When it comes to metal detecting or prospecting, you must have noticed the name Minelab circling around quite often. This brand is especially known for its Minelab Equinox series as it’s always capable of producing a remarkably efficient and versatile metal detector for beginner and experienced treasure hunters.
In this extensive review article, we’re going to talk about the Minelab Equinox 600 model, which is arguably one of the top-quality and most popular metal detectors available in the market today. We feel it especially deserves recognition since it is largely overlooked due to the more advanced and superior model Equinox 800, mainly because of the latter offering wireless Bluetooth headphone capabilities and the WM 08 wireless module. This, however, has been rectified in a newer rendition of the model later on, which we’re going to talk about in this article and several other need-to-know details.
- Simultaneous Multi-Frequency: True intelligent Simultaneous Multi-Frequency for maximum performance, plus a wide range of single frequencies.
- Waterproof Design: EQUINOX is fully submersible, ideal for detecting at the beach and in rivers, streams and lakes. (3m / 10-feet)
- Sleek & Lightweight: Rugged and lightweight construction allows you to enjoy long detecting sessions in any environment.
- Wireless Audio Compatible: Compatible with ultra-fast wireless audio with the WM 08, and fast aptX Low Latency / Bluetooth headphones.
- 6 Custom Search Profiles: Each Detect Mode features 2 custom Search Profiles so you can save your favorite settings in each mode.
Overview
Equinox 600, when compared to its bigger and more advanced sibling; the 800 model, is a simpler model for beginners. But it is nevertheless high-quality and is just as reliable and efficient as the 800. Thanks to its innovative multi-frequency IQ technology, the Minelab Equinox 600 detector is qualified to be a true all-purpose prospecting tool for fresh or experienced treasure hunters. This allows the detector to easily adapt to any target type and ground condition, which is enough to make other single frequency VLF detectors obsolete.
Besides that, the 600 comes with a considerable set of tone and volume options, including single-tone, two-tone, five-tone, and 50-tone options. It includes settings that allow users to adjust ferrous tones to non-ferrous stones, as well as adjust the ferrous tone volume. The Minelab Equinox 600 also comes with three levels of detect speed (Beach, Field, and Park).
Features
Here are some of the most well-known features of the Minelabe Equinox 600:
Multi IQ Multi-Frequency
The proudest achievement of not just a 600 model is the Multi-IQ multi-frequency technology. Multi IQ stands for Multi-Frequency In-Phase and Quadrature Synchronous Demodulation. In short, it offers the combined performance benefits of both FBS and VFLEX technologies in one amazing technology. It also offers the added bonus of working in five different frequencies at once, which include 5 kilohertz, 10 kilohertz, 15 kilohertz, 20 kilohertz, and 40 kilohertz.
It’s not just reworking a single-frequency VLF, nor is it another title for the combination of BBS/FBS. By making a new technology, or maybe even a new detector from the ground up, the brand decided to offer both single and multi-frequency settings in a single, lightweight platform. And all that at an affordable price range, and a relatively faster recovery speed than some of the other models available in the market.
This technology is different from BBS/FBS and that it produces a wideband multi-frequency transmission signal, making it even more sensitive to targets of high-frequency and a little less sensitive to those of lower frequencies. Multi-IQ technology uses advanced filtering techniques and the latest high-speed processors floor and even faster speed of recovery than BBS/FBS technologies. And like BBS/FBS, Multi-IQ can do pretty well at beach and saltwater conditions. However, BBS/FBS still has a slight advantage for locating high conductive silver coins in any condition.
Search Modes
The Equinox 600 comes with three search modes, including Beach, Field, and Park. These help the user set up the most ideal detecting conditions for the most recurring locations. Park mode provides specialized pre-configured search conditions that offer higher discrimination against trash, and the ideal ground balance. The field mode has the proper sensitivity for field soils, separate discrimination, and depth. Beach provides much less sensitivity for trash items with saltwater being factored in as well. What’s more, is that the Minelab Equinox 600 is completely waterproof, making it fully submersible, allowing it to reveal stable readings on the river bank or on the seashore.
