Don’t make this (my) mistake with your new Minelab

[Ytcoinshooter]

I just posted a link to the video….
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1644UBobtk/?mibextid=wwXIfr
After I got my EQX800 in 2018 I bought this 600 new 2/2020 for my wife to use and be involved as she likes the easy digging sugar sand fun and competition hunts. It’s a closet queen never having been in the dirt. Never submerged until yesterday. It ran fine but targets were sparse. I shut it down after I got out of the water. Arriving home after the 10 minute ride back from the beach I found it was ON and non responsive. It’s not flooded. I’ve swapped coils, tried factory reset, put in on the charge…it’s a lousy paperweight now. It’s never sat in a hot vehicle or gone between extreme temps. I saw Waterwalker has a similar issue but his was still “new”. I was dumb having faith in Minelab that I got good unit like my 800 that never gave me an issue. I was aware of reported issues when these were first released but never dunked her 600. I will say the on/off button has always been stiff and still is. I’ve seen where Minelab will offer a new control pod with 3/yrs warranty for a unit that has no warranty left. I don’t think $500-$600 for another 600 pod is a wise move while I do have an 800 and there are newer EQX - Manticore choices. Was planning to take this 600 to MX with my PI. Now I’ll take my 800 and try and convince them (if searched) it’s a 600 by covering the logo under the screen with the English screen in protector. I’ve flown to the Rivera Maya / Cancun 9 previous times and only once did they question the value of my “sports equipment”. The big SS travel scoop in the checked bag got me pulled aside n 2023. I keep receipts with me when I travel. When security asked about the scoops and why I have them I showed ‘em my SeaHunter MK2. I bought it used under retail off FleaBay. Dang, they looked up the list price right there. I paid under $600 so no duty to pay and they never saw my EQX800 stashed in my carryon. My 10th trip to water hunt in MX starts at the end of this month. I’m not going to buy some new low dollar waterproof throwaway just for this trip like I’ve seen from other manufacturers. She has snorkeled a little with other detectors looking for targets. Quality matters and I’ve thrown a few units away like the pulse dive (both coils) with its cracking body and leaks. Had some other pos handhelds too that let her down. The Nox on a telescopic stem was the best solution.
Someday I may grab a manticore to keep for stateside hunts with my D2. You can be sure I’ll head straight to the water when I get an MCore.
Thanks for letting me vent.
Hope you all are getting out where the weather permits.
Bruce

 

[fwcrawford]

Sorry to hear about this.
I bought my Equinox at the end of 2019 and was later told by a dealer that mine is right on the line as to whether the issue had been resolved.. since I was not planning to submerge it anyhow, I am not concerned, but I did buy an XTP at the end 2023 to use while water detecting… I gave it a good run in the water last summer and so far, no issues with it.
I guess it still a gamble with tue 600/800, but I have not heard of an issues with the 700/900/ XTP/ or XTE yet.

 

[Ytcoinshooter]

Sorry to hear about this.
I bought my Equinox at the end of 2019 and was later told by a dealer that mine is right on the line as to whether the issue had been resolved.. since I was not planning to submerge it anyhow, I am not concerned, but I did buy an XTP at the end 2023 to use while water detecting… I gave it a good run in the water last summer and so far, no issues with it.
I guess it still a gamble with tue 600/800, but I have not heard of an issues with the 700/900/ XTP/ or XTE yet.

Just to be clear. Was the issue your dealer referred to - “non-responsive freezing up” or flooding?

 

[fwcrawford]

Just to be clear. Was the issue your dealer referred to - “non-responsive freezing up” or flooding?

Water leaks…
But that screen locking up could be from water infiltration too… just not noticeable on screen yet.
Since it is out of warranty, I would remove the pod and open up the battery compartment and check for moisture and let it air out for a few days.
What could it hurt at this point?

 

[silvercoinboy]

What is the issue with metal detectors to Mexico? I have brought mine and had no problem.

 

[Ytcoinshooter]

What is the issue with metal detectors to Mexico? I have brought mine and had no problem.

No issue but the importation of sports equipment in general. There was a limit of $600 per person sports equipment could be subject to duty. I’m now seeing a lower amount like $300. I’m having a hard time finding that $600 now. However a 19% duty on items on excess of the allowable limits can be imposed if you are flagged for inspection. The kicker is if you do not have receipt showing what you paid they will find the highest retail price on the web and base the duty on that. Just knowing it’s their call, their game totally. So I have all my receipts.
I refer to each detector as a personal set of sports equipment when asked.

Mexico Travel Requirements and Declarations

In the past 10 years, Mexico travel requirements have become more strict than ever before; you must prepare. Click to learn about Mexico entry and declarations requirements

fmirentals.com

 

[Ytcoinshooter]

I refer to each detector as a personal set of sports equipment when asked.
The Nox is disassembled and in my carryon. The SeaHunter MK2 is packed with headphones, batteries and control unit in a well made black Garrett knapsack.
The rods for it and all scoops are in the checked baggage. This is my 10th trip, I was only hassled once, 2023 - no fun dealing with them. With my long hair / long braid I’m used to being singled out for extra scrutiny but only once was the detector at issue.