When it comes to recreational gadgets, these can provide you with a very fun time where you can relax and wind out after work. However, while recreational gadgets are mainly designed to keep you engaged and entertained, not all of these are necessarily “toys”. Some recreational gadgets are designed for exploration activities, like metal detectors for example. Speaking of which, when it comes to metal detecting, that can definitely be a fun activity, not only for adults, but also for their children. That said, metal detecting and treasure finding can both be super fun activities for parents and their children to participate on. As such, instead of getting your kids another simple “toy” as a holiday gift, consider purchasing a metal detector for the family so that the whole crew can spend more time together in the future. This brings us to the Minelab Equinox 800 Metal Detector.
The Minelab Equinox 800 is an all-terrain, multi-purpose and Multi-IQ Frequency underwater metal detector that simply surpasses all single frequency VLF detectors.
This high-end metal detector is equally adaptable for all target types and ground conditions, and makes coin and treasure finding more exciting than ever. Ultimately, thanks to its Multi-IQ multi-frequency technology, this metal detector model is great for both beginners and experts, as it conveniently allows them to simultaneously search for any metal, on any soil, at any time, all without having to manually adapt the metal detector’s frequency.
This specific model features an adjustable Armrest, a WM 08 Wireless Audio Module that works together with both its included apt-X Low Latency Headphones (or any other pair of Bluetooth Headphones that you prefer to use) via wireless Bluetooth connectivity, water-resistance up to 10 ft., and Multi-Language Screen Protectors.
Lastly, its built-in Lithium-Ion battery is USB-rechargeable and offers you up to 12 hours of battery life for all of your metal detecting adventures.
Still not convinced? Join us on our fully-detailed review to the Minelab Equinox 800, where we check out everything that this high-end metal detector has to offer you.
DESIGN & SPECS
Starting with the metal detector’s exact size, the Minelab Equinox 800 measures around 26 inches long by 12 inches wide by just 5 inches tall (when resting along a flat surface – i.e. floor, etc.). Despite of its somewhat long dimensions, this metal detector still features a very sleek and ultra-lightweight design, as the unit only weighs 2. 96 lbs (1.34 kg).
Still, while this metal detector is quite lightweight, the whole unit also features a very sturdy construction, which, thanks to its solid build, makes this metal detector ideal for any environment and any type of terrain.
As mentioned earlier, this metal detector also features an adjustable armrest (integrated at the top of the unit) that can be easily adapted to its current user’s height and/or arm-length.
Additionally, right at the front of the unit, this metal detector comes standard equipped with the company’s proprietary EQX 11-inch Double-D Smart Coil, which, as mentioned earlier, runs on the company’s proprietary Multi-IQ multi-frequency technology.
Multi-IQ Multi-Frequency Technology
The metal detector’s Multi-IQ Multi-Frequency Technology is a game-changer, as it basically allows users to simultaneously search for any metal, on any soil, at any time, simply by having the metal detector run on multiple frequencies at once to easily identify exactly what type of metal it has been detected, and all of that comes without you having to manually adapt the metal detector’s
While low frequencies tend to give more depth on large targets, higher frequencies are usually more sensitive to smaller targets. However, since the Equinox 800 works as a multi-frequency metal detector, you can operate across the full spectrum of frequencies simultaneously for maximum results.
As such, you can simply turn On your Equinox 800 Metal Detector and literally start searching for any and all types of metal simultenously within different magnetic frequencies. Whether that’s weaker metals like copper, or even silver, gold or jewellery, nothing will go undiscovered, and no terrain will be off limits for you, making this metal detector equally perfect for a field, a park, or even a beach.
Ultimately, thanks to its True intelligent Simultaneous Multi-Frequency functionality, users are offered maximum performance, plus a wide range of single frequencies that can they can use.
All that is what makes this metal detector model perfect for both beginners and experts.
Lastly, this metal detector model also features a full waterproof design, with every single one of its internal components (both the unit’s internal battery as well as all of its other electronic components) coming fully concealed and perfectly sealed within the metal detector’s integrated handle.
That ultimately makes the metal detector fully submersible and the ideal tool for metal detecting at rivers, lakes, and beaches. To put it simply, the Minelab Equinox 800 can offer its users a water-resistance up to 10 ft. (3 m).
INTERFACE / CONTROL PANEL
Moving on to the unit’s interface, meaning its control panel, which comes installed right at the center of the metal detector’s body.
The unit’s control panel offers you many different settings that can be easily and conveniently adjusted for the Equinox 800 Metal Detector’s operation, making this metal detector model super versatile.
The control panel’s clear LCD features large Target ID numbers, which allow you to easily see your target’s ID at a glance. All of the information you need when metal detecting is right there in front of you, just so you don’t miss anything that’s going on.
Within the control panel’s central button, both the metal detector’s Detect Modes and its operating frequency can be instantly changed at the push of a button for a dynamic and uninterrupted detecting experience.
Using the EQUINOX 800 user interface, you can:
- Change the Detect Mode, Frequency and Sensitivity on the go.
