MINELAB EQUINOX 900 Unboxing and COMPLETE Review... I'm SHOCKED! | Stef Digs

It's here! MINELAB EQUINOX 900 Unboxing and COMPLETE Review... I'm SHOCKED! Better than expected... and that's saying something! In this video, we'll do an unboxing of the machine, run through several Target IDs, and compare the new Equinox 900 to the Equinox 800. I hope you enjoy this thorough review, and please comment with any questions or other Equinox 900 videos you would like to see in the future! Metal detecting videos with the Minelab Equinox 900 from the field coming soon!
Chapters:
00:00 Intro and unboxing
09:54 Coil ear comparison
10:20 Control box comparison
13:30 Menu navigation
16:10 Target IDs - US Cents
18:06 Target IDs - US Nickels
19:01 Target IDs - US Dimes
19:44 Targets IDs - US Quarters
20:59 Target IDs - US Silver Half Dollar
21:19 Target IDs - US Silver Dollars
21:50 Target IDs - Early US Copper coins
23:32 Target IDs - Early US Silver coins
24:21 Target IDs - Spanish Reales
25:47 Target IDs - Colonial Copper coins
26:46 Target IDs - Various Relics
28:43 Target IDs - Various Trash targets
30:33 Recovery Speed comparison - Equinox 900 versus 800
34:55 Silver dime and nails - Equinox 900 versus 800
36:51 Silver coins and nails - Equinox 900 versus 800
38:18 Closing Thoughts
I now sell metal detecting equipment through The Diggers Den! Be sure to reach out to me on Facebook Messenger (Stef Tanguay) or email ([e-mail]) for assistance on selecting the most appropriate gear for you, as well as the best deals we have available!
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MINELAB EQUINOX 900 Unboxing and COMPLETE Review... I'm SHOCKED! | Stef Digs

[@StefDigs]

I now sell metal detecting equipment through The Diggers Den! Be sure to reach out to me on Facebook Messenger (Stef Tanguay) or email ([e-mail]) for assistance on selecting the most appropriate gear for you, as well as the best deals we have available!

[@robbiestephens49]

Ur welcome

[@thediggersdenmetaldetector1271]

Excellent break down Stef! As usual. Great job! Definitely alot clearer in the tones when separating over the 800!

[@StefDigs]

Thanks Brian! I agree - the 900 absolutely out-swung the 800! I was surprised.

[@dirtdiggindawg310]

Quality vid Stef. Some nice new upgrades with this new machine. Can't wait to see ya rock it out in the field. GL and HH!!

[@StefDigs]

Thank you! Looking forward to its maiden voyage!

[@jimmymalone3494]

Great job Stef!! Thank you for sharing with us.I hope you have a Merry Christmas.

[@StefDigs]

Thanks Jimmy! Merry Christmas!

[@peachyprospector]

Very very helpful and informative video! Thank you for making this for us to see. 😎

[@StefDigs]

Sure thing! Thanks for watching, Angela! 😊

[@kimetherington2252]

For sure better tones and higher numbers that will make you want to dig it up! We'll see better when you get out in the fields! I really think your going to love this 900 better. Til next time Happy Holidays and dig dig dig...

[@StefDigs]

I think I really will! The target separation was a pleasant surprise - Happy Holidays!

[@TheCoffeeBushKid]

Thanks Stef. That was impressive with the target separation. The 900 is crisp and clear at speed. Amazing. I have our demo model to play with over Christmas. Doing the same with the 6” coil will be interesting. I love a good rubbish dump to play in so I think I may be in for a bit of fun. Merry Christmas and hope you have a great new year to and yours. Regards Andrew and Viv 🦘🦘😁👍

[@StefDigs]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the review! I truly was shocked that Minelab managed to improve upon the 800 and gave us that insane target separation with the 900! I’m looking forward to taking the 6” coil out to some cellar holes soon - we’re frozen in the fields, but the woods are always there! 😊

[@brooklyntreasurehunter]

Great video Stef. Thanks for the info.

[@StefDigs]

Thanks for watching!

[@graffixgirl]

Love the breakdown on the 900 Stef! Lovin mine thanku gurl! VR 😊

[@StefDigs]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it! I’ll have more 900 videos up pretty soon!

