Equinox 600 vs Equinox 700

Here we are again with another Minelab Equinox showdown. This time it’s the Equinox 600 vs Equinox 700.

It’s once again a battle between an older, established Equinox model which represents outstanding value, and a higher-priced, next-generation model with upgraded features.

At Crawfords Metal Detectors we would like to stipulate that we believe that there is not definitive ‘right or wrong’ on which detector is better in this analysis, and it should be approached on an individual basis. A detector with higher features might not be the best for you, it depends on your perception of value, and your particular circumstances. Anyhow, let’s progress and hopefully we can help you make a decision. 

If you’re short of time, take a quick skim of the specification comparisons below and then head straight to the summary at the bottom. For those who want more detail, please enjoy this full 6-8 minute comparison, and feel free to share your thoughts with the comments below. 

Specification: Equinox 600 vs the Equinox 700 

Physical Attributes

Although they are both entirely new models, the Equinox 700 and Equinox 900 can be viewed as upgraded versions of the Equinox 600 and Equinox 800. And in terms of design alterations the biggest changes that Minelab have provided to the new Equinox models are based around the physical composition. 

Detectorists have been modifying their Equinox detectors since their release in 2017. Users made their detectors both lighter and more compact by adding aftermarket detector shafts. The Equinox 700 has a collapsible, carbon fibre shaft which saves weight, provides strength and makes it a more convenient machine than the Equinox 600. You would think that this would mean that the Equinox 700 is a lot lighter overall than the 600, but due to other added auxiliary features (more on this later) they actually weigh a similar amount. 

Visually, the Equinox 700 looks better. And we mean even better than an Equinox 600 that’s had an aftermarket carbon-fibre shaft fitted. Minelab have done well on both design and production, and the unit just looks more modern and for want of a better word, ‘cooler’.

Equinox 700 win big points over the Equinox 600 in terms of construction and design. 

Waterproof

The waterproof rating is also now improved from 3 metres to 5 metres for those wanting to delve a little deeper into the fray. However, this is somewhat irrelevant to a high percentage of detectorists. 

Half a point to the Equinox 700 here. 

Headphones

It’s not essential, but most detectorists prefer wireless audio and one great benefit of choosing the Equinox 700 over the Equinox 600 is that it comes with the new Minelab ML85 low-latency Bluetooth headphones. These headphones are an upgrade to the ML80’s Minelab supplied with many of their detectors for years now, and are a faster, comfortable upgrade. Financially, this is something to consider, as a good set of Bluetooth headphones can be expensive and that cost is absorbed into the price of the 700. But, if that isn’t important to you, then it’s another reason to save money and buy the Equinox 600 which comes with wired headphones. At Crawfords Metal Detectors we recommend wireless headphones, they aren’t essential but we feel generally make detecting a more positive experience. 

Another point to the Equinox 700. 

Auxiliary Features

There are few little features which have been added to the Equinox 700 (and Equinox 900) which we should mention. Minelab have added both a torch to the back of the control box to help illuminate the ground, and a vibration option to the detector handle. Both of these features can be toggled on and off to save battery and the vibration setting works in conjunction with the discrimination patterns (more on this below).

It's non-essential, but some may be swayed by these auxiliary detector features. 

Depth and Sensitivity

The golden question. Is the Equinox 700 any deeper than the Equinox 600? 

I was pretty much even on our testing, the Equinox 700 is possibly fractionally deeper, but it was close, which we would expect to see, as the processor is a little more efficient and powerful than the 600.  *As a small side note, there is a difference in sensitivity between the Equinox 800 and Equinox 900, from 1-25 up to 1-28 on the latter, again down to the improved processor. If you’d like to read the comparison between these two models please click here. 

Target Identification and Discrimination

Discrimination is where things get interesting. Minelab have really improved the discrimination experience by expanding the range of identification numbers available. For those who are new to discrimination it’s could be viewed as pixels on a photograph, the Equinox 600 is a 50 megapixel image, whereas the Equinox 700 is a 119 megapixel one! But this doesn’t mean that the detector is gathering a more information, it’s just segregating it into finer pieces so that you can choose more sophisticated discrimination patterns. Overall, you have a finer degree of information, both in the identification numbers used by the detector to describe a target, and for you to omit in your discrimination pattern when searching. 

