When two major players like Nokta and Minelab drop new machines around the same time, you can feel the buzz in the detecting community.

The announcement of Nokta's Score series, particularly the feature-packed Nokta Triple Score, and Minelab's release of the X-TERRA Elite in 2024, set up a natural rivalry in the simultaneous multi-frequency market. Both promised top-tier performance without the flagship price tag, so I knew I had to get my hands on them for a proper head-to-head comparison.

I wanted to move past the spec sheets. I needed to see for myself which of these metal detectors felt better in the field, which one gave me more confidence over a target, and which one I'd grab for a day of serious hunting.

After several weeks of swinging both machines across parks, fields, and beaches, the differences became crystal clear.

Metal Detector Comparison

Terra Elite VS Triple Score

Best Beach Option

Minelab Terra Elite

Pick This If You...

You want proven, stable performance, powered by the renowned Multi-IQ engine.

You prioritize ergonomics and comfort for long, fatigue-free hunts.

You want a simple, intuitive user experience that lets you start finding good targets immediately.

You frequently hunt in saltwater or areas with high mineralization and need a stable machine.

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Best Value Choice

Nokta Triple Score

Pick This If You...

You want the best "in-the-box" value, with a second coil and headphones included in the Pro Pack.

You love having options, like selectable single frequencies and extensive settings to customize.

You want useful extra features, like the built-in LED flashlight and strong vibration feedback.

You are a tech-savvy user who enjoys learning a machine's intricacies to maximize its power.

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Piotr's Bottom Line

I recommend the Nokta Triple Score over the Minelab X-TERRA Elite for best value because it offers an incredible amount of hardware for its price. The Pro Pack bundles a capable simultaneous multi-frequency machine

Unboxing & Initial Setup: X-TERRA Elite Wins

There's a certain excitement to unboxing a new detector; it's the first test of a company's attention to user experience. The Nokta Triple Score Pro Pack arrived stuffed with value—two coils, Bluetooth headphones, and all the necessary cables.

It felt a bit like Christmas morning for a detectorist, but also a little like I'd just bought furniture from IKEA. There were more parts to connect, and while it wasn't difficult, it lacked that premium, seamless feel.

After getting it all together, I felt a sense of accomplishment. But there was a nagging feeling that it was a collection of well-made parts rather than a single, cohesive tool.

In contrast, the Minelab X-TERRA Elite was a lesson in refined simplicity. Opening the box, it was like pulling a pro-grade tool from its case.

The classic Equinox-style collapsible shaft snapped into place with a satisfying, solid click that gave me a jolt of confidence before I even turned it on.

The whole process took less than two minutes, with no fumbling or second-guessing. That immediate sense of quality and effortless setup gave the X-TERRA Elite the edge right from the start. It feels less like a tool you have to assemble and more like a single piece of equipment ready for the hunt.

Design, Build Quality & Ergonomics: X-TERRA Elite Wins

Out in the field, a detector's design and ergonomics can make or break a long day of hunting.

The Nokta Triple Score is a robust machine, and I love the use of carbon fiber in the shaft—it feels modern and durable. The detector is lightweight at only 2.6 lbs, but I found the balance to be slightly front-heavy.

After a couple of hours, I could feel that familiar ache starting in my shoulder. It's a feeling every detectorist knows, and while it's not a deal-breaker, it's a distraction.

I found myself switching hands more often, trying to find a comfortable rhythm that just wasn't quite there.

This is where the X-TERRA Elite truly shines.

Swinging the Elite feels like dancing with a partner who knows all the moves.

Weighing in at 2.9 lbs, it's technically a bit heavier, but the balance is so superb you'd never know it. The weight is distributed perfectly, making the detector feel like a natural extension of my arm.

I can hunt all day and my arm feels fine. This means my mind stays sharp and focused on listening for those faint, deep whispers of a good target instead of thinking about when I should take a break.

Key Features & Technology: X-TERRA Elite Wins

Both detectors are built around simultaneous multi-frequency technology, but how they use it feels very different. The Score's 'chattiness' in my mineral-rich soil was a constant companion.

It's like trying to have a conversation in a noisy room; you can hear what you're listening for, but it's mentally tiring.

I was constantly fiddling with the noise cancel, trying to quiet the machine down so I could focus.