[@freedomdiggersmetaldetecti8964]

Great video Stef! Picking up a 900 myself.

[@StefDigs]

Awesome!

[@mazdaram226]

Lovely video Lass, looking to get the Nox 900 and love ye passion … thank you from over the pond .x 🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@StefDigs]

@@mazdaram226 thanks for watching! The 900 just got its first available software update, too - outstanding machine!

[@nighteagle317]

Glad you're getting better Stef!

[@StefDigs]

Thank you! Feeling pretty good!

[@lowcountryrelicrecovery]

Nice informative video STEF thanks for the look at our new machines

[@StefDigs]

Thanks Axel! Looking forward to getting this out in the field!

[@dondtektor8537]

Hi Stef. Thanks for taking the time to introduce us to the 900. Looks awesome. Question, the screen protector comes already on which is fantastic, I also struggled putting it on my 800, but there is no bottom reference? Or is that also on the screen protector that you mentioned that comes with it? Thanks in advance,,,,I have to add the separation that I saw on the 900 is far more superior. That sold me,,,

[@StefDigs]

The bottom reference is on the screen protector that I took out of the box at the beginning of the video, so you can always apply that! I think what they did was so clever - giving us the option to use what’s already on there, or add the menu screen protector. So many who will upgrade already have an Equinox that we don’t “need” the menu in front of us, looks sleeker to have the “Equinox 900” below the screen. 😁

[@somebeachdetecting]

That 900 is fast! The response time seems way quicker than the 800. Sharp and precise! I absolutely love it... After watching so many videos on the Manticore and the 900 I'm leaning more to the 900 now. Great video Stef, thanks. Have a non-ferrous 2023!🏴‍☠️

[@StefDigs]

It’s a stellar machine, in fact I’m uploading a video of my first hunt with the 900 right now! And I like that… a non-ferrous 2023, haha! Same to you!

[@somebeachdetecting]

@@StefDigs I recently posted a say goodbye to my 800 equinox video if you ever have a moment take a peek 🏴‍☠️

[@evelitalian]

Great video. Very detailed.

[@StefDigs]

Thanks for watching!

[@relicrecoveryspecialist16]

Give me an idea on what settings you’d run in non conductive soil, a house built in the 1830’s, loaded with so many square nails I could sit and pick them up all day long. What’s your settings based off say a old Homeplace you’re detecting and mainly just looking for coins. Coins is the key here. Minelab Nox 900

[@StefDigs]

Here's what I would recommend in those conditions: Detect mode: Park 1 (best for deep, high conductors and picking through trash) Sensitivity: 20-23 (if it’s too noisy, try 18 and work your way up) Iron audio (horseshoe): On Noise cancel: Yes Ground balance: No Volume: 25 for nonferrous; long-press the volume button to adjust ferrous volume (T1) to 1 Threshold: 4 Target Tone: All Tones Accept/Reject: N/A, run wide open Recovery speed: 5 or 6 (raise this if you’re getting too much deep iron) Iron bias: 4 Hope this helps! Good luck!

[@diggersdentysonu.k.m.d8813]

Cracling job thanks for tacking us along with ya merry Christmas 🎅 🎄 hope you get something nice keep safe see you at the next brother tezza 👍

[@StefDigs]

Thank you! Merry Christmas!

[@brightpurpleviking]

What a beauty!!!! That’s awesome!!!

[@StefDigs]

Thank you! I love it already!

[@davidlewis9068]

Waiting on my Nox700 so this is very nice watching. Indeed, very well done.

[@StefDigs]

Thank you! I am sure you’ll love it. Very reasonably priced machine, too! I’ve swung a 600 for over 4 years and it served me well. The 700 will be great!

[@Stack_Silver]

Great review of a terrific detector !!

[@StefDigs]

@@Stack_Silver thank you! 😊

[@capecoddiggerzmetaldetecti5718]

Great vid as usual 😁 Very interested to see how good it works out in the field, as we both use the 600 😉 That 900 does sound better on the separation 😀 Since I been pulling colonial state coins out of old dumps lately, that would be very handy 👍 Thanks for your thoughts, as I think highly of them, HH my friend and take care 😁

[@StefDigs]

Thank you! I haven’t tried the 6” on the 900 yet, but I’ll bet that would be great for dumps!