Perhaps the best thing about the search modes is that each of them comes with two custom modes that users can utilize in their search endeavors. This way users can fine-tune the device more accurately with certain conditions, then save those tuning settings and have them turned on automatically in similar conditions anytime they want. So in total, users have nine search modes, including multi-frequency to their advantage.
- Simultaneous Multi-Frequency: True intelligent Simultaneous Multi-Frequency for maximum performance, plus a wide range of single frequencies.
- Waterproof Design: EQUINOX is fully submersible, ideal for detecting at the beach and in rivers, streams and lakes. (3m / 10-feet)
- Sleek & Lightweight: Rugged and lightweight construction allows you to enjoy long detecting sessions in any environment.
- Wireless Audio Compatible: Compatible with ultra-fast wireless audio with the WM 08, and fast aptX Low Latency / Bluetooth headphones.
- 6 Custom Search Profiles: Each Detect Mode features 2 custom Search Profiles so you can save your favorite settings in each mode.
Other Key Features
Wireless Audio Compatible
Compatible with extremely fast wireless audio with the WM 08, and fast aptX Bluetooth/low latency headphones.
Lightweight and Sleek
The Minelab Equinox 600’s lightweight and rugged construction allows users to enjoy prolonged detecting sessions in just about any location or setting.
Waterproof Design
The Equinox is completely submersible, ideal for detecting in streams, lakes, rivers, and at beaches.
Quick and Accurate Target ID
The device’s accurate target ID and quick recovery speed guarantee that you will never miss your valuable target even amongst trash.
User Interface
User InterfaceThe Minelab Equinox 600 features a clear LCD screen that comes with large target ID numbers allowing you to get a reading on your target with incredible ease and accuracy. This means that you won’t miss a beat on your target no matter where you may be.
The operating frequency and detect modes can be changed instantly at the mere push of a button for an uninterrupted and dynamic detecting experience. In short, The Equinox 600 user interface also enables users to:
- Change frequency, sensitivity, and detect mode on the fly
- Preset your own discrimination patterns to bypass unwanted targets
- Enable pinpoint mode to close in on a potential target so you know where precisely to dig.
- Enable the all-metal mode to disable the present discrimination pattern temporarily.
- View the status of wireless audio device connections and battery.
- Adjust a wide set of advanced and essential detecting features such as Ground Balance, Noise-Cancel, Threshold Level, Volume Adjust, Accept/Reject, Recovery Speed, And Target Tone.
Portability
One of the most desirable aspects of the Minelab Equinox 600 is how easy and quickly it is to assemble and disassemble as well as carry around between potential detecting sites. This isn’t even accounting for the fact that the product is incredibly lightweight even when fully assembled, making treasure hunting a relative breeze compared to several other metal detectors that are sold these days.
Equinox Software Update 2.0
What’s New?
If you constantly run into rusty nails, frustrating bottle caps, and other difficult ferrous targets, then you’ll be happy to know that the latest Equinox update has done away with that. Just download the Minelab Update Utility and you’re all set. With it, you experienced the following beneficial features:
Improved Iron Bias
The Iron Bias feature has been improved along with the inclusion of a brand new Iron Bias settings profile. Of course, the original Equinox Iron Bias ‘FE’ settings are still there, but now users have the option to switch to the new Iron Bias ‘F2’ settings that will provide them with improved capabilities to ignore a vast set of difficult iron targets, such as bottle caps.
Backlight Brightness
The Minelab Equinox 600 now has the ability to adjust its backlight brightness to an extra ‘Low’ setting which closely resembles the minimum setting of the Minelab Equinox 800. This setting is appropriate for night detecting and in low-light conditions.
- Simultaneous Multi-Frequency: True intelligent Simultaneous Multi-Frequency for maximum performance, plus a wide range of single frequencies.
- Waterproof Design: EQUINOX is fully submersible, ideal for detecting at the beach and in rivers, streams and lakes. (3m / 10-feet)
- Sleek & Lightweight: Rugged and lightweight construction allows you to enjoy long detecting sessions in any environment.
- Wireless Audio Compatible: Compatible with ultra-fast wireless audio with the WM 08, and fast aptX Low Latency / Bluetooth headphones.
