Minelab Manticore vs Equinox 900 - Which to Buy? 

Same here!! It has shown to be a whole new look in the ground at some of my old, beat up sites! Thanks for the view and comment!

Are you hunting in High Conductor mode?

@@BrassMedic More rubbish its no better than the 800. I have done side by side tests and every target the manticore signaled on so did the 800. Stop the bull shit...

Great points on that, not to mention saving $500!! It's an awesome machine no doubt! Thank you for the view and for taking the time to leave a comment! 🤠

So here at retail of $1,599 vs $1,099 that's about a difference of 32% more cost. Is that a similar percentage between the two even though it's 800 dollars more? Yes, you can't go wrong with the 900 honestly!!

@@BrassMedic Here in the UK the 900 is £1099 and the manticore is £1799 so 700 pounds equates to 850 bucks so a whopping 63% more.. We seem to get ripped off with most prices here. If that was the same in the US l wonder if people would pay 850 bucks more?

Such a tough decision!!! I have all 3 and I never know which one to take out!! 😛 But even with the CTX-3030 here I still prefer the Manticore just because of the very nice audio and tones. A bit better in heavy iron that the CTX as well. Congrats on getting one, hope you get it soon!! Thanks for the view and comment!

Your welcome! You chose a great machine that will serve you well for the years to come. Make sure you get a hold of that 8 1/2 by 5 1/2 in coil when you can it's a huge game changer on that machine. Thank you for the view, comment and the kind words!

That's fantastic to hear that you won that machine what an awesome and capable machine it is. Just double the numbers you used to know literally and you'll have no problem remembering the numbers on the 900. So for example something that used to be a 28 on your Equinox 800 is now simply a 56. It's pretty accurate when you just double the vdi number. Thank you for your view and for your comment!

Hi Dan!! I think there is absolutely a huge benefit in being able to switch between Multi-IQ and a single frequency (Like 15kHz) to look at the 2D graph when trying to determine if Iron. I am going to make a video on this asap. So what I am finding is, when I have a target that I am suspicious might be iron and I see a high conductor hanging out over on the right half of the centerline over in the conductive side of the graph, when I switch to a single frequency like 15kHz I then see a hard left inflection from wrap spraying a blob hard left when it's a square nail. If I don't see that blob I'll try 5kHz and if it still looks good over on the right side where it's supposed to be, it's been a coin or desirable target! Not sure if 4kHz would be any better than 5kHz when doing this. But it's something that not everybody realizes . . . Minelab shows us the frequencies WE can choose from but the amount of simultaneous frequencies and exactly what frequencies they are are not the same as the ones we can choose from, and we will likely never know until someone analyzes them on an oscilloscope and publishes that info. As far as the User Profiles, that is correct. Unfortunately you can only choose Mode and designate it as a favorite. Then assign it to that custom User button that will access it with the push of a button, but it won't save even the local settings (let alone the global settings) to that custom button, it simply just switches it over to that Mode with the last settings you had on it. So your suspicion is correct, currently no way to do that. On Iron Bias . . yes, much more tunable and efficient iron bias with us having control over the upper and lower, no need for the Fe or F2 like the 800 had on the Manticore. Dang man, I am really hoping you get yours right away so we can get your feedback, I know you will get under the hood quick and figure out intricacies and how to get everything from the Manticore that's it's capable of! Thank you for the awesome comment and questions, and View!!

Pinned this Comment!!!

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Yes, I was pleased to hear that news and excited for the chance to try it one of these days. Cheers for the view and comment!

Hah, same here! But yeah that is a huge upgrade from what you were using before and a very capable machine that will keep you motivated in the Hobby and not get frustrated. Thank you for checking out the video and for your comment!

Yes, I have heard this from multiple sources as well (although if anyone would know for sure it's NASA Tom). The new machine is being called the "Minelab Ultimate". I am eagerly awaiting this as very few have the amount of hours that I have at the end of a CTX-3030!! Thanks for the view and comment!!

That's a great choice and I know you will find lot's of incredible treasures with it! Thank you for the kind words and for taking a time to leave a comment to let me know. Best of luck! Mark 🤠

Well you definitely can't go wrong with the 900 it's a very capable and fantastic machine. It looks like my lab just discounted the Manticore by $500 bringing it down to the same price as the Equinox 900 for the next couple months I feel bad for people that had to pay the extra $500 but it is discounted right now. And that was a good idea using the difference to get your grandson a detector as well. Thank you for the view and for your comment!

