I have been looking for a completely waterproof metal detector so that I could hunt in the water. So when I had a chance to try out a Minelab detector, I chose the X-Terra Pro. I also chose the ML 100 headphones and Pro-Find 35 pinpointer because it also is waterproof to 10 feet. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to try it out in three different experiences.
The machine was easy to put together. I like that the pole has clips that are just like the ones on my camera tripod that can lengthen or shorten the handle. This makes it so easy to quickly adjust the length of the unit for anyone to use, short or tall.
Search Modes
The X-Terra Pro has six search modes – two for parks, two for fields and two for the beach. I kept the manual on my phone to quickly see how to access the modes and settings.
In 1896, just a little north of Waco, Texas, a gentleman decided to hold a PR stunt, crashing two locomotives together. Unfortunately, it didn’t go as planned and people were injured, three critically. The event is known as “The Crash at Crush.”
One of our metal-detecting buddies received permission to search on the property where the crash occurred, and he invited us along. It was virgin territory, so it had never been detected before. I set the machine on “Field” and set out. I immediately started finding railroad spikes, screws and some unknown objects. Once I got them home and cleaned, I could tell they were copper pieces from the train, but I still don’t know what they were. It was just exciting to find them and see how pretty and shiny they were after the rust was removed.
Then, we had a short trip planned a week later to celebrate our son’s birthday in Port Aransas, Texas. I couldn’t wait to try out the X-Terra Pro on the beach. As we were loading the car my husband put in the detector and commented on its size, saying, “Boy, I sure like how this collapses down so small.”
On the beach, I set it to “beach” mode and immediately found a lot of garbage at first, but then I started finding items such as a crusted-over tent spike, a penny and some other unidentifiable metal objects.
I panicked for a moment when I laid the detector down and sand got on the control panel. Then I realized if it was made to prevent water from getting in then the sand couldn’t get in either. I can’t tell you what a relief it is to not have that worry.
Then I noticed a woman detecting the beach and went over to talk to her. It turns out she was using a Minelab Vanquish 540. She was there with her teenage daughter and the daughter’s friend, and it was their first time detecting. We discussed using a pinpointer and by the time I left, she had decided she needed to buy one as well.
There is about a two-block area of Waco, Texas, that used to hold the old “Lion’s Park,” which consisted of a swimming pool, play area and rides. My husband and I are members of the Waco Metal Detecting Club and the group held its first seeded hunt at the park the week after we returned from the beach. Setting the X-Terra Pro on the “park” setting, I immediately found a token that I would trade in later for a prize – a beautiful silver dollar donated by the local coin shop (Reliable Coins). Since it was an old park, I found plenty of junk, but I also found another token and several coins.
The Minelab X-Terra Pro is an excellent machine for beginners as well as experienced detectorists. The fact that all parts of it are waterproof, along with the wide variety of search modes, makes it perfect for any area you may want to detect. You really can’t buy another detector with all these features for a price point of less than $300.
To find Minelab products near you, visit the Minelab website and click on “Where to Buy.” Enter your location information, choose which detector you want, then click the magnifying glass. It’ll pop up a list of dealers nearest you selling Minelab detectors and accessories. Happy hunting!
Nancy Keaton is a retired college administrator, president of her local gun club, competitive shooter and freelance writer whose work has appeared in A Girl and A Gun Women’s Shooting League, "American Shooting Journal," "American Concealed," "Northwest Meetings + Events," and other publications. She enjoys writing about a wide variety of topics and interviewing ordinary people doing amazing things. To see a compilation of her writing, check out her website at www.nancykeaton.com. View all posts by Nancy Keaton