This is definitely a point to the Equinox 700.

The Control Box

The control box is very similar on both machines, identical in terms of quality and with very minor changes. Icons and buttons lie in the same places which mean that if you are considering an upgrade from the Equinox 600 to the Equinox 700 then you will have virtually no learning curve. It’s also worth pointing out that if you’re new to the  Equinox range you won’t struggle too, as the screen is simple. The arc number in the centre is the target identification number, depth indicator lies to its right hand side, the circular graphic shows the discrimination pattern, battery life is in the top left corner and search modes are at the bottom. It’s nice and simple. 

We’d call this one a draw. 

Multi-IQ & Search Modes

When the Manticore was released in the late 2022, we were first introduced to Multi-IQ+, a more powerful type of detector processing which supports a more sophisticated engine within the detector. This provides the Manticore with 10 search profiles whereas the Equinox range only hosted 3 or 4 (3 for the Equinox 600, and 4 for the Equinox 800). We assume there is quite a difference between Multi-IQ and Multi-IQ+ in terms of what the machine can support, but is there any different between the Multi-IQ within the Equinox 600 and Equinox 800, and the new-generation Equinox 700 and Equinox 900 models.

We asked Minelab about if they differ and they said that the new Equinox models have a ‘tuned’ version of Multi-IQ. They did not specify how, and to be honest, I’m not sure we’d understand if they did, but it suggests marginal improvements that are down to processor efficiency. The search modes also remain the same. Field, Beach and Park are all accessible, with the Gold search mode being reserved for the Equinox 800 and Equinox 900 models. 

In terms of processing, and simple, out-of-the-box operation, the two detectors are both pretty much neck and neck, apart from the word ‘tuned’. We do trust Minelab, as they always deliver great tech and so don’t doubt that it’s an improvement in detecting, but can’t quantify it. 

Misc

It’s only a small point but we’d like to mention that both the Equinox 700 and Equinox 900 are both compatible with any existing Equinox coils. And even those from approved  3rd party manufacturers such as Coiltek. This means if you have additional coils already for your Equinox 600, they will fit anything within the range that you upgrade to. If you’d like to look at some of our Equinox coils please click here.

Summary

This is a tricky one. Sure, it’s easy to say that if you have more money why not buy the Equinox 700, but it depends on how much you value convenience, looks, and small tweaks in performance. We think it’s fair to say that the Equinox 600 can do almost as much as the Equinox 700, but it’s not quite as easy to use, not quite as powerful, not quite as customisable, and not quite as waterproof. We suppose it depends on how much ‘not quite’ means to you. 

Our summary says that the Equinox 600 is better value than the Equinox 700, IF, you’re not planning on upgrading your stem at a later date (this will cost around £100-£140). If you’re going to modify later, then just buy the 700 now if you can afford it, and benefit from the additional internal perks. If you can live without having the best model, don’t need to go deep in the water, and are happy to have a machine with simpler discrimination, then just get the Equinox 600. 

“So, who should buy the 700?” we hear you ask? At Crawfords Metal Detectors we believe that the Equinox 700 is perfect for those who want an already optimised machine, but don’t have the budget to spend on a detector such as the Equinox 900 (currently £1,099). And before you say it, yes, the Equinox 800 lies between those two detectors, but this of course steps back again in terms of hardware, discrimination and auxiliary features etc. The Equinox 700 is the most cutting edge technology in its price point. 

Key Points

·      The Equinox 700 wins on discrimination, waterproof rating, headphones, composition and auxiliary features (torch, vibration etc). 

·      Get the Equinox 600 if you want the best value for money – it wins on price!

·      At Crawfords we think the Equinox 700 is the best metal detector for under £800.

·      Don’t buy the Equinox 700 if you already have the Equinox 600 – (it’s not fundamentally different enough, grab the

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