Hello and thanks for checking the video and for the comment! It's been a "Minelab thing" for a long time to have a small high conductor be more shallow than the depth gauge indicates, we're all used to it by now. So when I hear a sweet high tones that sounds like a deep coin but feels really small on what we call the "Minelab wiggle" and deep because deeper targets are softer in volume (one some detectors - on my CTX-3030 we the setting is called Gain), as soon as I check with the pinpointer and it the pinpointer goes off from the surface I know it's going to be smaller and shallow. But a couple clues were already there to peak my suspicion. It's all good though and I don't see it as a bad thing at all.

Congrats on getting that deal on your machine! That's like $500 less than most others paid. It really is a fantastic and very capable machine if you get a chance to get the M8 coil I highly recommend that too. Thank you for liking and subscribing and for watching the videos! I also sincerely appreciate your kind words!

That's a great point to bring up. First off, thank you sincerely for the kind words!! For some reason, Minelab has never made a pinpointer that paired to the machine. There was a 3rd party company that made an inline probe (pinpointer) that would engage the probe at the flick of a switch on the Minelab Explorer series machines. It was VERY popular and you would think that Minelab would realize that but so far this has not been a feature on any Minelab product. I'm sure they see it more valuable to just sell a pinpointer like the Pro-Find 35 that is disassociated from the circuit so it's a separate piece of equipment and therefore, technical support type issues just cover the smaller, more inexpensive pinpointer rather than the detector as part of the system. Who knows?? But there are many others who liked having that inline probe where you could hear the detector circuit in your headphones from the probe.

Good point(s)! But even the user interface is the best I have ever seen on any machine. Thanks for the view and comment!

Nice!! Good choice, hope you enjoy it and now it's time to head back into some of those older, beat up sites you thought were hunted out! Thanks for the view and comment!

It's quite different no doubt, especially since the entire circuit is digital now whereas the DFX was mostly analog. Multi-frequency and all the bells and whistles! You will be happy and will find lots of cool treasures with it! Thank you for the view and comment. Happy Holidays!

The whites v3i was ahead of its time and still is a fantastic metal detector. But there are a few issues you have to take into account and that is number one you will not be able to get parts or support for much longer as those parts are getting very hard to find to get them repaired number two it's only three frequencies that are fixed whereas these newer machines have multiple frequencies that are customized for each search mode rather than fixed numbers. This turns out to be a huge advantage over the v3i. There is also the ergonomics the weight and minimum size comparisons. Like I said I love the v3i when it first came out but in today's world these new more modern detectors just can't be beat. I highly suggest you do upgrade in the Manticore is a fantastic choice I love my Manticore and it's the first machine I grab out the door every time I go! Thank you for the view and for your great question/comment!

What brand was the tape? Can you email me a picture of the tape you bought and like? My email is in all of my video descriptions! Thanks for the view and Great Tip!!

@@BrassMedic Its made by Permatex . Its great stuff. No glue , it just fuses to itself. Its available at most auto parts stores. Its very stretchy . As you unroll it you have to peel off the film that separates the wraps on the roll.

@@idigdaytona4478 Awesome, thank you for the tip sounds like it should work perfectly. 🤠

Well then, good thing you have a buddy that lives close by that knows the machine inside and out!! 😀

Hi Doug, If I were head out to the beach to detect right now, I would absolutely grab the Manticore (and I have every major brand and model of detector made in the last 20 years to choose from over here). The Manticore really is the best at the beach in my opinion. If your 100% beach, your machine is the Manticore and it's good to go as is for the beach. We're all waiting for an update and the smaller coil before we can start taking it out to heavy iron over the XP Deus II, the Nokta Makro Legend or the Minelab CTX-3030. Yes, I really don't care for that red display and it looks horrible under water too (if you dive). Wish I was closer I would meet you at the beach and let you run the Manticore for the day! Thanks for the view and comment!

@@BrassMedic , a friend of mine, met me at the beach this past week, and brought his manticore with him. I played with it for a while, and I was very impressed. I already ordered mine, who knows how long it’s going to take, but it is ordered.

@@Deus-Too Awesome Doug I hope you get it ASAP! 😁

Yes, like I said, it's an issue for me too! Thanks for the view and comment!!

Cheers, Thank you for the kind words and view!!

Awesome, glad it helped, definitely can't go wrong with the Manticore, can pay for itself pretty quick at the beach!! Thanks for the view and comment!

