In 2019 both Noktaand Minelabreleased new detectors for this market of detectorist and became heavy competition for the pre-existing Garrett Ace series. Garrett’s Ace detectorshad dominated in this area for quite some time, but the new technology and features within the Simplex and Vanquish machines generally replaced Garrett machines as choice in this price range for many people. If you are wanting to hunt more on open beaches rather than land, you may want to sway to a multi frequency machine as I outline below.

As ever with our detector comparison blogs, there is no ‘right’ answer. What works for you, won’t work for everyone and there will be a range of reasons for everyone making their own choices. At Crawfords Metal Detectors hope to help you find the machine that’s right for you. If you’re short on time, skip to the end of the blog now to read the summary, and for those who want to know it all, please take 6-8 minutes to read through our assessment. With multiple-tone audio options, the sound of treasure has never been clearer — X-TERRA PRO’s advanced audio means you’ll not only ‘hear’ if a target is trash or treasure but you’ll also be able to gauge its size and depth simply by listening. LOUD AND CLEAR AUDIO

The XP Deus II – The French flagship!

Because of this, if I need SMF/Multi-IQ (a lot of wet salt beach detecting) and was forced to go only with ML, I would probably just skip Vanquish and go with the Nox 700. Otherwise, if I didn't need SMF, it appears that XTerra would make a versatile selectable single frequency detector that might outgun the Deus 1 if the price is set at a realistic level. If I was allowed to choose any brand, Nokta Legend appears to be the best value around and combines the best of both these detectors at about the same price point. As far as we can tell this machine is pretty much a Vanquish with an Equinox control panel and selectable single frequencies rather than Multi-IQ.

With the beaches and rivers being one of the key terrains for these machines waterproofmay be of more importance than we normally stress. At Crawfords Metal Detectors we sell a variety of detectors ranging from machines which only have a waterproof coil such as the Go Findand the high performance Vanquish range, to detectors specifically created for underwater detecting, such as the Excalibur II. Detectors like the Excalibur II are pressurised, and ideal for diving, and extreme underwater conditions (depth of 66 metres – 200ft). However, in the UK we find that due to our disappointing climate (let’s be honest, we do love the rain) and fairly cloudy waters that not many detectorists stray more than a few metres into the surf. The Minelab X-Terra Pro is a new metal detector introduced in February 2023. It is a fully submersible VLF metal detector aimed primarily at coin, jewelry, relic, gold nugget, and beach detecting. The X-Terra Pro is basically a Minelab Equinox without the simultaneous multifrequency option. Instead, it is a switchable frequency device, allowing the user to choose to run one of several single frequency options. A large difference between this and the old X-Terra series is the ability to do this with a single coil, just the push of a button. The X-Terra Pro is also fully submersible to 16 feet unlike previous X-Terra models. The X-Terra Pro is coil compatible with both the Minelab Equinox and Vanquish series detectors, meaning it actually has a better coil coil selection than either of those options. Stand out from the crowd and step up your detecting game with the all-new X-TERRA PRO treasure detector by Minelab. Out of the box, simply set your detector to match your terrain with Park, Field, and Beach Search Modes and leave all the hard work up to the detector to start unearthing the treasure you seek. As your skills improve, X-TERRA PRO offers room to grow with PRO-SWITCH (Switchable Frequency Technology), so you can set it to 5, 8, 10, or 15 kHz at the press of a button and take control of any environment or situation that comes your way. Fully IP68 waterproof to 5 m (16 ft) and loaded with features like 5 audio modes, a control pod flashlight, and handgrip vibration you’ll be detecting like a pro from the moment you start swinging. Ok, but we already know there has been no announcement of any new product since the launch of the Equinox 700/900.

Features

As technology advanced, metal detector manufacturers began to release machines that had the ability to switch operating frequencies via a button on the control box rather than having to change a coil. The X-Terra Pro looks amazing, with its ‘camo green’ coloured control box and arm cup, and a shape which looks like a hybrid between the Minelab Equinox and the Minelab Vanquish. We think it’s the coolest looking machine around the price and its performance is absolutely brilliant. The switchable frequencies adds an extra layer of versatility and means that you can fine tune performance for different target types and the most difficult ground conditions. X-TERRA PRO by Minelab dominates at the beach and a dedicated Beach Mode handles the most difficult saltwater conditions.The beach is regarded as one of the most difficult terrains for metal detecting, due to the saline nature of the environment, but the X-Terra Pro is optimised for this challenge. LIGHTING &VIBRATION

LOUD AND CLEAR AUDIO – Enjoy crystal-clear audio with In-Built Speaker (included) or lightning-fast Low Latency Wireless Headphones, Wired Headphones, and Waterproof Headphones (accessories).

Minelab X-Terra Pro

This is an even more relevent question when true multi frequency machines can be had relatively cheaply now for an entry level model like the Minelab Vanquish 340.

WATERPROOF – With IP68 waterproof control pod and coil to 5 m (16 ft), take X-TERRA PRO anywhere – land or water – and own the ground beneath your feet. While the X-TERRA PRO has; All metal, Field 1 and 2, Beach 1 and 2, Park 1 and Park 2. So slightly more pre-set options on the X-TERRA PRO. So, is that the case with the X-Terra Pro as well? All these different modes are just default settings differences? Do you miss the Iron Bias Control, which you have on the Minelab Equinox but not on the Minelab X-Terra Pro?Certainly, there are situations where one might want to use a single frequency rather than rely solely on simultaneous multi-frequency. But this feature is already available in the Equinox range all be it at a fairly high price point. but also a great specialised option to add to a detectorists tool-kit for those who want a modern, fun beach detector. The other thing that makes the X-TERRA PRO special is that it can use all of the coils available for the Equinox and that includes third-party coils made by Coiltek. Target Identification (TID): 119 segment notch discrimination: Ferrous: -19 to 0 I Non-ferrous: 1 to 99 Please note all delivery costs stated below include VAT for the UK, all other destinations exclude VAT** United Kingdom - Mainland