Minelab makes some of the best metal detectors in the business. The Equinox 600 and Equinox 800 are both superb pieces of kit – but which is right for you? Here are all the details you need to know before hitting that buy button.
What's Better? Minelab Equinox 600 vs Minelab Equinox 800
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Tell me which is best now →A Detailed Comparison of The Minelab Equinox 600 vs Minelab Equinox 800
Frequency
Both Equinox models have Multi-IQ Simultaneous Multi-Frequency capability. This enables them to cover a broad range of frequencies, and therefore a broad range of targets, in one swing.
The difference is the Minelab Equinox 600 has three frequencies of 5 kHz, 10 kHz, and 15 kHz and the Equinox 800 has five frequencies of 5 kHz, 10 kHz, 15 kHz, 20 kHz, and 40 kHz.
So the Minelab Equinox 800 has more chance of picking up high conductivity targets like small gold because it has higher frequencies on offer.
It’s possible to switch to one of the single frequencies offered if there’s too much noise on both models.
Display
Both the 600 and the 800 have LCD with backlighting. The 800 has adjustable backlighting which is a nice touch.
Both have target ID, a depth gauge, and multi-notch discrimination on the display.
Ground Balance
The Equinox 600 and the Equinox 800 both have manual and automatic ground balancing.
Target Identification and Discrimination
The 600 has three detect modes which are park, field, and beach. The 800 has these plus one extra – a gold mode which is added because it has the two higher frequency capabilities.
In addition, the Equinox 800 has advanced settings that allow for finer tuning on the search options and frequencies plus an adjustable threshold pitch which is fixed on the 600.
Iron Audio
Both models have four-tone iron audio. The 800 has an extra capability to change the non-ferrous tones and the volume which will help if you like to detect by sound rather than display.
Waterproofing
Both Equinox metal detectors are waterproof to ten feet and will work in fresh and saltwater.
Audio
There’s a lot of audio on the 600 and 800 Equinox models. Both have the option of single tone, two-tone, five-tone and fifty-tone.
They both have noise cancel options and the 800 also has a manual override which is great for electrical inference areas.
Both models have headphones. The Equinox 600 has wired headphones whereas the 800 has WM 08 wireless module with Bluetooth headphones.
However, it is possible to add wireless headphones to the Equinox 600 at a later date.
Coil
Both detectors have 11-inch DD Smart coils with a skid plate.
Length and Weight
The 600 and 800 are the same length and weigh the same at a maximum of 56.7” and 2.96lbs.
Cost
The Equinox 800 is $200-300 more than an Equinox 600. For the extra cash you get two higher frequencies, wireless kit, and extra tuning options.
The Best Choice
The Minelab Equinox 600 is a great machine that uses the multi-frequency technology Minelab is known for. It’s also capable of taking wireless bluetooth headphones at a later date should you want to upgrade. This machine is a top-notch choice for all detectorists and you won’t regret it.
The Minelab Equinox 800 ups the price with higher frequencies so if you’re into finding gold this is a better choice – also, if you like wireless set-ups, go straight for the 800 as it comes wireless as standard.