The quietness of the Minelab's Multi-IQ is what builds my trust. When the Elite makes a sound, I pay attention, because I know it's not just complaining about the ground.

That quiet confidence lets me relax and get into the zone. The Iron Bias feature is like having a 'translator for iron.' Instead of just muting it, it helps me understand what's down there, giving me the confidence to dig targets that are nestled right next to old nails—targets other machines might miss entirely.

In-the-Field Performance Review: X-TERRA Elite Wins

I took both machines to a notoriously trashy park to test their target separation.

With the Nokta Triple Score, I was digging good targets, but my ears were ringing by the time I dug them. The audio is a wall of information, and I had to mentally sift through the grunts, pops, and squeals to isolate that one repeatable high tone.

The depth is certainly there—I pulled a 1919 penny from a solid 8 inches—but it felt like I earned that penny through sheer willpower and intense focus.

Switching to the X-TERRA Elite in the same area felt like a breath of fresh air. A sweet, bell-like tone just sang out, clear as day. The VDI locked on and didn't waver.

There was no question, no hesitation. I just knew.

That's the feeling I chase as a detectorist—the pure, simple certainty that you're about to dig something good. It makes the hobby feel less like work and more like magic. The Elite let me find that magic more easily.

User Experience & Learning Curve: X-TERRA Elite Wins

The Nokta Triple Score is designed to be a 'turn-on-and-go' detector, and it is. But looking at the menu, I felt a mix of excitement and dread. So many options!

It's fantastic for a control freak, but I felt a pressure to learn every setting perfectly, wondering if I was missing out on finds because my recovery speed was on 3 instead of 4.

The Minelab X-TERRA Elite is freeing. I turn it on, pick 'Field 1', ground balance it, and I'm hunting with total confidence.

I know the machine is handling the hard stuff in the background, so I can just focus on my swing and listening. It removes the 'what if' from my mind and lets me just enjoy the walk and the thrill of the hunt.

I feel I could hand this detector to someone who has never detected before, and they would be up and running in five minutes.

Nokta Triple Score Is Best For The detectorist who loves value and customization

If you're the kind of person who wants the most hardware for your money and enjoys fine-tuning your machine to squeeze out every last bit of performance, the Triple Score Pro Pack is an incredible deal. It's a powerful, deep-seeking machine for the hands-on user.

Minelab X-TERRA Elite Is Best For the detectorist who prioritizes performance and ease of use

If you want a machine that works exceptionally well right out of the box, is a proven performer in tough conditions (especially saltwater), and feels perfectly balanced for long days of hunting, the X-TERRA Elite is your detector. It's for the person who wants to spend less time in the menus and more time digging treasure.

Piotr's Top Pick

Best Value For Money Is...

Nokta Triple Score

Why I Choose This

I recommend the Nokta Triple Score over the Minelab X-TERRA Elite for best value because it offers an incredible amount of hardware for its price. The Pro Pack bundles a capable simultaneous multi-frequency machine with a second coil and Bluetooth headphones, which is an outstanding package. While the X-TERRA Elite may win on overall performance and ease of use, the sheer value proposition of the Triple Score makes it the top choice for detectorists on a budget who still want a powerful, feature-rich experience.

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Best Value For Money Is... The Nokta Triple Score

While the X-TERRA Elite wins in performance and user experience, the sheer value proposition of the Nokta Triple Score Pro Pack is undeniable. Getting a capable SMF machine, a second coil, and Bluetooth headphones for its price point is an outstanding package. For those on a budget who still want a feature-rich, multi-frequency experience, the Triple Score delivers more bang for your buck.

Pick the Nokta Triple Score if…

1. You want the best "in-the-box" value, with a second coil and headphones included in the Pro Pack.

2. You love having options, like selectable single frequencies and extensive settings to customize.

3. You want useful extra features, like the built-in LED flashlight and strong vibration feedback.

4. You are a tech-savvy user who enjoys learning a machine's intricacies to maximize its power.

Pick the Minelab X-TERRA Elite if…

1. You want proven, stable performance, powered by the renowned Multi-IQ engine.

2. You prioritize ergonomics and comfort for long, fatigue-free hunts.

3. You want a simple, intuitive user experience that lets you start finding good targets immediately.

4. You frequently hunt in saltwater or areas with high mineralization and need a stable machine.