[@thomasnappo6309]

900 has cleaner separations and Flute sounds...love it

[@StefDigs]

Yup! Definitely a big win in my book!

[@LostBoysRecovery]

GREAT VIDEO STEF YOU BREAK IT DOWN NICE!

[@StefDigs]

Thank you so much! I’m really loving the machine so far - much improved over the 600/800!

[@joshshelton796]

Awesome video!

[@StefDigs]

Thank you! 😊

[@reddragonsubliminal6440]

Great videos. I have the eq 900 and tried on my 24k bracelet it reads 41 and a friend tried on his and it reads 92 do you think I have a problem with my unit? I sent to minelab and they checked out and said everything is normal with mine. Not sure if there correct.

[@StefDigs]

Thanks for watching! It sounds more like your friend might have a problem with their unit, instead. A 24k bracelet would not ring up in the 90s. Gold rings up a low or mid-tone, depending on the size and karat of the piece. Make sure both of your settings are exactly the same when you test (his sensitivity might’ve been really high and was picking up something else), and if you both have the same results, I would say your friend should get their machine checked.

[@robbiestephens49]

Great video

[@StefDigs]

Thank you!

[@davidlewis9068]

I would love for a comparison between the 600 and 700. But I love your unboxing and review Very well done.

[@StefDigs]

Thank you! I’d like to see a 600/700 comparison, as well. I have to imagine the 700 has a lot to offer over the 600, just as we saw with the 900 versus 800.

[@RickyD1968]

Well I did some research on the high end detectors and the one that stood out I purchased and is getting delivered today is the equinox 900 The best bang for your buck !!!!

[@StefDigs]

The 900 is outstanding! Good choice!

[@glennh3977]

Hi Stef, not sure how to direct msg you on KZbin. I just received my Minelab Vanquish 540, having a little difficulty with the Bluetooth headphones. I turn the machine on, press the Bluetooth button, turn on the headphones but they don’t seem to want to sync up. Both are fully charged/fresh batteries. I will get a flicker of the three blue lights on the headphone but nothing steady. Do I need to keep the Bluetooth button depressed until they sync up? Also I saw a KZbin video where the person said to keep it in ring/jewelry mode and have the iron discriminator on, he felt this gives the best combination of depth and targets (I assume he meant coins, jewelry and relics). Any opinion/advice?

[@StefDigs]

It sounds cliche, but go back to the user guide (not the getting started guide from the box, the true manual that is on the Minelab website). Go to the Minelab website > click Metal Detectors at the top of the page > Select the Vanquish > click Downloads under the photo of the machine. Do not watch videos to pair your headphones, always follow the instructions carefully and directly from the manual. If you are still having a problem connecting the Bluetooth headphones, call Minelab directly at 877-767-6522 - they should be able to help narrow down the issue, or worst case, they will have you send it in for a look. Hope this helps!

[@TheFinderGuy]

Just finished the video, that machine is killer. I know I said I’m sticking with my 600, buuuuuuut….. I may have to re-think that one 😏

[@StefDigs]

Yuuuup! Told you!

[@TheFinderGuy]

@@StefDigs 😂🤷🏻‍♂️

[@creekgeek]

Thanks for sharing Stef!! Seems like a great machine but I think my heart is set on a Manticore!! Gotta save up a bit though.

[@StefDigs]

Thanks for watching! The Manticore looks superior, although it does seem to have a learning curve - as is to be expected with a more sophisticated machine. Enjoy!

[@normawinton6832]

I like it after watching merrill from NYC do the manticore, better., probably because I didn't see him do a test on his regular NYC channel. He probably has it on his detector test channel. Love the 900! Wish I had the moolah! Nice review Stef!

[@StefDigs]

Thanks for watching, Norma! I’ve been really enjoying his videos as of late, he’s a funny guy and always insightful!

[@Myers70]

I agree with you Steff, there is no doubt a difference between the 800 and 900, the 900 does sound better and appears to have better separation. The 900 looks like its built like a tank, great video, nice job. Looking forward to seeing more testing, I want to see if the 900 goes deeper.

[@StefDigs]

Thanks! I am sure the 900 goes deeper, given the sensitivity can be increased to 28 versus 25. I’ll have to try it!

[@normawinton6832]

The manticore went deep! 24 inches for the iron. Small iron I should say.

