Vanquish Vs Simplex: Entry Level Knockdown Part II

[@stanlee1963able]

Thank you. This validates my upgrade to the 540. I’ll be back to watch more of your videos. 👍🏼

[@DirtWhisperer]

Your Virgina Dirt Box depth test is genius. Definitely the best and quickest method I've seen for testing depth on detectors. Love it.

[@MichaelFoster-vz6io]

Excellent advice. As I am very new to metal detecting your channel is like gold dust to me. Michael from Kent UK

[@deanollom3449]

Thank you, sir, I bought a vanquish over the simplex. Never knew this video was on line took me two months to figure out , but very happy with my metal detector the vanquish Wish I would assault this video earlier thank you again I made the right choice

[@HillbillyStacks]

Loved yer videos part 1 and 2, thanks so much for diving into that.

[@Nozoki]

Excellent video. I have been waffling between these 2 for my first "big boy" detector, and seeing the Virginia dirt test sold me on the Vanquish since that's where I live and I'm very familiar with that red dirt.

[@BigDogChannel]

You won’t be sorry. Thanks for watching. Cheers.

[@DroneLifeLelystad]

My Simplex stands pretty well even against my friends Nox 800,Only big plus for the nox is multi frequency. But the cheap simplex does do very well, especially here in Europe. Totally waterproof, compact, vibration, flashlight, built in battery.

[@BigDogChannel]

Yeah, i like all those features too, and I will be using the simplex at the beach when I go deep in the water rather than my Nox since the Nox has a reputation of not being as waterproof as its cracked up to be. Thanks for watching. Cheers.

[@Wings_of_foam]

Lol Simplex got nothing on Equinox.

[@jayson8118]

As long as you don't drown the Nox you will be fine. I spoke to an actual seller of the Simplex here in Australia and he stated that no way was the Simplex better than the Nox on Australian beaches. However it had a little better depth on soil over the Nox.

[@jayson8118]

Also , as most guys should know there are so many varying circumstances that can change how metal detectors work. High EMI in the area, highly mineralisation in the soil , other detectors in the area that can be too close. That seems to affect some machines more than others. Some machines have a better noise cancellation software. I have seen several videos now that have matched a CTX 3030 up against a Nox 800 and in every video ( done by different people I may ad ) the Nox found items and not just junk in the ground where the CTX couldn't find a signal waving it over the same place that the Nox was ! This made me very happy concerning my purchase of the Nox. I have the Vanquish 540 but I know u really can't compare it to a Nox as the Nox has far more features. I am waiting for a machine that is better in depth and discrimination than the Nox 800. When that happens and is a clear improvement then I may upgrade !

[@6061lucky]

I have the Simplex and yes it is a very good beginner machine but when you take it to the beach . I have taken mine two different times put The ground balance to zero nothing I could do but stop the chatter . So it leads me to say I will be buying the Vanquish as my second Machine. I know you can’t go deep in the water with it , but I am in North Carolina farm Country and have lot of Fields , old abandon houses all around my house.

[@weekenddiyer4249]

I started out with the ace 350 five years ago and i still use it but it can start to beep all over the place around wet sand and in some soils. I bought a vanquish 540 and its really easy to use and it hasnt had any false readings and its very quiet its my new favorite to use. I thought about the simplex but im glad i got the vanquish. Nice video i think i made the right choice.

[@BigDogChannel]

weekend DIYer I think you’ll be really happy with the Vanquish. Thanks for watching. Cheers.

[@iProDan]

Perhaps I missed it but the simplex has upgradable software and completely waterproof. These are two large items to consider. Great video regardless. Very thorough and thought out

[@BigDogChannel]

I did mention the waterproof aspect of the Simplex. Not sure I spoke about the firmware upgrade as they both have that capability. Thanks for watching. Cheers.

[@ronschreiber3635]

What type vanquish is this your using? Thank you for your time

[@BigDogChannel]

This is the Vanquish 540. Thanks for watching. Cheers.

[@sirkyoj1]

I agree with you on the Simplex wobble issue. I am ordering the new lower shaft. I disagree on the ergonomics side. I am a average size guy, and it fits me rather well.

