Introduction
In the world of metal detecting, few names carry as much weight as Minelab. With a reputation for producing high quality, cutting edge detectors, the Australian based company has consistently set the bar for excellence.
Minelab’s Research & Development department never seem to sleep and their latest offering is the entry level, beginner priced XTerra Voyager. In this article we take a closer look at this entry level detector that looks to have attitude!
We’ll explore it features, performance for price and overall value of this powerful pocket rocket. Even from it’s looks, it’ll definately shake up the entry level sector!
Minelab have made the decision that the new, £150 XTerra Voyager is only available on Amazon and not at dealers.
Find the lowest priced Minelab XTerra Voyager on Amazon here!
XTerra Voyager design
Lightweight and Durable Construction
The Minelab XTerra Voyager boasts a sleek and modern design that is both lightweight and durable. Minelab have a reputation for doing this and build quality is never lacking.
Weighing in at just 2.8 pounds, this metal detector is a breeze to carry and swing, even during extended detecting sessions.
The lightweight construction is complemented by a rugged, weatherproof design, ensuring that the XTerra Voyager can withstand whatever the weather can throw at it.
The control box is weatherproof which means it can be rained on with no worries. It just can’t be submerged under water.
The coil however is fully waterproof should you want to detect in a river or at the surf’s edge.
Assembly is easy and the proven camlock design is shared with other detectors from Minelab and give rock solid performance with no wobbles.
Adjustable Stem and Armrest
One great feature of the XTerra Voyager is its adjustable stem and armrest. This isn’t an innovative concept and can be seen on other machines but the rock solid design shows through.
This adjustability allows users to customise the detector’s fit, ensuring maximum comfort and reducing fatigue during long periods of use.
The ergonomic armrest can be easily adjusted to your arm length and provides a secure and comfortable grip.
The adjustable shaft also accommodates users of various heights.
XTerra Voyager performance & technology
Operating frequency
The Minelab XTerra Voyager uses single frequency technology which is to be expected at its really competitive pricepoint. This is 5.82 KHz and can be considered as a “medium” frequency.
Frequencies and how they work is an important concept to grasp. It determines how efficient a detector is at finding certains targets, depending on their size and depth.
Read my article explaining more about frequencies and metal conductivity here.
The medium frequency used in the Minelab XTerra Voyager is a great compromise between achieving some good depth and also being sensitive enough to find smaller targets.
A good all round frequency that punches deep but remains sensitive.
Audio
The XTerra Voyager features an external speaker audio system that eliminates the need for headphones if you are detecting on your own or with someone who wants to share and learn the sounds.
Most of the time you’ll want to use headphones so you don’t miss anything. The Xterra Voyager also comes with its own wired headphones. These plug into the control box via a 3.5mm jack socket.
Again, at the XTerra Voyager’s fantastic pricepoint, wired headphones are to be expected. Wireless headphones would of increased the pricepoint. Minelab branded wired headphones are included.
Waterproof Coil
One of the standout features of the XTerra Voyager is its waterproof coil. This feature allows users to explore wet environments such as the surfs edge on beaches and shallow water riverbeds.
This confidence stops you worrying about damaging the detector. The waterproof coil not only expands the hunting possibilities but also ensures the longevity and durability of the XTerra Voyager.
The XTerra Voyager coil is waterproof to 1 metre in depth. It’s also the more desirable “DD” type coil and a superb 11 inch by 8.5 inch in size giving excellent depth, target separation and sensitivity.
You can read more in my article about metal detector coil types here.
XTerra Voyager Search modes
Multiple Search Modes
The Minelab XTerra Voyager offers four search modes to cater to various hunting preferences and conditions. These simple and effective modes include:
All Metal Mode: This mode as it suggests will detect all types of metal. It uses zero discrimination. The way to determine target types will be through differing target tones. (Iron typically will be a low tone)
Jewellery Mode: This mode is optimised for finding small, valuable targets like rings, ear rings and chains etc. Very much like other “Coin & Jewellery” modes, it will still find coins with ease.
