Minelab Equinox vs. The E-TRAC

[UtahRich]

Truth be told, no detector will be obsolete once the Equinox arrives, they'll still find the same stuff they've been finding for years. The Equinox may well find the stuff these detectors have been missing, and do it in a much lighter, more ergonomic package with a lot more useful features. We'll find out next month!

Well said Brian.


Rich -

 

[IDXMonster]

Minelab just responded with this:

We are generally stating that Multi-IQ obsoletes single frequency detectors, not simultaneous multi-frequency detectors. This really has captured market attention! It is quite likely that some people will become EQUINOX supporters, while others will want to keep using their favourite FBS detector (not too dissimilar to GPX vs GPZ).

So the best honest answer to your question right now is:

"Multi-IQ has the future potential to obsolete FBS technology."


Truth be told, no detector will be obsolete once the Equinox arrives, they'll still find the same stuff they've been finding for years.

The Equinox may well find the stuff these detectors have been missing, and do it in a much lighter, more ergonomic package with a lot more useful features.

We'll find out next month!

Amen brother! It should be a nice capable machine,not a magic wand. Besides,even if it were a magic wand,much of the magic is in the guy holding it...

 

[kajunman]

Most water machines have a salt setting..... that may well make all things equal for salt water hunters. Salt water hunting may NOT be the priority of this machine...... but if its about equal..... many will buy it just because of price and the narrow performance difference. It will cut into the AT line, CTX and Xcal. Honestly, i rarely find gold at 18" on the dry sand. Many will pick it up as a replacement for the Deus or even their raw gold machines. We still scratch our heads on paying $2400 for the CTX over an Xcal...... but its use as an overall machines justified the price. As far as making them obsolete.... it sounds good dont it? I assume they are saying they have improved the mulit freq TID well enough to compete or exceed that of a specialized single freq. IF it is the machine ML thinks it is....... then other companies will be scrambling to produce machines that are truly all around machines at a reasonable price. This could get interesting. If this is a winner....... do you see some more going the way of the Sov and Explorer?

Doubtful other companies will follow . They will be treading on Patents all the way , Minelab must have sown up all ideas or most to do with Multi freq tech . Other than the Whites V3i that is.

As for most water machines having a salt setting . There are many that have that but dont work in the wet salt or are jumpy at best .

I wonder how many machines are on the drawing boards of competitors and how many have been binned because of the Equinox ?
I think its the European market that Minelab is trying to get back into , thats why it was released in the UK . Minelabs share in the UK/EU market has crashed over the last 7 or 8 years since the Deus came out . Garretts AT and Ace series have not helped either .

If Minelab have brought out a Holy Grail in the shape of the Equinox ? I hope it works well on the salt then they will sell like hotcakes and people will be flogging cheapy Deus's and that will upset Monsieur L'Francais till XP think something new.

Maybe Minelab should have named it the Longbow then we could show the V sign to the Deus in the Fields and shout remember Agincourt !

Fisher CZ 21's are multi frequency. Minelab designated their new multiple frequency as IQ. There's more than one way to generate multi frequencies. As we see two other companies using already. If Fisher would modernize the 21 they could market that detector. Whites should modernize and waterproof the VX3. Look for other makers to release multi frequency machines in 2018.

 

[OregonGregg]

LOL, Serious Brian, I know you're being nice and all....do you really think that this machine will replace your Racer 2/Impact with the Snake or Point or 5" coil in those old ghost towns with dense iron/rusted tin etc. It's just another VLF machine with some nifty features, hell if I thought simultaneously multi freq. was the cats meow I would have bought V3i years ago. LOL anyhow hope to see ya in NV come May. By the way ....nice avatar......guess ya must have borrowed an ML machine to find it

p.s here is some interesting reading:

http://www.findmall.com/read.php?100,2410416

http://www.findmall.com/read.php?102,2401179

Minelab just responded with this:

We are generally stating that Multi-IQ obsoletes single frequency detectors, not simultaneous multi-frequency detectors. This really has captured market attention! It is quite likely that some people will become EQUINOX supporters, while others will want to keep using their favourite FBS detector (not too dissimilar to GPX vs GPZ).

So the best honest answer to your question right now is:

"Multi-IQ has the future potential to obsolete FBS technology."


