Choosing the Right Minelab Equinox: 600, 700, 800, and 900 Compared

Choosing the Right Minelab Equinox: 600, 700, 800, and 900 Compared

Selecting the right metal detector can be challenging, especially with Minelab's expanded Equinox lineup. The Equinox 800, released in 2018, set a high standard with its advanced features. In 2022, Minelab introduced the Equinox 700 and 900, adding enhancements while maintaining the core Multi-IQ technology that made the original model successful. This guide will help you understand the key differences between these models and choose the best one for your needs.

Multi-IQ Technology: A Core Feature

All Equinox models utilize Minelab's revolutionary Multi-IQ Simultaneous Multi-Frequency technology. This innovation allows the detectors to operate at multiple frequencies simultaneously, improving target detection and discrimination. Whether you're transitioning from the Vanquish series or a single-frequency machine, Multi-IQ offers a significant upgrade, enabling you to uncover finds in previously searched areas.

Key Enhancements in the 700 and 900

The Equinox 700 and 900 bring several new features over the 800 model. These include:

  • Vibrating Target Response: Enhances detection in noisy environments.
  • Integrated Flashlight: Aids in low-light conditions.
  • Backlit Night Mode: Improves screen visibility at night.
  • Increased Waterproof Depth: From 3 meters (800) to 5 meters (700/900).
  • Lightweight Carbon Fiber Shaft: Offers durability and ease of use.
  • New Armrest Design: Enhances comfort during prolonged use.

Advanced Features of the 800 and 900

The higher-end models, Equinox 800 and 900, offer additional advanced features:

  • Gold Mode: Dedicated setting for gold detection.
  • Save Modes/User Profiles: Customize and save your settings.
  • Higher Sensitivity and Recovery Speed: Increased from 1-25 to 1-28 and 1-3 to 1-8, respectively.
  • Expanded Iron Bias: From 0-3 to 0-9.
  • Additional Coils: The 900 includes both a 6" and 11" double-D coil, unlike the 700, which comes with only an 11" coil.

Specifications Comparison

Minelab Equinox Model Equinox 600 Equinox 700 Equinox 800 Equinox 900
SKU 3720-0001 3720-0005 3720-0002 3720-0006
Search Modes Park, Beach, Field Park, Field, Beach Park, Beach, Field, Gold Park, Field, Beach, Gold
All-Metal Shortcut Yes Yes
Custom Search Profiles 6 6 8 8
User Profile Button No No Yes Yes
Operating Frequencies (kHz) Multi, 5, 10, 15 Multi, 4, 5, 10, 15 Multi, 5, 10, 15, 20, 40 Multi, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 40
Noise Cancel Auto Auto (19 Channels) Auto I Manual -9 to 9 Auto (19 Channels), Manual
Ground Balance Auto Manual Auto, Manual, Tracking Auto I Manual Auto, Manual, Tracking
Sensitivity 1-25 1-25 1-25 1-28
Target Volume 0-25 0-25 0-25 0-25
Threshold Level 0-25 0-25 0-25 0-25
Threshold Pitch Fixed Fixed 0-25 0-25
Target Identification (TID) 50 segment notch discrimination Ferrous: -9 - 0 Non ferrous: -40 119 segment notch discrimination: Ferrous: -19 to 0 Non- ferrous: 1 to 99 50 segment notch discrimination Ferrous: 9-0 Non-ferrous: 1 -40 119 segment notch discrimination: Ferrous: -19 to 0 Non-ferrous: 1 to 99
Target Tones 1, 2, 5, 50 1, 2, 5, All Tones (At), Depth (dP) 2, 5, 50 1, 2, 5, All Tones (At), Depth (dP)
Tone Break Ferrous Ferrous (T1) Ferrous Non-ferrous Ferrous, Non-ferrous (t1, t2, t3, t4)
Tone Pitch Ferrous Tone 1 adjustable: 0 to 25 Ferrous Non-ferrous All tones adjustable: 0 to 25
Tone Volume Ferrous Tone 1 adjustable: 0 to 25 Ferrous Non-ferrous All tones adjustable: 0 to 25
Recovery Speed 1 to 3 1 to 3 1 to 8 1 to 8
Iron Bias 0 to 3 0 to 3 0 to 9 0 to 9
Depth Indicator 5 Levels 5 Levels 5 levels 5 levels
Discrimination Segments 39 Segments 119 Segments 39 Segments 119 segments
Pinpoint Mode Yes Yes Yes Yes
Wireless Audio Yes Yes Yes Yes
Length (approx.) 56.7" Collapsed: 24" Extended: 56.7" 56.7" Collapsed: 24" Extended: 56.7"
Vibration None On, Off with separate Ferrous Control None On, Off per Tone Region
Backlight Off (red)
Flashlight None On, Off None On, Off
Supplied Coil 11-inch Double-D Smart coil with skidplate (waterproof to 10') EQX11 11" Double-D coil with skid plate 11-inch Double-D Smart coil with skidplate (waterproof to 10') EQX11 11" Double-D coil with skid plate, EQX06 6" Coil with skid plate
Audio Output In-built loudspeaker 3.5mm (1/8") headphones (included) Bluetooth compatible WM 08 Wi-Stream compatible In-built loudspeaker, Wired 3.5 mm (1/8") headphones, Wireless headphones In-built loudspeaker, 3.5mm (1/8") headphones (included), Bluetooth compatible WM 08 Wi-Stream compatible In-built loudspeaker, Wired 3.5 mm (1/8") headphones, Wireless headphones
Supplied Headphones Wired 3.5mm (1/8") headphones (non waterproof) Minelab ML 85 Low Latency wireless headphones Bluetooth and aptXTM Low Latency headphones (non waterproof) & WM 08 Module Included Minelab ML 85 Low Latency wireless headphones
Battery In-built rechargeable Lithium-ion battery 3.7V/5100 mAh Internal Lithium-ion battery In-built rechargeable Lithium-ion battery 3.7V/5100 mAh Internal Lithium-ion battery
Additional Included Accessories USB Charging cable (1.5A), Multi Language Screen protectors Getting Started Guide, Screen Protector (English), Charging Cable USB Charging cable (1.5A), Multi Language Screen protectors Getting Started Guide, Screen Protector (English), Charging Cable
Waterproof 10-feet 16 ft IP68 10-feet 16 ft IP68
Operating Temperature Range +14 to +104 degrees Fahrenheit +14 to +104 degrees Fahrenheit
Storage Temperature Range -40 to +158 degrees Fahrenheit -40 to +158 degrees Fahrenheit
Key Technologies Multi-IQ Multi-IQ Multi-IQ Multi-IQ

Which Model is Right for You?

Equinox 700: Ideal for those upgrading from the Vanquish line or single-frequency detectors. The 700 offers useful features like vibration mode and a flashlight, making it a solid choice for intermediate users.

Equinox 800/900: Best for advanced users seeking greater customization and features, including Gold Mode. The 900's improved sensitivity and recovery speed make it the top choice for serious hobbyists.

In summary, while the Equinox 700 and 900 introduce useful new features, the choice between models should be based on your specific needs and experience level. Whether you're searching for coins, relics, or even gold, the Minelab Equinox series offers a versatile and powerful range of options.