Metal detecting enthusiasts often seek a device that balances performance, versatility, and ease of use. Whether you're a seasoned treasure hunter or just starting out, the Minelab X-Terra Elite offers an excellent blend of features, making it an ideal choice for various terrains and detecting conditions. This guide will explore the key features of the Minelab X-Terra Elite, what sets it apart from other detectors, and why it might be the perfect fit for your next adventure.
An Overview of the Minelab X-Terra Elite
The Minelab X-Terra Elite is part of Minelab's well-known X-Terra series, which has become a favourite among metal detector users for its versatility and performance. As the latest model in the series, the X-Terra Elite builds upon the strengths of its predecessors, incorporating improved technology, enhanced features, and an intuitive user interface.
One of the key advantages of the Minelab Elite metal detector is its Multi-Frequency Technology. Unlike single-frequency detectors, the X-Terra Elite allows users to switch between multiple frequencies depending on the type of target they are searching for and the ground conditions they are working in. This flexibility ensures optimal performance whether you’re hunting for coins, relics, or gold nuggets in varying soil conditions.
Key Features of the Minelab X-Terra Elite
The Minelab X-Terra Elite offers plenty of useful features that make it a popular, efficient model for your metal detecting needs.Â
1. Multi-Frequency Capability
One of the standout features of the Minelab X-Terra Elite is its multi-frequency operation. This detector is equipped with three different frequencies: 7.5kHz, 18.75kHz, and 3kHz. Each of these frequencies excels at detecting different types of metal objects.Â
Lower frequencies, such as 3kHz, are better for detecting large, deep targets, while higher frequencies like 18.75kHz are more sensitive to smaller objects like gold nuggets and small coins. This makes the X-Terra Elite extremely versatile, allowing you to adjust the frequency based on the terrain and the type of treasure you’re seeking.
2. Advanced Ground Balance
Metal detecting success is often influenced by the ground's mineralisation. The X-Terra Elite features advanced ground balancing capabilities that automatically or manually adjust to the mineral content in the soil. Whether you're hunting in highly mineralised ground, on the beach, or in fields, the ground balance feature ensures accurate detection by reducing false signals caused by minerals.
3. Target Identification and Discrimination
The Minelab Elite metal detector offers excellent target identification and discrimination settings. Its target ID system allows you to easily distinguish between valuable items like coins and less desirable materials like iron. This saves time and effort by reducing unnecessary digging, making it easier to focus on finding high-value targets.
4. Waterproof Coil
The X-Terra Elite comes with a fully waterproof 10" Double-D search coil, which allows you to search in wet environments such as riverbanks, beaches, and shallow waters. While the control box itself is not fully waterproof, the search coil can be submerged, adding to the detector’s versatility when hunting in various environments. IT is all waterproof to 5 metres.Â
5. Lightweight and Ergonomic Design
Weighing just 1.3 kg (2.9 lbs), the Minelab X-Terra Elite is lightweight and designed for comfort during long detecting sessions. The detector’s ergonomic grip and adjustable stem ensure a comfortable experience regardless of your height, reducing fatigue during extended use. This is particularly beneficial for hobbyists who spend hours combing the ground for treasures.
6. User-Friendly Display and Interface
The X-Terra Elite is equipped with a large, easy-to-read LCD screen that displays all the necessary information, such as target ID, sensitivity, depth indication, and battery level. The control panel is intuitive, making it easy for beginners to navigate, while still offering enough advanced features for experienced users to tweak settings to their preference.
7. Pinpoint Mode
Finding the exact location of a buried object is essential, and the Minelab X-Terra Elite includes a dedicated pinpoint mode that helps you zero in on your target. Once you receive a signal, you can activate the pinpoint feature to get a more accurate reading of the object’s location, reducing the size of your digging area and increasing the efficiency of your treasure hunting.
8. Custom Search Modes
The Minelab X-Terra Elite allows users to customise their search modes based on their detecting preferences. You can save specific settings for different environments or types of treasure hunting, making it easy to switch between modes depending on the situation. This feature is especially useful if you regularly hunt in different terrains, such as beaches, fields, and forests.
Where to Use the Minelab X-Terra Elite
The versatility of the Minelab Elite metal detector makes it suitable for a wide range of detecting environments. Here are a few ideal locations to take your X-Terra Elite:
Beaches: The waterproof search coil makes the X-Terra Elite perfect for beach hunting. Whether searching in the wet sand or shallow water, this detector performs well in coastal environments.
Parks and Fields: Public parks and open fields are great places to find lost coins, jewellery, and relics. The adjustable ground balance and discrimination features will help you avoid trash targets.
Relic Sites: For those interested in historical artefacts, the X-Terra Elite excels in sites with old relics, tools, and coins. Its multi-frequency capability helps you identify a wide range of targets, from large iron relics to small silver coins.
Gold Prospecting: If you’re searching for gold, the 18.75kHz frequency is ideal for finding small gold nuggets in mineralised soil. This detector can handle even the harshest conditions often found in goldfields.
Tips for Using the Minelab X-Terra Elite
To get started with your new Minelab X-Terra Elite, it’s important to familiarise yourself with our Crawfords tips before you begin exploring.
1. Start with Default Settings
For beginners, it’s a good idea to start with the factory preset settings. These settings are optimised for general detecting and will allow you to get comfortable with the detector’s features before you start experimenting with more advanced options.
2. Adjust Sensitivity
Increase the sensitivity when searching in cleaner areas, but reduce it in highly mineralised or trashy environments. The X-Terra Elite allows you to fine-tune sensitivity, improving detection depth and target accuracy based on your surroundings.
3. Use the Correct Frequency for the Target
Remember to switch between the three frequencies depending on what you’re searching for. Use the lower frequency for deep, large objects and the higher frequency for small, shallow targets.
4. Practice Pinpointing
Make use of the pinpoint mode to locate targets accurately. This will help reduce the amount of digging needed and minimise the impact on the environment around your target site.
5. Regularly Update Settings
If you frequently hunt in different environments, update your custom search modes to ensure the detector is always performing at its best. Saving settings for parks, beaches, and fields will make switching between locations more convenient.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is the Minelab X-Terra Elite good for beginners?
Yes, the Minelab X-Terra Elite is user-friendly enough for beginners while offering advanced features that experienced detectorists can appreciate.
2. Can I use the X-Terra Elite in water?
The search coil is waterproof, allowing you to detect in shallow water or wet conditions. However, the control box is not waterproof and should be kept dry. - all waterproof - 5 metres
3. How deep can the X-Terra Elite detect?
Detection depth depends on the frequency, size of the target, and soil conditions. On average, it can detect objects up to 12 inches deep, but larger objects may be detected at even greater depths.
4. Does the X-Terra Elite come with accessories?
The X-Terra Elite comes with a range of accessories, including a 10" Double-D coil, a coil cover, and an instruction manual to help users get started.
Start exploring with Minelab X-Terra Elite from Crawfords
The Minelab X-Terra Elite stands out as one of the most versatile and reliable metal detectors on the market, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced hobbyists. Its combination of multi-frequency capability, advanced ground balance, and customisable search modes ensures you’ll be prepared for any detecting environment. Whether you’re searching for coins, relics, or gold, the Minelab Elite metal detector will help you uncover hidden treasures with ease.
For those looking to invest in a metal detector that will grow with them as their skills improve, the Minelab X-Terra Elite offers the perfect balance of power, flexibility, and user-friendly features.Â
Browse our general purpose metal detectors, or get in touch with us today to find out more.Â