We present to your attention a review of the Quest X5 metal detector. Inexpensive, but extremely effective for finding any type of finds. In the review, we will discuss the capabilities, features, and how this metal detector works.
The Quest X5 metal detector is the entry-level model in the product line of the manufacturer Quest Metal Detectors. It is lightweight and compact, suitable for both adults and children. The operating frequency of the Quest X5 is 12 kHz. A flashlight is built into the back of the unit, directed at the working area (coil), making it an excellent solution for working in the dark or in low-light conditions. The display is also backlit.
Thanks to the three-part shaft, the length of the metal detector can be easily and quickly adjusted to the required height. If you remove the middle section (this assembly option is also possible), the detector can be used in a shortened form, for example, for searching in confined spaces (trenches, pits, tunnels, rooms).
Water ProtectionThe metal detector unit is moisture-resistant, but the device cannot be submerged underwater. The coil is completely waterproof and allows for full immersion in water (only the coil).
The standard configuration includes an elliptical search coil, 9.5 inches in size, of the DD (Double-D) type. It has high sensitivity even to the smallest targets, such as the tip of a sewing needle. It works excellently on challenging soils, including seawater-salted sand. The coil supports the use of a removable plastic cover.
Power
The power supply comes from a built-in battery, and charging is done via a regular USB. The autonomous working time is up to 19 hours. A full battery charge takes 4 hours. The charging port and connector for wired headphones are located on the back of the unit under a protective cover.
Controls and Display
On the left side of the control panel is the volume adjustment button, and on the right is the flashlight on/off button. On the front panel, there are sensitivity control buttons, a mode selection button (program change), a pinpointer button, and a ground balance button.At the top, above the screen, there is a find indication scale. The combination of the lit segment, VDI value, and audio response helps to determine the type of metal and size of the target under the coil.
The Quest X5 is equipped with 5 segments on the graphic discrimination scale and 3 tones of audio response: low, medium, and high. The first segment of the scale (VDI 0-39) covers finds made of iron and produces a low tone. The second and third segments (VDI 40-69) include non-ferrous metals with low and medium conductivity, such as gold, aluminum, and foil, and produce a medium tone. The fourth and fifth segments (VDI 70-99) correspond to high conductivity metals, such as copper and silver, and produce a high tone.
Metal Detector SettingsThe current sensitivity level is displayed on the left side of the screen. The higher this parameter, the greater the detection depth, but high sensitivity reduces resistance to external interference, such as near power lines. The optimal sensitivity choice is a balance between maximum detection depth and stable operation of the device. Start with maximum sensitivity and decrease if necessary.
Next to the sensitivity scale is the battery charge indicator. The right side of the screen displays the volume indicator and the target depth indicator.
The depth indicator works as follows: the scale consists of 4 segments, each corresponding to 5 cm. If the first segment is lit, the depth is up to 5 cm; if the fourth, 25 cm or more. These values apply to medium-sized targets, such as coins. The maximum detection depth of X5 for large objects, such as tank parts or artillery pieces, is up to 1.5m.
Search ProgramsAt the bottom of the screen, the modes (programs) for searching are displayed. The Quest X5 metal detector has 3 modes with pre-set discrimination masks for metals.
Jewelry
The 'Jewelry' program is perfect for general searching, beach searching, and areas with specific amounts of metallic trash. In this mode, the highest signal recovery speed is provided, and the discrimination function successfully distinguishes between non-ferrous and ferrous metals. Undesirable targets are not announced in real time. The program can be customized to fit your tasks, and when the device is turned off, the settings made are saved. On the screen, the mode is indicated by an icon with a ring.
All Metals
The "All Metals" mode. In this program, the discrimination mask for metals is fully open across the entire range (including ferrous metals) and cannot be changed. The audio response in this mode is a pitch with increasing tonal intensity. This mode is suitable for searching for any type of metals and has maximum detection depth. The mode is represented on the screen by an icon with the letters AM (All Metal).
Coins
The "Coins" mode is the most stable and versatile program for finding any items. The signal recovery speed is slightly lower than in the "Jewelry" program, but the detection depth is somewhat greater. The applied discrimination mask ignores most targets made of ferrous metals and small colored debris (such targets are not announced). If necessary, the discrimination mask can be changed in this mode, and the settings will be saved after the device is turned off.
Metal discrimination maskIn the "Coins" and "Jewelry" modes, you can change the discrimination mask yourself, allowing you to choose which metal will be announced and which will not.
To change the mask, you need to press the mode selection button and use the sensitivity adjustment buttons to navigate to the desired segment of the graphical scale. Turning on and off a segment is done by pressing the mode selection button for search. Segments that are excluded from the discrimination scale (not highlighted) will not be announced.
Noise cancellation
The main sources of noise for the metal detector are related to power lines – both overhead and underground. If false signals occur while working near such lines, you can use the noise cancellation feature. Press and hold the ground balance button and use the volume control buttons to select one of eight channels (F1-F8), on which the device will operate most stably.
Ground balance
Before each search, the metal detector needs to be adjusted for the ground. This function allows for searching as effectively as possible, without losing detection depth, and ensures stable operation of the device. The Quest X5 offers two types of ground adjustment: manual and automatic.
Manual Ground Balance
In the "All Metal" search mode, select a patch of soil with minimal signals. Position the coil about 10 cm above the ground surface, then press and hold the ground balance button. You will hear a continuous hum. Start lifting and lowering the coil while moving it over the ground, and listen to the signal. Use the "plus" and "minus" keys to adjust the ground balance until you achieve the quietest signal possible without changes in the movement of the coil.
Automatic Ground Balance
In the "All Metal" search mode, find a clean area with no signals. Hold the coil parallel to the ground at a distance of about 10 cm. Press the "Ground Balance" button and begin continuously lifting the coil (up to 30 cm) and lowering it (down to 10 cm). The process continues until a sound signal is given.
Flashlight activation
The Quest X5 metal detector is equipped with a flashlight aimed at the working search area. The backlight is activated by pressing the side button on the right side of the detector's unit.
Reset to factory settingsTo reset the metal detector's parameters to factory settings, you need to turn off the device and then press and hold the power button until all symbols and indicators appear on the display. The settings will be restored to factory defaults.
Tips for effective searching
One of the main rules is to learn to operate in 'All Metals' mode with the discrimination mask fully open. This will increase your chances of not missing interesting finds. Master the pinpoint function, which allows you to accurately identify the center of the target before extracting it, saving you time. Ideally, the coin should be extracted on the first try. Hold the 'Pinpoint' button and slowly move it over the suspected location of the target. The sound will be most intense when you are at maximum proximity.
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