Minelab Equinox 700 vs Quest V80 – In this comparison review we pit the long established detectorists favourite the Minelab Equinox in entry level 700 format against the cheeky high specification upstart from Quest!
As a veteran detectorist who’s scoured countless British landscapes, I’ve had the pleasure of putting two of the market’s most advanced metal detectors through their paces: the Minelab Equinox 700 (£799) and the Quest V80 (£699). Let’s delve into what sets these powerhouse machines apart and which might be the perfect fit for your treasure hunting adventures.
Operating Frequencies: Multi-IQ vs HyperQ
The Minelab Equinox 700 boasts Minelab’s renowned Multi-IQ technology, offering simultaneous multi-frequency operation alongside single frequency options of 4, 5, 10, and 15 kHz. This versatility allows the detector to perform exceptionally well across various soil conditions and target types. The Multi-IQ technology has proven particularly effective in mineralized soils, where it can maintain depth and sensitivity while minimizing false signals.
In contrast, the Quest V80 introduces HyperQ technology, enabling simultaneous use of multiple search frequencies ranging from 5 to 80 kHz. The V80 offers single frequency options of 5, 10, 15, 20, 40, and 60 kHz, providing a wider range than the Equinox 700. This extended range could potentially offer advantages when searching for both very small and very large targets, as well as in highly mineralized ground.
For detectorists hunting in areas with rapidly changing soil conditions or searching for a diverse range of targets, both machines offer impressive frequency flexibility. The Equinox 700’s Multi-IQ technology has a proven track record, while the V80’s HyperQ and extended frequency range might appeal to those seeking to push the boundaries of high-frequency detecting. The choice between these two technologies could come down to personal preference and the specific detecting environments you frequent most often.
Search Modes and Customization
The Equinox 700 features three primary search modes: Park, Field, and Beach. These modes are pre-configured to optimize the detector’s performance in different environments, making it easy for users to quickly adapt to varying conditions. The Park mode is ideal for areas with high trash content, Field mode is optimized for open areas with potentially deep targets, and Beach mode is designed to handle the challenges of saltwater and wet sand.
The detector allows for six custom search profiles, enabling detectorists to save their preferred settings for different hunting scenarios. This feature is particularly useful for those who frequently hunt in specific locations with unique characteristics, as it allows for quick setup without the need to remember and manually input optimal settings each time.
The Quest V80 goes a step further, offering five search programs: Park, Field, Beach, Gold, and Cache. The addition of Gold and Cache modes gives the V80 an edge in specialized hunting scenarios. The Gold mode is particularly useful for prospecting in areas known for gold nuggets, while the Cache mode is optimized for detecting larger, deeper targets. Additionally, it provides 20 user slots for custom settings, giving it a significant advantage in terms of customization options. This extensive customization capability allows detectorists to fine-tune their machine for a wide variety of hunting conditions and target types.
Both detectors offer all-metal shortcuts and pinpoint modes, essential features for precise target location. The V80’s dedicated Gold mode might be particularly appealing to prospectors or those hunting in gold-bearing areas. However, the Equinox 700’s reputation for performance in the gold fields shouldn’t be overlooked, even without a specific gold mode.
Target Identification and Audio
The Equinox 700 features a 119-segment notch discrimination system, with ferrous targets ranging from -19 to 0 and non-ferrous from 1 to 99. This high-resolution target ID system allows for precise discrimination, helping detectorists to quickly determine whether a target is worth digging. The detector offers multiple tone options (1, 2, 5, All Tones, and Depth) with adjustable tone break for ferrous targets, providing users with the flexibility to customize their audio feedback.
The V80 matches this with its own advanced target ID system and offers tone options of 2, 3, 5, and 99. The 99-tone option provides incredibly detailed audio feedback, potentially allowing experienced users to discern subtle differences between targets based on sound alone. It also includes a special Gold Theme in its Gold mode, which could be advantageous when prospecting, as it’s optimized to highlight the unique audio characteristics of gold nuggets.
Both detectors provide adjustable iron bias settings, crucial for hunting in iron-infested areas. The Equinox 700 offers iron bias settings from 0 to 3, while the V80 provides a Fe/NonFe Bias option. These settings allow users to fine-tune how the detector responds to ferrous targets, which can be particularly useful in areas with a lot of iron trash or when searching for valuable targets that might be near iron objects.
