Minelab X-TERRA 705 Gold Vs Eureka Gold

NavyBob said:

Hi Jace,

Of the two detectors the Eureka is considered the "entry level" gold detector and although a few may bag it, do not discount it. The better efficiency with it is in the careful selection of coils used both manufacturers and after market, some after market ones boost it no end, so I recommend some careful research, if gold is your major interest then go for this one is my recommendation also if you purchase from a store see if you can get some training on the machine as well.

The 705 should not be discounted either although I have found it suffers in very high mineralised ground, but I have found gold nuggets in and around old mining towns, it is a matter of where you search and bear in mind the more mineralisation the shallower search depth for the 705. If you can put up with the jumping and odd sounds then go for it. Around the old buildings I tend to use the 6" coil in close and go to the DD 11" coil.

On both go slower on the swings and make your search patterns thorough and do not discount any odd signals to not dig. I nearly missed a gold pocket watch by doing that(offered $2000 for it but still have it)

Bob.

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A question I am often asked is: Im looking to buy a detector, but unsure whether to get an X-TERRA 705 Gold or the Eureka Gold. Its actually a very good question, as it isnt an easy one to answer as there are advantages to each machine.

One of the main differences between these two units is that the Eureka Gold has three operating frequencies built in, 6.4, 20 & 60 kHz, whereas the X-TERRA 705 Gold operates on 18.75 kHz with its supplied 10x5 DD coil. However, the X-TERRA is quite unique in that you can change the operating frequency by changing coils, and there are three frequency options in the range of accessory coils: 3kHz, 7.5kHz & 18.75kHz. So, whats the point of different frequencies?

• Very low frequencies (3 kHz) will detect higher conductive targets like copper and silver to a greater depth. [/*]
• Low frequencies (6.4 kHz or 7.5 kHz) are best on most modern coinage, and large gold rings. [/*]
• Mid range frequencies (18.75 or 20 kHz) are better on smaller less conductive targets, and also can handle certain soil conditions better. [/*]
• Then very high frequencies (60 kHz) do a great job on low metal targets such as gold in quartz specimens, fine gold jewellery, and small thin coins etc. [/*]

So by selecting the correct frequency option for the desired target will improve results.

The other main difference is that the Eureka Gold was designed primarily with gold detection as its main purpose, but the 705 Gold is more a dual purpose unit. The X-TERRA 705 Gold has two selectable modes of operation, 1. Coin & Treasure, and 2. Prospecting, so its like having two detectors in one! The Coin & Treasure mode has full range discrimination, meaning you can reject junk targets such as aluminium foil and pull tabs, or set the discrimination to accept only a specific range of coins, e.g. in Australia this might be 50c, $1 & $2 coins. The Prospecting mode performs in a similar way to the Eureka Gold - with a modulated audio response which increases sensitivity by helping the operator to hear small and deep target signals. This makes it a versatile unit able to be used for a variety of detecting tasks, but there are advantages with both units.

Eureka Gold advantages:

• Three optional frequencies selectable at the flick of a switch to optimize the detector for different sized targets[/*]
• Audio boost switch to boost faint signals that may otherwise be missed [/*]
• 2 Tracking speeds (Fast/Slow) to optimize the detector for varying ground conditions [/*]
• Long life rechargeable battery supplied[/*]
• Hip-mount capability[/*]
• 3 optional accessory coils: 8 round DD for extra maneuverability, and 11 round DD for improved ground coverage & depth on larger targets, and 15 Coiltek (waterproof). [/*]
• Knobs and switches style detector so all the functions can be seen at a glance.[/*]

X-TERRA 705 advantages:

• 3 frequency options, selectable by changing the coil to optimize for different target sizes[/*]
• 3 Ground Balance options: Manual, Auto & Tracking select the best option for different ground conditions [/*]
• Beach Ground Balance mode for working the wet sand[/*]
• Ground Balance readout - so you can follow the ground readings while searching (lower numbers means higher mineralizaton)[/*]
• Lightweight, ergonomic design[/*]
• Simple LCD menu system[/*]
• Runs on just 4 x AA batteries with over 20 hours run time[/*]
• Optional Tracking Off-set for those who like to run their Ground balance slightly positive or negative [/*]
• 7 optional coils, including waterproof options, plus a range of Coiltek coils [/*]
• Excellent pin-point mode[/*]
• Full discrimination in Coin and Treasure Mode (makes a great Coin & Relic detector) [/*]

So from the above list of advantages, it comes down to individual preferences, but the other important question is: how does the performance of the two units compare? Well we know the X-TERRA 705 has a Coin & Treasure mode, so if someone wants to do a bit of gold prospecting and some coin shooting, then the 705 Gold is the obvious choice. But for someone just interested in gold prospecting the choice isnt as easy. Basically, the Eureka Gold handles highly mineralized soils slightly better, and is capable of a little more depth over a wide range of target sizes. In saying that, the X-TERRA 705 when teamed up with the 6 DD 18.75 kHz coil is dynamite on small gold, but better suited to less mineralized soils. The Eureka Gold will also do a better job of tracking out hotrocks, and in milder ground the Boost Signal can give you a depth increase. So from a performance perspective in the goldfields, the Eureka Gold has a slight edge, but if the goldfields in your area are relatively mildly mineralized, or youd like the option to do some coin or relic hunting, then the X-TERRA 705 Gold is the better option.

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