Minelab Metal Detector Families Explained
Minelab's current US range falls into three groups: Multi-IQ detectors for parks, fields, relics and beaches; gold detectors; and a set of specialist and entry models (GO-FIND, CTX 3030 and EXCALIBUR II). The family decides the technology, the waterproofing and which coils fit, so pick the family first and the model second.
Multi-IQ: VANQUISH, X-TERRA, EQUINOX and MANTICORE
Multi-IQ is Minelab's simultaneous multi-frequency technology: the detector transmits several frequencies at once, which helps on wet salt sand and mineralized ground where a single frequency struggles. The VANQUISH series is the simplest way into Multi-IQ. The VANQUISH 360, 460 and 560 are IP68 waterproof to 5 m (16 ft).
The X-TERRA PRO switches between single frequencies of 5, 8, 10 and 15 kHz, and the X-TERRA ELITE runs Multi-IQ or 15 kHz. The EQUINOX 700 and EQUINOX 900 combine Multi-IQ with selectable single frequencies, and the 900 adds a Gold mode and 20 and 40 kHz settings. The MANTICORE runs Multi-IQ+, which Minelab rates at up to 50% more power than the EQUINOX series, and plots targets on a 2D target ID map. X-TERRA, EQUINOX and MANTICORE are all IP68 waterproof to 5 m (16 ft).
Gold detectors: GOLD MONSTER, SDC 2300, GPX 6000 and GPZ
The GOLD MONSTER 1000 is a 45 kHz VLF detector and the GOLD MONSTER 2000 uses Multi-Au simultaneous multi-frequency from 12 to 76 kHz. Both have coils waterproof to 1 m (3.3 ft), and their coils are not interchangeable. The SDC 2300 is a pulse induction detector with Minelab's MPF technology and an 8 inch round monoloop coil, waterproof to 3 m (10 ft). The GPX 6000 uses GeoSense-PI, weighs 2.1 kg (4.6 lb) and has coils waterproof to 1 m (3.3 ft). At the top, the GPZ 7000 uses ZVT and the GPZ 8000 uses GeoZVT. GPZ 7000 coils do not fit the GPZ 8000, and Minelab rates the GPZ 8000 detector and coil waterproof to 1 m (3.3 ft) for up to 30 minutes.
GO-FIND, CTX 3030 and EXCALIBUR II
The GO-FIND 11, 22, 44 and 66 are 8 kHz VFLEX detectors with a coil waterproof to 1 m (3.3 ft), run on four AA batteries and suit a first detector for parks and yards. The CTX 3030 uses FBS 2 multi-frequency with Smartfind 2 target ID, GPS logging and a color display, and is waterproof to 3 m (10 ft). The EXCALIBUR II uses BBS multi-frequency (17 frequencies at once), has a hard-wired 10 inch Double-D coil and is waterproof to 60 m (200 ft), which makes it Minelab's diving detector.
Which Minelab Is Right for You?
Our recommendation by family, with Minelab's technology and waterproof ratings. Each model links to its own page with bundles, coils and accessories.
| Family | Best for (our recommendation) | Models | Technology | Waterproof |
|---|
| GO-FIND | First detector, parks and yards | GO-FIND 11, GO-FIND 22, GO-FIND 44, GO-FIND 66 | VFLEX, 8 kHz | Coil to 1 m (3.3 ft) |
| VANQUISH | Coins and jewelry in parks and on beaches, simple controls | VANQUISH 360, VANQUISH 460, VANQUISH 560 | Multi-IQ | IP68 to 5 m (16 ft) |
| X-TERRA | Parks, fields, relics and beaches with single-frequency control | X-TERRA PRO, X-TERRA ELITE | PRO: 5, 8, 10, 15 kHz; ELITE: Multi-IQ or 15 kHz | IP68 to 5 m (16 ft) |
| EQUINOX | One detector for park, beach and relic sites; the 900 adds gold | EQUINOX 700, EQUINOX 900 | Multi-IQ plus single frequencies | IP68 to 5 m (16 ft) |
| MANTICORE | Experienced hunters who want the most Multi-IQ power and a 2D target ID map | MANTICORE | Multi-IQ+ | IP68 to 5 m (16 ft) |
| CTX 3030 | Detailed target ID and GPS logging on beach and field | CTX 3030 | FBS 2 | 3 m (10 ft) |
| EXCALIBUR II | Diving and surf | EXCALIBUR II | BBS | 60 m (200 ft) |
| GOLD MONSTER | Small gold for newcomers to prospecting | GOLD MONSTER 1000, GOLD MONSTER 2000 | 1000: VLF, 45 kHz; 2000: Multi-Au, 12 to 76 kHz | Coil to 1 m (3.3 ft) |
| SDC 2300 | Small gold in mineralized ground, creeks and shallow water | SDC 2300 | Pulse induction, MPF | 3 m (10 ft) |
| GPX 6000 | Small to large nuggets with a light pulse induction detector | GPX 6000 | GeoSense-PI | Coil to 1 m (3.3 ft) |
| GPZ | Deep gold in mineralized ground | GPZ 7000, GPZ 8000 | 7000: ZVT; 8000: GeoZVT | 7000: coil to 1 m (3.3 ft); 8000: detector and coil to 1 m (3.3 ft) for up to 30 minutes |
Coils, Pinpointers and Accessories
Each Minelab coil fits only the detectors Minelab lists it for, so check that a coil is listed for your model before you order. The V8X, V10X and V12X and the EQX 06, EQX 11 and EQX 15 coils fit the X-TERRA PRO, X-TERRA ELITE and VANQUISH 360, 460 and 560, and the EQX coils fit the EQUINOX 700 and 900. The MANTICORE uses its own M-series coils. Every Minelab coil comes with its coil cover. Browse all Minelab coils, or open the model page for the coils that fit one detector.
For recovery, the Minelab PRO-FIND pinpointers cover dry land and water: the PRO-FIND 15 is waterproof to 1.5 m (5 ft), and the PRO-FIND 35 and PRO-FIND 40 to 3 m (10 ft). We also carry Minelab headphones, Minelab carry bags and pouches, batteries, chargers and replacement shafts for the current range.
Minelab Warranty
Minelab's US warranty terms depend on the model. Minelab lists "3 Years Control Box and Coil" for the VANQUISH 360, 460 and 560, X-TERRA PRO and ELITE, EQUINOX 700 and 900, MANTICORE, CTX 3030, SDC 2300, GPX 6000, GPZ 7000 and GPZ 8000. The GO-FIND series carries 2 years, the GOLD MONSTER 1000 and 2000 carry 2 years on control box and coil, and the EXCALIBUR II carries "12 Months Control Box and Coil". As an Authorized Minelab Dealer, every detector we sell comes with the full manufacturer warranty, and we help you register it with Minelab.
Compare Models Within Each Series
Why Buy Your Minelab from Serious Detecting?
- Free Shipping on Orders Over $99: Your Minelab detector ships at no extra cost across the continental US.
- Authorized Minelab Dealer: Showroom in Ypsilanti, Michigan, full manufacturer warranty and product registration support.
- Help Before and After You Buy: Our staff answer setup, coil and model choice questions by phone or email.
