Need to clean out the stable

Bonaro

Hero Member
Aug 9, 2004
977
2,213
Olympia WA
Detector(s) used
Minelab Xterra 70, Minelab SD 2200d, 2.5", 3", 4"and several Keene 5" production dredges, Knelson Centrifuge, Gold screw automatic panner
Primary Interest:
Prospecting
I mostly do gold dredging but have been coming into good deals on detectors so I am shifting toward that. I have a variety of detectors and need to trim the herd to a couple good ones. I need a machine that is good all around at coins/relics and nuggets.

I have to choose one of these...
Minelab xTerra 70
Minelab xTerra 705
Minelab Explorer SE

The 70 is the oldest machine, the 705 seems very nice but I dont have any time on it yet and the Explorer is also new to me but seems like it was really meant for coins and relics only.
Looking for advice on which one of the three I should keep.

Pretty sure I want to sell the 70, it has always been difficult for me to use this thing.
I am leaning toward keeping the 705....Will the spare coils I have for my old 70 work on the 705?
Does the SE work well for gold in the wild?

Any opinion is appreciated
 

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cudamark

Gold Member
Top Banner Poster
Mar 16, 2011
13,173
14,463
San Diego
🥇 Banner finds
1
🏆 Honorable Mentions:
3
Detector(s) used
XP Deus 2, Equinox 800/900, Fisher Impulse AQ, E-Trac, 3 Excal 1000's, White's TM808, VibraProbe, 15" NEL Attack, Mi6, Steath 920ix and 720i scoops, TRX, etc....
Primary Interest:
All Treasure Hunting
I'd keep the Explorer. You already have a good gold machine with your SD2200.
 

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Bonaro

Hero Member
Aug 9, 2004
977
2,213
Olympia WA
Detector(s) used
Minelab Xterra 70, Minelab SD 2200d, 2.5", 3", 4"and several Keene 5" production dredges, Knelson Centrifuge, Gold screw automatic panner
Primary Interest:
Prospecting
The SD 2200 is complicated and haven't really learned it yet. I also have a Tesoro Super Lobo which seems to be good on gold
is the Explorer only good for coins/relics and not gold?
Will the extra coils I have for my old Xterra 70 work with the 705?
 

RobNC

Full Member
Jan 5, 2019
230
405
NC
Detector(s) used
EQ800 (Stock Coil), XP ORX (X35 11")
Primary Interest:
Metal Detecting
I'd say adios to the X-Terra 70. I had one of those myself. Never did like that one. The 705 is the more updated model. I'd *think* the 70 coils would work with the 705. Test it out!
 

Oct 5, 2014
31,886
35,424
Massachusetts
🥇 Banner finds
1
🏆 Honorable Mentions:
1
Detector(s) used
Garrett: AT Pro, AT Gold & Infinium; Minelab: Explorer SE, II; Simplex; Tesoro: Tejon & Outlaw; White's: V3i
Primary Interest:
Relic Hunting
IMHO: I would keep the Minelab 705 with it's 3Khz coil. It will easily pick out larger coins at 8" - 10". The higher frequency 18.5 Khz is great for playground areas for lost jewelry. The Minelab explorer is a killer on coins and that beautiful sweet sound it makes over silver; can't miss it.
 

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