The Minelab X-Terra 305, Minelab X-Terra 505 and Minelab X-Terra 705 machines look different than they used to. Whether these are good changes or not, that’s for you to decide. However, it can be said right now that these ones happened because it was to the manufacturer’s interest to do so. No one asked you and isn’t about to start now. We give, you buy.
New armrest
The first pictures of the Minelab Equinox, a much-vaunted novelty 2017, immediately raised many questions. Why is such a revolutionary detector equipped with an old X-Terra armrest? Probably Minelab thought detectorists wouldn’t notice anything. But people did notice and didn’t like it.
The armrest has been changed for a new one. And while they’re at it, the same item has been mounted on the Minelab X-Terra 305, Minelab X-Terra 505 and Minelab X-Terra 705 detectors. So, first, the old and new armrests are fully interchangeable (fair enough, since the old armrest fits the new Minelab Equinox). Second, it’s cheaper to make a single armrest instead of two different ones. Furthermore, due to this fact a buyer of the upgraded Minelab X-Terra would probably feel like his machine is somewhat related to the great and mighty Minelab Equinox.
New lower shaft
The same as it goes for the armrest. The updated Minelab X-Terra 305, Minelab X-Terra 505 and Minelab X-Terra 705 now come with a Minelab Equinox lower shaft. Again, it’s cheaper to manufacture a part of the same breed than two different ones. Moreover, it isn’t necessary to change anything, all the accessories are interchangeable.
New box
And the third change is perhaps the most important. The box of the new Minelab X-Terra 305, Minelab X-Terra 505 and Minelab X-Terra 705 now has the one and same size with that of the Minelab Equinox. Is it a coincidence?
In the estimation of Minelab, all these changes have resulted in a 10% weight loss. According to the manufacturer, the new lower shaft and new armrest are much more reliable than the old ones. So kinda these ones should break less frequently. By the way, do you want to take a look at such an armrest broken? The Minelab Equinox owners already posted the photos of their problems.
There are also other changes. For instance, the multilingual package. Or, there is a 10.5 DD coil instead of a 9 Mono depicted on the X-Terra 505 box. And some others. But these are just trifles that won’t affect the number of your finds to be unearthed anyhow.
The frenzy surrounding a revolutionary machine from Minelab has died down. It doesn’t matter as of yet whether this detector is good or not good enough. The main thing is that we can see the truth now. Detectorists were asking Minelab for an underwater X-Terra since 2011. You asked for it, didn’t you? Here it is!
I am a 30 yr., USArmy, ret., disabled vet from 3 wars, and 5 Combat tours. My last 3 tours, Baghdad, as Convoy Gunner, have ZPTSD/ TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES/ CHEMICAL AND RADIATION POISONING, NUMEROUS PSYCHOLOGICAL PROBLEMS, AND LIMITED USE OF MY ARMS AND LEGS
I PURCHASED A MINE LAB 305 X-TERRA, and know very little about detecting, I have done some reading, talked to some people that are really serious about the hobby. I love the idea of unearthing something, that may have been buried for a long time. For me, it is not about finding a diamond ring, but instead, just something thas has been hidden for years. I would appreciate any help you can offer me,
MSG Leum
Hey John:
Welcome to the metal detecting community, I am like you not necessarily interested in finding booty of gold but it is nice to find it from time to time. The best bit of advice I can share with you is research get local history books and start reading. Old maps or diagrams with property lines are very helpful and with your military background it should be easy to transpose what was to what is now. The old homesteads can be gold mines in terms of finds I have found 150 to 200 year old coins and that’s in Canada. To get the feel of the equipment I would hit a local school that is 50 years old should find a few things there. One issue I have to warn you about is Aluminium its a pain and can fool you. Also pick up a pin pointer you should find one on ebay I use a Garrett probably one of the better ones on the market. Also a military shovel I use a ww2 US Army one I got from army surplus. I find once I get out to be a very relaxing experience. You may get discouraged with your finds but remember why you are out there, to relax enjoy the sun and look for history. Enjoy the hunt and you can drop me a line if you have any questions