x-70 or x-705

[Slocan]

I'm getting closer to buying my first detector and think these are the finalists. Anyone have any advice? Is one better? Also any leads on sales or deals would be appreciated.

 

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[Eu_citzen]

Well you can save some money on the XT-70 but the XT-705 has some extras features that can be nice, i.e. backlight in the screen.
Talk to a dealer, he could fill you in more.

 

[johnnycat]

We all have our opinions on this however, I personally do not feel the 705 is worth the extra money over the X-70.

 

[Trackerman]

Well the 705 should better than the 70.Because i have a 305 and had the 70 and like my 305 better. It locks down on numbers better. Id go for the 305 and save 300 bucks. Or if you need the 3klhz coil option get the 505 save money. On the higher end The Minelab Safari looks real nice too good luck.

 

[makton]

Slocan,
Most people that I know that have both don't see a big enough difference unless you are looking for the items mentioned like backlighting, etc. I got mine practically new w/ warranty from a dealer - Larry @ nwimetaldetectors.com He is an authorized ML guy that uses the 70 and very knowledgable.

Of course, you can always check the classifieds and get some good deals as well.

Makton

 

[extractor]

Does the 505 have the back light feature also?

 

[Digger USA]

The 705 is the only model with the backlight.
In comparing the X-70 to the 705, there is a difference in functionality and I believe a slight difference in depth. I hear a more distinct audio on deeply buried targets, allowing me an addtional 10 - 15% increase in depth of detection. In addition to the backlight, the 705 has an additional Pattern mode. That really didn't do much for me as the Patterns are so easy to adjust anyway. The two features that I do like on my 705 are Tracking Ground Balance offset and the dual mode Pinpoint. I liked to run my X-Terras with a little bit positive Ground phase adjustment. In my opinion, this fools the detector into thinking that the ground is a little bit more mineralized than it really is. This results in targets providing a more distinct tone. On the X-70, I ground balance and then manually set it two or three clicks lower. The 705 allows me to do this, plus it allows me to build in a positive (or negative for those who want that) ground phase setting that also works in the tracking mode. So if I am in a location where I want to implement Tracking, I can do so and maintain a positive (or negative) phase influence. No one else offers Tracking GB offset. So if they haven't used a 705, they don't know what they are missing.
I seldom used the Pinpoint mode on my X-70. It would not maintain an audio signal while raising the coil over the target. So I usually hit the Prospecting mode to pinpoint, size up and shape the target. The 705 has this same Pinpoint mode (VCO). But it also has the option of switching to a Target Sizing Pinpoint mode. The nice thing about the Sizing Pinpoint is that it allows me to approximate the size and shape of a target while maintaining the TID. Prospecting mode is OK. But having a continuous TID during that step of the process will speed up your hunt. JMHO HH Randy

 

[redsummit]

uhhh ground phase, vco? what does all that mean.

 

[SusanMN]

In the last couple of years, I've been trying to find a land detector that works for me - I've owned an XLT, F4, Cortes, and as of a week ago, the Xterra 705. By FAR, the best of the bunch from the standpoint of being comfortable to use, easy to program, fabulous pinpointing, and great sound options. My only gripe was that I had to spend extra to purchase a "short shaft" because the Xterra doesn't shorten down as much as some of us five-footers need. But while the other detectors have come and gone, this one is definitely a keeper.