Makro Racer 2 Versus Minelab X-terra 705

[Steve Herschbach]

People send me emails or PMs asking questions and I now have a new policy whereby I will post and answer the question on the forum, then aim them at the answer on the forum (names left out). The whole point of asking questions on a forum is everyone gets to share the answer, plus other opinions can be sought. That gets lost with email and PM.

"Regarding the Racer 2, I know you will point me in the right direction, I am looking for a Racer 2 or the X-Terra 705, will be doing coin and jewelry hunting as some beach hunting (two or three times a year) in dry and wet sand, so which one do you recommend? Or do you think they are about the same?"

They are very similar detectors in a lot of ways and having used both I don’t think either has any particular magic ability over the other. Nothing a more casual user would perhaps discern anyway. If you are really into your detectors there are feature differences that may or may not be important to you so look carefully at the feature list of both detectors. For instance, if you are into tones, the Racer 2 has mono tone, two tone, or three tone hunt modes. The 705 has mono tone, dual tone, three tone, four tone, and 28 tone modes. However, on the X-Terra how those tones are laid out is preset and cannot be modified. The Racer 2 lets you shift the ranges on the two tone and three tone modes and even change the pitch of the sounds. So while the Racer 2 has a limit on the number of tones within those limits it has more ability to be customized. I like that. I also like full tones so the 28 tones on the 705 appeals to me. That is the sort of stuff one has to weigh.

These are the sorts of things that matter to me and that I look at. People always talk about depth and that is a waste of time discussing in most cases. It varies due to the ground minerals at each location and all VLF detectors worth the name are so close it results in endless debates. It is just hair splitting. Now when it comes to picking out different closely spaced items one from the other the Racer 2 has an edge from being a faster response detector. This can help if picking through dense trash. But again, that is more a feature expert hunters appreciate.

The Racer 2 runs at 14 kHz. The 705 can be had stock in 7.5 kHz or 18.75 kHz versions, and customized via coil options to run at 3, 7.5, or 18.75 kHz. This seems impressive but in real life has not been a huge factor with the X-Terra because having to change coils to change frequencies is cumbersome. Still, if chasing small gold nuggets was an issue the 705 at 18.75 kHz might have an edge though the Racer 2 is surprisingly hot for 14 kHz.

The bottom line is it is like having me try and choose between two different sets of similar hiking boots for you. They are too close to tell which will fit you better and either way I could be wrong. I can use either detector and be happy. My best advice is scrutinize the feature list and both owner manuals online and see if any feature really pops out at you as being something you care about.

Nokta/Makro Racer 2 and Minelab X-Terra 705

 

[Shelton]

6 minutes ago, Steve Herschbach said:

The bottom line is it is like having me try and choose between two different sets of similar hiking boots for you. They are too close to tell which will fit you better and either way I could be wrong. I can use either detector and be happy. My best advice is scrutinize the feature list and both owner manuals online and see if any feature really pops out at you as being something you care about.

Always choose right tool. You can dig big hole even by screwdriver but you really need shovel not screwdriver for it...

[Cabin Fever]

A lot of these different VLF detectors have pretty close to the same performance but a completely different feel, sound, display and menu.. You almost have to try out a lot of the different brands so you can to see what YOU like.   What might be a complicated menu for one person might be a breeze for someone else.  The sounds of some detectors is enough for me to refuse to use them no matter what their performance.   Join a club so you can check out other members detectors or do like me and buy used detectors to try out.. You can re-sell them and get your money back as long as you don't over pay for them in the first place.  Another thing to think about is your type of hunting style and ground conditions.  One guy in some state across the country gets 10" dimes with detector X and in your state detector X IDs a 6" dime as a nail if you can hear it at all.    

Bryan

[californiagold]

Ill vouch for Racer 2 being a good Gold detector. it reminds me of a slightly less powerful brother of Goldracer. 

[strick]

One thing I think is important is the speed of the detector. As you become more experienced you will want more speed. At least that is my feeling. Also as Cabin fever alluded to the ergo dynamics of the detector and how it feels in your hand will play a big part in your decision. Don't  forget to look at the waranty and customer support of each product.... and research the internet for possible problems that people are having with a particular detector and how the factory is helping them. 

strick

[bado1]

53 minutes ago, strick said:

One thing I think is important is the speed of the detector. As you become more experienced you will want more speed. At least that is my feeling. Also as Cabin fever alluded to the ergo dynamics of the detector and how it feels in your hand will play a big part in your decision. Don't  forget to look at the waranty and customer support of each product.... and research the internet for possible problems that people are having with a particular detector and how the factory is helping them. 

strick

+1.