The Minelab X-Terra Elite: Bridging the Gap for Multi-IQ Enthusiasts

For Minelab fans wanting to delve into the world of Multi-IQ, the company’s at one time, game-changing simultaneous multi-frequency technology, the path wasn’t always smooth. The choices were to either lay out a fair chunk of change on the high-end Equinox 700, 900, or Manticore, or opt for the user-friendly but somewhat build-challenged Vanquish line. Many of us had said that Minelab should have made an Equinox 400. Something with the same form factor as the other Equinox machines but at a more budget-friendly price.

Enter the Minelab X-Terra Elite. This exciting new offering could be the missing piece you’ve been waiting for.

Unveiling the Power of Multi-IQ: The X-TERRA ELITE Under The Spotlight.

The Minelab X-Terra Elite boasts the well-proven Multi-IQ technology, the same as found in its siblings, the Vanquish and Equinox. This translates to great performance on the beach, in parks, or conquering farmland. With 6 search modes and high-resolution object identification, 25 levels of sensitivity and 4 levels of iron discrimination you won’t be lacking in options.

The X-Terra Elite also sports a 15 kHz single frequency option for dedicated park and field searches. This gives you the flexibility to tailor your detecting experience.

But how does the X-Terra Elite stack up against other Minelab detectors?

For treasure hunters just starting their journey, the Vanquish series offers a user-friendly and accessible entry point. The X-Terra Elite, however, represents a step up. It provides a more configurable Multi-IQ platform, unlocking its full potential for advanced users. The increased control translates to superior performance in the field. Plus, the X-Terra Elite boasts impressive waterproof capabilities, submersible up to 5 meters (16 feet).

Unearthing Hidden Treasures: Compatible Search Coils

The X-Terra Elite comes standard with the V12X, a 12-inch elliptical Double-D search coil. Adventurers seeking a comprehensive kit can opt for the X-Terra Elite Expedition Pack, which includes the V12X and the V8X, an 8-inch elliptical Double-D search coil. The beauty lies in its versatility – the X-Terra Elite remains compatible with all X-Terra Pro and Equinox search coils, allowing you to customize your search arsenal.

Wireless Freedom: A Note on Headphones

While the X-Terra Elite boasts wireless audio functionality, it utilizes a proprietary system, not Bluetooth. This means you will need Minelab’s ML85 or ML105 headphones for a truly wireless experience. However, the WM09 Wireless Module provides a clever workaround, transforming any wired headphones into wireless companions for your X-Terra Elite.

Conclusions

In reality, the X-Terra Elite is what the Vanquish should have been; in all probability, it will replace that machine in time. And given the price point, why would you purchase a Vanquish 540 with a lesser feature set for just a few pounds/dollars less?

The price of the X-Terra Elite, if correct, puts it firmly up against another simultaneous multi-frequency detector, the Nokta Double Score.

The Nokta wins out in its use of APTX Low Latency Bluetooth for the headphones. Minelab’s proprietary ML85 headphones currently cost £119.00. And Nokta has just announced a third version of the Score lineup in the aptly named “TRIPLE SCORE Pro Pack, ” priced at £469.00. This machine comes with two coils and wireless headphones. Nokta has also lowered prices on the SCORE and DOUBLE SCORE. The range now starts at just £279.00.

It is good to see Minelab bring its Multi-IQ tech into a budget-friendly package that employs the same form factor as the Equinox…if you don’t count the cost of the headphones of course! It is sure to be just as successful as its higher-priced siblings.

Price & Availability

No date yet on when the X-TERRA ELITE will be available although it is listed at most dealers already.

Prices in the UK are confirmed at £459.00 for the standard version and £589.00 for the Expedition Pack which includes the V8X (8 x 5.5″) Coil as well as the stock V12X Coil, plus a pair of ML85 Low-Latency Wireless Headphones.

Given that the ML85 headphones cost £119.00, the Expedition Pack would be the one to go for.