Rest assured that it is definitely an upgrade in many ways from the E-Trac, first and foremost there are nearly no parts left to repair e-tracs anymore. But yes that target trace is a great tool that we can use to our advantage! Hope you can make the upgrade. Best of luck! Thanks for the view and comment!

All I can say on this right now is . . . that in heavy iron, the XP Deus 2 is still king! If not consistently detecting in beds of nails than the choice gets pretty tough. So the Manticore is an awesome detector and it will serve you very well for a long time but right now, you only have 1 coil and no updates (if you can even find a manticore). I have to use the Deus 2 in heavy iron to have the best results but I don't like the tones or the detecting experience, but I use it because I want results! I much prefer the tones and detector experience on my Minelab CTX 3030 or the Manticore as it's enjoyable and ear pleasing tones. But what really matters to me is performance. I own every major machine made in the last 15 years so it's a tough choice when I reach for a machine to take on the trip. If I'm going to the beach it's the Manticore! If it's a park to look for deep silver I will take the Manticore or CTX. If it's to the goldfields and I'm not taking a PI machine like the GPX-6000 I will take either my Minelab Gold Monster 1000 or the Manticore. So I guess the question gets a little easier to answer when you can consider the types of sites you mostly hunt. Thanks for the view and comment!

Yes

Great choice! It's my primary machine now. Thank you for watching the video and for leaving a comment!

Yes, very difficult to dig deep in the surf (where the trough is) in the rolling sand and rocks getting bounced around! Good point about that! Really can't go wrong either way! Congrats on your new 900, hope you get it asap!! Thank you for the view and very kind comments!

I would think that you could dial the Manticore back on depth by increasing the Recovery Speed and lowering the Sensitivity?

Thank you so much! What an awesome comment to see! 🙏🤠

Now your talking!!!! Yes, my Explorer II's were very good to me and we opened up all kinds of new park ground that was pretty beat up. Was like a whole new park! And those tones!!!! I am working hard to get those tones again as an option on new machines. Thanks for the view and comment!

Thank you so much for your support and kind words! I'm happy to hear that the explanation was clear. Greetings from Northern California USA (Heart of the California Gold Rush of 1848) to Holland!

Hah, this is the dilemma we all face!! I can assure you however that if you decide to get either of these you will have tremendous success and the machine will get used. Thank you for the view and comment!

It really is a big deal for some and can be a useful feature to size up a signal for a dig-no dig decision. Thank you for the view and comment from Okinawa!

I have answered this same question a few times here as it's a great question. I have to be one of the highest total hours of usage on the Minelab CTX-3030 on the planet. Seriously I have many countless thousands of hours on that machine. This is the same answer I have given to others that asked this same question. The CTX with the 6" round coil is phenomenal and accounts for about 90% of all of my best finds ever. I can somehow hear in 3D with the CTX, I hear depth, size, shape and can easily hear iron. BUT in the heavy iron I am going to miss co-located targets. The processor on the CTX is just not fast enough to compete with the XP Deus 2 for example. But until we get the 8" x 5.5" Manticore coil I can't really say if it's better than the CTX in heavy iron. When I get that coil I will be the first to let everyone know if it can match up against the almighty CTX! Right now CTX is still the king in my opinion. For you, I would say you would be fine to keep the CTX and buy the 900 with the 6" coil for the real trashy, heavy iron sites. Or if you go to the beach. You have to admit that swinging a CTX all day long is not for the everyone as it's a long day and swings pretty heavy. But with that and the 900 you set either way! Thanks for the view and comment!

@@BrassMedic Basically in heavy iron the Manticor my out shine the ctx with the help of a coil that hasn't been released . I'm heading towards the 900 for my back up detector. Thank you very much . I appreciate your input tremendously. I just subscribed to your channel, Pete detects from central California

I ordered the 900 last night . You helped me decide. Thank you

Awesome, this made my day to read this!! Thank you for the kind words. Trying to get Ron to do some RU-vid live events with me to tell some stories . . . and boy do we have some! Happy you found the channel!

@@BrassMedic That would be awesome!! Keep up the great work on your videos, we are almost finished watching them all and we really like the content. Its nice seeing the Gold Rush relics coming out of the ground again lol.

Same here, can't really give the machine a fair assessment until I get that new 8x5.5 out in the iron. The 11" in the heavy iron is definitely not ideal. When I asked 2 weeks ago I was told emphatically that they were being manufactured and will be available soon. I will let you guys know right when the new coils and waterproof headphones start shipping out. Thanks for the view and comment!