[@BigDogChannel]

I’m waiting on that new carbon shaft too. Cheers.

[@tonylarge7804]

The wobble isn’t as bad as the equinox shaft issues and look at the price difference and then add the three part shaft on the simplex to get that on the nox spend another £125

[@seanobrien2306]

Hi, Big Dog..., Impressive video and excellent information and "Thank you" for sharing the video ! ! * I have both metal detectors and the Minelab Vanquish 540 Pro Pack runs circles around the Nokta Makro Simplex + in "highly mineralized soil", and ( lots of Iron ) in mining country in southwest Montana... Historic Uptown Butte, Montana is known for "The "Richest Hill on Earth" and proves it by its mining and highly mineralized soil with Iron... * I have found more of just about anything with the Minelab Vanquish 540 Pro Pack..., and less with the Nokta Makro Simplex +. * I had a backyard lawn sale and sold the Nokta Makro Simplex + and glad I did... Impressive video and very informative, and "Thank you" for sharing the video and tests... "Semper Fi" Mike in Montana :)

[@rfunk727]

I agree, get rid of the red color and that shape reminds me of the old Radio Shacks Discovery Models and spend the extra few bucks to waterproof it.

[@BigDogChannel]

Yes, water proofing it would have been a good idea to better compete with the Simplex. I think they didn’t so it would not step on sales of the equinox 600. Thanks for watching. Cheers.

[@raymihulka8539]

Looks like a clown detector.

[@noyan6273]

I will get the vanquish 540. its clear for me. thanks to you! greetings from Netherland.

[@BigDogChannel]

Good choice! Thanks for watching. Cheers.

[@manisally]

Thanks so much for the fantastic video so glad that I chose the right machine .

[@BigDogChannel]

Thanks for the compliment. Glad I was able to help confirm your choice. Cheers.

[@jonpie1987]

Good comparison videos. New subscriber here. I own the nox 800, and my wife runs the Vanquish 540. The 540 is certainly not an equinox, but it's an awesome machine for the money. I really like what Garrett is doing with the Apex and can't wait to see that stacked up against the vanquish. Happy hunting!

[@BigDogChannel]

JK Adventures Hey, thanks for watching and for subscribing. I’m looking forward to getting my hands on the Apex myself. Be interesting to see how it stacks up against the Vanquish. Cheers.

[@tnut3305]

Watch Metal Detecting NYC for his videos on the vanquish vs Garrett Apex. They’ve both done really good and dug silver coins ~8-9 inches down.

[@BigDogChannel]

Ty’s Coins I’ve been watching Merrills Vids. Very interesting. Trying to get my hands on one to try out. Cheers.

[@pauly51]

Does the Vanquish have updatable firmware? I know the simplex does

[@BigDogChannel]

Yes it does. Thanks for watching. Cheers.

[@coonea1]

Thank you for doing this test. It really has helped me narrow my scope on the vanquish. I'm curious, have you ever dampened that dirt to see the difference in conductivity with the machines? There could be some interesting results to see. I do feel you could have graced the simplex with a few more points for the wireless headphones and waterproof capabilities, though, lol. Thanks again!

[@BigDogChannel]

No, I did not try that. maybe I will. Be interesting to see if that changes anything. You are probably right about the points. I could have been kinder to the Simplex. I have come to really like that machine. I still stand behind my conclusions in the video though. Thanks for watching. Cheers.

[@jaredrobertson1955]

What is the difference in the 554 and 440. Price I know it’s like 200$

[@dardobartoli]

Currently in the market for 'mid range' machine but the Simplex caught my eye with so many gushing reviews comparing it to detectors 3 times the price. Yet here, you say it cannot even match a comparably priced entry level model.. Go figure. Now I'm more confused than ever.

[@BigDogChannel]

Sorry about that. I think there is a lot of overblown rhetoric out there about the Simplex. Don’t get me wrong, its a good machine, but if you are planning on using it at the beach or in mineralized soil, you might think about the Vanquish instead. The Garrett Apex might also be a good choice for that. I am looking forward to testing that one whenever it hits the street. Thanks for watching. Cheers.

