MINELAB X-TERRA VOYAGER - X-TERRA In Name Only?

Minelab has released a new budget-friendly machine which they are calling the X-TERRA VOYAGER. Not to be confused with the X-TERRA PRO. From what we have seen it is related in name only. The two machines are very different in both looks and capability.

The Spec:

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.
Audio Output – Built-in loudspeaker | Wired 3.5 mm (1/8″) headphones.
Additional Included Accessories – Collapsible Digger, Backpack, Wired 3.5 mm (1/8″) headphones.
Waterproof – Coil only. to 3.3ft (1m)

What Is It

The X-TERRA VOYAGER is aimed at people new to the hobby of metal detecting or those looking for a machine on a budget. Given the retail price of $149, it certainly fills that brief. The design of the control box appears to be quite user-friendly. The large backlit LCD display is easy to read and new users should have no trouble finding their way around. At the top of the display, there is an ID scale showing typical targets. It will flash for targets that fall within a certain segment. Below on the left, we have the volume level, battery level and sensitivity level indicators. In the centre are the large two-digit target ID numbers. To the right, there is a depth level meter and mode select indicator.

On the left side of the control box is a 3.5 mm headphone port. Wired headphones are supplied with the machine.

The control box clips onto the handle and is held in place by a hand-tightened screw. Two 9v batteries (supplied) are inserted at the rear of the control box. The armrest and shaft slide into the handle and are held in place by camlocks. This makes for a very quick adjustment for length and also means the machine can be compacted down for transport without disassembly.

The 11″ x 8.5″ Double-D waterproof coil attaches to the lower shaft by a nylon screw and locknut, with the coil cable attached to the control box via a push-in connector secured by a metal retaining ring.

What We Say

The Minelab marketing department has been working overtime. From what we have seen so far, the X-TERRA VOYAGER exhibits the type of performance we would expect from a low-cost Chinese-made metal detector, and indeed, the VOYAGER is produced in China. The design of the X-TERRA VOYAGER is not too different from the Chinese-made Sakobs GC1078, which we recently reviewed.

This seems like an odd departure for a company with such a long and prestigious reputation. But of course, we are in the holiday season, and a cheap machine with “Minelab” written on it is bound to sell well. However, if performance is important to you, perhaps spending a few dollars more would reap its rewards.”