Before the Equinox and the other capable value detectors that followed it (Simplex+, Vanquish, and Apex), I would normally advise a new detectorist to make a smaller investment in a new machine until they are sure detecting is really for them. New detectorists, lured by the ridiculous reality TV and clown posse Youtubers treasure hunting videos get the mistaken impression that targets just continuously jump out of the ground, which couldn't be further from the truth. A lot of pull tabs, bottlecaps, can slaw, nails, and other junk are dug for every keeper target. So if that turns out to be a drag, less is lost when you try to sell it or throw it in a dusty corner in the garage. But even after you experience the reality of detecting and still have the bug, you will eventually want a detector with more features than the modest first investment.
Equinox changed that equation for several reasons. It is very versatile, it is relatively easy to just turn on and go detect with default settings, it has advanced features that can be explored when you get proficient, and it retains it resale value. So Equinox is the way to go because you don't have to compromise on that first step. I advise getting the 800 if you want maximum versatility for land, water, salt, and gold hunting (gold mode is NOT just for prospecting btw - I've used it for gold coin and jewelry hunting as well as relic hunting for brass and lead). The main advantage beside the added Gold modes which have a different, useful audio scheme vs. the other modes) is the greater range and increments of adjustment for recovery speed and iron bias, which enable you to better fine tune the machine for different situations as you get more proficient and you get the wireless accessories included which ML sells as stand alone accessories at ridiculous prices. And since it is probably one of the most popular detectors around (for good reason), you will have no trouble selling it if detecting turns out to only be a temporary thing. In fact, ML just upped the price on the 800 by $50 which speaks to its popularity but is also not great for those trying to buy one now. You get a pretty good value with the 600 and it will likely cover most of your bases but I strongly suggest also investing in a good pair of wireless Bluetooth APTX-LL (LOW LATENCY) headphones. Low latency is key, even though you can pair any BT headphone to Equinox, the delays associated with generic non-latency BT headphones doesn't work well for pinpointing targets as you swing the coil. Good luck and Happy Hunting.