[@dardobartoli]

@@BigDogChannel tbh, I loved my Garrett ace 250, and regretted upgrading to the Deus. However, I'm considering spending twice the price on an Equinox 800...

[@BigDogChannel]

Bob Dunn I’ve never used the Deus, but I’ve heard there is a steep learning curve. The Nox is loved by most who use it, but it is expensive. The Vanquish works much the same way, it just lacks a few features and controls. Of course that also makes it simpler to use. That might not be important to you since it sounds like you have a good bit of experience. The Ace 250 is a great starter machine. Good luck. Cheers.

[@ThEMiKeMFjOnEs]

It would be interesting to test the simplex with the 9.5in coil. I deff like the sound of the minelabs though, the simplex sounds scratchy like it’s not getting a clear signal. But I don’t think I like that handle design if it breaks your are out of luck.

[@BigDogChannel]

There have been a number of reports about the Vanquish handle breaking, mostly when the person was rough on it. I have not had that issue with mine. The Simplex is built better in that regard. Thanks for watching. Cheers.

[@Raubgraeber]

finally someone with a clue. i felt it in germany they all tell you the opposite...

[@BigDogChannel]

Hey, thanks a lot and thanks for watching. Cheers.

[@davislong9476]

The garrett apex against the Vanquish I have seen a video on It did not look to good...But i would like to see what you think..

[@BigDogChannel]

I would like to test that one against both the Vanquish and the Simplex. You should check out @IffySignals. He just posted a very interesting test/comparison between the Vanquish and Apex. Thanks for watching. Cheers.

[@framachannel]

Vanquish is better ;-) more experience with multi-frequency.

[@beatlessteve1010]

Also you failed to.mention that iron can be completely silenced on the Simplex which would effect your test numbers

[@davesmith3884]

Entry level, the average person does not need much more. If it can find something six inches you are doing good, A lot of city, county, state and federal parks do not want to go down much more than six inches.

[@beatlessteve1010]

I thought that was a good test but no test can compare to everyones personal taste its too subjective.. Imoh..I chose the simplex but I'm a tinkerer and like having many adjustable features and to me the looks of the device does matter just as the sound ...One thing I did notice is that the stock coil is noisy compared to the smaller coil for the simplex...simplex could improve it sound ..that's for sure. I hope maybe some software update with a sound package idk...the Vanquish is a great device as well..and easy to use ...

[@gedag638]

I’m planning to buy a simplex. Is that good? Btw I’m probably searching on farmland so what should I do

[@BigDogChannel]

The Simplex is a great machine. On most soils it will excel. If you live in an area with highly mineralized soil - red clay for instance, you might want to consider the Vanquish. If your farmland is loamy, the Simplex will do great. Thanks for watching. Cheers.

[@nubsey7291]

The simplex is nicer looking and is waterproof. But thats no good if you cannot use it on the beach. I had one and sold it because it was so chattery, even with GB at zero and taking 3 levels off the sensitivity. Also they cause interferance to other machines even 30ft away. My Vanquish 340, just wades thro the wet sand etc, even on a black sand type beach. So it is a winner hands down.

[@BigDogChannel]

Nubsey i agree completely. I am now selling the Simplex and am very happily using my Vanquish. Next I plan to bring in the Garrett Apex to see if it does any better against the Vanquish. Thanks for watching. Cheers.

[@davislong9476]

Hi thanks for the video I want to buy a Vanquish just want to buy the 340 maybe the 440 can the 340 do everything the 440and 540 does at a lower price. Does the 340 goes as deep as the 440 and the 540 or should I buy the at least the 440. I have never tried It but i want the best bang for the buck I'm not planning on buying another I'm 60........

[@BigDogChannel]

davis long The depth between them should be fairly comparable since the Multi IQ is the same. However the different coil sizes will make a minor difference - the larger coils going marginally deeper. The biggest difference will be in the features. If you are looking at 340 vs 440, I might be inclined to go 440. The 10” coil it comes with hits a sweet spot as far as depth vs speed and weight between the 340 and 540. Hope that helps. Cheers.

[@jayson8118]

You probably already bought one but I be going the pro pack 540 deal cause you get an 8 inch and 12 inch coils. 8 inch great in high trash areas and the 12 inch good for beaches. Thats what made my decision. Value for money.

