Equinox 700

Minelab Equinox 700 vs Minelab Equinox 900

The Minelab Equinox series has long been a favorite among metal detecting enthusiasts, offering reliable performance across a wide range of environments. With the release of the Equinox 700 and Equinox 900, Minelab has once again raised the bar. But what sets these two models apart, and which one might be right for you? Let’s dive into a side-by-side comparison to help you decide.


Design & Build

  • Equinox 700:
    • The design of the Equinox 700 is sleek and lightweight, making it comfortable for long detecting sessions.
    • It has a 11-inch multi-frequency coil and a well-balanced build.
    • Built with durability in mind, the Equinox 700 is also water-resistant up to 3 meters (10 feet), which is great for beach and shallow water detecting.
  • Equinox 900:
    • The Equinox 900 maintains a similar design and build quality, but it features some enhanced ergonomics for greater comfort and balance.
    • It comes with a larger 11-inch coil with a slight improvement in depth and sensitivity.
    • The waterproofing is upgraded, offering up to 5 meters (16.4 feet), making it better suited for deeper water adventures.

Winner: Equinox 900 – It offers enhanced waterproof capabilities, making it better suited for those who plan on detecting in deeper water.


Performance & Detection Technology

  • Equinox 700:
    • The Equinox 700 offers multi-frequency technology (Multi-IQ), allowing it to operate across multiple frequencies simultaneously for better target identification and separation.
    • The performance is excellent across most terrains, from parks to beaches, though it does show some limits in highly mineralized soil compared to the 900.
    • It features six preset detecting modes, including a “Gold” mode for prospecting.
  • Equinox 900:
    • The Equinox 900 builds on the 700’s capabilities with a more refined version of the Multi-IQ technology, offering improved target separation and depth, particularly in mineralized ground.
    • The 900 includes 12 preset modes, including a more advanced “Gold” mode, making it a better choice for gold prospecting and treasure hunters in challenging conditions.
    • Enhanced target recovery speed makes it ideal for trashy areas, allowing for better discrimination.

Winner: Equinox 900 – The upgraded Multi-IQ technology and enhanced target separation provide more precision and versatility, especially in difficult ground conditions.


User Interface & Features

  • Equinox 700:
    • The 700 features a straightforward, user-friendly interface, with a large display that shows depth, target ID, and settings.
    • It offers 10 adjustable volume levels, plus a simple, intuitive control system with easy access to modes and settings.
    • A great choice for beginners and intermediate detectorists who want simplicity without sacrificing too much performance.
  • Equinox 900:
    • The 900 offers an improved LCD display with higher resolution for better visibility and more detailed information.
    • It has a more advanced user interface, with added customization options for detecting settings and the ability to save personal profiles.
    • Bluetooth connectivity allows for the use of wireless headphones, and the improved firmware offers more options for tuning and calibration.

Winner: Equinox 900 – With its enhanced display, better customization options, and Bluetooth support, the Equinox 900 is a more advanced option for experienced users.


Battery Life & Charging

  • Equinox 700:
    • The Equinox 700 offers up to 12 hours of battery life with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which is more than sufficient for a full day of detecting.
    • It uses a USB-C charging port, ensuring quick charging and easy compatibility.
  • Equinox 900:
    • The 900 has a slightly more efficient battery, offering up to 14 hours of detecting time.
    • It also features USB-C charging, but with faster charging speeds and slightly improved energy efficiency for longer outings.

Winner: Equinox 900 – The battery life improvement is modest but still worth noting for longer sessions.


Price

  • Equinox 700:
    • The Equinox 700 is priced lower than the 900, making it a more budget-friendly option while still offering excellent performance.
  • Equinox 900:
    • The Equinox 900 is the more premium model, priced higher due to its added features and improved technology.

Winner: Equinox 700 – It offers great value for money, especially for those who don’t need all the extra features of the 900.


Conclusion

Both the Minelab Equinox 700 and Minelab Equinox 900 are fantastic metal detectors that deliver excellent performance. The 700 is a great choice for users who want a reliable, high-performing detector at a lower price point, especially for general use in parks, beaches, and fields. On the other hand, the Equinox 900 is the more advanced model, offering superior depth, improved target separation, enhanced waterproofing, and better overall customization, making it a solid investment for serious detectorists or those looking for more precision and versatility in challenging environments.

Final Verdict:

  • Go for the Equinox 700 if you’re looking for value, ease of use, and solid performance across a wide range of conditions.
  • Choose the Equinox 900 if you want the best performance, especially in difficult soil or water conditions, and are willing to invest in the extra features.
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