- Create your own notch discrimination patterns to ignore unwanted targets.
- Activate All-Metal mode to temporarily disable the current discrimination pattern.
- Activate Pinpoint mode to zero-in on a promising target so that you know exactly where to dig.
- Adjust an array of essential and advanced detecting functions including Noise Cancel, Ground Balance, Volume Adjust, Threshold Level, Target Tone, Accept / Reject and Recovery Speed.
- Customise Advanced Settings to change the way detections are heard, by selecting the number, pitch, and volume of your detection signals.
- View the status of your battery and wireless audio device connections.
Below, you can also find the company’s official picture for the unit’s control panel, which contains all the details for what each and every button allows you to do.
CONNECTIVITY
This metal detector also offers support to Bluetooth connectivity (Low Latency aptX), as well as the company’s ultra-fast Wi-Stream technology for a seamless headphones connectivity.
Starting with the unit’s Bluetooth connectivity, the Equinox 800 does in fact come together with its very own Bluetooth apt-X Low Latency Headphones.
However, users are also offered an WM 08 Wireless Audio Module that works together with most Low Latency Bluetooth Headphones on the market.
As such, if you prefer using another pair of headphones other than the ones that come included in the package, you can do just that. The included Wireless Audio Module makes it super easy for you to seamlessly connect your favorite pair of Bluetooth Headphones with the metal detector.
BATTERY & BATTERY LIFE
As mentioned earlier, this metal detector also comes equipped with a built-in rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery that can offer you you up to 12 hours of battery life.
The metal detector’s internal battery is, as mentioned earlier, completely concealed and perfectly sealed within the metal detector’s handle attachment, which connects both the battery and the unit’s control panel together.
Recharging the unit’s battery is also quite easy, as all you have to do is to connect its included Magnetic USB Charging Cable to the unit’s Magnetic USB Charging Port, which you can find right at the back of the unit’s control panel.
The metal detector’s Magnetic USB Charging Port (at the right) comes integrated side by side with the unit’s Wired Headphone Connection (at the left), and above those you have the metal detector’s dedicated External Speaker, while under them you can easily find its Waterproof Coil Connection.
Additionally, you can also recharge the metal detector’s battery with a portable battery pack (Power Bank) as your metal detecting, which is a great option to have if you’re going to be out in the field for multiple days.
OTHER NOTABLE FEATURES
4 Different Detection Modes
Park Mode
Park Mode is ideal for use in high-trash environments such as recreational areas and sports grounds. Not only that, but the Park Mode is also an excellent all-around mode for any beginners to metal detecting, as well as great to detect any large silver coins.
Field Mode
Contrarily to Park Mode, the Field Mode is a great option for preforming your metal detecting activities / adventures in low-trash areas, such as farm fields for example.
This mode is slightly more sensitive to smaller coins, which are actually typically found in open fields. However, it’s also important to note that when using the Field Mode, the Equinox 800 Metal Detector might detect a bit more trash than when using the Park Mode (which is specifically designed to ignore most trash).
Beach Mode
The Beach Mode offered by this metal detector comes with some great ground balances that ultimately allow users to metal detect in both salt water and sand, all while maintaining a high-sensitivity for metal detection. This is exactly where the unit’s Multi-IQ Multi-Frequency Technology (which we discussed just before) really shines.
Gold Mode
Lastly, the metal detector’s forth operation mode is called Gold Mode, which effectively manages iron mineralization (specifically ignore lower magnetism levels / lower magnetic responses from iron, nickel, aluminum, and copper) to ultimately help you seek out the elusive gold that every passionate metal detecting enthusiast hopes to find.
The unit’s Gold Mode operates at a 40 kilohertz high-frequency, which is really sensitive to small gold nuggets.
WHAT’S IN THE BOX?
Inside your package you will find: your Minelab Equinox 800 Metal Detector, it’s included Bluetooth Headphones with a Carrying Case and connection cables, the unit’s proprietary WM 08 Wireless Audio Module (for other Bluetooth Headphones), the included Magnetic USB Charging Cable, a set of Multi-Language Screen Protectors (so you can read the Control Panel’s Menu Keys in different languages), and the metal detector’s official Users Manual.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Minelab Equinox 800 is an all-terrain, multi-purpose and Multi-IQ Frequency underwater metal detector that simply surpasses all single frequency VLF detectors.
Overall, this metal detector is very well built, and offers a huge range of cool and versatile features for anyone that’s passionate about metal detecting. While its water-resistance allows you to take it with you literally anywhere, the company’s Multi-IQ Multi-Frequency Technology is what makes this multi-frequency metal detector one of the best that you can currently find available on the market.
I had a blast trying this out with my family on a weekend at the countryside, and we all had quite some fun digging up some last “artifacts” at a field. I definitely recommend this model for anyone that’s looking for a highly capable metal detector, whether you’re still just a beginner or already an expert in metal detecting looking for a more capable unit.
If you’re interested in buying the Minelab Equinox 800, each unit is currently going for $899.99. You can order yours online right now, directly from the Minelab’s official shopping page, which you can access by clicking here.