[@StefDigs]

@@normawinton6832 yes I’ve seen some videos with the Manticore going insanely deep - it’s a beast, indeed!

[@karenwisusa6258]

I just purchased an EQ 900 and this video was helpful to at least have an idea of what to expect when digging. Now I wonder if the TID numbers compares to my Deus 1. For the Minelab products, I’d like to see a fold-down/lock module bar OR one that is removable from the shaft… I think a removable module wouldn’t increase the cost much, if any at all.

[@StefDigs]

I’ve got to imagine there’s a reason Minelab doesn’t do that. I’ve been happy with my 900 although it’s been collecting dust since I got a Manticore. 😉 Thanks for watching!

[@RickyD1968]

Awesome Video and I am thinking of purchasing a 900.

[@StefDigs]

Awesome! It’s a great machine!

[@RickyD1968]

@@StefDigs What machine would you choose minelab equinox 900 or Nokta Legend ?

[@johnnimons2204]

Do you think higher sensitivity, will alter the numbers across the board?

[@StefDigs]

Not sure - I have to check that out in the field!

[@mikehall4879]

I am a newbie and know this video is a little older but it's a great video! Thought I'd let you know it is still adding value. I noticed that you didn't do a ground balance on the detector. Is that something you don't worry about? ie. Only noise cancel and go! Or do you only do ground balancing for certain hunts like beaches or gold or ?

[@StefDigs]

Thank you so much! If you’re running in Multi, you don’t really need to ground balance unless you’re in extreme varying conditions at your site. So, noise cancel and go works! 😊

[@mikehall4879]

@@StefDigs awesome! Thanks for the reply and great videos!

[@davidlewis9068]

Wish I had your coin collection I am impressed.

[@StefDigs]

Thank you! A few excellent areas in CT have produced some really nice ones. Very fortunate! 😊

[@retrodqfan]

Woo Congratz

[@StefDigs]

Thank you!

[@sylverdetective5547]

just got mineeeeeees!! lol loving the 6inch coil!!

[@StefDigs]

Awesome! It’s an outstanding machine!

[@sylverdetective5547]

@Stef Digs oh it is for sure, it's so much more stable then my 800 lol

[@slashmetaldetecting]

my next detector soon nice review ive bought the 600 twice lol I am hoping this 900 is water proof !

[@StefDigs]

It’s definitely built better - Minelab absolutely listened to everybody’s input! Always feel free to reach out to me for your next detector, I can hook you up! 😊

[@robbiestephens49]

Good video

[@StefDigs]

Thank you for watching! 😊

[@dave3897]

I picked one up last month and I honestly feel the nokta simplex is more stable and has the same depth detection as this machine.

[@StefDigs]

Give it some time - I ran a Simplex for a few months back in 2020 and the Equinox far exceeds the performance of the Simplex in my experience. I’d resist the temptation to reach for the Simplex for the next couple of months and you’ll be impressed. I struggled with it the first month or two because I was used to running my 600 which doesn’t run nearly as hot as the 900. Make sure your sensitivity is on the lower side (maybe 19-20 while you’re getting used to it), and if it’s still at all unstable or you’re picking up steel, raise your iron bias to 4 or 5. Field 1 seemed to run the most stable for me but it’ll depend on your conditions. Good luck!

[@TheChopcat]

By re arranging the coins you can create a new tune for the video intros 😊

[@StefDigs]

The thought has crossed my mind… 😂

[@diggingnashvegas]

Still think the legend is a better build, new updates and coils about to be released, but i like the electronics, if the legend ever disappoints I might get that 900

[@StefDigs]

The Nokta machines are built well, although I do feel the technology in the Minelab machines is more advanced. But to each their own, all that matters is that you’re happy with what you’re swinging! 😊

[@sagemajka4871]

Im considering the nox 900 also, I have the Equinox 600 & Legend pro pack, but the new nox 900 seems awesome. I'm going to wait & see what the new Legend update entails. If I pull the trigger, my wife will get my Nox 600, she already has a legend. I wish there was a option to buy the 900 without the 6" coil, for those of us that already have a 6" coil.

[@StefDigs]

@@sagemajka4871 the 700 might be a good option, only real differences are no gold mode on the 700 and there’s a little less room for increased recovery speed.

