Couple of quick thoughts on the Minelab Equinox 600

[Terry Soloman]

After swinging on the beach, in the saltwater, at a local park, and today in a farm field, I am prepared to say the Equinox is the best “All Around” park; beach; and field metal detector I have ever used. It is not as deep as the CTX 3030, or E-Trac, but it’s close with the stock coil. It is better in heavy park trash than both of it’s higher-priced cousins, and lighter.

At US$650.00 the Equinox 600 is hands down the best metal detector in its price range. It replaces several of my tried and true Tesoro machines, including the Cibola; Vaquero; Outlaw; Tejon; Sand Shark; and Tiger Shark. If you’re counting, that's six-different machines. With the Equinox 600 capable of running three single frequencies (5kHz; 10kHz; 15kHz), and in Multi-frequency mode, it obsoletes all six of these Tesoro machines, and dozens of other great detectors, including the AT Pro; AT Max; Whites MXT Sport; Fisher F75; and on and on!

The machine does get chatty in heavy trash, and you need to understand the tones and numbers to be precise with it. Pinpointing is much harder than with Tesoro machines. Again, it takes time to understand targets are picked up on the coil edges first, and then in the coil center. Discrimination and recovery speed are awesome. I would put this machine up against any Tesoro machine for speed and discrimination, and I’ve never said that before about ANY machine. I have found a ton of clad and a silver Merc, so far, and I have only hit well hunted, trash filled locations – on purpose. Looking forward to the weather getting better and better, and hopefully a large cut at Jones Beach after Friday’s storm!

 

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[BuffaloHunter]

Thanks for sharing! Every post you post makes me just more and more excited for my Eq600!!

 

[Dr. Witty]

Terry:

Will you still be reviewing the Makro Multi Kruzer, and is Dilek going to be sending you one?

 

[sprailroad]

I for one do put value on Terry's thoughts on this, and after reading his post, it does speak REALLY well of the EQ. I do have a question for you Terry, (or anyone else) for what circumstance might I use a single Freq, in 10 or 15KHz. My hunting would most likely be in Multi 95% of the time. I would have use for 5KHz, and if using a 800 model, the 20 or 40 would be more for playing around with in some places. but the 10?, 15?, Either one would be good for general hunting if that's all you had available with a different detector, but with the EQ the Multi would be the choice. Any thoughts?

 

[3cylbill]

looks like terry just put EVERY American manufacture of metal detectors on notice...

 

[3cylbill]

looks like terry just put EVERY American manufacture of metal detectors on notice...step up or.......step down...

 

[tnsharpshooter]

Well,
I actually agree with the gent.
Lot of performance (wide range application) with either of the Nox models.

 

[Professor of Engineering]

Thank you for sharing!

 

[Terry Soloman]

Terry:

Will you still be reviewing the Makro Multi Kruzer, and is Dilek going to be sending you one?

Yes. I have been talking with Dilek, and she will be sending me a machine to review. I told her that once I finish my examination and review of the Kruzer, I want to give it away here on T-Net. I think she likes that idea. Once Makro gets all the pre-orders out to their dealers, they'll ship one to me.

 

[Terry Soloman]

I for one do put value on Terry's thoughts on this, and after reading his post, it does speak REALLY well of the EQ. I do have a question for you Terry, (or anyone else) for what circumstance might I use a single Freq, in 10 or 15KHz. My hunting would most likely be in Multi 95% of the time. I would have use for 5KHz, and if using a 800 model, the 20 or 40 would be more for playing around with in some places. but the 10?, 15?, Either one would be good for general hunting if that's all you had available with a different detector, but with the EQ the Multi would be the choice. Any thoughts?

I was playing with the single-freqs today at a local park. I believe after the short test today, that in some cases you may get more depth on certain high conductors with the 5kHz, and on lower conductors like gold and platinum jewelry with the 10- and 15-kHz settings. Still learning the machine, but I think I may be on to something.

 

[Terry Soloman]

looks like terry just put EVERY American manufacture of metal detectors on notice...step up or.......step down...

Honestly, I'm sad that Tesoro could not get a machine like this to market. I really thought Vince, and his talented crew in Prescott, would give us a waterproof multi-freq machine when the Company announced the "Cazador." I can't really say what, but there are some big changes about to happen at Tesoro. It is my sincere hope my friend Vince, can create a machine to compete with the Equinox.

 

[Wrecka]

Thats an very helpful review thank you , i had read else where that the 600 wasnt as adapt at searching in saltwater and for that reason hadnt considered it over the 800. Am i wrong or does the 600 only come with wired headphones ?

 

[WaterScoop]

Two things must have happened in order for Terry to make this post and come to the Dark Side

#1



#2



It pretty obvious #3 for me is to buy a lotto ticket, a cold beer and an Equinox

Cheers Terry and thanx for your reviews

‘Scoop

 

[WaterScoop]

Honestly, I'm sad that Tesoro could not get a machine like this to market. I really thought Vince, and his talented crew in Prescott, would give us a waterproof multi-freq machine when the Company announced the "Cazador." I can't really say what, but there are some big changes about to happen at Tesoro. It is my sincere hope my friend Vince, can create a machine to compete with the Equinox.

The boys at Garrett need to start taking some serious R & D notes on how to move forward. The Equinox just replaced all 3 of their money makers then some in one machine.

 

[Terry Soloman]

Thats an very helpful review thank you , i had read else where that the 600 wasnt as adapt at searching in saltwater and for that reason hadnt considered it over the 800. Am i wrong or does the 600 only come with wired headphones ?

The 600 comes with wired headphones. It is FANTASTIC in Beach mode!

 

[WaterScoop]

Yes. I have been talking with Dilek, and she will be sending me a machine to review. I told her that once I finish my examination and review of the Kruzer, I want to give it away here on T-Net. I think she likes that idea. Once Makro gets all the pre-orders out to their dealers, they'll ship one to me.

Terry you are like the guy who always ate Tri-Tip and has now discovered other cuts of meat they like as well or better..

I appreciate your input on the forum...ALWAYS

Keep up the great work!

‘Scoop

 

[toddbbq]

I am starting to think that the EQ600 will be a beach hunters go to machine.

 

[smokeythecat]

I think it will do well at the beach also.

 

[Wiganer]

Terry. You really have to stop talking like this about the equinox, it hard enough to get one.
Do You not have any buyers remorse with going the 600 rather than the 800?

 

[WaterScoop]

Let’s see if it can take a beating from the heavy daily users. It does look a little flimsy to me.

Kind of like the professional Digital cameras vs. consumers and prosumers.

The number of shutter opening and closures on the Nikon cameras between the professial and consumer was Night and day difference. Even when they(cameras) looked the same their body and guts were 100% different.

Only time will tell. They had to cut some corners since the CTX. Th eprice difference is HUGE.