Minelab Detectors Compared: Vanquish, X-Terra, Equinox and Manticore
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Minelab makes a lot of detectors with similar names. Here's how they line up, using Minelab's spec pages and the Amazon listings. We haven't tested them.
Multi-IQ in one paragraph
Minelab says Multi-IQ sends multiple frequencies at once: low frequencies for bigger, deeper objects and high frequencies for small or thin targets near the surface. Minelab also says simultaneous multi-frequency helps minimize ground noise, especially in saltwater. More in VLF vs pulse induction vs multi-frequency.
Compared
| Model | Technology | Water | Coil | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vanquish 340 | Multi-IQ, automatic | Coil to 1 m (3.3 ft) | 10 x 7 in. DD | 2.6 lb |
| Vanquish 540 Pro-Pack | Multi-IQ, automatic | Coil to 1 m (3.3 ft) | 12 x 9 in. + 8 x 5 in. DD | 2.8 lb |
| Vanquish 360 | Multi-IQ, automatic | IP68, to 16 ft (listing) | 10 x 7 in. DD | 2.6 lb |
| Vanquish 560 | Multi-IQ, automatic | IP68, to 16 ft (listing) | 12 x 9 in. DD | 2.8 lb |
| X-Terra Pro | Selectable single frequency | IP68, to 16 ft (5 m) | 12 x 9 in. DD | 2.9 lb |
| X-Terra Elite | Multi-IQ (listing) | Fully waterproof (listing) | See listing | See listing |
| Equinox 900 | Multi-IQ or 6 single frequencies (listing) | To 16 ft (5 m) (listing) | 11 in. + 6 in. DD | 2.8 lb (listing) |
| Manticore | Multi-IQ+, 5-40 kHz | IP68, to 16 ft (5 m) | 11 in. DD | 2.9 lb |
Figures for the Vanquish 340 and 540 (V12 coil), X-Terra Pro and Manticore are from Minelab's spec pages; the rest, including the 540's second coil, the Vanquish 360/560 and the Equinox 900, are from the listings.
Vanquish: turn on and go
The Vanquish listings describe automatic operation with no frequency or ground balance to choose. The 340 has Park, Field and Beach modes, per the listing (Minelab's spec page lists its search modes as All Metal, Jewelry and Coin); the 540 Pro-Pack adds Iron Bias, two coils and Bluetooth headphones. The newer 360 and 560 add a rechargeable battery (up to 10 hours) and full submersion to 16 feet, per their listings.
Minelab Vanquish 340
- Multi-IQ simultaneous multi-frequency, fully automatic, per the listing
- Park, Field and Beach modes
- Waterproof coil; water-resistant control box
- 2.6 lb; collapses to 30 in.
Minelab Vanquish 540 Pro-Pack
- Multi-IQ simultaneous multi-frequency; auto settings, no manual ground balance, per the listing
- Park, Field and Beach modes; Iron Bias control
- V12 12x9 in. and V8 8x5 in. waterproof DD coils
- Bluetooth headphones included; 2.8 lb
Minelab Vanquish 560
- Multi-IQ, fully automatic, per the listing
- IP68, submersible to 16 ft
- Park, Field, Beach modes plus a User Profile
- Rechargeable battery, up to 10 hours; V12X 12x9 in. DD coil and wired headphones; 2.8 lb
X-Terra Pro and Elite
The Pro switches between single frequencies (5, 10 and 15 kHz, plus 8 kHz on the beach, per Minelab) and is waterproof to 16 feet with six search modes and 30 discrimination segments. The Elite listing describes Multi-IQ, full waterproofing, the same 2x Park, 2x Field and 2x Beach modes and 30 discrimination segments, plus a backlit keypad.
Minelab X-Terra Pro
- Selectable frequencies (Pro-Switch), per the listing
- IP68 waterproof to 16 ft
- 2x Park, 2x Field and 2x Beach modes; 30 discrimination segments
- Flashlight, backlit display, handgrip vibration; 2.9 lb
Minelab X-Terra Elite
- Multi-IQ simultaneous multi-frequency, per the listing
- Fully waterproof (title)
- 2x Park, 2x Field and 2x Beach modes; 30 discrimination segments
- Flashlight, backlit display and keypad, handgrip vibration
Equinox 900 and Manticore
The Equinox 900 listing describes Multi-IQ or 6 single frequencies, Park, Field, Beach and Gold modes, 119-point Target ID, two coils and wireless headphones. Minelab lists the Manticore at 5 to 40 kHz Multi-IQ+, a 2D Target ID display from 0 to 99, IP68 to 16 feet and 2.9 pounds.
Minelab Equinox 900
- Multi-IQ simultaneous multi-frequency, or 6 single frequencies, per the listing
- Waterproof and submersible to 16 ft (5 m)
- Park, Field, Beach and Gold modes; 119-point Target ID
- EQX 11 in. and 6 in. DD coils; wireless headphones; 2.8 lb
Minelab Manticore
- Multi-IQ+ simultaneous multi-frequency, per the listing
- 2D Target ID map
- 10 search modes including Beach and Goldfield
- Waterproof to 16 ft (IP68); 11 in. DD coil; folds to 24.8 in.
Accessories
Minelab's Pro-Find 35 pinpointer is waterproof to 10 feet and has DIF technology to reduce interference with a running detector, per the listing. See pinpointers.
Minelab Pro-Find 35
- Waterproof to 10 ft (3 m), per the listing
- DIF tech; ferrous tone ID
- 5 sensitivity levels; audio and vibration
- Flashlight, holster and lanyard
More head-to-heads: Equinox 700 vs 900 and Garrett ACE 400 vs Vanquish 540.
FAQ
What is Multi-IQ?
Minelab's simultaneous multi-frequency.
Is the X-Terra Pro multi-frequency?
No, it switches single frequencies. The Elite is Multi-IQ.
Is the Equinox 800 discontinued?
Minelab now shows the Equinox 900; we found no official statement.