- 6 Custom Search Profiles: Each Detect Mode features 2 custom Search Profiles so you can save your favorite settings in each mode.
How To Choose The Best Metal Detector For Yourself
If the Equinox 600 isn’t what you’re looking for, then perhaps a better model in 800 is more to your liking or some other type of model. Whatever the case may be, you should know that choosing a metal detector is a lot harder than you realize, especially when there are a good number of branded models out there that will do just as good a job at the Minelab Equinox 600 or even the 800.
Perhaps you’re looking for certain accessories like digging tools, search coils of different sizes, or even headphones that the other models couldn’t provide you with. Regardless of the accessories that you’re looking for, here are some of the most crucial features that you must consider when choosing a metal detector:
Crucial Features When Choosing A Metal Detector
Discrimination
Discrimination is an ability that distinguishes one target from the other. In simple words, it is an ability that tells the user if you’re detecting a quarter or some other kind of inferior quality item. Believe it or not, you’ll find as many rusty nails and bottle caps in the ground as you would valuable finds, which is why you need discrimination to help filter the results for you. This way, you’ll be able to save time digging out garbage.
Target Identification
As the name suggests, this feature aids users in identifying their targets more appropriately. A proper target identification feature distinguishes between coins like a quarter, nickel, penny/dime, foil/junk, silver jewelry, or the possibility of gold. You’ll identify valuable targets with a high-pitched audible tone and junk with a low grunt. This is more accurately known as tone identification. The more recent models come with visual target ID capabilities, especially on LCD display screens. Sometimes, metal detectors come with a numeric value known as the VDI number that appears on their screens. It’s a little advanced, but with a little practice, you can get accustomed to it in no time.
Sensitivity
Sensitivity is another crucial feature in metal detectors that enables them to pick up signals of potential targets from a distance. Think of it as a speaker’s volume control feature. If the setting is set too low, you’ll barely hear the sound, but if it’s set too high, then you’ll be getting static and distortion. Some models that feature sensitivity control come with the manufacturer’s recommendation. Some locations require the sensitivity to be lower like in areas where there are high levels of mineral content and next to power lines.
Ground Balance
Any ground or soil you decide to search for is likely going to contain a few unwanted minerals or metals (including iron). This interferes with the device’s readings when finding jewelry, gold coins, and other types of valuables. Fortunately, ground balance enables users to bypass those minerals. There are a variety of ground balance settings that can be found in a number of metal detectors, including automatic, preset, manual, or multiple, depending on the circumstances.
Operating Frequency
Operating frequency is the number of times the detector transmits and receives a signal every second. Lower frequency models are able to scan deeper, offering a much better detection depth overall. Many general-purpose detectors function at lower frequencies. Higher frequency models have greater sensitivity to gold and small objects. So if you’re looking for tiny little gold nuggets or relics, then choose a higher frequency detector. The only downside to those models is that they offer less ground penetration.
Search Depth
This is the ability to look for coins and other types of objects at certain depth levels. Lower frequency models provide better search depth. Soil composition can have an impact on this ability, as well as the surge coil of a detector. The bigger the search coil your detector has, the deeper it’ll be able to search.
Conclusion
In short, the Minelab Equinox 600 is an excellent, versatile metal detector capable of locating a vast range of objects. It provides optimized performance on either land or water at the depth of 3 meters, has a number of innovative features that enhance the search process, plus a variety of reasonable and adequate tuning options and settings. And due to its relatively simple user interface, it is ideal for extremely novice treasure hunters.
- Simultaneous Multi-Frequency: True intelligent Simultaneous Multi-Frequency for maximum performance, plus a wide range of single frequencies.
- Waterproof Design: EQUINOX is fully submersible, ideal for detecting at the beach and in rivers, streams and lakes. (3m / 10-feet)
- Sleek & Lightweight: Rugged and lightweight construction allows you to enjoy long detecting sessions in any environment.
- Wireless Audio Compatible: Compatible with ultra-fast wireless audio with the WM 08, and fast aptX Low Latency / Bluetooth headphones.
- 6 Custom Search Profiles: Each Detect Mode features 2 custom Search Profiles so you can save your favorite settings in each mode.