[@davidlewis9068]

Newer technology will make a difference and here it does

[@StefDigs]

100%! I’m thoroughly impressed with the upgrade. I honestly expected an 800 with a robust build, but this truly is a new machine.

[@19jody72]

Fixing to buy one.. so after 4 months of owning it.. would you buy it again?

[@StefDigs]

Yes I would! If you’re interested, shoot me a message on FB (Stef Tanguay) or an email per the pinned comment. I’ll hook you up! 🤘🏻

[@SterlingAug]

I wrapped my CTX 3030 grip handle with tennis wrap tape to keed the grip from scratching and getting dirty from my gloves.

[@StefDigs]

Not a bad idea!

[@911hunter]

It's a great machine..

[@StefDigs]

Sure is! Can’t wait to take it to some old sites I feel like I’ve tapped out!

[@digginhistory750]

I want to see a 800 and manticore depth test.

[@StefDigs]

There are a few videos on KZbin, but not many - I can't get my hands on a Manticore at the moment.

[@TheFinderGuy]

Sweet

[@StefDigs]

You're gonna love it... when you eventually crack and get one, lol!

[@TheFinderGuy]

@@StefDigs 😂agreed.

[@derwoodvw]

Derwood digs stef😁

[@StefDigs]

Thanks for watching!

[@derwoodvw]

@@StefDigs good content 👍

[@peachyprospector]

😮👏🏼👏🏼

[@StefDigs]

This machine is awwwwesome, I can already tell! 😁

[@fanofjazz2]

you're awesome

[@StefDigs]

D’aw, thank you! 😆

[@waynelutwiniak797]

..........My Simplex is getting jealous 🤣

[@StefDigs]

Hah! Well, if you want to add to your array of machines, you know where to find me! 😉

[@commanderjank9060]

Steff, I love my 600. Best machine. I will be saving up for the 700/900. Just incase you want to donate your 600. Id be very happy to take it off your hands. Feel free to donate to me, I promise to use it as much as possible. 😁

[@StefDigs]

Haha, my 600 will always be in my arsenal! The 900 is an amazing upgrade. 🤘🏻

[@robertdonnan5958]

THERE KOSS HEADPHONES STEF..FROM BOB IN OZ

[@StefDigs]

Thanks for watching, Bob!

[@edsonferreora8003]

Aste do 900 serve no 800

[@StefDigs]

Don’t know what you’re saying lol, but thanks for watching.

[@jjwilson8047]

Stef as I listen to the audio, I don’t believe you were in all tones. As I listened to the audio of the clad and silver dime, there is no difference in audio tone.

[@StefDigs]

I did notice that after I uploaded, as well. Unfortunate, because I wanted to really show what AT had to offer. I am definitely in All Tones outside, though, as you saw me pop through the menu. That’s exactly how I’ll run it!

[@JoeDirt-sf8fu]

Clad dime hits the same as a Zincoln ! WTF?

[@StefDigs]

Looking back I wish I’d done the signal testing outside - it was weird that the silver and clad quarter were nearly the same, too, because they aren’t that way in the field.

[@JoeDirt-sf8fu]

@@StefDigs But you do really good videos.

[@StefDigs]

@@JoeDirt-sf8fu well, thank you! 😊 I appreciate that!

[@nelsonsuarez6190]

I like to see it under the water to see what's happends

[@StefDigs]

I don’t hunt underwater, but I have no doubt that others will post their results when they get theirs in the water.

[@raipe76]

It looks like you have already use it before you made this ”unboxing” 🤔

[@StefDigs]

Nope, my dealer had opened the box to take a photo for our Facebook page before he sent it to me. Never took it out of the box. 👍🏻

[@raipe76]

@@StefDigs Okay, just asking 😊

[@cule7737]

thanks for the video ...EXTRAAAAAA !!!!!! good luck with the new machine ....

[@StefDigs]

No problem! Hope it was helpful. Can’t wait to get out and play with it!

[@cule7737]

@@StefDigs yes, I decided to buy it...I have an equinox 800 and after your video I want an equinox 900..I hope there will be another interesting video of yours soon ..thanks a lot

[@StefDigs]

@@cule7737 Awesome! Hope you have a blast with it!

[@mickstantonn4831]

@cointector Have a go at this.

[@StefDigs]

Have a go at what? 🤔