Minelab Equinox 800 vs 900 What's The Difference?

In this video I'll walk through the basic differences between the Minelab Equinox 800 and the "NEW" Equinox 900 metal detectors. All this information is based off of Minelab's own Tech Specs. You can see for yourself by going over to their website. However, I've took the specifications and made a comparison table and posted the differences on my website that you can find here. mentalmetaldet...
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If you are looking for one of these Minelab metal detectors or anything related to metal detecting I recommend reaching out to our friends at Fort Bedford Metal Detectors and give them a chance to earn your business. Give John a call at 814-215-1732. They are a great company with fast shipping and great customer service. Give them a call or check out their website www.fortbedfor... and tell them Mental Metal sent you.
If they can't get what you are looking for give Kellyco a try. Here are some links to the gear I've owned over the years, tested, and/or recommend:
Minelab Metal Detectors:
Minelab GPX 4500 (now 5000): shrsl.com/3t72z
Minelab Equinox 800: shrsl.com/3t734
Minelab Equinox 600: shrsl.com/3t73l
Minelab CTX 3030: shrsl.com/3p3ps
Minelab Vanquish 540 Pro Pack: shrsl.com/3t74r
Minelab Vanquish 440: shrsl.com/3t74v
Minelab Excalibur II (beach and underwater): shrsl.com/3t74z
Minelab Manticore (new): shrsl.com/3t753
Minelab Equinox Carbon Fiber Shafts:
Detect-ED Red Carbon Fiber shaft: amzn.to/3CZXvUJ
Detect-ED Black Carbon Fiber shaft: amzn.to/3ldxGKZ
Nokta Makro Metal Detectors
Nokta Makro Legend: shrsl.com/3t75o
Nokta Makro Simplex: shrsl.com/3t75c
Garrett Metal Detectors
Garrett (New) Axiom (Gold Detector): shrsl.com/3t74f
XP Metal Detectors
XP Deus (Original) w/9" X35 Coil: shrsl.com/3t762
XP Deus (Original Lite) w/9" X35 Coil: shrsl.com/3t76c
XP Deus 2 : shrsl.com/3t5ud
XP Deus 2 WS6 Master: shrsl.com/3t5u7
Pinpointers:
Garrett Pro-Pointer AT Z-Lynk: amzn.to/3EYMeZ4
XP MI6: amzn.to/3EyV8Lt
XP MI4: amzn.to/3U9JMmR
Shovels:
Stuline 36" T-Handle: shrsl.com/3t5um
Backpacks:
XP Backpack 280: amzn.to/3tTdVMR
Detecting How-to Books by Andy Sabisch:
Minelab Equinox Handbook: shrsl.com/33vw0
The Simplex Handbook: shrsl.com/3t73n
The XP Deus Metal Detector Handbook: shrsl.com/3t73x
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[@goodasgold4072]

When I got my 800 last year it was a big step up in a number of features over the White's eagle 2 sl 90 that I was using. When it came to the VDI scale though, the eagle has the -95 - 0 - 95, so I wasn't sure about the compressed scale on the Nox. I wondered, and still wonder if there is missing information or advantage in identifying targets. I know you said too that you questioned the Nox scale. It would be great to see the 800 head-to-head with the Manticore and the 900 just to see what the different scales reveal about a target. I know the Manticore has some other target identification feature(s). Anyway, look forward to more great videos on these new, and some surprising, machines. Thanks!

[@MentalMetal]

Thank you and sorry for the late response. Hopefully we'll be able to bring some of those videos to you at some point.

[@rocketsroc]

I just don't see a big enough difference to get me to move up from the 800 to the 900. Target ID is great, but if it beeps, I dig!

[@MentalMetal]

Fair point and some will also agree and not go in the direction of the 900. Its totally cool in my book. You can get some great deals on the 800 now ;-)

[@garyhuls3997]

You talk about your favorite coil for the 800, and that it is magical, do you have the 6 inch from the same company? I believe you said Coil Tech

[@MentalMetal]

I wasn't aware CoilTek had a 6". Minelab produced their own 6" but to answer your question I did have the 6" but sold it once the 10x5 came out. It just works better for my type of hunting.