Yes, lot's of talk about that topic lately!! 😛

The buttons are backlit and I screwed up and said they were not. Yes, I have since figured that out and the video can't be edited so it's unfortunately a bit of bad info there!!! Thank you for the view and comment/correction!

Thank you kindly for the view and comment!

Would be an epic video to make recommendations for one or the other between the XP Deus 2 and the Minelab Manticore. It's undoubtedly a very tough decision, it's this question is not as commonly asked as the Manticore vs Equinox 900 is. Since they are two different companies and at the same price point and so close in performance, and so controversial as the fans of Minelab collide with fans of XP Deus, it's a video that you almost can't make any suggestions to the viewers without lighting a fire under someone. It really comes down to warranty, tones, coil options, comfort and portability and of course build quality. Head to head in the heavy iron or trashy parks, the D2 is arguably still the king! But at the beach or in depth of detection, user interface and menu, tonal options, beautiful color screen with backlit buttons, vibrating handle and flashlight, etc. The Manticore has advantages. If one of RU-vid content creators ever makes that video, better get the popcorn ready!! 😛 Thank you for the view and comment!

depth range test manticore

Yes I have had quite a few Aussies point that out to me here in the comment section below. Adds a whole different level of comparison at that price point. Firstly thank you for checking in from Australia! and secondly for taking the time to leave a comment!

GREAT Point on the value of the extra coil!! Yes the decision between the XP Deus 2 vs the Manticore is another video and although it's a very tough decision, it's not as commonly asked as the Manticore vs 900 is. Since they are two different companies and at the same price point and so close in performance, and so controversial as the fans of Minelab collide with fans of XP Deus, it's a video that you almost can't make any suggestions to the viewers without lighting a fire under someone. But the decision between these two with a big price difference of 32% it's a bit easier to help folks choose. You will love that Equinox 900!!! Fantastic in the goldfields too! Arguably the best VLF gold machine ever made to date! Thank you for your view and comment!!

@@BrassMedic really nice video. I do have a question, do you know anything about the 700. I currently own the vanquish 540 pro pack and was thinking about upgrading to the 700. You're opinion would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

No fires lit with this die hard XP D2 user! I love technology and I will go with whatever gives me an edge. I should have the Core very soon and I can’t wait to compare!

I have an 800 and an XP D2. Love them both. I almost exclusively hunt wet sand at the beach here in Southern California. I also hunt waterfalls and swimming holes. I love both machines. I especially like the bone headphones that work with the D2. They enable me to hunt directly under a waterfall and still hear the signals. A few fellow “wet sand” beach hunters have told me they prefer the 900 over the Manticore. I foolishly didn’t ask them “why”. Im also a musician. I play guitar in a band called Dengue Fever, and I care about tones. With all this information, should I get a 900 or the Manticore? Or neither? Thanks!

For now... You may be right. Digging a lot of iron, more than the 800 or the CTX so something is out of whack right now (January 2023). Thanks for the view and comment!

That is a great point I should have talked about that and the video. The user interface on the Manticore is the best ever made by any company period and it is so easy to navigate through and understand it is a very ergonomic and predictable menu system period because of that alone I would say it's much easier to learn and make changes on. I feel like I should do a video just on what you said right here! Take a look at the description of all of my videos for a link to get a good discount on any new machines that you buy. Thank you for your view, comment and a great idea for a new video!

It's a huge upgrade in technology and construction/materials and oerformance. The Manticore is a GREAT machine and if you upgrade I highly recommend it. I loved using the Minelab Explorer, then switched to the e-trac until the CTX-3030 was born. I did better with the Explorer and CTX-3030 than I did with the e-trac. Thanks for the view and comment/question!

Very interesting read, I see what your going for here! So just confirming your talking about gold rings, jewelry, etc and not gold nuggets? Great concept here and I will test this but if it's as you suggest there would be literally no reason for them to keep the 2 tone. I will absolutely bring this up. Did you run this by Tom Dankowski as well? Would be very interested in hearing his response and this is the exact kind of consulting he does with Minelab in the R&D phase. Let me try this and make sure I digest it completely but I am impressed with this concept!! Some of us don't "Need" this feature . . . most of us would benefit from it if it was there. I for one am used to hearing everything and I tend to run all of my machines wide open to hear everything made of metal and decide on my own if I want to dig it, however I completely understand I am a very small minority of the others who do this. Most all would prefer your strategy! Feel free to move this to email if you want. My email is in the description of all of my videos. Again, very impressed here!!! Thanks for the view and tip!