[@jayson8118]

Buy the coils later is more expensive way to go about it.

[@beatlessteve1010]

This is a great question I also wanted to know if the 340 was the same basic build as the 440 and 540

[@icemanknobby]

I don’t own either but I have been analysing both machines because I would like to buy. One thing you did not consider was price, the vanquish is considerably more expensive relatively??

[@BigDogChannel]

I actually did talk about price briefly. The Simplex is somewhat less expensive than the 540 at $254.00 vs $339.00 for the base package, and $339.00 vs $499.00 for the pro package. The pro Vanquish, however comes with a second coil, which brings the price closer. Of course you could always opt for the Vanquish 440 which is priced much closer to the Simplex and uses the same search mechanism as the 540. At $254.00 the Simplex is a great deal, and punches well above its price class. Thanks for watching. Cheers.

[@fbcotech1822]

How could you done the comparo and not mention that the Simplex is waterproof....?

[@BigDogChannel]

Actually I did talk about that feature and gave the Simplex points for it. You must have missed that part. Thanks for watching. Cheers.

[@fbcotech1822]

@@BigDogChannel Perhaps you did. I am about to become a new detection hobbyist so I have particular interest in this kind of comparison. I will spend the month of April in South Carolina and plan to walk the beach every day with a detector as a nice form of exercise . Your video very nearly convinced me to cancel the Nokta I had ordered... Subsequently I watched a second video and they stated the obvious very very clearly... The Vanquish is NOT waterproof... This is not a minor issue for many of us. If one is on the east or west coast, lives in proximity to the great lakes. It is not a point here or there. It is a drop dead deal breaker. In the news business one would say you buried the lead on this.

[@BigDogChannel]

@@fbcotech1822 Well, a lot to unpack here. The Vanquish is waterproof up to the top of the shaft. Unless you are planning to go swimming with your detector, or are afraid you might drop it in the water, that is all you really need to go beach hunting, even in the shallows. I have used my Vanquish on the beach and in the shallows, many many times without issue. The Simplex is a fine machine, but would not be my first choice for beach hunting, despite it being water proof. The Vanquish, being multi frequency, is much better on the beach. You might find the Simplex to be chattery on the beach and more difficult to identify targets in the wet areas. On the dry beach its fine. If you want the best of both worlds, consider the Equinox 600. That one is water proof and multi frequency. Have fun on the beach. Cheers.

[@ronalddvorak1967]

When you did this test were you using Version 2.76? Version 2.67 has about 2 inches less depth.

[@BigDogChannel]

I was running 2.78.

[@ronalddvorak1967]

@@BigDogChannel I run Version 2.76, people that think version 2.76 is to unstable update to version 2.78 I have no problem with Version 2.76 I live in the metro Atlanta area, I know that your soil conditions are more mineralized than mine. Maybe that is the reason the minelab does better there.

[@eddieryan7639]

The vanquish is a far better machine all round the multi frequency is a massive advantage worth 5 points alone

[@marcelomigueldasilva7444]

O certo é passar a bobina em vez de movimentar o objeto, dessa forma a bobina fica em repouso fazendo com que aja uma estabilidade da frequência, fazendo o aparelho ter mais facilidade em detectar o objeto. Pra mim tem diferença entre movimentar o objeto e movimentar a bobina. Outra coisa, esqueceu de acionar a bías de ferro do vanquish.

[@raymihulka8539]

Test the Simplex the with the newest software. Much improved.

[@BigDogChannel]

When I did this test, I was running version 2.78. Since then I have taken the machine back to 2.77 which I think works better in the conditions in which I hunt. Thanks for watching. Cheers.

[@michaelbariso3192]

The Simplex lacks the depth of the Vanquish due to its smaller 11 inch coil so the the Vanquish has an edge in mineralized soil and separating targets due to its oval DD configuration, but for me I'd rather invest in a different coil for the Simplex than having to live with the annoying slot machine flute sounds and kids toy look of Vanquish. The Vanquish also has a very noticeable delay in processing speed making it difficult to pinpoint objects similar to the Garrett models making the Simplex a strong contender at any price.

