Versatile Use Detectors

bigscoop · Aug 20, 2014

Here's the situation....I'm going to be traveling in condensed fashion for an extended period of time and I'm only going to have room for one quality land detector, something that can handle most everything from nugget shooting to relics in a variety of environments? What are my options? Thanks for all the input and suggestions!

PS: And the ability to change coils is also a must.

locater · Aug 20, 2014

Xterra 705 w/ gold pack, or dual pack might be a good choice. From what I hear and read it's a pretty versatile machine, and you won't have to remortgage your house or sell a kidney to buy one. :-)

Rawhide · Aug 20, 2014

F75 with the small coil hands down

MrMikeJackie · Aug 20, 2014

Picture this, your at a new location with said detector which you chose based on this thread. You look over and see a nice creek near a 1700, 1800s bridge. Or at a nice beach loaded with depositors frolicking in the water. Wouldn't it be nice to get in there and find some relics, coins, jewelry? I only ask because you used the word "versatile". And because of that the only machine that comes to mind is the Minelab ctx3030. A do it all machine with a cult following. Land, freshwater, saltwater, ability to change coils, a screen, etc. Expensive but you did ask for one machine that's versatile. GL HH Mike

Jeff(or) · Aug 20, 2014

TNGUNS · Aug 20, 2014

Love my T2 and feel it serves me well for my type of hunting, but gonna agree with MrMikeJackie on the ctx 3030. Even though I do not own one and will readily admit I have never used one, it's reputation speaks volumes as the ultimate "one machine does it all". HH

Frankn · Aug 20, 2014

You still have not told us what vehicle you plan to use or where you plan to go. This info biases every answer you get!
So here's my answer. There is no one detector for all endeavors. I always travel with 4 detectors, check my list. The solution, Get a bigger vehicle. Hay, my 22' MH serves as home for Blue and me.

Hay, my bed is in the copilot position.

PS: If that one detector dies, you have no backup many miles from home!

locater · Aug 20, 2014

As an owner of a CTX I can't argue with your logic MrMike or TNGUNS, it's a fantastic any environment machine! BUT, Bigscoop already has one of the best dedicated water machines in the Excal. To buy a machine such as the CTX with its water detecting ability would be somewhat costly and redundant. He did say he was looking for "one quality 'land' detector" that was versatile.
'

TNGUNS · Aug 20, 2014

locater said:
As an owner of a CTX I can't argue with your logic MrMike or TNGUNS, it's a fantastic any environment machine! BUT, Bigscoop already has one of the best dedicated water machines in the Excal. To buy a machine such as the CTX with its water detecting ability would be somewhat costly and redundant. He did say he was looking for "one quality 'land' detector" that was versatile.
'

Point well made locator. In reading the original post again, you are exactly right. Now I can plug my T2 SE again ha ha. You have to admit, we are a brand/model loyal bunch in this hobby.

locater · Aug 20, 2014

TNGUNS said:
Point well made locator. In reading the original post again, you are exactly right. Now I can plug my T2 SE again ha ha. You have to admit, we are a brand/model loyal bunch in this hobby.

I HEAR YA BROTHER!!

tcornel · Aug 20, 2014

Frankn said:
You still have not told us what vehicle you plan to use or where you plan to go. This info biases every answer you get!
So here's my answer. There is no one detector for all endeavors. I always travel with 4 detectors, check my list. The solution, Get a bigger vehicle. Hay, my 22' MH serves as home for Blue and me.
View attachment 1041011Hay, my bed is in the copilot position.

PS: If that one detector dies, you have no backup many miles from home!

What................no AT Pro? :dontknow:

CincinnatiKid · Aug 20, 2014

If prospecting, you'll probly need a good P.I. machine. Many use P.I.s for relics too.
Also, what if the "one" machine you decide on fails!? I suggest you find room for a backup detector.
Good luck
Peace

Terry Soloman · Aug 20, 2014

locater said:
Xterra 705 w/ gold pack, or dual pack might be a good choice. From what I hear and read it's a pretty versatile machine, and you won't have to remortgage your house or sell a kidney to buy one. :-)

CTX 3030 is NOT a nugget shooter. The Minelab XTerra 705 - if you simply MUST have ONE machine seems to be your best choice with the three (different frequency) available coils.

Treasure_Hunter · Aug 20, 2014

Terry is correct, 3030 is not a nugget shooter...

If you have room for one detector you have room for 2. You can cover everything with 2 and you have a backup. I would hate to be out on a planned trip like this with out a backup detector.

locater · Aug 20, 2014

Treasure_Hunter said:
Terry is correct, 3030 is not a nugget shooter...

I agree Treasurehunter and Terry. If I were a nugget hunter it WOULD NOT be my chioce in detectors. BUT!! I refer you to Ron (CA) post in the Detecting For Gold forum Jan. 05, 2014. He scored a 1oz. nugget, BANNER find with a CTX. He was just relic hunting an old gold camp. A CTX CAN find nuggets! ;-)

FOOTNOTE: Just today Ron (CA) scored his SECOND nugget with his CTX. This one a 2 1/2 oz. nugget!! WOW (see Todays Finds 8/20)

MrMikeJackie · Aug 20, 2014

Terry Soloman said:
CTX 3030 is NOT a nugget shooter. The Minelab XTerra 705 - if you simply MUST have ONE machine seems to be your best choice with the three (different frequency) available coils.

Remind Ron(CA) of that. His loves finding gold nuggets.

MrMikeJackie · Aug 20, 2014

locater said:
As an owner of a CTX I can't argue with your logic MrMike or TNGUNS, it's a fantastic any environment machine! BUT, Bigscoop already has one of the best dedicated water machines in the Excal. To buy a machine such as the CTX with its water detecting ability would be somewhat costly and redundant. He did say he was looking for "one quality 'land' detector" that was versatile.
'

Not really, his original post stated he only had room for 1 detector. Excal won't do him any good

And even he does bring both, he would still have two water machines in case the older Excal goes night night.

Treasure_Hunter · Aug 20, 2014

MrMikeJackie said:
Not really, his original post stated he only had room for 1 detector. Excal won't do him any good And even he does bring both, he would still have two water machines in case the older Excal goes night night.

I believe on another thread he talked about it his plans included hunting saltwater beaches.. He is planning a trip around country treasure hunting.... I am just saying taking a trip like that I would carry more than 1 detector. I have made car trips to Key Biscayne Fl and Hilton Head Island SC detecting and took backup detectors...

Even if I was only planing to land hunt I would take a backup, things happen.... Just my opinion...