@@BrassMedic I should receive my Manticore tomorrow. So after becoming familiar with the detector, I'll either improve my argument or figure something out that I was not aware of, time will tell. Correct, I'm interested in gold rings and what I really want to target are the fine gold chains on a saltwater beach. I'm looking forward to using the M8 coil on the beach! 3-Regions: The upper 1/3 of the TID, I want the options to turn off the sound, barely hear it, notch it out or discriminate it, without it effecting the tone spectrum/range (grunt to high pitch) in the Region that I'm digging targets. I want my "I did it all" Region to have the full spectrum of sounds from the grunt Low, Mid to High pitch. And lastly either discriminate or notch out TID 0, without it effecting the tone spectrum/range (grunt to high pitch) in the Region that I'm digging targets. . Maybe there is something obvious that I'm not aware of at this time and it's possible not to alter the sound spectrum while discriminating and notching 2 of the 5 Regions, to achieve 3 Regions? I really don't want a Tone break in the "I dig it all" Region. It might be possible to get what I want with 1 Region using discrimination and notching. I have to test it to know. I'm very concerned about what is going on with the audio, especially after watching Calabash Ferrous Limit video. See my last comment at the bottom of this post. 3 Region Not for everyone: 3 Region isn't for everyone and it's not the only Region I'll be using. But after becoming aware of the Equinox to Manticore TID 3-Region TID mapping, it seems to be a strange omission. Maybe it means nothing? Paystreak Superfreak was complaining about the sound transition from one region to the next causing an additional sound aberration when the TID crossed between Regions. I wonder how many people use one region because of this audio transition aberration? Forum: I don't belong to any MD forums, so I don't have a way to communicate with Tom Dankowski. There are omissions that I have read about, that would have balanced the Manticore feature list/owners expectations. If you want the list let me know, this post is getting long winded. TID Mapping: I find it interesting that Minelab has mapped the TID of the Equinox to the Manticore in 3-Regions. I've calculated the Spread and percent of the three Minelab TID Regions to help show how they have redistributed the Equinox TID. This is what spurred me to question why 3 Regions was omitted. Three TID Regions of the Equinox mapped to the Manticore: Equinox TD and Spread: (0 to 13), (14 to 26), (27 to 39). TID Spread: 14, 13, 13. Percent of TID Range: 35%, 32.5%, 32.5% Manticore TID and Spread: (0 to 29), (30 to 82), (83 to 99). TID Spread: 30, 53, 17. Percent of TID Range: 30%, 53%, 17%. Change from Equinox: (-5%), (+20.5%), (-15.5%). Question for Tom Dankowski: What metal has Minelab normalized the Manticore TID scale too? My concern/interest is that the TID scale might not be linear. Pairing up the audio and three regions to the TID scale might be something to explore/exploit. If there is a software audio delineation relative to the TID scale I would like to know what it is. Below is a conductivity chart normalized to silver. I recall seeing Nickel 22.6, coming close to what I've seen on the Manticore TID ~25. If memory serves me, I think 150 yrs old C.W. lead TID ~52 and new lead TID ~44, they are no where near this silver normalized scale of 8.4. Is this the scale that Minelab is using? If not what conductivity scale is Minelab using to identify metals conductivity? Electrical Conductivity of Elements relative to Silver Silver 100.0 Copper 94.6 Gold 71.7 Aluminum 59.8 Beryllium 49.7 Calcium 47.3 Magnesium 35.9 Rhodium 33.5 Sodium 33.0 Barium 30.6 Tungsten 30.0 Molybdenum 29.7 Cobalt 27.3 Zinc 26.3 Nickel 22.6 Cadmium 21.9 Ruthenium 21.7 Cesium 20.0 Indium 18.4 Osmium 17.3 Lithium 17.1 Uranium 16.5 Manganese 15.8 Iron 15.8 Platinum 15.3 Palladium 15.1 Tin 14.6 Titanium 13.7 Iridium 13.5 Rubidium 12.4 Chromium 12.3 Tantalum 12.1 Steel 12.0 Thallium 9.8 Lead 8.4 Columbium 5.1 Vanadium 5.0 Arsenic 4.9 Antimony 3.6 Mercury 1.8 Bismuth 1.4 Tellurium 0.0 www.engineeringtoolbox.com/conductors-d_1381.html Question for Tom Dankowski: Ferrous Limits Mask Nonferrous Targets: I noticed on Calabash Ferrous Limits demonstration this week, how increasing the ferrous region will mask the audio of gold/silver target. I find it strange that Minelab would filter out the nonferrous audio? If possible and if it makes sense I would like to see that eliminated. Or am I not understanding something? MINELAB MANTICORE UPPER FERROUS LIMITS HOW DOES IT AFFECT UNMASKING? ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-E-moHYoSM-A.html Tks! and HH!