[@nocker_tech]

detector👍

[@roymurray2516]

Equinox 900 is one of the best metal detecting on the market today 😊

[@MentalMetal]

Its up there for sure.

[@chucknewton798]

Coming from a vanquish 540, I was looking to upgrade to the manticore, the nox 800 or the legend. The nox 900 is the perfect solution for me. Made a pre-order from an online vender. Very excited!

[@MentalMetal]

Chuck not Fort Bedford! oh man they would have taken care of you and they might even have them in stock. Either way good luck I think you will enjoy the 700.

[@Whadaa72]

With all the new machines coming out the 800 was $1000 will be way cheaper because everyone wants the new big thing. The 800 is an amazing machine

[@petervandenbosch6353]

Sold today my Nox 600 but leaving from Minelab. Keeping my Deus 2 for the moment.

[@MentalMetal]

The D2 is great machine and the next update should address some of the minor issues it has now.

[@cimbakahn]

Mental Metal: So, in other words the Equinox 900 is better than all the Equinox'es that came out before it. Is it better than these? Nokta Triple Score / Nokta The Legend / Garrett Vortex-VX9 / Minelab X-Terra Elite / Quest V80.

[@MentalMetal]

As far as the Equinox machines, yes. I don't have any of the Nokta Scores, nor the Vortex (since it isn't out yet) but It is better than the Elite and I don't have a Quest V80 so I don't know. The Legend is in the ball park.

[@rockybullock4564]

Got my 800 two months ago, no complaints at all , but i would like to have waited to see more on the 900. More overtime!

[@langston1aladdin]

I am one of those guys. Just got my 800 three weeks ago. But I am ok with it. Did get the 6” coil with it for the 899. I am new to the sport, so can learn on the 800 and then move up to the top,of the line in a few years.

[@MentalMetal]

Great attitude my friend. Others wouldn't feel the way you do but you still have a great machine in the 800. They didn't sell a gazillion of them because they sucked. They owned the market since it came out in 2018 and its been the machine to beat for many years.

[@James-dtexTexas]

Red backlight from the FT Fisher line . The vibe grip and flashlight from the Nokta Simplex/ Legend. The depth tone volume is used on the F-44 and the Simplex/ Legend . The vdi scale is sort of unique with the negative 19 in with the 100 up . Sounds like a great day for all Minelab fans. Thanks for the information. Be blessed and stay safe.

[@MentalMetal]

Yep Minelab fans should be happy for the most part. Except for the ones who just bough the 600 or 800 ;-)

[@Passportbro33Mark2]

I got the 800 and coming from the 540 I must say I’m happy with the equinox 800. And I added it used for 500 bucks so I really came up.

[@MentalMetal]

Congrats!

[@eileenmorris7349]

They have been in a panic ever sense the Legend and simplex came out,and the biggest difference I see is the 6" coll,200.00 more and hope the Basxxxd dont leake,as soon as Nokta cleans up their invetory I cant wait to see what they come out with ,I dont think I will get in a big hurry and let them all get on the market for a while KEEP ON DIGGIN!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ohdannyboyjustadiggin]

I am excited to see how these 3 detectors work. I am also waiting on getting a new detector for at least a yr as I am fine with the 600 plus the vanquish. But I do like the collapsible shafts aspect too. Thanks for sharing this info. Awesome

[@MentalMetal]

You are welcome, if all you are looking for is the collapsible shaft I picked up the Detect-ED one for my Equinox and love it. However these should be a pretty significant upgrade to the 600 and 800. Here are the links to those shafts RED: amzn.to/3CZXvUJ BLACK: amzn.to/3ldxGKZ

[@ohdannyboyjustadiggin]

@@MentalMetal Is the 900 a better much better upgrade to the 800. Just wondering cause I bought the 600 over the 800. I have a collapsible shaft for the 600. I am just waiting to see and hear more rants and advantages the 700/900 give over the 600/800. If the 700 is so much better then the 600 I might just go with that one as it is affordable

[@MentalMetal]

I only have some tech specs to compare but from what I see I like in the upgrades. Should know more soon (maybe this weekend).

