Minelab Equinox 800 review

If you are looking for a high-performance, waterproof metal detector, you do not need to look any further than the Minelab Equinox 800.

This treasure finder comes with multi-frequency technology, up to eight custom search profiles and the goal to make you reevaluate all-purpose detecting. Read on to find out how to improve your metal hunting with one of the best detectors on the market!

Minelab equinox 800
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Sensible metal detecting for versatile hunters

Minelab Equinox 800 is a reasonable improvement of previous models from Minelab, and specifically of Equinox 600. It is a lightweight device that weighs little over 1.3 kg and has an ergonomic design that favours long hunts without feeling heavy in your hands. It comes with an 11″ round coil that attracts most of the weight and a sturdy armrest made of high-quality plastic.

This metal detector has a user-friendly menu with easy, intuitive settings that help you enjoy effective metal hunts straight out of the box. It features 4 search modes – field, park, beach, and gold – and each of them has two sub-modes, so you get to enjoy 8 different detecting programs.

Each mode comes with a specific tuning setting and tone pitch. The beach mode also features an underwater program that lets you, scout, for lost jewellery and coins at a maximum depth of 3 meters.

Experienced detectorists will appreciate the long battery life of Minelab Equinox 800, which can stretch to up to 12 hours on a single charge. This device can function on high, simultaneous frequency 24 / 40 kHz that you can change at a push of the button without experiencing any interruptions in your search.

Special Features

One of the best features of Equinox 800 that is also a major improvement of the 600 series is the presence of a wireless adapter and a set of headphones that work with Bluetooth technology. These niftily designed over-the-ear headphones have a low latency signal and allow you to connect them to your smartphone to make and take calls while hunting for metals.

Another special feature of the Minelab Equinox 800 is its ability to bypass false signals. While looking for lost metal pieces, you will rarely experience interferences from power lines or electronic devices in your vicinity.

Things you need to consider

While this metal detector is affordable and highly-convenient for seasoned metal hunters, it might require some learning time from beginner detectorists. Nevertheless, if you are passionate about treasure hunting and eager to start your new search, the Minelab Equinox 800 should top your wishlist of metal detecting devices.

Pros:

  • Simultaneous multi-frequency
  • Lightweight and intuitive with only 3.5 kg
  • Four detecting modes
  • Fair price considering that’s a mid-range detector
Cons:

  • Entry-level users may require a learning period
  • Getting used with the multitude of frequencies for a better detection

The Bottom Line

Equinox 800 outside for metal detecting

The Minelab Equinox 800 is a reliable metal detector that you can take on long trips to the beach, park or artefact-laden fields. It has a special mode solely for finding gold, and it should not disappoint you especially when you consider that it works on high, simultaneous frequency.

Besides being lightweight and waterproof, this detector also comes at an affordable price when you consider its high-performance ability. If this is your first metal detecting tool, and you don’t mind spending some time learning how to use it, then this is one of the best metal detectors you can find.

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Steve

I’m one of the founders of this blog. A 32 yr old from Lincolnshire & proud father of 3 beautiful children. My first metal detector was a garret ace 150 but I am currently using the Garrett ace 400i. My best find was a roman coin. Feel free to ask me any questions.

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David Oliphant - October 22, 2019

Hi Steve,I am using a Garrett ace 250 which I am very happy with.I was thinking of upgrading to the 400,so I guess that the obvious question is,how do they compare?

Reply
    Steve - October 26, 2019

    Hey David, you are well informed, the 400 it’s the superior version and upgrading from 250 will feel intuitive, because you’ll have more features, improved detection, so overall better in all the aspects. This is an intermediary model, it’s harder to use straight away while the 250 can be considered for starters.
    So, to keep this short, I highly suggest you upgrade when you are decided to go for the 400.

    Reply
Wayne - April 28, 2021

I have just bought an Equinox 800 and i am going out on my permissions on Friday. I have had 35+ years of metal detecting experience and i am looking forward to using and learning the characteristics of a superior detector. Hoping to find some artifacts of interest. And many hammered coins too.

Reply
Tony - March 4, 2023

Hi I have a Nox 800 and apparently the detector as some issues with the lugs on the search heads , one chap who I texted had to repair two coils as the warranty had run out .
It would appear the company Minelab knew about this and rectified the problem with the launch of the 900 and the Manticore .
But when the 800 came out it wasn’t cheap and I think Minelab have let the owners of the 800 down not sure about the 600.
Now you would have thought that Minelab being a big company would have sorted this out , but no they just want to make money and leave the buyers out on a limb and no where to go .

Reply
    Steve - March 31, 2023

    I’m sorry to hear that Tony, I’ll leave your comment in here as a warning for other users. It’s really about the warranty, I never heard bad things about the equinox 800 before.

    Reply
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