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Minelab Equinox 600, 700, 800, and 900 Comparison

Published by Jeremy Floyd on 04/16/23


What are the differences in the Equinox 600, 700, 800, and 900?

Now that Minelab has introduced two more equinox models in 2022, it is sometimes difficult to know exactly which model is right for your use. Here we'll explore some of the key differences so that you know which model is right for you. 

After the original release of the Equinox 600 and 800 in 2018, Minelab updated the line with the 700 and 900 in 2022. While Minelab has added many enhancements to the Equinox 700 and 900, it is still built on the same core technology first introduced in 2018 with the 600 and 800. Minelab's major enhancement to its lineup came with the Manticore in 2022. 

Whether you are looking to upgrade from the Vanquish line of simultaneous multi-frequency detectors, or moving from a single frequency machine, we commonly hear that our customers hunt fields that they've "hunted a hundred times and still turn up new finds." That's the power of Minelab's  Multi-IQ Simultaneous Multi-Frequency, which simultaneously fires up to 6 frequencies at once. This allows for greater targeting and discrimination between different target types. 

For those using a Vanquish series detector, adding the waterproof capability is a major upgrade. Other key improvements included greater sensitivity, more detecting modes, and more advanced targeting and discrimination. 

Minelab Multi-IQ Technology

Overall, the higher-end models in the Equinox series (800 and 900) offer more advanced features, greater depth range, and better performance than the lower-end models (600 and 700). However, all models are capable of high-quality metal detecting and are suitable for a wide range of applications.

Key Differences in the Equinox 600/700 and the Equinox 800/900

Key additions with the introduction of the 700 and 900:

  • Vibrating target response
  • Flashlight
  • Backlit night mode
  • Greater waterproof depth (3 meters to 5 meters)
  • Lightweight and durable carbon fiber shaft
  • New armrest
  • The 900 includes two coils 6" and 11" double-d

Still, the dividing line between the 600/700 and 800/900 comes down to a more advanced set of features around customization and the expanded gold mode. . 

Specifications of Equinox Comparison

Equinox Model 600 700 800 900
Year Released 2018 2022 2018 2022
SKU 3720-0001 3720-0005 3720-0002 3720-0006
Interchangable Search Coil YES (6", 11", 15") YES (6", 11", 15") YES (6", 11", 15") YES (6", 11", 15")
Technology Multi-IQ Multi-IQ Multi-IQ Multi-IQ
Arm Rest Yes Yes Yes Yes
Adjustable Shaft Yes Yes Yes Yes
Assembled length max 56.7" 56.7" 56.7" 56.7"
Assembled length min 24" 24" 24" 24"
GPS No No No No
Audio Tones Yes Yes Yes Yes
Depth Indication Yes Yes Yes Yes
Frequencies 5, 10, 15 kHz Multi, 4, 5, 10, 15 5kHz, 10kHz, 15kHz, 20kHz, 40kHz, Multi 4kHz, 5kHz, 10kHz, 15kHz, 40kHz, Multi
Number of Frequencies 3 4 6 6
Threshold 0-25 0-25 0-25 0-25
Pinpoint Mode Yes Yes Yes Yes
Ground Balance Manual, Automatic Manual, Automatic Manual, Automatic Manual, Automatic
Vibration Mode No Yes No Yes
Search Modes Park, Field, Beach Park, Field, Beach Park, Field, Beach, Gold Park, Field, Beach, Gold
Search Flashlight No Yes No Yes
Display Type LCD LCD LCD LCD
Backlit Display Yes Night mode Yes Night Mode
Volume Control Yes Yes Yes Yes
Headphone Jack 1/8" 1/8" 1/8" 1/8"
Bluetooth Compatible Yes Yes
Battery Type Lithium Ion Lithium Ion Lithium Ion Lithium Ion
Waterproof 10 Ft. 16 ft. 10 ft. 16 ft.
Save Modes / User Profile (save) No No Yes Yes
Search Modes Beach, Field, Park Beach, Field, Park Beach, Field, Gold, Park Beach, Field, Gold, Park
Gold Detecting Mode No No Yes Yes
Sensitivity 1-25 1-25 1-28
Recovery Speed 1-3 1-3 1-8 1-8
Iron Bias 0-3 0-3 0-9 0-9
Included Coil 11" DD 11" DD 11" DD 11" DD and 6" Coil
Discrimination Segments 119 119 119 119
Headphones Wired (included) Wireless(included) Wireless (included) Wireless (included)

Observations

  • If you have an Equinox 800 and are happy with it, then the upgrade to the 900 likely is not worth the upgrade. There are nice feature enhancements but no major tech enhancements.
  • If you are upgrading from a 600, Vanquish, or single-frequency machine, then the upgrade to the 700 or 900 is likely worth the spend.
  • While we rarely comment on the depth of a machine, the 900 does seem to outperform the other machines in certain soil conditions. 
  • The Nox 800 and 900 are by no means gold machines, but they do a good job at finding larger flecks of gold than most machines in their class. 

Most Common Maintenance or Replacement Parts

Replacement Skidplates

Coil Ear Reinforcers (Kellyco Unique Design)

Waterproof headphones

Headphone Adaptor 1/8" to 1/4"

Charging Cable

Carbon fiber shaft

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