The Minelab Xterra Pro metal detector stands out as the top choice for metal detecting for beginners on a budget or veteran detectorists and it's easy to see why. Despite its budget-friendly price, this detector smacks deep targets in all terrain and even the salt water beach which is usually terrible for single frequency metal detectors historically. Its affordability makes it an accessible option for both seasoned hunters and beginners alike, offering exceptional value without compromising on quality. Whether you're searching for lost treasures or just enjoying the hunt, the Minelab Xterra Pro proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a detector that performs remarkably well on the beach park or wooded areas when tested in NYC.  

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Depth: I tested my Minelab Xterra Pro metal detector in all environments in NYC. The woods, the parks, the beach and was pretty impressed with the depth I recovered targets with for this price point. I tested in a historical area with people that had all top end detectors and luckily came out on top that day for putting the coil over the targets, Was able to hit those targets. 

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Separation: The separation isn't as good as the equinox and even the target IDs can struggle to stay as consistant as the Minelab Equinox but still is impressive. ​

 

​Sound Inference: I could hear the difference with sizes of the object and takes time to realize some things in heavy trash areas such as parks you may need to move to the side to determine if its a bottle cap or. not or swing faster. You will learn quickly. 

 

Target ID (Visual) Inference: The Target ID is wonky and changes quickly to other ID numbers. Will definitely help train your ears. 

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Ergonomics: Well balanced and similar to the Minelab Equinox.  Also has a retractible shaft which is awesome. 

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Build Durability: Telescopic shaft that is sturdy. Solid machine for the price unlike the cheaper ones below this. Solid machine 

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Battery Life: 12 hours of battery life.

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Swag (Add On's): 

V8X Double-D Coil with Skidplate

V10X Double-D Coil with Skidplate

ML 85

Waterproof Headphones 3.5mm / 1/8"

Headphone Adaptor Cable 3.5mm (1/8") to 6.35mm (1/4")

2-Way USB Car Charger

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Coupon Code INDYTONES on KellyCo

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Pinpoint:  Pinpointing is as easy as the Minelab Equinox. Very easy to follow the full moon to tell you are locked onto targets. ​

 

Navigation: Navigation is very easy with this machine and to change settings. 

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Handles EMI: This single frequency machine handles EMI better than a multi frequency machine. 

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Utility In Water: Have not see any evidence of flooding with this machine like the Minelab 600 or 800 in the past. Works well. 

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Saltwater Beach: Suprisingly this lower end model works on salt water beaches. In the past White's Electronics MX Sport advertised as a water machine failed horribly in the water. That was a $800 machine. This one works better than that one. 

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Trashy Park: Did very well at a NYC park in Staten Island. Was getting a lot of bottle caps at first until I learned how to hear them. If you swing and back off you usually get a iron grunt on the edge of a bottle cap or if you swing faster over it when found the signal isn't consistent. Those tips work well for, me. 

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Handles Iron: You will be able to determine iron easily with all metal mode on as other machines. Worked well in a iron area I detected in near a colonial site. Was able to still pull silver coins and historic buttons. 

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Relative Value:  The Minelab Xterra Pro metal detector is priced at $279-$299  (without headphones),  It is compact and capable of retrieving targets in all applications where I am in NYC. For the price and review of this machine I ranked it the highest on our list because of the cost and what you get for a low price. If I were recommending a starter machine for anyone this would be it or a second machine to travel with as it retracts, 

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