Ooooh, GREAT Question!!! So after reading this, I got up and picked up both machines (had to put the 11" coil on the Equinox 900 to be fair) and tested them both. There is literally no difference whatsoever. If I had my eyes closed I wouldn't know which machine was in my hand if it wasn't for the difference in the front of the handles on the fingers. Thank you for the view and helpful question!!

I have all three of those too and it makes for a tough decision on which machine to take out!! One thing you won't miss on the CTX is how heavy it can get at the end of a long detecting day or working up and down hills or elevation. Thanks for the view and comment!!

@@BrassMedic 3030 is definitely heavy but well balanced.

You can make sure you have the sensitivity set where you want it and the mode your going to be in, then hold the coil up at belt height and hold the noise cancel button in, watch carefully as it chooses channels, when you see the same channel repeating a few times let go and it should be able to overcome your EMI issue. Thank you for the view and question!!

Here they are $1,599 Manticore and $1,099 Equinox 900 (USA). Where is your country? Thanks for the view comment and question!

@@BrassMedic I am from Russia. Here they are about $1300 for the 900 Equinox and about $2150 for the Manticore, both with 3 years warranty.

That's a tough choice, it really depends on the tones and features of the two machines between the Equinox 900 and the Legend. Both are incredible machines. Your comment is a couple months old, wondering if you ended up choosing one or the other yet? 🤔 Thank you for your view and comment/question!

Nice silver coin numbers!!! That's getting into some good sites. The 900 and Manticore will be about an inch deeper but your still doing great with what you have. At this point you could probably upgrade to an 800 for just a bit more but the 600 is a great machine (as you know). Thanks for the view and for checking in! Wish you continued success!

@@BrassMedic Thanks bud. My buddy uses the equinox 800 and does equally well with it. We've went over alot of areas that we detected with our ace250 (our 1st detector) and realized what we missed because of the depth. It's been fun detecting here in Wisconsin with these equinox series.

I have a very hard time myself trying to decide if I take the CTX-3030 out or grab the XP Deus II. Tough decision. Sure prefer the tones of the CTX-3030 though. The Manticore is overall a bit more customizable with many more options, but the 800 and 900 both have the ability to completely save a customizable program that can be quickly recalled. Whereas the Manticore can't do that, however, it was a feature that was rarely used on the 800 so I can see why Minelab didn't implement it (yet). All local programs on the Manticore save the settings from previous use so you don't really lose any settings, it's just that no customizable program can be recalled. Thank you for the view, comment and kind words!!

I saw a video recently and the deus 2 did way better than the 900 when a high conductor was covered up by iron not sure about the manticore yet they are closer in price maby they will be similar.

@@USMC-1911 For this to be a fair test head to head they would both have to have the same size coil. So the 9" round on the 11" round on the Manticore is not going to be fair. Minelab has an 8" x 5.5" coming out soon so that would be more fair. At the XP Deus 2 is outstanding in the heavy iron. All 3 machines are incredible! Thanks for the view and comment!

Thank you, yes I completely agree CTX is still the king! It's the flagship machine over at Minelab and there is a new one coming hopefully this year called "Minelab Ultimate" it will replace the CTX-3030 but until then, if you can still swing this heavy detector, it will serve you well. 95% of all of the finds in my displays were found with the 3030, I had it out today in fact. The tonal options on Equinox 900 do have both full tones and adjustable pitch tone breaks as well. There is a tone setting that mimics what we have on the CTX that is called "Gain" so that you can hear depth as a softer volume. Nothing wrong with just keeping the CTX-3030 for now. Email me at my email in the description of this video and I will email you over my programs so you can use the Minelab Exchange2 computer software to upload my programs into your CTX-3030. Thank you for the view and questions!

