XRD 70 vs NOMAD Pro 2: Which Portable Dental X-Ray Is Right for Your Practice?

Before getting into the differences, it's worth noting what these two systems have in common — because the fundamentals are solid on both sides:

Both use high-frequency DC X-ray generation for consistent output and reduced patient dose. Both feature a 0.4 mm focal spot — the primary factor in image sharpness. Both are cordless and battery-powered, designed for chairside use in any operatory or in the field. Both include internal shielding and backscatter protection meeting FDA requirements. And both are compatible with any standard digital sensor, phosphor plate, or film — no proprietary lock-in on either side.

Canon D-045 X-Ray Tube

The X-ray tube is the heart of any portable unit — it's the component that directly produces your image. The XRD 70 uses the Canon D-045, a precision tube manufactured in Japan by one of the world's most established imaging technology companies. Canon X-ray tubes are recognized across the medical imaging industry for their consistent output and long operational life.

70 kV for Greater Diagnostic Range

The XRD 70 operates at 70 kV — higher than the NOMAD Pro 2's 60 kV.⁴ This isn't just a number on a spec sheet. Higher kV means better penetration through denser structures, which translates to greater versatility across clinical situations. For endodontic applications — visualization of canals, detection of root fractures, periapical diagnostics — that additional kV makes a measurable difference in image contrast and clarity.

User-Replaceable Battery — Simple and Affordable

When the battery in an XRD 70 needs replacement, the clinician can purchase a new one at accessible cost and swap it in minutes — no sending the unit away, no downtime.

Both the XRD 70 and NOMAD Pro 2 use removable battery handles. The difference is in what happens when the battery cells degrade over time — as all lithium batteries eventually do. For the XRD 70, replacement batteries are readily available. For the NOMAD Pro 2, OEM replacement handles have historically been difficult to source, which has led to a market of third-party battery rebuild services where users send in their handles to have the cells replaced.⁶

Flexible Warranty Protection — Two Options

The XRD 70 comes with a 2-year standard warranty, and beyond that, XRD Dental offers two paths for continued protection:

5-Year Extended Warranty — available for purchase within 30 days of your equipment purchase. Extends full parts and labor coverage to 5 years with in-house US repair service.

Ultra Care Plan ($995/year) — comprehensive annual protection that includes full parts and labor, priority turnaround, a loaner unit provided during repair so your practice never stops, and annual calibration with certification. Renewable every year.

By comparison, the NOMAD Pro 2 includes 1 year of coverage through the NOMAD Protection Plan.⁷ After the first year, continued coverage is available through the DEXIS Complete program as a yearly subscription.⁸ Pricing for the DEXIS Complete plans is not publicly listed.⁸

XRD Care Club — An Alternative to Purchasing

For practices in Florida that prefer not to make a capital purchase, XRD Dental also offers the XRD Care Club — an Equipment-as-a-Service program where you get a fully maintained XRD 70 for a monthly fee, with equipment refresh and ongoing support built in. It's a flexible option that eliminates upfront cost and keeps your practice equipped without the commitment of ownership.

Direct Service and Support

When you need service on an XRD 70, you contact XRD Dental Equipment directly. Your unit is serviced at our facility in Clermont, Florida by a team with decades of hands-on experience with dental X-ray systems. Communication is direct, turnaround is fast, and you're never passed between intermediaries.

This matters more than most buyers realize until they actually need a repair. With products sold through distributor networks, a service request can involve multiple handoffs — from your dealer rep, to the service department, to a repair center, and back. Each step adds time.

Price That Reflects Value, Not Markup

At $3,990, the XRD 70 is priced to reflect the cost of quality components and direct-to-customer service — without the distributor markup that comes with products sold through multi-tier dealer networks. For practices purchasing more than one unit, or for organizations equipping multiple locations, the per-unit savings become significant.

The NOMAD Pro 2 has earned its place as a recognized product in portable dental radiography. It was the first handheld X-ray to reach the market,¹ and its availability through major distributors like Henry Schein, Patterson, and Benco has given it wide visibility.⁹

A few things worth noting for buyers doing their due diligence:

Weight in practice. In a peer review published through Dental Product Shopper, dentists who evaluated the NOMAD Pro 2 specifically recommended that the device be made lighter.¹⁰ At 6.0 lbs total system weight,³ it is noticeably heavier than the XRD 70's 5.2 lbs — a difference that adds up during a full day of use across multiple patients.

Battery replacement over time. The NOMAD Pro 2 uses a removable battery handle which can be detached for charging. However, when the internal cells degrade over time, sourcing OEM replacement handles has been a challenge for some users. This has led to the emergence of multiple third-party battery rebuild services,⁶ suggesting that the standard replacement path may not meet every practice's needs for cost or convenience.

Service model. The NOMAD Pro 2 is purchased through a dealer but serviced through DEXIS.⁷ The NOMAD Protection Plan includes coverage and a complimentary loaner unit during the first year of ownership.⁷ After year one, continued coverage is available through the DEXIS Complete program as a yearly subscription.⁸

How does image quality compare?

Image quality in portable dental X-ray is determined by the X-ray tube, the kV and mA settings, and the focal spot size — not by the housing or brand label. Both units share the same 0.4 mm focal spot. The XRD 70's Canon D-045 tube and 70 kV output provide a combination of penetration and image clarity that performs across routine and complex diagnostic situations, including endodontics.

Is the XRD 70 safe for the operator?

Yes. The XRD 70 features internal radiation shielding and a backscatter protection shield, meeting all FDA safety requirements. Both the XRD 70 and NOMAD Pro 2 are designed for the operator to remain safely with the patient during exposure.

Can I use my existing sensors?

Yes. The XRD 70 works with all standard intraoral digital sensors, phosphor storage plates, and conventional film. No proprietary sensor is required.

Is the XRD 70 available for veterinary use?

Yes. The XRD 70 is used in both dental and veterinary practices across the country for companion animal dental radiography.

What if my unit needs repair?

XRD Dental Equipment provides direct service from its facility in Clermont, Florida. You communicate directly with our team — no intermediaries. Practices enrolled in the Ultra Care Plan receive a loaner unit during repair, so patient care is never interrupted.

How can I purchase the XRD 70?

The XRD 70 is available direct from XRD Dental Equipment. Visit our web store for pricing and ordering.