[ewertb]

I'm looking at getting my 1st detector and am looking for some inputs from the more experienced people to make up my mind. I'm currently looking at the Minelab X-terra 505 or the Garrett ACE 400i, both being in the same price bracket.

• The 400i seems to be the cheaper and perhaps better value unit with the bundle coming with headphones and environmental cover. The coils are also waterproof.
• The 505 however seems to be the more versatile unit with the ability to manually ground balance, option of 3 different coil frequencies and various other adjustables.

I'm leaning towards the X-terra 505 mostly for it's versatility even though the coils aren't waterproof and I'll have to fork out extra for headphones and environmental cover and. Is this versatility and adjust-ability of the 505 really much of a value add to make it a better detector?

[Paul van Heerden]

I thought the coils were waterproof. I don't have either so I cannot really comment. I do have a Garrett though, and I can say that they are a great make

[Brendan]

Hi, i have the X-Terra 305 with the stock standard coil, after my hunts i usually wash my coil down with water. The coil is water proof.

Cheers and Happy Hunting

[Tony Curnick]

The 505 will have a waterptoof coil for sure.

[ewertb]

Ok, seems it's the larger Double-D coils that are only water resistant from the Minelab website. The concentrics and 6" DD are all water proof to 1m.

[James Kraft]

I also hunt with the smaller brother the Xterra 305 and has rewarded me time and time again. The coil is definitely water proof. Personally, the 505 will be my choice between the two although there is little difference between the 305 and the 505.