developed my own method. If the item is near the top, I can shrink that circle in half with the Exterra pro alone. It takes practice if you've never metal detected before.It definitely helps if you have a decent understanding of the physics of electricity and magnetism. A coin laying flat is going to give you a different signal than a coin standing up. If you understand electricity & magnetism you will understand why the signals are different. As with anything, you need to use it to learn to speak the machines language. With this Exterra Pro, I've been able to detect tiny,tiny metal parts like staples that are 1/8" x1/4" buried a couple inches under ground.As to the find ratio, everything I've dug up so far puts me at I would say 99%. I can only recall two digs that yielded nothing. With my discrimination settings, my coin hits have been in the 90% range because sometimes I'll hit a bullet casing or some copper of some sort.In summary, this a fantastic detector that is a quality build with lots of features. I highly recommend it. If you are new to detectors, this detector will not disappoint!

Great product, very easy to assemble. Instructions are very helpful. This was a great product to find property line pins that were otherwise nearly impossible to find in dense foliage and woods. The variable settings allow for different types of metal detecting, such as iron property pins, jewelry, etc. Two 9-volt batteries come with it. Great value.

This is my first minelab detector and it’s a great unit. The LCD screen is really good and the red backlight is sharp. It also has a flashlight mode that help at night. The coil is a great all around coil and I will probably pick up a smaller one in the future to help narrow down on targets. This detector has very good Sensitivity and lots of options to customize to your dirt fishing needs. It’s may be a Little hard for beginners to pick up but there are lots of videos on there to learn about all the options. Would definitely recommend for anyone looking to start metal detecting and even for the more seasoned diggers looking for a great machine with top notch performance at a budget price

I recently embarked on a thrilling journey into the world of beach metal detecting, armed with my newly acquired Minelab metal detector. The experience has been nothing short of extraordinary, and here's why.Minelab's precision engineering truly shines in this detector. Its lightweight design makes it easy to maneuver along the sandy shores, while the robust construction ensures durability against the elements. The ergonomic handle adds to the comfort, allowing for extended treasure-hunting sessions without fatigue.The detector's advanced technology sets it apart. The adjustable sensitivity and discrimination settings enable me to fine-tune my searches, distinguishing between trash and potential treasures with impressive accuracy.One of the standout features is the waterproof coil, allowing me to explore not only the dry sand but also venture into the shallow waters. This versatility opens up a realm of possibilities, as some of the most valuable finds are waiting just beneath the surface.Navigating through different terrains is a breeze thanks to the intuitive interface. The clear LCD screen provides essential information at a glance, and the simple controls make it suitable for detectorists of all skill levels. The detector's responsiveness ensures that no valuable item goes unnoticed.In the Caribbean's sandy beaches, where historical artifacts and lost treasures are rumored to lie, the Minelab metal detector has become my trusted companion. It has successfully transformed my beach outings into exciting treasure hunts, filled with the anticipation of discovering hidden relics from the past.In conclusion, the Minelab metal detector is a game-changer for any hobbyist detectorist seeking adventure. Its combination of durability, advanced technology, and user-friendly design makes it an invaluable tool for unearthing the mysteries that lie beneath the sun-kissed sands.

It’s a great detector for beginners, very easy to use, and have found tons of great pieces of history and a few silver rings in the short time I’ve had it!