Comparison beteween Equinox 800 and E-trac

[PullTabPete]

I may have missed if there is another thread on this topic, but was wondering if anyone has went from the E-Trac to Equinox 800 and how the two compare.

I have had the E-trac for about 8 years and really like it, but even using the stock 11 inch coil my arm tires pretty fast. Yesterday I was using my coiltek WOT coil and was tired after only an hour. I like using the big coil, but damn it is heavy.

I have heard the EQ 800 is lighter and better balanced. Just wondering how this detector compares to the E-trac on performance and any other input you may have. It is obviously priced significantly less the E-trac so wondering how the depth and features compare.

Thanks,

Pete

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

A History of Mining on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska - Grab it through Amazon!

[cudamark]

That's exactly what I did, went from the Etrac to the Equinox 800. The Etrac doesn't get much use now. I do like the numbering system better on the Etrac and the Etrac's way of dealing with EMI seems more effective, but, other than that, I like the Equinox better. Being much lighter and waterproof is a definite plus. The detection depth seems comparable to me using the same approximate size coil. To me, the transition from the Etrac to the Nox wasn't a big deal. Took me maybe 50 hours before I was comfortable with it. Oh, one other thing, the Equinox will find the tiny gold targets much better than the Etrac.

 

[PullTabPete]

Thanks Mark.

The wireless headphone sound like a big plus as well as the waterproof too. Do you have the 15 inch coil also, I'm sure I would eventually end up getting that and the 6 inch at some point.

 

[cudamark]

Yup, love the wireless headphones, and I have all 3 coils.

 

[PullTabPete]

Equinox 800 due to arrive tomorrow along with the 15 and 6 inch coils.

Can't wait to get out this weekend.

 

[DeepseekerADS]

I had the Etrac - cranked my elbow pretty quickly. Got the CTX and sold the Etrac here. I could swing the CTX for hours longer than the Etrac. Still have the CTX, but got the EQ800 as well = far more comfortable on the elbow, and I've not seen any real difference in capabilities.

Note that I do not use either the CTX or the EQ in the water. My modded Excal II (at Kellyco) takes care of the water for me, love it!

Edit: Further note that I actually prefer my Tesoro Tejon over either the CTX or EQ dirt digging = fully capable machine, and basically a beep & dig. After you've swung one for a while, you learn the good vs bad targets by sound alone.

 

[cudamark]

I don't know......I've found a lot of good targets in the dirt that had sketchy sounds to rely on sound alone. I like to have some sort of target I.D. and a depth reading to add to the mix before I decide to strain myself digging it up.

 

[PullTabPete]

I plan on keeping the E-trac and still have an Excall II , but I'm sure I will at least try the Equinox in the water.

I agree with Mark that I like using the TID as well as the sound.

Do you guys use the 5 tones or 50? I figure I'll try both out and see what I like better. I plan to start out running pretty much factory settings and just ground balance before I tinker with much.

 

[cudamark]

In most situations, I like to use 50 tone and all metal.

 

[RustyGold]

You're all set on detectors that should cover just about every aspect of MDing. Good luck!

 

[PullTabPete]

You're all set on detectors that should cover just about every aspect of MDing. Good luck!

Yeah I think so, had to talk myself into whether I really needed another detector.

Still compared to some folks on here, I'm just getting started.

 

[DeepseekerADS]

I went with the 50 tones, wanted to hear everything about the target before I got mud on my knees...