I waited until the Minelab logo appeared on the XP shaft! But the shaft turned out to be fake (the logo is real).
Minelab X-Terra Voyager
The story of the Minelab X-Terra Voyager metal detector took a strange turn from the very beginning. In late 2023, Chinese sellers announced the sale of a new ground detector, not much different from the usual Chinese junk marketed as metal detectors. The only difference was the Minelab logo on the device.
What a surprise it was when a week later, Minelab announced their new metal detector, the X-Terra Voyager.
The first thought: “Finally, I see the Minelab logo on the XP shaft!” Yes, it’s a Chinese copy. But anyone who has ever held an XP Deus or XP ORX metal detector will recognize this shaft.
How did Minelab “create” this “innovation”? The simplest visual search quickly yielded results. The X-Terra Voyager bears a striking resemblance to the Chinese metal detector SUNPOW OT-MD09. The differences lie in the color of the plastic, a different search coil (similar to the Chinese ones used in fake Garrett metal detectors), and a modified discrimination graphical scale on the screen. And, most importantly, the brand logo has been added.
Also, the SUNPOW OT-MD09 metal detector was sold with a distinctive gift – a small collapsible shovel. What do you think is included as a gift with the X-Terra Voyager? Correct! A small collapsible shovel.
Specifications and Features
| Search Modes | All Metal, Custom, Jewelry, Learn |
| Operating Frequency | 5.82 kHz |
| Noise Cancel | Automatic |
| Sensitivity | 5 levels |
| Volume | 3 levels |
| Target Tones | 3 tones (Low, Mid, High) |
| Discrimination Segments | 7 segments |
| Pinpoint Mode | Yes |
| Target IDs | 0 to 99 |
| Depth Indicator | 5 levels |
| Length | Extended: 145 in (57 cm) | Collapsed: 28.3 in (76 cm) |
| Weight (excluding batteries) | 2.8 lbs (1.3 kg) |
| Display | Monochrome LCD |
| Supplied Coil | 11″ x 8.5″ Double-D |
| Batteries | Two Each 9V (included) |
| Audio Output | In-build loudspeaker | Wired 3.5 mm (1/8″) headphones |
| Additional Included Accessories | Collapsible Digger, Backpack, Wired 3.5 mm (1/8″) headphones, 2x9V Battery |
| Waterproof | Coil waterproof to 3.3 ft (1 m) |
| Operating Temperature Range | –10°C to +40°C (+14°F to +104°F) |
| Storage Temperature Range | –20°C to +70°C (–4°F to +158°F |
Minelab X-Terra Voyager vs SUNPOW OT-MD09
Photos of Minelab X-Terra Voyager and SUNPOW OT-MD09 metal detectors, mixed together. Take a look for yourself at how similar these detectors are.
Is the metal detector powered by two 9-volt batteries? There’s no other option; it’s either an old detector from the 90s or a Chinese clone of a 90s detector. In the past century, these batteries were the norm. Today, no developer would use such a solution.
Price
Minelab X-Terra Voyager – $149
Minelab X-Terra Voyager PRO – $269
SUNPOW OT-MD09 – from $89
Is the metal detector powered by two 9-volt batteries? There’s no other option; it’s either an old detector from the 90s or a Chinese clone of a 90s detector. In the past century, these batteries were the norm. Today, no developer would use such a solution.
Price:
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SUNPOW OT-MD09 – 80 Euro.
Is half the cost for batteries?
++ :-D
I don’t understand why Minelab needed this.
I held this detector in my hands. Pfff… Looks like an ordinary Chinese metal detector. Very cheap. In behavior, it reminds me of my old Teknetics T2. I wouldn’t be surprised if this turns out to be one of the many copies of Teknetics electronics.
My theory is that Minelab was bought by the Chinese. Or they bought a lot of Minelab shares, which allowed them to influence management decisions and insert downright Chinese junk into the manufacturer’s product line. There is no doubt that this trick will have an impact on the brand’s reputation.
There is no doubt that we are dealing with a Chinese counterfeit of the Teknetics Gamma (Bounty Hunter Platinum) metal detector. If Minelab has stamped their mark on this detector, then FT lawyers are useless personnel.
Carefully compared two screens. The differences only seem. In fact, it’s all the same. Changes are only in the arrangement and design of the icons.
Orange-gray looks better. In my humble opinion.
The metal detector coil has been copied from the old Nokta RC40.
There’s a slight visual resemblance. But let’s be honest, it’s a whole different story.
As for the shaft of this detector… There are more appealing options. For instance, a Chinese counterfeit of the Gold Bug Pro.
In my opinion, this won’t be the last Chinese metal detector with the Minelab stamp. Surprises are in store for us.
Only Amazon
Both devices are cheap useless beepers.
Have you tried both? There is no need to draw conclusions from pictures.
In this case, the pictures are enough to see yet another useless Chinese metal detector. Even just the “Made in China” stamp is enough. Name at least one Chinese metal detector of decent quality that can work on the same level as the Garrett AT PRO or Minelab X-Terra.
“Name at least one Chinese metal detector of decent quality that can work on the same level as the Garrett AT PRO or Minelab X-Terra.”
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Easy! QUEST X..
Pfft… You might as well mention Ground EFX.