Minelab has revitalised their X-TERRA model range with impressive innovations, including the XTERRA PRO, the 'Amazon-only' Xterra Voyager, and now their new top model, the Elite. Over the last 12 months, the XTERRA PRO has been Minelab's top-selling machine, demonstrating the brand's successful evolution. This success logically led to the development of the X-TERRA Elite, further broadening the range and enhancing the technology.
The X-TERRA Elite, while not drastically different from the PRO, introduces the game-changing Multi-IQ technology to the X-TERRA range. This makes it an ideal choice for both beginners and intermediate detectorists, providing superior target detection across various ground conditions and depths.
Key Features Comparison of X-Terra Models
Detailed Analysis
Technology
X-TERRA Pro: Utilises Pro-Switch technology, allowing users to switch between multiple VLF frequencies (5 kHz, 10 kHz, 15 kHz, and Beach 8 kHz), providing flexibility depending on the detecting conditions and target types.
X-TERRA Elite: Employs Minelab’s advanced Multi-IQ technology, which operates on multiple frequencies simultaneously. This enhances target detection across varying ground conditions and depths, offering a more comprehensive and efficient detecting experience. This makes the Elite a game-changer for both beginner and intermediate detectorists. You can also select a single 15Khz frequency when in field or beach mode.
Audio and Iron Control
Both detectors are compatible with any ¼” wired headphones, Minelab waterproof headphones, Minelab ML85 and ML105 wireless headphones and the Minelab WM09 audio unit to allow the wireless use of any compatible preferred wired options.
Both the X-TERRA Pro and X-TERRA Elite feature standard audio output with 25-level iron volume control, making it easier to distinguish between valuable targets and iron trash.
However, the X-TERRA Elite features a 3-level advanced Iron bias control which will provide more options in heavy iron soil.
Coil Options
X-TERRA Pro: Comes standard with the V12X 12" Double-D Elliptical coil and is compatible with all Equinox coils (both Minelab and Coiltek). Compatible with all VX coils, V10X and V8X.
X-TERRA Elite: Offers more versatility with additional coils included in the Expedition Pack (V8X) and compatibility with Equinox series coils, allowing for greater adaptability to different detecting scenarios.
Waterproof Capability
Both detectors are waterproof up to 5 metres (16 ft), making them suitable for beach and shallow water detecting, it is an IP68 rating, ensuring excellent protection against dust and water.
Discrimination
Both the X-TERRA Pro and X-TERRA Elite feature 30 discrimination segments. Each segment corresponds to four target IDs, covering the total of 120 target Id’s. This provides target discrimination and allows users to filter out unwanted targets effectively. This simpler approach to discrimination is ideal for beginners and Minelab have created a good balance here between providing a good degree of customisation for the intended user, without an overwhelming amount to change and tinker with.
Colour and Look.
X-TERRA Pro: Features a camo green finish and X-TERRA Elite: Comes in a stylish desert sand. In terms of unit shape and construction, other than the colour the units are almost identical.
Conclusion
Both the Minelab X-TERRA Pro and X-TERRA Elite are top-notch metal detectors offering advanced features for various detecting needs. Both of the detectors offer very high features and performance for their price points, and both offer a glimpse into the higher Minelab machines with aspects such as target ID ranges, and Iron bias in the case of the Elite, but whilst keeping elements like the discrimination simple with lower segment options.
The X-TERRA Elite stands out with its Multi-IQ technology, and additional coil options if purchasing the, ‘expedition pack’, making it a preferable choice for those seeking a more sophisticated and flexible detecting experience.
The X-TERRA range has effectively bridged the gap between the Vanquish and the new Equinox machines, combining the extensive target ID range from the Equinox series with the simpler discrimination options of the Vanquish range, all in a waterproof, stylish and light chassis. Whichever XTERRA you chose you can be sure you’re getting great performance at the price point, in fact, performance above the price point in our opinion.
Please contact us if you have any questions, and feel free to pop into one of our two stores (Lincolnshire and Dorset) to try one for yourself.