Thank you for watching the video. This really is a fantastic hobby it's rewarding it gives you peace and Solace while you're out detecting and time to think about things and relax get away from the hustle bustle it gives you exercise as you get up and down and dig signals and most importantly you find treasures! Either one of the two machines in this video are to great options for you for your first detector but they are quite an investment if you're not sure you're going to like the hobby so there are some other machines I can recommend to you that are way more affordable that you can buy first to see if you like the hobby. Thanks again for watching the video and for your comment!

They would both be equally capable of detecting nickels that are deep in soil or sand. However I think the Manticore clhas an advantage on depth over the Equinox 900. Thank you for your view and for the comment/question!

That is a big difference in price!! I wouldn't be so quick to suggest the Manticore over the 900 with that big of a cost difference . But like I said in the video, if you want that color screen, really easy to use menu system, better tones and far more adjustability, you may consider the Manticore, even at the price difference. Sorry I couldn't be more definitive but that is a VERY hard choice! As far as the beach and no headphones goes, neither would really have much of an advantage, I have seen a few different videos online where the Manticore is just a little more deep on coins at the beach over the 900. Thanks for the view and great question!

This could be true as the team of engineers that came to me from Minelab Australia stopped at 3 other cities before they made it to me in California. So I know there were others in possession of at least 3 machines. I also had the machine a few days before I even made a video. Most of my roles were related to the update testing (June 2023). Pretty sure I mentioned "in the USA" as well but its only fake news if I'm deliberately trying to deceive. Thanks for the view and comment!! Much appreciated

Thank you for watching the video and for your kind wishes, Happy New Years to you too!

Here in the USA the difference between $1,099 and $1,599 is 32% For you the difference between £1099 and £1799 is 39%! So that is a significant factor no doubt! Not sure why such a difference between the two markets . . ?? 🤔I prefer the tones of the Explorer series (the predecessor to the E-Trac) more than the E-Trac and I can say that the tones on the Manticore are the best since the Explorer series. The warranty is in fact a huge deal and a factor that has to be weighed when making a decision between the XP Deus 2 and the Minelab Manticore. The Makro Legend with the new update V1.10 is a terrific machine too and belongs in these discussions. I understand your predicament and no matter what your still swinging very capable machines for now! Thank you for the view and comment!!

@@BrassMedic I think it cost more because of a VAT (Value Added Tax)?

Here in Italy the 900 is 1100 euro and the manticore 2000 euro something is wrong ..

@@draco9y9 Yes. Its called the EU. Ever wondered why evrything about what EU does is called Euro something. We are all being taken for a big ride. Even us in the UK, and we are supposed to be out of it. Yet we still have VAT. Where does that go if its a EU thing? Damn i've started on Politics. LOL

@@richardnewcombe9449 well fck the EU honestly..not for everything but at least for VAT 😂😂😂

Have faith, it's a fantastic machine and it will be even better real soon! Thanks for the view and comment!

@@BrassMedic how will it be better? I'm curious now. I agree with the comments about the 2D screen well worth it

Interesting but I totally get that! Nothing wrong with that decision 🤠 Thank you for the view and comment.

@@BrassMedic Your welcome! Modern Metal Detectors runs a no sales tax + Military Discount makes it too good to pass up. Your videos have been helpful for getting to understand the machine!

No I don't but that's a great idea. However it would be a bit of a landslide favoring the 900 in every category (especially in build quality, features and reliability) except performance. Thank you for the view and comment!!

I found that the ID's on the Manticore and Equinox 900 are Identical. Check multiple coins both clad and silver. Thank you for the view and comment!

I honestly just don't know and we're not getting any answers on that. I do know that I will be one of the first people to know when they start shipping though and I will let all of you guys know right away with a video. Thanks for the view and comment/question.

Yes, good point, I know he was late to the game though as the other 3 content creators were already many videos in before Mental Metal could get his Manticore (to be fair Detecting NY just got his too). But I'm sure his videos are great to watch as well!! As far as comparing to the XP Deus 2, that's a whole different topic and maybe my next video! VERY Tough decision there! Thanks for view and comment Lee!!

Awesome choice, I mean it's a win, win either way. Yes the numbers are the same as long as you have the same size coils on. Best of luck with the 900 and thank you for the view and question/comment!

Hah! Are you mostly a beach detectorist? Good choice though! Thanks for the view and for checking in!

Oh yeah I like the beaches, they’re close and I work so much it’s just quicker, but I love going out to old parks, towns, and anything related to history or civil war era relics. I’m in MN so I can’t detect rn, but I plan to take a trip this coming summer with my brother somewhere out west like Montana to detect and pan for gold in some streams.

