The Minelab Vanquish 340 is an entry-level metal detector designed for beginners who want high performance at an affordable price. Featuring Multi-IQ technology, simple controls, and lightweight construction, it’s an excellent choice for those new to metal detecting.
Key Features
✔ Multi-IQ Technology – Simultaneous multi-frequency detection for improved accuracy
✔ 3 Search Modes – Coin, Jewelry, and All Metal
✔ Waterproof V10 Coil – Fully submersible for wet sand and shallow water detecting
✔ Lightweight Design – Weighs only 1.2 kg (2.6 lbs) for easy handling
✔ Simple Control Panel – Beginner-friendly with no complicated settings
✔ Fixed Ground Balance – Automatically adjusts to different soil conditions
✔ Audio Target Tones – Clear sound differentiation for different metal types
Performance & Usability
Multi-IQ Technology – A Game Changer for Beginners
One of the biggest advantages of the Vanquish 340 is Minelab’s Multi-IQ technology. Unlike single-frequency detectors, Multi-IQ runs multiple frequencies simultaneously, allowing it to detect both large and small targets at different depths.
This gives it a significant edge over other budget-friendly detectors, making it more versatile for different ground conditions—including mineralized soil and wet sand.
Detection Depth & Accuracy
The Vanquish 340 comes with a V10 10”x7” Double-D coil, which offers solid detection depth:
- Coins can be detected at around 6-8 inches
- Larger objects can be found at over 10 inches
While it doesn’t reach the depth of high-end detectors, its accuracy and stability are impressive for an entry-level machine.
Discrimination & Target ID
The Vanquish 340 offers 5 discrimination segments, allowing users to filter out unwanted trash like iron and aluminum. The target tones help differentiate between valuable and junk targets, making it easier to decide whether to dig.
Beach & Water Performance
Thanks to Multi-IQ technology, the Vanquish 340 performs better on wet sand than most budget detectors. However, it lacks a dedicated beach mode, meaning performance in highly mineralized saltwater conditions may not be as smooth as more advanced models.
The search coil is waterproof, but the control box is not, so care is needed when detecting in wet environments.
Search Modes
- Coin Mode – Optimized for finding coins with improved discrimination
- Jewelry Mode – Focuses on small valuable targets like rings and bracelets
- All Metal Mode – Detects everything, ideal for relic hunting
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
✔ Multi-IQ technology – Better detection depth and accuracy than single-frequency detectors
✔ Simple & beginner-friendly – No complex settings, easy to use
✔ Lightweight & comfortable – Great for extended detecting sessions
✔ Good discrimination settings – Helps reduce time wasted on junk targets
✔ Affordable price – Offers excellent value for the features included
❌ Cons
✖ No pinpoint mode – Makes target location slightly harder
✖ No volume control – Must rely on external headphones for volume adjustment
✖ Fixed ground balance – Works well in most conditions but may struggle in extreme mineralization
✖ Control box is not waterproof – Only the coil is submersible
Who Should Buy the Minelab Vanquish 340?
✔ Beginners and casual hobbyists – Simple operation with great performance
✔ Budget-conscious users – Offers advanced features at an affordable price
✔ Park and dry land hunters – Great discrimination and target separation
✔ Beach detectorists (dry sand) – Handles wet sand better than most entry-level models
Final Verdict
The Minelab Vanquish 340 is one of the best entry-level metal detectors available today. It’s easy to use, lightweight, and offers impressive accuracy for its price range, thanks to Multi-IQ technology.
While it lacks some advanced features like pinpoint mode and adjustable ground balance, its detection depth, target separation, and discrimination capabilities make it a great first detector for beginners.