Truth be told, no detector will be obsolete once the Equinox arrives, they'll still find the same stuff they've been finding for years.

The Equinox may well find the stuff these detectors have been missing, and do it in a much lighter, more ergonomic package with a lot more useful features.

We'll find out next month!

 

[Big Treble]

This question and answer was provided on youtube. I did not ask this question and give 100% credit to the individual that did. Minelab's response is below.





How does Multi-IQ compare to BBS/FBS?


Minelab's Response:

Multi-IQ uses a different group of fundamental frequencies than BBS/FBS to generate a wide-band multi-frequency transmission signal that is more sensitive to high frequency targets and slightly less sensitive to low frequency targets. Multi-IQ uses the latest high-speed processors and advanced digital filtering techniques for a much faster recovery speed than BBS/FBS technologies. Multi-IQ copes with saltwater and beach conditions almost as well as BBS/FBS, however BBS/FBS still have an advantage for finding high conductive silver coins in all conditions.

So this quote from Minelab make the silver hunter in me tap on the brakes. Their use of the word slightly I'm thinking is used to marginalize the performance difference between the Nod and the Etrac/Ctx, and I see it as a definite shot across the bow of the Deus

 

[Nuke em]

This question and answer was provided on youtube. I did not ask this question and give 100% credit to the individual that did. Minelab's response is below.





How does Multi-IQ compare to BBS/FBS?


Minelab's Response:

Multi-IQ uses a different group of fundamental frequencies than BBS/FBS to generate a wide-band multi-frequency transmission signal that is more sensitive to high frequency targets and slightly less sensitive to low frequency targets. Multi-IQ uses the latest high-speed processors and advanced digital filtering techniques for a much faster recovery speed than BBS/FBS technologies. Multi-IQ copes with saltwater and beach conditions almost as well as BBS/FBS, however BBS/FBS still have an advantage for finding high conductive silver coins in all conditions.

So this quote from Minelab make the silver hunter in me tap on the brakes. Their use of the word slightly I'm thinking is used to marginalize the performance difference between the Nod and the Etrac/Ctx, and I see it as a definite shot across the bow of the Deus

Have you used the Terra 705? If so then this is better by far . what makes people think that it will be everything to everyone and be half the price of the flagship model ?
This machine has been brought out as I suspected to replace the Terra's and compete with the Garretts which it more than will.
If you have the CTX then you will have wait for a machine that will replace it in a few years .
Or maybe buy the Equinox and suffer a very small loss of high tone Silver and suffer the terrible ! finds of low conduct Gold .

Don't forget that this machine was released "outed" in the UK where low conduct Silver hammered coins are found .
This machine will more than match Garretts and be salt capable and multi freq too.
Bloody good deal for £879 or whatever $ that is.

 

[Big Treble]

This question and answer was provided on youtube. I did not ask this question and give 100% credit to the individual that did. Minelab's response is below.





How does Multi-IQ compare to BBS/FBS?


Minelab's Response:

Multi-IQ uses a different group of fundamental frequencies than BBS/FBS to generate a wide-band multi-frequency transmission signal that is more sensitive to high frequency targets and slightly less sensitive to low frequency targets. Multi-IQ uses the latest high-speed processors and advanced digital filtering techniques for a much faster recovery speed than BBS/FBS technologies. Multi-IQ copes with saltwater and beach conditions almost as well as BBS/FBS, however BBS/FBS still have an advantage for finding high conductive silver coins in all conditions.

So this quote from Minelab make the silver hunter in me tap on the brakes. Their use of the word slightly I'm thinking is used to marginalize the performance difference between the Nod and the Etrac/Ctx, and I see it as a definite shot across the bow of the Deus

Have you used the Terra 705? If so then this is better by far . what makes people think that it will be everything to everyone and be half the price of the flagship model ?
This machine has been brought out as I suspected to replace the Terra's and compete with the Garretts which it more than will.
If you have the CTX then you will have wait for a machine that will replace it in a few years .
Or maybe buy the Equinox and suffer a very small loss of high tone Silver and suffer the terrible ! finds of low conduct Gold .

Don't forget that this machine was released "outed" in the UK where low conduct Silver hammered coins are found .
This machine will more than match Garretts and be salt capable and multi freq too.
Bloody good deal for £879 or whatever $ that is.