It uses enough discrimination to ignore iron nails, similar sized ferrous objects and foil so it’s a good mode to start off with, especially in higher trashy areas.
Custom Mode: This mode starts to give you some flexibilty to choose which targets you wish to hear and which ones you wish to ignore by selecting the appropriate target icons.
This can be useful if you are typically finding bottle caps. The icon that the bottle caps fall in can be switched off. Care must be taken however because some good targets can fall in this range.
Learn Mode: This clever mode allows you to “teach” the XTerra Voyager a target type. For example, if you wanted to only find £1 coins on a beach, you can pass a £1 coin over the coil when in Learn mode and the detector will only sound off on pound coins…..clever eh!
XTerra Voyager Customisable settings
In addition to the pre-set search modes, the XTerra Voyager allows users to customise settings to suit their specific needs and search conditions.
This includes adjusting sensitivity levels, discrimination patterns, audio loudness, pinpoint and backlight among others. With these customization options, users can fine tune the detector’s performance for optimal results in different environments and hunting conditions.
Battery type and power
The Minelab XTerra Voyager is powered by two 9v batteries that provides up to 20 hours of continuous use on a single charge depending on settings and backlight use.
These are fitted inside the control box under a removable cover. Good quality rechargable batteries would be a good investment if you plan on getting out more often.
Top tip – Try to find the highest rated “mAh” rated rechargeables as they will last much longer. You can get up to 1300 mAh 9v USB rechargable batteries on Amazon here.
I always used to carry spare batteries as well as cable ties, black insulation tape in my belt pack in case you need to carry out some running repairs in the field. They’re also good for carrying snacks, drinks, a first kit and finds boxes.
Ultimate Tactical Packs!
Carry everything you’ll need for a detecting day like a First Aid kit, detector spares, finds boxes, batteries, snacks and drinks to rehydrate.
Never forget anything again with a belt pack!
Comprehensive Accessory Package
Minelab has included a comprehensive accessory package to go with the XTerra Voyager, ensuring that users have everything they need for a successful hunt.
This package includes a sturdy carry bag, a pair of 9v batteries, a set of high quality headphones and a collapsable digging tool. Albeit handy, you’ll probably want a bigger more appropriate metal detecting spade or shovel straight away.
Read my article on choosing the correct metal detecting shovel here with some suggestions.
XTerra Voyager screen at a glance
The Xterra Voyager screen contains a lot of information for an entry level machine.
This begins with the conductive scale at the very top and corresponding target icons in the positions they fall on the scale.
The target’s “ID” number is also displayed in big numbers in the centre of the screen.
This is the targets conductivity number. A good way to get to grips with this is to test different targets and see where they fall on the scale and which icon flashes.
Other information includes a mode icon reminding which search mode you have chosen, a target depth guage, the sensitivity level, battery strength and volume level.
XTerra Voyager Conclusion
In a market saturated with entry level metal detectors, the Minelab XTerra Voyager stands out as a true, well built, quality, entry level machine perfect for beginners or as a backup metal detector.
Coming from Minelab, you know this machine will perform, find you great things and ignore the stuff you don’t want.
Check out the Minelab XTerra Voyager User Manual here.
Pound for pound, the Xterra Voyager offers unparalleled performance and versatility for it’s low pricepoint. Even more so when the headphones, backpack and digging tool are included.
Whether you’re a seasoned treasure hunter or a beginner just starting out, the XTerra Voyager is an excellent investment that promises to enhance your metal detecting experience and increase your chances of success.
This could be the perfect first detector for anyone starting out. “Snipe Detects” is based in the US but has done a cracking run through to show how the XTerra Voyager performs.
Find the lowest priced Minelab XTerra Voyager on Amazon here.
The main rival I think in this entry level bracket is the Quest X5. There is not much separating these two machines and would both make a perfect first detector. I wish they were around when I first started metal detecting!
