What's The Difference Between a Minelab Equinox 600 and 800 Metal Detector? A Complete Comparison.

What's the difference between these 2 powerful metal detectors? I get a lot of questions about the exact differences between the Minelab Equinox 600 and 800 and if the 600 is worth the purchase. To answer those questions, I decided to take both the Nox 600 and 800 put them side by side and compare the buttons, headphones, coils, menu system etc. to answer all of those questions. I will go through exactly what's different between all of the menus including the advanced menus. This is a must watch for anyone thinking about purchasing a Minelab Equinox which is one of the best metal detectors on the market today. This is a long video but I broke it down by chapters. See below:
The one thing I didn't mention in the video is the the 600 I have does not have the updated software and that update will change the backlight options to match the 800.
00:00 Intro
00:52 Charging Options
01:56 Connecting Wired Headphones
02:50 Shaft Options
03:34 Head Phone Options
04:24 Coil Options
05:04 Control Box Comparison
06:30 Back Light Display Difference
07:30 Wireless Button
08:06 Extra Search Profile Button
09:04 Search Profile Differences
10:30 All Metal Mode
12:40 Pinpoint Mode
12:58 Gear, Plus, and minus Buttons
13:25 Noise Cancel
14:16 Ground Balance
15:16 Volume Adjust
15:44 Threshold
16:24 Target Tones
17:04: Accept/Reject
18:42 Advanced Menu Options
21:20 Threshold Advanced Menu
22:10 Target Tones Advanced Menu
23:08 Accept/Reject Advanced Menu
24:06 Recovery Speed Advanced Menu (Iron Bias FE & F2)
26:40 Big Thanks to Fort Bedford Metal Detectors
27:34 What to Watch Next
I want to give a huge shout out to our friends at Fort Bedford Metal Detectors for loaning me the Equinox 600 to use for comparing the 600 and 800.
If you are considering picking up the Equinox I highly recommend reaching out to our friends over at Fort Bedford Metal Detectors. They carry both machines, coils and all the accessories you need. Check out their website www.fortbedfordmetaldetectors.com or give them a call 814-215-1732. Make sure you mention The MEnTal MeTaL Channel sent you.
Here are the links to the Detect-ED Carbon Fiber Shafts for the Equinox I reference in the video. The one I am using is the red color version.
Color RED: amzn.to/3CZXvUJ
Color BLACK: amzn.to/3ldxGKZ
Check out my other micro session videos for the Equinox:
Equinox Unboxing for the 600 or 800: • Minelab Equinox Unboxi...
Equinox Target Tones How-to: • Minelab Equinox Target...
Equinox Easy Beach Setup in 5 Mins: • Setup Your Minelab Equ...
Equinox Extra Search Profile: • Have You Ever Used Thi...
Equinox Pin-Pointing Troubles? Try This!: • Having Trouble Pinpoin...
Equinox Iron Bias Explained: • Minelab Equinox: Iron ...
Equinox Fresh Water Settings: • Minelab Equinox Fresh ...
Equinox 600 and 800 Sensitivity Secrets: • Minelab Equinox 600 an...
Equinox Recovery Speed Explained: • Minelab Equinox Recove...
Should You Ground Balance The Equinox? • Should You Ground Bala...
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I've done a bunch of reviews on other detectors including the Equinox over on www.mentalmetaldetecting.com/mentalmetaldetecting.com/category/metal-detector-reviews/
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[@MentalMetal]

Hey guys just wanted to mention that the 600 in this video did not have last software update. One thing that changed for the 600 is the backlight display options will be the same as the 800 after the update. Thanks for watching!

[@jaystrongbow9435]

For folks considering the Equinox, save a little bit for the 800. As your skills grow and you learn the machine, the adjustable tone pitch, volume and the adjustable tone breaks will let you zero in on your area and desired targets. The extra adjustability in recovery speed on the 800 is also a must have to find that sweet spot on Colonial home sights covered in square nails of varying densities. The 600 is a good machine for sure, but the 800 will fill everyone's needs from beginner to Pro. The 800 is a wicked relic/coin machine once you learn it well. I'm a seasoned detectorist and it was about 300 hours for me to start appreciating what the 800 has to offer. Now after 2000 hours of time on the 800, if its there, I'll find it !!!! Happy holidays and cheers !!!!!