I have not used the 705, the only ML I've had or used is the Etrac, I said the same thing about the Eqinox replacing the Xterra line on another forum and got scolded. I also said ML couldn't possibly making this line to replace the Etrac & CTX, again I got scolded.

The hype is enticing, and one month ago I said absolutely not, but now I think maybe. Although I'm pretty sure it will not be better than what I'm using for where and what I hunt.

 

[Nuke em]

They know better than to scald me. Its a Terra replacement and they better get used to it. All of them. It even looks like a Terra, albeit a modern one.

 

[Southwind]

I really don't see the Equinox making any other detector "obsolete". Heck, look at the Compadre. Still doing just fine in a world of high tech detectors that makes the Compadre look like a horse and buggy on the Autobahn.

I still think even the E-Trac/CTX will continue to remain at the top.

 

[Big Treble]

They know better than to scald me.

 

[Jason in Enid]

I really don't see the Equinox making any other detector "obsolete". Heck, look at the Compadre. Still doing just fine in a world of high tech detectors that makes the Compadre look like a horse and buggy on the Autobahn.

I still think even the E-Trac/CTX will continue to remain at the top.

Yeah, but "obsolete" doesn't mean "no longer functions". My Ford F-150 makes a Model T Obsolete, but the model T will still do what it always did. What part of a waterproof, lightweight, rechargeable, adjustable single frequency or multi freq without changing coils does not make all the other single frequency detectors "obsolete" Can any other VLF detector do ALL those things?

I agree its a bit cheezy to claim it will "obsolete" others, but its a brilliant marketing ploy. Look at how much conversation is has created!

 

[Nuke em]

I really don't see the Equinox making any other detector "obsolete". Heck, look at the Compadre. Still doing just fine in a world of high tech detectors that makes the Compadre look like a horse and buggy on the Autobahn.

I still think even the E-Trac/CTX will continue to remain at the top.

What do you mean remain ? They are the top end machines .

Why again is there so many that think the Equinox is the new be all and do all bestist perfect machine that nothing else beats ?

The Equinox is a mid range machine . Thats it . Its come out to bash Garrett and XP . Its not out to bash ET or CTX machines.

Minelab said it is going to make all single freq machines obsolete . Has no one seen through their pitch yet ?
They have done it to make people talk about the Equinox and stop them buying any other machine till the Equinox is out .

Fine for Minelab but it kills sales targets for the dealers that are having a *hi* time trying to do business at a time that should be busy .

The big problem now is there are too many makes and to many machines out there trying to get a small amount of people to buy them .

And remember that the Equinox was released in the UK , a place Minelab has struggled to sell in since the Deus came out , looks it anyway! .
If the Equinox works as said ? Then its the Deus its going head to head with not the CTX or ET .

On Faceache on a certain section there seems to be a war going on about the Equinox , cant say whats being said as i dont frequent that crap site anymore , Forums are better .
It all looks like people are going crazy trying to defend their machines against a machine that hasn't been released yet , Minelab is having a field day and must be laughing like Hell . I hope for their sake the Equinox works as they say , I hope so too . I need lightweight machines .

Stop comparing the CTX to the Equinox .

Its like comparing a Destroyer to a Frigate . They have different jobs and do their jobs just fine .

 

[Jason in Enid]

Why again is there so many that think the Equinox is the new be all and do all bestist perfect machine that nothing else beats ?

The Equinox is a mid range machine . Thats it . Its come out to bash Garrett and XP . Its not out to bash ET or CTX machines.

I think the extremely high expectations is based on the details of the features. Because it has a multi-freq, people are hoping for FBS-like performance on ground minerals (which ML has said it exceeds at) and since it has adjustable recovery speeds with demonstrated abilities on par with the DEUS for single freqs people are hoping for similar abilities there too. Then add to those things that its single freqs can go almost as low as the base freq of FBS and high enough for a gold hunter, it opens up so many possibilities. Add in that its waterproof and its like icing on the cake.

So when we look at all those POSSIBILITIES rolled together I can see why people expect it to be "the best". I am one of those and I hope my expectations are met. If it turns out the CTX is a tiny bit deeper on silver, so be it. I will have both to fill whatever roll I need for a specific hunt.

 

[Nuke em]

I think its all getting pretty damned silly all this comparing stuff . there are only a few test machines out there in the hands of a few fairly secretive people right now .

