Comparing the Minelab Vanquish 340 and the Quest X10 Pro Metal Detectors
As a seasoned detectorist, I’ve had the pleasure of swinging many different machines over the years. Today, I’d like to share my thoughts on two popular models that have caught the eye of many in our hobby: the Minelab Vanquish 340 and the Quest X10 Pro. Both are aimed at the beginner/intermediate level detectorist and sit at a similar price point, with the Vanquish 340 at £229 and the X10 Pro at £219. Let’s dive in and see how they stack up against each other.
First up, let’s talk about the Minelab Vanquish 340. This detector is part of Minelab’s established and very popular Vanquish line, and it’s been making quite a splash, but how does it compare with the newcomer from Quest? The standout feature of the Vanquish 340 is its Multi-IQ technology. This is Minelab’s simultaneous multi-frequency technology, which gives the detector excellent performance across a range of soil conditions and target types. I’ve found it particularly effective on mineralized soils, which can be a real challenge for some detectors.
The Vanquish 340 offers three search modes: Coin, Jewellery, and All Metal. These cover most detecting scenarios you’re likely to encounter, whether you’re searching for old hammered silver in a ploughed field or modern lost jewellery on a beach. The detector also features an automatic noise cancel function.
One thing I really appreciate about the Vanquish 340 is its simplicity. The control panel is straightforward, with a monochrome LCD screen that’s easy to read even in bright sunlight. It’s not cluttered with unnecessary features, which makes it a great choice for those moving up from a basic detector.
The Vanquish 340 uses a V10 10″x7″ Double-D coil, which is waterproof to 1m. This means you can use it in shallow water or wet grass without worry. The detector itself isn’t fully waterproof, but it can handle a bit of rain. At 1.2kg, it’s comfortable to swing for long periods, and I’ve spent many a happy hour detecting with it without arm fatigue.
Now, let’s turn our attention to the Quest X10 Pro. This detector has been generating quite a buzz, and for good reason. One of its standout features is its fully waterproof design – it can be submerged up to 3m/10 feet. This opens up a whole new world of detecting possibilities, especially for beach hunters.
The X10 Pro is incredibly lightweight at just 945g, making it a joy to swing for extended periods. It operates at a single frequency of 12kHz, which is a good all-round frequency for a variety of targets. The 9.5″ x 5″ Turbo-D waterproof search coil performs well in mineralized soils and on the beach.
One feature of the X10 Pro that I particularly appreciate is its rechargeable Li-ion battery with USB charging. It’s both cost-effective and environmentally friendly compared to the Vanquish 340’s replaceable AA batteries. The integrated flashlight is a nice touch for those early morning or late evening hunts.
The X10 Pro offers four modes of operation: Coin, Jewellery, Custom, and All-Metal. Its 1-99 numeric target ID and 10 segment visual target ID, combined with the 4-tone audio ID, provide good target information. The adjustable notch discrimination and semi-auto ground balance are useful features for dealing with challenging ground conditions.
So, which one would I recommend? Well, it really depends on your detecting style and preferences. If you’re looking for a detector with multi-frequency technology and don’t need full waterproof capabilities, the Minelab Vanquish 340 could be the way to go. Its Multi-IQ technology can provide an edge in challenging soil conditions, and its simplicity makes it easy to use.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a versatile, lightweight metal detector that you can use in water and on land, with good features for its price point, the Quest X10 Pro is an excellent choice. It’s particularly well-suited for beach hunters and those who value portability.
In terms of warranty, the Vanquish 340 comes with a 3-year warranty on the control box and coil, which provides some peace of mind.
So basically it comes down to whether simultaneous multi frequency is more important to you than waterproof rechargeable lightness, and a newer more high tech feel, for me the Quest just wins here. It looks better and I will take the single frequency with its other advantages over the older Vanquish.
Ultimately, both are very capable detectors that can serve you well in the field. The best choice for you will depend on your personal detecting style, the types of sites you typically search, and your specific needs. Whichever you choose, remember that the most important tool in detecting is persistence – and the willingness to swing your detector for hours on end, knowing that the next great find could be just a signal away.
