The Lowdown
The MineLab X-Terra Elite metal detector offers robust features and an engaging treasure-hunting experience for beginners and seasoned enthusiasts. Its Multi-IQ technology and versatile capabilities provide an effective tool for uncovering hidden items across various terrains. While the detector’s weight and the learning curve for Iron Control may pose minor challenges, its fun factor and high performance make it a worthwhile investment.
Overall
Pros
- Great features
- Fun to use
- Collapsible for storage
- Accurate
- Easy to read screen
- Includes wireless headphones
Cons
- Slightly cumbersome and takes some getting used to holding for extended periods
With retirement 27 years away, I figured it was time to begin making financial planning decisions. Sure, I could meet with an advisor to discuss investments, but why rely on the unstable stock market when I could take matters into my own hands? Thanks to the MineLab X-Terra Elite metal detector, I can use my own two hands to find my own treasures!
Big dreams need big tools, which makes the MineLab X-Terra Elite metal detector ideal for the task.
The package includes the X-Terra Elite, a V12X 12″ Double-D Elliptical coil with a skidplate, headphones, a shoulder strap, a Getting Started Guide, and a charging cable.
This powerhouse packs some amazing features, including Multi-IQ.
Multi-IQ Simultaneous Multi-Frequency
Low frequencies typically give more depth on large targets than high frequencies, which are usually more sensitive to small targets. With Multi-IQ you can operate across the full spectrum of frequencies simultaneously for maximum results.
The adjustable detection levels are useful, especially when searching in areas with heavy mineralization or high levels of electromagnetic interference.
MineLab X-Terra Elite Metal Detector Specifications
| Search Modes | Park, Field, Beach |
| All-Metal Shortcut | Yes |
| Custom Search Profiles | 6 (2 per detect mode) |
| Operating Frequencies (kHz) | Multi, 15 |
| Noise Cancel | Auto (19 Channels) |
| Ground Balance | Auto, Manual, Tracking |
| Sensitivity | 1 to 25 |
| Target Volume | 0 to 25 |
| Threshold Level | 0 to 25 |
| Threshold Pitch | Fixed |
| Target Identification (TID) | 119 ID’s | Ferrous: -19 to 0 | Non-ferrous: 1 to 99 |
| Target Tones | 1, 2, 5, All Tones (At), Depth (dP) |
| Tone Break | Ferrous (t1) adjustable |
| Tone Volume | Tone 1 (ferrous) adjustable: 0 to 25 |
| Recovery Speed | 1, 2, 3 |
| Iron Bias | -1, 0, 1, 2 |
| Depth Indicator | 5 levels |
| Discrimination Segments | 30 segments (4 Target ID’s per segment) |
| Pinpoint Mode | Yes |
| Wireless Audio | Yes |
| Length (approx.) | Collapsed: 63 cm (25″) | Extended: 138 cm (54″) |
| Weight (including batteries) | 1.3 kg (2.9 pounds) |
| Display | Monochrome LCD |
| Display/Keypad Backlight | Red | Off, High, Low |
| Flashlight | On, Off |
| Vibration (Master and Ferrous) | On, Off |
| Supplied Coil | V12X 12″ Double-D Elliptical coil with skidplate |
| Audio Output | In-built loudspeaker, Wired 3.5 mm (1/8″) headphones, Wireless headphones |
| Battery | 3.7 v / 5100 mAh internal Lithium-Ion battery |
| Additional Included Accessories | Getting Started Guide, charging cable |
| Waterproof | Waterproof to 5m / 16ft, IP68 |
| Operating Temperature Range | -10 to +40 degrees Celsius (+14 to +104 degrees Fahrenheit) |
| Storage Temperature Range | -20 to +70 degrees Celsius (-4 to +158 degrees Fahrenheit) |
| Key Technologies | Multi-IQ |
| Warranty | 3 Years, control box and coil |
The MineLab X-Terra Elite metal detector is advertised as simple to use. Its large LCD display is designed for beginners, and its fully waterproof design makes it easy to pack on a beach vacation.
When you and your X-Terra Elite metal detector have zeroed in on a buried treasure, the added features of “loud and clear audio” and “lighting and vibration” make it easy to figure out where to begin digging.
Once I received my X-Terra Elite metal detector, I was eager to test it out. Luckily, we had planned a day trip to the beach later in the week. Packing the metal detector was fairly easy. The extendable arms were easy to collapse so as not to take up too much valuable trunk space. Setup was very easy, but it took a little time to learn the significance of all of the beeps and vibrations.
One measurement that took time to figure out was the Iron Control, a number system that helps distinguish “treasure from junk.” Eager to get out and find some stuff, we opted to figure it out as we went along.
Once we heard the X-Terra Elite metal detector sending out some strong beeps, we got to digging. Lo and behold, we found a tab from a soda can!
Despite the find being worthless, we were so excited that the MineLab X-Terra Elite metal detector worked!
After a few Google searches, we got a basic understanding of the numbers we wanted to see on the detector, and then we were off again in search of our treasure!
With the headphones on, volume pumped up, and hands ready to dig, we were eager for more discoveries. We found a few more pieces of invaluable metals before hitting the jackpot—a bright and shiny matchbox car!
Even though we haven’t yet found buried treasure, the X-Terra Elite metal detector is a lot of fun and a great conversation piece. Many people stopped us along the way to ask what we found in the sand.
Aside from a bit of a learning curve for the Iron Control readings, our only other negative is the detector’s weight of 2.9 pounds. It comes with a handle and an arm strap, but scanning the sand still requires a decent amount of effort (and muscle).
The MineLab X-Terra Elite metal detector offers robust features and an engaging treasure-hunting experience for beginners and seasoned enthusiasts. Its Multi-IQ technology and versatile capabilities provide an effective tool for uncovering hidden items across various terrains. While the detector’s weight and the learning curve for Iron Control may pose minor challenges, its fun factor and high performance make it a worthwhile investment.
If you’re ready to embark on your own treasure-hunting adventures or simply want to try an exciting new hobby, the MineLab X-Terra Elite is a great choice.
You can learn more about it by clicking here.
The MineLab X-Terra Elite metal detector retails for $479; it is available from Amazon, Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, and other retailers.
Source: Manufacturer Supplied review sample
What I Like: Great features; Fun to use; Collapsible for storage; Accurate; Easy to read screen; Includes wireless headphones
What Needs Improvement: Slightly cumbersome and takes some getting used to holding for extended periods