I hope the machine comes out on time or maybe we will need the UN to help calm everyone down !

 

[Jason in Enid]

I think its all getting pretty damned silly all this comparing stuff . there are only a few test machines out there in the hands of a few fairly secretive people right now .

I hope the machine comes out on time or maybe we will need the UN to help calm everyone down !

LOL, thats funny on many levels!

 

[Nuke em]

Actually the UN couldn't calm down a mill pond .

 

[kajunman]

I really don't see the Equinox making any other detector "obsolete". Heck, look at the Compadre. Still doing just fine in a world of high tech detectors that makes the Compadre look like a horse and buggy on the Autobahn.

I still think even the E-Trac/CTX will continue to remain at the top.

What do you mean remain ? They are the top end machines .

Why again is there so many that think the Equinox is the new be all and do all bestist perfect machine that nothing else beats ?

The Equinox is a mid range machine . Thats it . Its come out to bash Garrett and XP . Its not out to bash ET or CTX machines.

Minelab said it is going to make all single freq machines obsolete . Has no one seen through their pitch yet ?
They have done it to make people talk about the Equinox and stop them buying any other machine till the Equinox is out .



Fine for Minelab but it kills sales targets for the dealers that are having a *hi* time trying to do business at a time that should be busy .

The big problem now is there are too many makes and to many machines out there trying to get a small amount of people to buy them .

And remember that the Equinox was released in the UK , a place Minelab has struggled to sell in since the Deus came out , looks it anyway! .
If the Equinox works as said ? Then its the Deus its going head to head with not the CTX or ET .

On Faceache on a certain section there seems to be a war going on about the Equinox , cant say whats being said as i dont frequent that crap site anymore , Forums are better .
It all looks like people are going crazy trying to defend their machines against a machine that hasn't been released yet , Minelab is having a field day and must be laughing like Hell . I hope for their sake the Equinox works as they say , I hope so too . I need lightweight machines .

Stop comparing the CTX to the Equinox .

Its like comparing a Destroyer to a Frigate . They have different jobs and do their jobs just fine .

The obsolete term is way over the top by Minelab. My wife can buy a $5.00 purse at Wal Mart or a $5000.00 Fendi purse. They will carry the same stuff. My wife isn't buying the 5k purse. Same with the Nox. Some will never spend that much on a detector. Interesting part about the OP, the Max is now the best selling detector. Detector technology like anything else will continue to evolve. By this time next year there will likely be a "new magic wand" on the market.

 

[Jason in Enid]

My wife can buy a $5.00 purse at Wal Mart or a $5000.00 Fendi purse. They will carry the same stuff. ........ By this time next year there will likely be a "new magic wand" on the market.

You are confusing brand name with function. All purses do the same thing, they are a bag with pockets. Please list ONE other VLF detector that can change frequency without changing the coil, AND can run single or multi freqs, AND is fully functional on salt beaches, AND is waterproof, AND is capable of updating software without sending it in to the manufacturer.

Can you name one? Or has the EQ really eclipsed all those other VLF like that brilliant MARKETING tactic claims? I can tell you it was marketing genius because look at how many people it has talking!

 

[kajunman]

My wife can buy a $5.00 purse at Wal Mart or a $5000.00 Fendi purse. They will carry the same stuff. ........ By this time next year there will likely be a "new magic wand" on the market.

You are confusing brand name with function. All purses do the same thing, they are a bag with pockets. Please list ONE other VLF detector that can change frequency without changing the coil, AND can run single or multi freqs, AND is fully functional on salt beaches, AND is waterproof, AND is capable of updating software without sending it in to the manufacturer.

Can you name one? Or has the EQ really eclipsed all those other VLF like that brilliant MARKETING tactic claims? I can tell you it was marketing genius because look at how many people it has talking!

I'm not confused at all. All metal detectors detect metal. Some are better than others, doesn't change the fact they all detect metal. You obviously missed the point.

Or has the EQ really eclipsed all those other VLF like that brilliant MARKETING tactic claims? And the Max is still the best selling detector.

 

[amberjack]

I think it started out "has the potential to obsolete all single frequency detectors" then they went to hell with it in for a penny in for a pound and said "obsoletes all single frequency detectors" my question is does that mean it obsoletes itself ?

AJ