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How to Use the X-TERRA Pro: A Comprehensive Guide

The Minelab X-TERRA Pro has quickly become a favourite in the metal detecting world, earning its place as the best-selling detector for both Minelab and Crawfords last year. Designed with versatility and ease of use in mind, the X-TERRA Pro stands out for its innovative features, incredible value, and remarkable performance across different terrains. 


With its unique Pro-Switch Technology, single-frequency operation, and exceptional waterproofing, this detector offers unbeatable capabilities at an amazing price. Here’s our guide on how to use the Minelab X-TERRA Pro.


Why Choose the X-TERRA Pro?

Before diving into our tips on how to use the Minelab X-TERRA Pro, here’s a quick overview of why the X-TERRA Pro is so popular:


  • Single-Frequency Flexibility: Unlike multi-frequency detectors, the X-TERRA Pro allows you to choose the exact frequency you need with its innovative Pro-Switch Technology. Whether you’re targeting coins, relics, or gold, you can switch between 5kHz, 10kHz, 15kHz, and 8kHz (for beach mode) to match the conditions and targets.


  • Outstanding Waterproofing: Waterproof up to 5 metres, the X-TERRA Pro is perfect for hunting in rivers, lakes, or even shallow seas. This is one of the highest ratings you’ll find in a detector at this price point.


  • Expanded Target ID Range: The X-TERRA Pro boasts a target ID range that’s been inherited from Minelab's higher-end models, such as the X-TERRA Elite and the new generation of Equinox detectors. This expanded range offers precise target identification, making it easier to distinguish between valuable finds and unwanted trash.


  • Incredible Value: At its price point, the X-TERRA Pro offers features and performance typically reserved for much more expensive detectors. It's an absolute bargain for anyone looking to get serious about metal detecting.





10 Essential Tips on How to Use Your Minelab X-TERRA Pro

To get the most out of your metal detector, it’s important to take the following steps to maximise its usage. 



Tip 1: Build Your Detector Properly

To start, make sure your X-TERRA Pro is set up correctly for optimal comfort and efficiency:


  • Assembly: Attach the shafts, adjust to your height, and ensure the arm cuff is positioned just below your elbow.


  • Cable Management: Wrap the coil cable securely around the shaft to prevent false signals.


  • Battery: The X-TERRA Pro comes with a powerful internal battery. Charge it fully before heading out, and you’re ready for hours of detecting.


  • Waterproofing: Ensure the rubber bung is properly inserted into the headphone socket to maintain waterproof integrity.


  • Accessorise: Even though the X-TERRA Pro is a waterproof detector you can add accessories like a control box cover, or an external battery pack. You can also change coils for a different detecting experience, but this is slightly more advanced and none of these things are essential. 


Tip 2: Master the Pro-Switch Technology

The X-TERRA Pro’s standout feature is its Pro-Switch Technology, allowing you to select the optimal frequency for your hunt:


  • Switch Between Frequencies: Choose between 5kHz for large, deep targets like relics, 10kHz or 15kHz for general detecting, and 8kHz for beach mode. This flexibility allows you to adapt to different environments and target types.


  • Super Tip: Experiment with different frequencies to find what works best in your chosen location.


  • Super Tip #2: You might want to even take a second pass of the area you are detecting with a different frequency to increase your chances of finding more targets (you’d be surprised at how often this works). 


Tip 3: Optimise Your Sensitivity

Setting the right sensitivity level is essential for detecting success:


  • Start Moderate: Begin with a moderate sensitivity setting and gradually increase it while testing in different areas. Too much sensitivity can lead to false signals, especially in mineral-rich soils. As soon as the machine becomes, ‘too chatty’ reduce the sensitivity back down by one or two notches. 


  • Adjust On-the-Go: Don’t be afraid to tweak the sensitivity as you detect to adapt to changing ground conditions.


Tip 4: Utilise the Expanded Target ID Range

One of the X-TERRA Pro’s most powerful features is its expanded target ID range:


  • Understand Target IDs: Lower numbers usually indicate ferrous metals, mid-range numbers are typically gold, nickel, and pull tabs, while higher numbers represent silver and copper.


  • Refined Target Discrimination: With 119 segments, you can fine-tune your target ID to better identify valuable finds. This is a game-changer, especially for more advanced detectorists who need precision.