Maybe you can wrap some self bonding/fusing silicone tape/wrap around it? Search YT for examples.

They did improve it but not enough! I don't like the grip on the XP Deus 2 for the same reason, hands rides up the shaft till the webbing of you hand is hitting the bottom of the remote( RC). The beta version of the Equinox 800 in testing was way worse so we were telling them early that they need to address that issue. Thanks for the view and comment!

Thank you for watching the video!

The hobbyist side of metal detecting does not lend itself well to the type of detector that the construction industry would need where you're trying to detect/hear iron and subterranean pipes. In the hobby Market the machines are designed to ignore iron and try instead to hear High conductive materials like copper and silver or precious metals like gold and platinum. These are two different Technologies really. And this is why there are companies that make specialty detectors just for the construction industry. The Manticore and the Equinox 900 would both be fantastic in the woods and on the beach, with an advantage on depth in sand going to the Manticore. Thank you for watching and for your comment!

Scroll up to the top in these comments and read the comment pinned at top from CAPTN DAN to see what he said. Doesn't sound like we will be getting an option for 4kHz for now. Thanks for the view and comment!

Sweet!!! Congratulations! You will love it! Take a look at my channel for other videos that will help you get up and running quick on your new Manticore, including a video on the first 10 things you should do when you buy the Manticore! www.youtube.com/@BrassMedic Thank you for the view and comment!

I just missed out purchasing a Manticore today. Did you get yours via prepaid or is there a company receiving stock? Who are you buying yours from? Tks!

Not sure, let me check on that... I know it was a RU-vid "short" video so maybe on my play lists it's in the shorts list. I'll go look though... Thanks for the view and question!

Well to be perfectly honest you would need to have the same size coils on. There is an 11 x 13 inch coil for the XP Deus II and I have it headed my way right now... as soon as it gets here I will do more testing head-to-head and let you guys know. We're all wondering the same thing though. Thanks for the view and comment.

The CTX with the 6" round coil is phenomenal and accounts for about 90% of all of my best finds ever. I can somehow hear in 3D with the CTX, I hear depth, size, shape and can easily hear iron. BUT in the heavy iron I am going to miss co-located targets. The processor on the CTX is just not fast enough to compete with the XP Deus 2 for example. But until we get the 8" x 5.5" Manticore coil I can't really say if it's better than the CTX in heavy iron. When I get that coil I will be the first to let everyone know if it can match up against the almighty CTX! Right now CTX is still the king in my opinion. Thanks for the view and comment!

I know exactly what you mean. Going to do a video this weekend where I talk at length about some things I figured out to help with Iron, stay tuned!! Thanks for the view and comment!

I think firstly that if your talking about in the dry/wet sand, the Manticore is much more comfortable to swing and carry. I used to belt or chest mount my Excalibur 2 and have the cable dangling across to the shaft and coil which wasn't too bad but swinging the Excalibur and Excalibur 2 underwater or on dry or wet sand, made for a long day. So as far as comfort I think that's something to consider, the Manticore is WAY lighter! As far as performance at the beach the Manticore is going to be better as well. I think you could make a good case for selling you 800 and your Excalibur 2 and getting just the Manticore!! I do miss the sounds of the Excalibur in the surf on coins and jewelry though. Thank you for the view and comment/question!

Who did you purchase your Manticore from? Tks! :)

NICE!!! Take a look at my video on the first 10 things to do with the Manticore!! ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-9AxSDowK584.html Thanks for checking in and best of luck on your trip on Sunday!!

@@pigeonbloodruby5330 Robert Wyatt with Quality Metal Detectors

@@BrassMedic I've watched just about all your videos on it haha

@@waynep2123 Thank you!

Great questions! Appreciate the view and the kind words! The 2D graph does work in goldfield general mode and it's very helpful. Nuggets appear right on the midline as little round dots, I have not seen lead drop down below the middle line ever, so not sure on that . Gold has a more subtle and slightly subdued sound compared to the more bombastic sound of lead. But you just have to dig all the lead to get the nuggets. In my gold patches I dig about 20 or so bullets for every piece of gold. So the good news is, if you finding bullets your in a great spot because the other detectors missed those bullets so they also missed the gold! I have heard lot's of stories about the gold up your way! The Manticore will prove to be arguably the best VLF Gold machine available on the market today. Best of luck out there!! 🤠⛏