Recovery Speed and Ground Balance, Comparing the Minelab Equinox 700 vs Quest V80
The Equinox 700 offers recovery speed settings from 1 to 3, allowing users to adjust how quickly the detector processes and separates targets. A higher recovery speed can be beneficial in trashy areas, helping to distinguish good targets from surrounding junk, while a lower speed might provide more depth in cleaner areas. The limited range of settings keeps things simple, which some users might prefer.
The V80 provides a more granular range from 1 to 9 for recovery speed. This could give the V80 an edge in extremely trashy areas where fine-tuned recovery speed can make a significant difference. The wider range of options allows for more precise control, potentially enabling users to find an optimal balance between depth and target separation in challenging conditions.
Both detectors offer automatic and manual ground balance options, with the Equinox 700 also including a tracking mode. The tracking mode continuously adjusts the ground balance as you detect, which can be particularly useful in areas with varying soil mineralization. The V80 features a built-in gyro sensor for automatic ground balancing, which could be particularly useful for less experienced users or when hunting in areas with rapidly changing soil conditions. This feature potentially simplifies the ground balancing process, allowing users to focus more on detecting and less on adjusting their machine.
Waterproofing and Build Quality – Minelab Equinox 700 vs Quest V80
Both detectors are fully submersible to 5 meters, making them suitable for shallow water hunting – perfect for those British beach expeditions. This level of waterproofing not only allows for underwater detecting but also provides peace of mind when hunting in rainy conditions or crossing streams, which is often necessary in the diverse UK landscape.
The Equinox 700 features a 3-piece carbon-fibre collapsible shaft system, providing a good balance between durability and weight. This system allows for easy adjustment to suit different user heights and detecting positions, while also making the detector more compact for transportation and storage.
The V80 boasts a carbon fibre round telescopic stem that collapses to 58.42cm, potentially offering greater portability. This ultra-compact design could be particularly appealing to detectorists who travel frequently or those who need to navigate dense woodland or other challenging terrains. Both detectors’ use of carbon fibre contributes to their lightweight yet durable construction, important factors for long detecting sessions.
Additional Features and Battery Life
Both detectors come with wireless headphone options, backlighting for low-light conditions, and vibration features. These features enhance the detecting experience, allowing for silent operation in noise-sensitive areas and improving visibility in low-light conditions. The vibration feature can be particularly useful for detectorists with hearing impairments or those detecting in noisy environments.
The V80 includes a sleep mode for energy conservation, which automatically activates when the search coil is not in use. This feature can help extend battery life during breaks or when you’re examining a find. It also has a built-in flashlight, which can be invaluable for early morning or late evening hunts, or when examining potential finds in low-light conditions.
The Equinox 700 is powered by a 5100 mAh Lithium-Ion battery, while the V80 uses a 5600 mAh battery. Both should provide ample detecting time, with the V80 potentially offering slightly longer battery life due to its higher capacity and sleep mode feature. The ability to recharge via USB is a convenient feature on both detectors, allowing for easy charging in the field using portable power banks.
Conclusion: Choosing Your High-End Detecting Companion – Minelab Equinox 700 vs Quest V80
Minelab Equinox 700 vs Quest V80 – After extensive testing across various UK locations, from the mineralized shores of Cornwall to the historic fields of Northumberland, both the Minelab Equinox 700 and Quest V80 prove to be exceptional detectors. Each has its strengths and caters to different detecting styles and preferences.
The Minelab Equinox 700, at £799, offers the tried-and-true Multi-IQ technology and the backing of Minelab’s reputation in the detecting community. Its proven performance across various terrains and target types makes it a solid choice for detectorists looking for a reliable, high-performance machine. The Equinox 700’s simplified controls and established track record might appeal to those who prefer a more straightforward approach or are loyal to the Minelab brand.
The Quest V80, priced at £699, brings innovative features like HyperQ technology and an extended frequency range to the table. Its additional search modes, more granular recovery speed settings, and extensive customization options might appeal to tech-savvy detectorists or those looking to fine-tune their hunting strategy. The V80’s lower price point and cutting-edge features make it an attractive option for those willing to try a less established brand.
For detectorists prioritizing brand reputation and proven multi-frequency technology, the Equinox 700 is an excellent choice. However, for those seeking cutting-edge features and extensive customization options at a slightly lower price point, the V80 presents an intriguing alternative. Ultimately, when comparing Minelab Equinox 700 vs Quest V80 both detectors are capable of unearthing impressive finds. Your choice will depend on your detecting style, the types of sites you frequent, and whether you prefer the established pedigree of Minelab or the innovative approach of Quest. Whichever you choose, you’ll be equipped with a top-tier detector capable of uncovering the treasures hiding beneath British soil.