Each target ID is a culmination of both the target beneath the ground and the environment so they will jump around, and are never completely reliable. Therefore, always go by the target Id as a secondary marker of whether to dig or not. The golden rule is, ‘if the signal is strong, and you can move around it and it remains consistent, then dig it.’


Tip 5: Make the Most of the Waterproof Design


The X-TERRA Pro’s 5-metre waterproof rating means you can confidently search in rivers, lakes, and even shallow seawater:


  • Get Into the Water: One of the key features of this machine is its 5 metre waterproof capability. So please take advantage of getting out in the rain, inspect the streams, walk in the waves, and even submerge yourself. *note – make sure that if you’re going underwater you pick up some underwater headphones. 


  • Keep an Eye on the Conditions: The waterproof design is perfect for wet environments, but remember to rinse your detector with fresh water after use to maintain its condition.




Tip 6: Understand the Search Modes


The X-TERRA Pro offers versatile search modes tailored for different terrains:


  • Field 1 & 2: Ideal for open fields with minimal trash; Field 2 is tuned for deeper targets.


  • Park 1 & 2: Perfect for areas with a mix of trash and treasure, like parks. Park 2 is designed for smaller targets, such as coins and jewellery.


  • Beach: Specialised for wet sand and shallow saltwater environments. Use Beach 2 for areas with higher conductivity.


Tip 7: Use the Noise Cancel Feature


Reduce interference and improve accuracy by using the noise cancel feature:


  • Quick Noise Cancel: Use the menu button to select noise cancel and press accept to initiate a scan. This will automatically adjust the detector to minimise interference from power lines, other detectors, or electronic devices. You don’t have to do this each time you use the machine, but it’s a handy feature to help counter any environment interference. 



Tip 8: Practise with Target Tones

Get accustomed to the different tones associated with various target types:


  • Practice Makes Perfect: Set up a test garden with a variety of targets to learn the tones and corresponding target IDs. The more you practise, the better you’ll understand what your detector is telling you. Simply swing the machine over your different metals and listen to the sounds the X-TERRA pro provides. 


  • Super Tip: Once you’re familiar, get someone else to hide or bury some objects (not too deep) around your garden and try finding them and identifying them by both sound and target ID. 


Tip 9: Adjust Iron Bias to Suit Your Needs


Iron Bias is the detector's way of being biassed towards iron signals and omitting them from the information it provides to you. This means you hear less unwanted noises while metal detecting. The X-TERRA Pro’s iron bias settings allow you to adjust the detector’s sensitivity to iron objects:


  • Higher Iron Bias: Use a higher setting in trashy areas to avoid unwanted iron signals.


  • Lower Iron Bias: Set a lower iron bias when searching for relics or in areas with fewer iron signals to ensure no valuable finds are missed.


Tip 10: Pin Point Properly


Ensure you use the pin point button on your machine once you have identified a general target location:


  • Circle the Target: we advise turning 90 degrees on the target, continuing to swing your detector to see if your signal remains the same. You can even circle it completely. This will help you focus on its position and possibly identify if it is just an iron signal giving you a false reading. 


  • Pin Point: Once you’re sure you want to dig the target press the pin point button at the bottom/centre of your control box and slowly move your coil to focus on the target. The sound will increase in pitch the closer you are (kind of like, ‘hotter and colder’ that you would play as a child). Once you feel you’re in the best place, don’t take your eyes off the spot, gently lay down your detector and dig.




Find Your Ideal Metal Detector with Crawfords


The Minelab X-TERRA Pro is not just an incredible machine, it’s an incredible value. At a fraction of the price of higher-end models, you get advanced features, outstanding performance, and a machine that adapts to nearly any condition. 


Follow the steps we’ve provided to help you learn how to use your Minelab X-TERRA Pro, as it’s important that you practise with it to get the best results from this metal detector. 


Browse our metal detector models, as well as our collection of metal detecting accessories, or alternatively get in touch  with us to find out more. Happy hunting, and don’t forget to share your finds with us at Crawfords Metal Detectors!


Visit us in one of our two metal detecting shops in Scunthorpe 01724845608 or Wimborne 01202091648 for more personalised advice and support.