Quest Q35 vs. Minelab X-Terra Pro – As a detectorist who’s combed countless British landscapes, I’ve had the pleasure of putting two intriguing selectable multi-frequency metal detectors through their paces: the X-Terra Pro (£329) from well established favourite Minelab, and the Q35 (£339) from relative newcomer Quest. Let’s look into what sets these machines apart and which might be the ideal companion for your treasure hunting adventures.
Operating Frequencies: PRO-SWITCH vs Interchangeable Frequencies
The Minelab X-Terra Pro features PRO-SWITCH technology, offering four selectable frequencies: 5, 8, 10, and 15 kHz. This range provides good versatility for general detecting scenarios, allowing users to adapt to various soil conditions and target types.
In contrast, the Quest Q35 provides three interchangeable search frequencies: 5, 13, and 21 kHz. Despite having fewer options, the Q35’s wider frequency range is actually a significant advantage. The higher 21 kHz frequency is particularly beneficial for detecting smaller targets like tiny jewelry or gold nuggets, while the lower 5 kHz is excellent for depth on larger targets. This broader range makes the Q35 more versatile across different detecting scenarios.
The Q35 also incorporates frequency shifting to help avoid interference from external sources, adding to its adaptability in various environments. While the X-Terra Pro offers more options in the mid-range, the Q35’s wider overall range gives it an edge in versatility.
Search Modes and Customization
The X-Terra Pro comes equipped with three primary search modes: Park, Field, and Beach. These pre-configured settings optimize the detector’s performance for different environments, making it easy for users to adapt quickly to varying conditions. Additionally, the X-Terra Pro allows for six custom search profiles, enabling detectorists to save their preferred settings for different scenarios.
The Quest Q35, has Park, Field, Beach and Gold modes and emphasizes its user-friendly interface as suitable for all experience levels. It offers essential functionalities including pinpoint function, tone break function, iron discrimination, and adjustable iron volume. The Q35 also features rapid recovery speed and object identification from 1 to 99, providing a comprehensive set of tools for precise detecting.
Both detectors offer customization options, with the X-Terra Pro providing more structured preset modes and the Q35 focusing on individual adjustable features. The Q35’s approach might appeal more to experienced users who prefer fine-tuning their settings, while the X-Terra Pro’s preset modes could be advantageous for beginners or those who prefer quick setup.
Waterproofing and Build Quality
Both the X-Terra Pro and Q35 are fully waterproof to a depth of 5 meters, making them suitable for shallow water hunting and providing peace of mind in wet conditions. This level of waterproofing is particularly valuable for British detectorists, given our often unpredictable weather and the popularity of beach detecting.
The X-Terra Pro features a collapsible design, with a length ranging from 63 cm when collapsed to 138 cm when fully extended. This adjustability, combined with its lightweight build of 1.3 kg, makes it suitable for detectorists of various heights and allows for easy transportation.
The Q35 boasts an ergonomic, lightweight design with a 3-section shaft equipped with click-cam locks. This allows for easy adjustment of the shaft length and handle, making it suitable for users of all ages. The Q35 can also be folded down very compactly, enhancing its portability.
Both detectors prioritize ergonomic design and portability, crucial factors for long detecting sessions across varied terrain.
Coil Technology and Performance
The X-Terra Pro comes equipped with a V12X 12″ Double-D Elliptical coil. This coil design offers a good balance between depth and sensitivity, making it suitable for a wide range of detecting scenarios.
The Quest Q35 features a slightly smaller 28 x 26 cm (approximately 11″ x 10″) DD Raptor11 search coil, including a protective cover. Quest claims this coil provides improved depth and response speed compared to previous models. While slightly smaller, the Q35’s coil, combined with its wider frequency range, may offer superior performance in certain conditions, particularly for smaller targets.
Both detectors utilize Double-D coil technology, known for its stability and good target separation. The X-Terra Pro’s slightly larger coil may offer a small advantage in ground coverage, though the Q35’s coil design and wider frequency range could potentially provide better overall performance across various target types and soil conditions.
Quest Q35 vs. Minelab X-Terra Pro – Additional Features and Battery Life
The X-Terra Pro is powered by a 3.7V/5100 mAh internal Lithium-Ion battery, though the specific battery life isn’t stated. It features a monochrome LCD with adjustable red backlight, a built-in flashlight, and vibration alerts for both master and ferrous targets.
The Quest Q35 is equipped with a built-in 3000mAh Li-Po battery, offering an impressive battery life of up to 20 hours. It features an orange display lighting and includes a vibration function as a detection signal, which can be particularly useful for underwater searches or in noisy environments.
Both detectors offer wireless audio capabilities, with the Q35 including a wireless Quest Lite headset in the package. The X-Terra Pro is compatible with wireless headphones but doesn’t specify if they’re included.
These additional features enhance the detecting experience, with each detector offering unique elements that cater to different user preferences.
Quest Q35 vs. Minelab X-Terra Pro – The Verdict: Crowning a Victor
After carefully weighing the strengths and features of both the Minelab X-Terra Pro and the Quest Q35, I’m ready to declare a winner in this close contest.
The Quest Q35 edges out the Minelab X-Terra Pro to take the victory, though by a narrow margin. Here’s why:
- Frequency Range: The Q35’s wider frequency range (5, 13, and 21 kHz) provides superior versatility across different target types and soil conditions, despite having fewer options than the X-Terra Pro.
- Performance: The combination of the Q35’s Raptor11 coil and wider frequency range potentially offers better overall performance, particularly for smaller targets and in challenging soil conditions.
- User-Friendly Features: The Q35’s emphasis on user-friendliness, combined with its comprehensive set of adjustable features, makes it accessible to beginners while still appealing to experienced detectorists.
- Battery Life: The Q35’s impressive 20-hour battery life is a significant advantage for long detecting sessions.
- Included Accessories: The inclusion of a wireless headset adds value to the Q35 package.
However, it’s worth noting that the Minelab X-Terra Pro puts up a strong fight with its slightly larger coil, pre-configured search modes, and Minelab’s established reputation for quality and innovation. For detectorists who prefer preset modes or are loyal to the Minelab brand, the X-Terra Pro remains an excellent choice.
In conclusion, while both metal detectors offer impressive features at their price points, the Quest Q35’s combination of a wider frequency range, potentially superior performance, user-friendly features, and excellent battery life make it the overall winner in this comparison. Its balance of advanced technology and ease of use should satisfy both newcomers and experienced detectorists alike. The X-Terra Pro, however, remains a strong contender, particularly for those who value Minelab’s reputation and prefer its approach to search modes. In fact these are probably two of the hardest to separate detectors so far tested, they have very similar features, performance and price. Whichever you choose, you’ll be equipped with a capable multi-frequency detector ready to uncover the treasures hidden in British soil.