[@Mndza1]

The red backlight just like the Vanquish 540

[@Myers70]

Looking to upgrade from my Vanquish 540, looks like I'll be purchasing either the Equinox 700 or 900. I was considering the Legend but I'll take either the 700 or 900 over it. I been wanting/waiting for Minelab to upgrade the Equinox and now here it is. Kudos to Minelab

[@MentalMetal]

Give Fort Bedford a call. They will take care of you.

[@headhackercoinslayer9615]

Nice info😎

[@MentalMetal]

Thanks!

[@denningfamily2145]

Recently met John and his team at a show in Fredericksburg... meeting up with him tomorrow to grab a 900 and lots of extras. Will mention I watched this video and that you said hi.

[@MentalMetal]

Thanks I saw them at DIV and they mentioned they were delivering to you after they were leaving from DIV.

[@davidlewis9068]

I ordered the Equinox 700 last night. It is going to be an upgrade over my Vanquish 540 pro but I do not know how much as of yet.

[@MentalMetal]

You will see a big difference. I hope you gave Fort Bedford a chance to earn your business. Good luck with the 700!

[@davidlewis9068]

@@MentalMetal I will look into them. sounds very reasonable

[@MentalMetal]

I don't think you will be disappointed. Make sure you tell I sent you though and if you are a vet they should offer a discount.

[@raydunhill5160]

Thanks for the input but I see very little in machine upgrade? I've actually flooded 2 800s a 600 and a CTX?? Hopefully water issue was on top of their list in new machines! I hunt 5-6 days a week mostly in water so that's my concern on a new purchase. Loved the CTX and the manticore looks to be new clone but for me I'm a water hunter and do not rely on screen but mor on tone.

[@MentalMetal]

I think the water issues will be addressed in Equinox 700, 900, and Manticore.

[@a-guitar2734]

I bought a nox 800 8 months ago. I would have waited and saved for the manicore . I'm frustrated. If I didn't have the cash I would have waited for the 900

[@MentalMetal]

Yep I would be right there with you.

[@925inder2]

I personally liked the narrower ID scale. Not sure if it makes a difference over all.

[@MentalMetal]

I think it will. From what I've seen I like what they did.

[@cravinsunshineNW]

I heard the possibility of the 900 coming standard with the carbon fiber shaft, can you confirm that? It would be a nice upgrade for sure, digging the 24” collapsible shaft as well.

[@MentalMetal]

confirmed :-)

[@19jody72]

So overall. . . Is the 900 really any different than the 800? I can buy an 800 brand new in thw box for $500.. should I get it?

[@MentalMetal]

Jody, watch the video. It is different but not so different that you will spend a bunch of time learning the machine. Biggest changes are the quality of the shaft and control box, VDI scale, sensitivity, Plus you can use all of the same coils that you can use on the 800 including the Coiltek coils. IMO it is a lot more stable. I like it a lot. Its the Equinox they should have made from the beginning.

[@19jody72]

@@MentalMetal I did watch the video and appreciate your time sharing the info

[@kena4642]

I need your help. I have an Equinox 600 which i have been pretty successful with. I am on the fence between the new XP Deus 2 or the Equinox 900. Having said that, I am relatively early on in my learning curve and much prefer a turn on and go detector-I don’t think I am sophisticated enough to “play” around with the manufacturer’s settings for fear I may totally miss out on a good find. Which of the new models, Minelab or XP, would you recommend. I really appreciate your help

[@MentalMetal]

If you know the Equinox then stick with the 900 IMO. Your learning curve will be faster since you already know the machine. Give my friends a Fort Bedford a call if you have any specific questions. John will take care of you.

[@kena4642]

@@MentalMetal That makes sense. I have purchased 2 Equinox 600's, a Vanquish 540 and a Vanquish 440 for my grandson from Fort Bedford. Thanks for getting back to me, I really appreciate it. Would love to go on a hunt with you, I'm in the Towson area, but I don't have any permissions or know of anyone with a farm or field. I'm willing to travel to you. Ken

[@markridings9209]

I'm more concerned about build quality and if thats been fixed especially coil ears?

[@MentalMetal]

I think you will find that those issues have been addressed with the new shaft.