[@MentalMetal]

Excellent thanks Jay

[@Oroyleyendas]

Pues yo tenía el 800 y lo cambié por el 600 ya que el 600 es mucho más estable dependiendo En qué tipo de terreno andes a mí me favorece más el 600 por el terreno mineralizado el 600 corre mucho más que el 800 es casi lo mismo lo único que cambia la frecuencia oro en el 800 cada quien por su experiencia y su modo de uso Saludos desde México

[@aimlessphotographer]

I’ve got the 600 & use the coiltek 15”. Had it almost a year. In that time it’s found me some incredible stuff. Yes the 600 finds gold & in fact belts a good signal.

[@MentalMetal]

Nothing wrong with owning a 600. Congrats on the finds.

[@tomkirby3281]

I don't go gold prospecting, so I went with the 600 (it should arrive next week). I'm pretty sure it will do what I need. What the extra $300 would have gotten me would be stuff I'll likely never use. I'm not going to criticize anyone who wants to get the 800, though, it's just that the 600 is simple enough for me and will do what I need.

[@MentalMetal]

There is nothing wrong with getting the 600. It will serve you just fine. Good luck!

[@pauljones3820]

Brilliant video and loads of info

[@MentalMetal]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@The-Noc]

I use the nox 600, my buddy uses the nox 800. Both are great machines! We've had many memorable outings together. His has the gold feature as mine does not, THATS the only difference in performance that we see. Nothing but happy with my nox!

[@MentalMetal]

There are some more configuration limitations but happy to hear you are happy. That is what matters the most.

[@MrDoccus]

I recommend getting the 600 and using the price difference to get a good pair of wireless, low latency headphones and good digging tools. Unless you are nugget hunting, the differences are negligible. I would like to see a side by side hunt with two reasonably experienced detectorists. Each marking targets as “dig” or pass. I doubt any benefit would be seen. Just my thoughts.

[@MentalMetal]

The 800 has 2 extra freqs and 2 extra programs plus the extra search profile you can safe off. I think they both very comparable but being able to configure the tones etc, you are very limited with the 600 on that front. But I don't disagree I would just prefer more configurability with the 800. Thanks for the comment.

[@wanouwir66]

verry clear comparison thanks

[@MentalMetal]

You're welcome!

[@OP-Taylor]

Nice way to cap off an excellent series on the Equinox line!!

[@MentalMetal]

Thanks Brian!

[@joeswff]

Target tones, 1,2,5 or 50. Outstanding video

[@MentalMetal]

Thanks Joe!

[@cmplugs4456]

Very well done 👍

[@MentalMetal]

Many thanks

[@thomasnappo6309]

Two Great Detectors...Good video

[@MentalMetal]

Thanks!

[@MetalDetectingwithCZkidd]

Nice vid, however your wrong on the backlight. You have 2 settings with the 600, well at least mine does. Got lucky as my 600 sold with the 800 wireless head phones in addition to the standard wired headphones. I understand in multi mode with the 600, you are actually running all 5 freqs, but as you switch to single freq, you will not have 20 and 40. Performance is equal in terms of multi performance, alot cheaper too. The only downfall I have with the Nox is its tones and tone nuances. I am putting alot of time on it, just listening. Sometimes I just walk with it and listen, no digging. As far as 50 tone, forget it, after about 5 min, I want to wrap it around the closest tree. Sounds like some kind of out of control computer of old. As an XP Deus user, as well, the tones and nuances cannot be beat. Incredible definition of targets. Dig alot less trash with it.

[@MentalMetal]

Thanks for the comment. I'm wondering if the update changes the backlight display to match the 800. Agree 100% with the tones, I'm a Deus owner my self that was one of my biggest issues with it. Thanks again.

[@spookmore]

good report and side by side,i had the 800,since Anfibioi not a patch on the Equinox,and matches Dues2,use the settings,learn the machine,works anywhere,CTX IS UP THERE 2,I KNOW A LOT MY friends,also got the DUES2,saying there still waiting for the wow)But 1 mate loves it with its new update,i now have the equinox 600.

[@MentalMetal]

Thanks Norman, I have all of the machines you mentioned. They all have a place and purpose but the Deus II has been going with me the most as of late. Its a very well rounded machine that is unbeatable in iron and now amazing on the beach. There is a bit of learning curve but if you stick w/it you will eventually see where I'm coming from.

[@markc4921]

I've got the 600 and love it! What's a good cordless headset for the 600? Thanks and enjoyed the video.