[@MrMarkmac85]

Good Comparison...

[@BigDogChannel]

MrMarkmac85 thanks so much. Cheers.

[@ralfbergstrom6038]

Sun testit on kyllä väärin päin.Eh, Kyllä Vanqish häviää simlex+ koska vaan .Testaa Eueqyinox 600 VS Simplex+ niin puhutaan saman tehoista laitteista .Terveisin Lukija.

[@hotwheel6663]

Simplex waterproof though and submersible.

[@horseman528]

Simplex sounds like a chicken squawking sometimes. Looks like the Vanquish knocked it out of the park.

[@BigDogChannel]

Agreed. Those test results stand up to time to. Repeatable over and over again. Thanks for watching. Cheers.

[@horseman528]

@@BigDogChannel Now how will it fare against my trusty old AT Pro? Found a lot of stuff with that machine.

[@BigDogChannel]

@@horseman528 i suspect that might depend on where and what conditions you are searching in. On the beach or on highly mineralized soil like we have here in Virginia, I think the 540 would win . On milder soil the AT Pro might win out. Cheers.

[@ronalddvorak1967]

You are really biased. The Nokta Makro Simplex+ is just as good as the Minelab Vanquish. I have the Minelab Equinox 600 and I have the Nokta Makro Simplex+ and both are very good detectors but the Minelab Equinox doesn't blow the Simplex+ away. You must be a Minelab Dealer.

[@BigDogChannel]

Ronald Dvorak No, I am not biased, nor am I a Minelab dealer. I am just a guy who thought I might have made a mistake buying the Vanquish over the Simplex, so bought a Simplex as well. I fully expected the Simplex to beat out the Vanquish, and was as surprised as you evidently are at the results. It may have to do with the soil I tested them on. It may be that Virginia dirt is more mineralized than what you are used to. If so, things might go the other way for you. Who knows. Anyway, thanks for watching and commenting. Cheers.

[@ronalddvorak1967]

@@BigDogChannel You could be right that It maybe because the mineralization is much worse than in the Metro Atlanta, Georgia. I actually use the Nokta Makro Simplex as my go to detector and use the Minelab Equinox as my backup detector. The Equinox my have a little bit of advantage when looking at different type of metal because of being multi frequency.

[@GSskiracer]

@@BigDogChannel I bought the 540 and glad I did, if only for the tones, don't think I like the Simplex noise, you did a fantastic job and I think very fair

[@billbarry2984]

Try them on the wet salt water beach the Vanquish will win everytime!!

[@danielm9108]

No es muy valida esa prueba, hay que configurar al Simplex mejor. De la misma manera que lo hizo retocando ajustes al Vanquish.

[@Wings_of_foam]

Chatterbox vs real Multi IQ.

[@BigDogChannel]

👍 thanks for watching. Cheers.

[@70falcon54]

The dirt box tests would have been better had you tested under the center of the coils instead of the front portion. Your dirt box tests are a fail in my opinion without using the center of the coil...

[@BigDogChannel]

The sweet spot on the coils is under the logo, not the actual center of the coil. That is where I was centering the test. Thanks for watching. Cheers.

[@jayson8118]

The Vanquishes recovery rate is set and can not be adjusted. However if you adjust your swing to suit , its fine. I don't know why some guys want to swing so fast anyhow. What , are you guys in a hurry ? Lol

[@jayson8118]

Each of its modes have a different recovery rate.

[@jayson8118]

The issue I have with the dirt box is the coins or jewellery is not actually mixing with the soil ! A coin or piece of jewellery can sound completely different when touching soil especially high iron soil !!

[@BigDogChannel]

Lol.

[@BigDogChannel]

@@jayson8118 this is absolutely true. The dirt box is limited in what it can tell us. Thanks for watching. Cheers.

[@jayson8118]

Simplex better waterproof. , should have rated higher on Intangibles!

[@raymihulka8539]

Vanguish is fugly and not waterproof. Game over.

[@BigDogChannel]

Some truth to this statement for sure. Cheers.

[@Pendragon501]

Yup... But it will always find more over the Simplex (unless you're swimming).