[@shawncaldwell593]

It’s like the holidays we do Halloween then skip that and straight to Christmas. The manticore hasn’t been out long but straight to the noxes

[@MentalMetal]

It does feel like that a little LOL

[@garymichael7460]

But will the 900 be waterproof for longer than 6 months

[@MentalMetal]

It should be addressed.

[@DayTrader__]

😔

[@joshshelton796]

I hunt early in the morning before work so I love the flashlight on the legend. I have to use a headlamp when I'm hunting with my Deus 2.

[@SandBoy408]

99 VDI scale is pure crap...but is new trend ok? We need to get with it...

[@madbug1965]

They should phase out the 600 and the 800.

[@MentalMetal]

I'm sure they will eventually.

[@cholomanaba]

don't hate red backlights right away, let me explain: when you're holding any detector close to you, with the backlight on, you may choose any brightness you are comfortable with, and it helps alot; but think you are 30 feet away from the detector (a person watching the detectorist in action), you may not see the detectorist, but in the darkness surely you will notice that big screen, shinning like a sun, red lights cannot be seen far away, and that is an advantage if you don't want to draw attention on you (As I guess many detectorists try to detect quietly without anybody chasing them). I myself are annoyed by red lights, but for many years I use them even for flashlights because I go unnoticed from unwanted people.

[@MentalMetal]

I guess if you are worried about drawing attention then you are probably hunting somewhere you shouldn't :-) ..jk If you are on the beach at somewhere like Hilton Head they require a red light after dark so this is perfect for that scenario. I like the red backlight and want it LOL.

[@cholomanaba2770]

@@MentalMetal where I live we cannot longer enjoy peaceful metal detecting due to crime and drug traffic. It Issa easy to say what you said without knowing.... respectfully.

[@MentalMetal]

Good point. I see where you are coming from. Be safe my friend.

[@cholomanaba]

@@MentalMetal thanks, I will..... happy hunting and best wishes

[@rfbftp123]

@@MentalMetal not really, even here in new zealand where its a pretty safe country, when im detecting at night in a park where im allowed, id rather not be noticed by drunks and homeless passing by... Why not use a red light? I use one on my head torch too

[@Urge38]

All older coils for the older equinox will work with the newer 700 and 900

[@MentalMetal]

Correct but not sure about the CoilTek coils or is that what you are telling me.

[@Urge38]

@@MentalMetal all inc coiltek

[@MentalMetal]

Woohoo! thanks!

[@johnsonfamilyadventures692]

Thx for posting this 👍💯

[@MentalMetal]

You are welcome.

[@luke8210]

Seems like they pushed it out because the loss of buisness to nokta makro.

[@MentalMetal]

is that a fact? or speculation ? I believe only Minelab really knows the real reason why they did what they did. Will they say why? Probably not but who really cares to be honest. We have 3 new machines 700, 900, and Manticore to look at it and I think they are all great options to consider.

[@luke8210]

Obviously speculation based on what I've seen from other detectors in my club. As well as our local dealer who is a dealer for both brands. Yes I agree great to have 3 new machines.

[@luke8210]

Oh and yes. Obviously only minelab would know for certain. I dont have access to their sales numbers. I assume you dont either.

[@MentalMetal]

No, I have no interest in it to be completely honest. The machines will sort themselves out over time. If we could just get the inventory moving so folks could get them that would be great.

[@tedyoh7394]

Big yawn at Minelab for the 700 and 900 release....my guess would be the 600 and 800 were not selling very well, they had a bunch of spare parts, tossed in a new processor and a touch pad and voila.....the coiltek coils, by reasoning, should work with the 700/900....but I actually have no idea what I'm talking about.....

[@cholomanaba]

LOL😂

[@shanesanders5119]

Looking for a detector to take to the beach. Most I see use the 800 but everyone I talked to said it leaks to get a 700 are 900. So my question is is the new 700 comparable to the old 800 in terms of being able to use it on the beach in wet are dry conditions are even in the water wading.

[@MentalMetal]

The 700 and 900 versions are better than the 600 and 800 for a number of reasons. The 700 is more comparable to the 600 vs comparing it to the 800. If all you are looking to hunt is the beach the 700 will do you just fine. But if you want some flexibility I would consider the 900. You have a lot more control and features that you won't get with the 700. Minelab just came out with a new version of the their X-Terra Pro. For only $269 its something to consider. There are videos out there comparing it to other machines on the beach. Its an entry level machine but it seems like it might be worth trying. Just my 2 cents.