[@MentalMetal]

Honestly I would stick to the Minelab low latency headphones. I really like the ones that come with the 800. Here they are on Amazon: amzn.to/34owPlk

[@naturosaur]

Nice job!

[@MentalMetal]

Thanks!

[@jeffberkovatz9796]

That was a great presentation on the 6th and the 8th I've been debating on which one and now I know I think the eight would be good that's the only one you need thanks so much what a great introduction perfect thank you so much. How much can you get these things wet are they waterproof to what point

[@MentalMetal]

Glad to help Jeff. I hope you give my friends at Fort Bedford a chance to earn your business.

[@randyclarke4532]

What’s a average run time on a charge? Can’t find anything on that thanks

[@richardwolin4098]

How would you compare the coin, jewelry, and relic mode recovery speeds of the Vanquish 540 with the Equinox? Do they match the three of the Equinox 600?

[@MentalMetal]

That is a really good question that I don't have an answer to. Sorry. I know my friends who own them do like the Vanquish.

[@edwardheida2919]

Difference is between $200-$300 also depending on who you buy from and the added options.

[@MentalMetal]

Thanks Edward I agree. I didn't throw that in because it does vary depending on who buy from but you are correct. I didn't want quote a price and be wrong.

[@charlesmaeger6162]

The Fe bias feature? Set at Bias for Fe - does this mean it will tell you it's iron or discriminate agsinst iron. A control that would eliminate iron from causing signals beepingtheachine. The way a machine can help you reject what isis most probably worthless - iron or aluminum. How clear and effective is the Equinox 600/800 in doing this

[@mikeshobbiesandrandomstuff]

The 600 has more back light options after 3.0 update

[@MentalMetal]

Yep that explains it. Thanks.

[@googleuser1456]

Do you have an Equinox/Legend options video to see the differences?

[@MentalMetal]

I don't have a video but I did a write up on them as the Legend was coming out, there may be some outdated info in it now but here you go. mentalmetaldetecting.com/legend-vs-equinox/

[@anthonyvenish1755]

hi from south africa I have just bought the 600 and wanted to check can i go into the water without earphones I am worried about water splashing on the earphone plug. thanks

[@MentalMetal]

Keep the cap on and you'll be fine.

[@prestskoolchannel6145]

Dear sir please teach us how to updated eq600

[@MentalMetal]

Its all linked from Minelab, pretty straight forward try checking this link out: www.minelab.com/equinox-software-update-3-0

[@geterdone171]

when i bought my 600 i got a deal it came with the wired and bluetooth head phones

[@Ifyoudonttakeitucantfakeit]

New 600 or used 800?😊

[@tomprentice6935]

😎😎😎

[@Underwatermetaldetecting]

Unfortunately the one similarity they both have is that neither of them are waterproof 😂 I only hunt the beaches and have had to return 2 so far and now don’t even let it touch the water. Never going past shoulder deep in the water and constantly flooding. Now the equinox is a dry sand killed and the Excalibur is the ring slayer. Pretty bummed it was sold as waterproof but it definitely is not

[@MentalMetal]

Thanks for your comment. Some of them have had water issues. Fortunately I've been pretty lucky and haven't had any issues.

[@jeremyskelton1604]

200

[@MentalMetal]

well done

[@metalstories1942]

La differenza sono solo i software, niente di più e la stessa macchina con la stessa scheda una rapina della equinox 🤣

[@MentalMetal]

Translated: The difference is only the software, nothing more and the same machine with the same card a robbery of the equinox - I"m not sure I agree here. I'm pretty sure its more of a usability and user preference option but robbing the Equinox not so sure. Minelab is Minelab if they are robbing the Equinox its going back into their pockets. Just my thoughts. Thanks for your comment.

[@aimlessphotographer]

I have done many comparison tests with my brothers 800 & my friends CTX3030. There is absolutely no doubt that the 800 is better & of course it should be. But………. In terms of finds in the bag, i find no less & even probably more than them. I notice they tend to find more hammered silvers than me but at the end of the day there are so many variables that it’s hard to prove why. They may just be luckier walking over them. I attribute allot of my success to the fact my machine is simpler to use. I mostly use field 1 . I have learnt it very well & can tell the differences between certain things by the nuances. I use the wireless module with some Bose in ear headphones which really do a fantastic job of getting across those minute micro tones a target produces. I don’t hear those with the Minelab wireless headphones.