Getting back into detecting - which machine?

[LeslieTx]

I metal detected in the 1990s and early 2000s. I had several detectors, my favorites were Fisher CZ6a and a Minelab Excalibur. I'm looking for a best all around detector, relic, beach, park, etc. Right now I'm leaning toward the Minelab Equinox 800. I would appreciate getting advice from those using the newer machines.

 

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[Terry Soloman]

Equinox! Welcome to the forum!

 

[GoDeep]

I have the Equinox 600, $550 shipped to my door plus i spent about $35 on wireless low latency headphones that wirelessly connect, nothing else needed, just turn them both on.

Just keep in mind, it is not waterproof, despite their false advertising that it is. It's water resistant, nothing more, keep that in mind and you'll be good to go.

Though i don't own one, testimonials abound on the excellence of Deus too.

 

[SlateBeltDigger]

Welcome to the fray. Do yourself a favor and spend an hour or two this weekend on YouTube. You can see most of the popular detectors in action and get some insight/training on the features and capabilities. You might even recognize some people from this forum lol. Enjoy it, don't rush into anything without doing the proper homework, and you'll be happy instead of second guessing your decision, which is my specialty apparently.

 

[RustyGold]

Welcome to TreasureNet! If detecting on saltwater beaches, saltwater etc. I recommend the Minelab Equinox 600 or 800. Deep iron then The XP Deus. Best of luck out there.

 

[cudamark]

Another vote here for the Equinox. I'd get the 800 if it's in your budget. It's just is more adjustable for changing conditions and has a nice gold mode for nuggets and tiny gold jewelry. Comes with wireless headphones too.

 

[Back-of-the-boat]

I have been looking at the Nokta Makro Simplex plus. It seems to cover all the bases and the price is right.

 

[Springcitydoc1]

Minelab 800 is a very good machine from all the reviews Ive read. I have 2 Minelab 705s , the Teknetics T2 and just recently bought a Nokia Makro Simplex+ , And they probably didn't cost me much over what you will pay for one equinox 800. Each machine has its own use. But a Multi Frequency Detector is probably the detector most people will go too eventually. Goo Luck Hunting for your machine

 

[nuggetdog]

Get the 800, you won’t be disappointed

 

[bc5391]

I agree with the equinox, if you are a Vet, you can get 15% off

 

[Richard Guy]

Hi Back,
If you go with the Simplex, go with the Headphones package. Then get the SP24 coil and run v2.77 software in Park1 mode, ... incredible, seriously incredible, hear me now, believe me later

 

[Eagleman]

Welcome, I have a Garrett Apex an it is a very good value for the price. The other detectors are also very good. Enjoy the hobby again.

 

[marjam]

Welcome back. I would look for a multi frequency machine if you want one machine that will do it all, and one with a fast recovery. the equinox fits the bill. I have the 600, and its a good machine. I have only used it for coin shooting in sports fields, school yards, and homesites, but from reviews and the fast recovery I know it has, it would be a good relic machine too. But I agree with other posters, watch some videos and look at some other ones before deciding. What's good for one person may not suit another.

Also, if you haven't gotten one, get a pinpointer. The Garrett Pro Pointer AT, the orange one nicknamed the carrot, is the one I would recommend. I wouldn't go hunting if I didn't have it.

Good luck in your decision, and once again, welcome back.

 

[Dirt Digger Doug]

If the Equinox 800 fits your budget, you can't beat this machine.
Although there are one or two here that are referencing the Simplex +, these do not compare with the Equinox, which is why they are priced accordingly.
Equinox allows to hunt in true Multi Frequency, whereas the Simplex cannot.
The Garrett Apex can hunt in true Multi Frequency, but is not waterproof, and seems a bit chatty at the beach.
Also, depending on how it is set up, it will sometimes cause separation issues when close to iron.
Just my two cents worth.

 

[Sergio B]

just bought the simplex+ ...... very happy with it

 

[angelito1]

welcome to Tnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 

[lorennerol]

I'm in the same boat- had a Compass RM7A when I was in junior high- loved it, 'understood' it. Bought a White's M6 maybe ten years ago and never had the same feel with it. The M6 failed and I'd like to replace (Santa is coming). Casual user, Seattle area, parks, play fields, old cabin sites in the mountains, etc. Narrowed the choice down to Minelab Equinox 800 or the Garrett AT Max. Thoughts?

 

[Richard Guy]

Sounds like a Simplex to me. Punches way above its class for the $ , a strong vote for it ... no bs

 

[Murphy]

Not to hijack the tread but what about the Makro Anfibio multi compared to the 800?

 

[cudamark]

I'm in the same boat- had a Compass RM7A when I was in junior high- loved it, 'understood' it. Bought a White's M6 maybe ten years ago and never had the same feel with it. The M6 failed and I'd like to replace (Santa is coming). Casual user, Seattle area, parks, play fields, old cabin sites in the mountains, etc. Narrowed the choice down to Minelab Equinox 800 or the Garrett AT Max. Thoughts?

IMO, there is nothing the Garrett AT series, Simplex, Anfibio, etc can do, that the Equinox can't do better. Now, if you want to factor in price to the equation, the others do a credible job too. In most situations, in mild ground, without major EMI, not very deep targets, you probably won't be able to tell the difference. It's when things aren't ideal that the better machine (Equinox) will shine. If you can afford the better machine, buy it.