[@metaldetektortraveling777]

Kerja bagus kawan👍👍

[@davidtawney9664]

Thanx!

[@MentalMetal]

My Pleasure

[@troywales983]

no ,they are leaking money ,so throwing all their eggs into one basket hoping to get by .

[@MentalMetal]

I think a lot of the companies were leaking money these last 2 years. I bet if you looked at Garrett and some others they would have very similar balance sheets. Don't get wrapped around the numbers my friend. Look forward not backward. Just my 2 cents.

[@scottp4193]

Sounds like minelab is really scared of xp detectors. Releasing 3 detectors In The same month? They are sounding like Nokta.

[@MentalMetal]

Perhaps but I'm pretty sure they aren't too concerned about Nokta. We'll just have to wait and see how many 900s fly off the shelf.

[@benfreeman4707]

When did nokta release 3 detectors in a month? The midi/mini were released in 2020. Simplex 2019. Legend has been around for what, a year?

[@decoman100]

realy great video ,,, best i seen ...thanks

[@MentalMetal]

Glad you liked it!

[@crazycressy7986]

Just stick some red tint film over the screen on your 800 lol

[@MentalMetal]

Now that's an idea.

[@crazycressy7986]

@MentalMetal what you pit on a torch to use for military purposes

[@crazycressy7986]

@MentalMetal when you do that to your nox don't forget to tell them it was my idea the one that found the Roman licking dog hoard lol

[@livingstone6275]

bs scam job.......

[@MentalMetal]

Maybe.. time will tell.

[@oldplucker1]

Are the Equinox 600/800 coils compatible with the 700/900? I have 4 coils so would not consider buying the 900 unless they are compatible.

[@MentalMetal]

They are compatible. Reach out to Fort Bedford and they will hook you up.

[@oldplucker1]

@@MentalMetal So are the Bluetooth headphones compatible too?

[@MentalMetal]

I talk about it in the video but no the 600 and 800 Bluetooth headphones will not work with the 700 or 900. But if you have a Manticore the Manticore headphones will work with the 700 or 900.

[@oldplucker1]

@@MentalMetal Thanks for the info. 👍

[@libertiner1380]

Thanks for reading the web site

[@MentalMetal]

For the record, I read the tech specs and stated that in the video and you're welcome.

[@libertiner1380]

@@MentalMetal ya but what is the point

[@MentalMetal]

ah I see where this is going.. whos on first?

[@bradfordmagnetmansmicroadv2482]

Master your old Nox folks, the upgraded version seem a waste of money.

[@MentalMetal]

There are some pretty good enhancements to this newer version. I wouldn't mind having one.

[@bradfordmagnetmansmicroadv2482]

@@MentalMetal If your going to upgrade go the whole hog & get the manticore no point upgrading half way these machines are amazing enough

[@benfreeman4707]

I agree, if you have a 6/800 now and want a noticeable upgrade, the manticore is the way to go. I'm interested to see how the 2d imaging works, I think that's going to be the future of detectors either sharing the picture to phone or having better displays on the detectors. Nokta already has this with the invenio, slow load times and expensive though from the videos I've seen.

[@MentalMetal]

I hope to get both just to see for myself and to help others make good choices but I do agree on the Manticore as the preferred path if they find there way to the consumers.

[@benfreeman4707]

@@MentalMetal I was surprised what a local dealer quoted me for a manicure I mean unicore 🦄.. all joking aside , they have a really good deal right now! Every single minelab product now ships with a free.. superiority complex. 😂 Seriously though, the manticore price was not that far off of eq800 pricing. At that level of spending, what's a few extra shillings?

[@1965spank]

Love the videos! Looking to buy my first detector, which is good for all around use by a beginner looking to spend maybe $300-$500

[@johnsonfamilyadventures692]

You may want to look at the 600 Nox or the Ledgend

[@MentalMetal]

Give Fort Bedford a call and they will walk you through some good options. IMO, the Legend is a good pick but for the money you might come close to the price of an Equinox 600 and possibly the 800. However, if you can squeeze out a little more then I would go with the 700.