If you’re in the market for a metal detector, opting for a model from an established and reputable brand is your best bet, according to Joanna Jana Laznicka, metal detectorist and founder of Focus Speed.
“Opting for trusted brands ensures you receive a quality product backed by reliable customer support,” she explains. When it comes to trusted brands, there are several that Laznicka recommends, including Nokta, Garrett, Bounty Hunter and Minelab. Our team put 11 metal detectors to the test, including the Minelab Equinox 900.
Our expert product testers paid careful attention to details including how easy it was to assemble, its ergonomics and its overall performance. They even brought it to a local beach and were impressed to discover that this expert-recommended model was able to detect gold from farther away than most of its competitors. Heres everything you need to know about the Minelab Equinox 900.
What is the Minelab Equinox 900?
The Minelab Equinox 900 is the latest model in the Minelab Equinox lineup. According to Laznicka, this upgraded version is a versatile metal detector suitable for beach combing, park searching, relic hunting and gold prospecting. It features an 11-by-6-inch waterproof coil, backlit digital LCD display and rechargeable battery. At just 2.85 pounds, it is extremely lightweight and easy to maneuver.
This metal detector is loaded with useful features, including a built-in flashlight, multi IQ frequency setting and vibration feedback for underwater use and hearing impaired users, Additionally, it has multiple terrain-based presets and customizable discrimination patterns.
Priced at $1,149, the Minelab Equinox 900 is the most expensive model we tested. But given its features and overall ease of use, our product testers agree that its worth its weight in gold.
EMIKO FRANZEN FOR FAMILY HANDYMANWe Tried It
Minelab Equinox 900
This metal detector is loaded with features including gold-specific settings, various terrain-based presets and vibration mode.
Minelab Equinox 900 Features
Waterproof
The Minelab Equinox 900 is fully submersible up to five meters (16.4 feet) and vibrates when it detects something underwater.
Terrain-Based Presets
Choose from park, field, and beach. Each search mode has two search profiles to help you find what you’re looking for.
Gold Preset
According to our testers, the Minelab Equinox 900 is one of the few units they tested with a gold setting. It also has two search profiles.
Vibration
The Minelab Equinox 900 vibrates when an object is detected. This is ideal for underwater use and individuals with hearing impairment.
Custom User Profiles
Create up to four user profiles on the machine for personalized settings and functionality.
Backlit LCD & Built-in LED Flashlight
The backlit digital display and built-in flashlight allow you to use the Minelab Equinox 900 day or night.
How We Tested It
Product testers Annamarie Higley and Sydney Manning began by assembling the unit, a process they described as easy. “All you had to do is attach the head and slide on the arm cuff,” says Manning. After it was fully assembled and on Higley’s arm, our testers found that they liked the adjustable armrest.
They also liked the rubber on the underside of the handle, which made it easy to grip. However, they preferred the more comfortable foam grips found on other models. Additionally, they questioned how comfortable this metal detector would be overall, given that they were unable to get it tight or flush with Higley’s arm. Aside from these observations, our testers agreed that the Minelab Equinox 900 is very well made and they expect it to last a long time.
Our testers began their official testing process with an air test, which is a standard basic functionality test that many companies recommend prior to first use. To perform this test, our team placed the Minelab Equinox 900 on a non-metal surface outside and proceeded to wave a selection of metal items in front of the coils.
These items included a pair of 10k gold earrings, a copper pipe, aluminum foil, pull tabs, bottle caps, a screw and a nail. It was able to detect all of our items from a foot away or less. It detected gold from 8 to 10 inches away. “This is unsurprising because this is one of the few units with a gold setting,” says Higley.
Gold wasn’t the only metal the Minelab Equinox 900 detected. Our team was highly impressed when this metal detector consistently detected various metals from roughly 10 inches away. Moreover, they found that it effectively discriminated against the nail and the screw in one of the terrain-based presets, which most other models were unable to do.
While the overall performance of the Minelab Equinox 900 impressed our team, its depth reader left much to be desired. According to Higley, the depth reader was typically incorrect. That said, it still did a great job picking up items that were deep beneath the ground. “We were really impressed how deep this metal detector could detect items, even through a bunch of big buried rocks,” says Higley.
Additionally, our team determined that the screen was not very intuitive. However, they noted that the manual is comprehensive and walks you through everything well.
The Minelab Equinox 900 will set you back $1,149 but our testers agree it’s worth the money. “Not many metal detectors are fitted out with gold-specific settings, but this one is. In fact, it has two gold settingsone for difficult ground and one for normal ground. The fact that this could identify 10-karat gold from 8 inches away and 14-karat gold from 10 inches away really wowed us,” raves Higley.
Pros
- Has gold-specific settings
- Nice included accessories
- Various terrain-based presets
- Smaller secondary coil head
- Rechargeable
- Vibration mode
- Quality construction
Cons
- Expensive
- Not the most intuitive to read
Why You Should Trust Us
In order to help you decide if the Minelab Equinox 900 is the right detector for you, our product testing experts on the product testing team spent approximately 80 hours in our lab getting up close and personal with 11 metal detectors. Several of those hours were spent actively testing the Minelab Equinox 900.
We performed 13 tests on each metal detector and collected roughly 600 data points overall. We also spoke to Joanna Jana Laznicka, metal detectorist and founder of Focus Speed. Laznicka provided expert insight on what to look for when shopping for metal detectors. She also detailed her experience with some of the best models on the market, including the Minelab Equinox 900.
FAQ
How deep can the Minelab Equinox 900 detect?
The Minelab Equinox 900 is able to detect items that are buried 8 inches or deeper.
Is the EQUINOX 900 good for beginners?
Yes. Higley and Manning are beginners and were able to successfully operate this metal detector. They had no trouble referring back to the user manual which they describe as comprehensive and easy to follow.
Can the EQUINOX 900 find gold?
Yes! The Minelab Equinox 900 has two gold-specific settings. Our team was able to identify 10-karat gold from 8 inches away and 14-karat gold from 10 inches away.
What Other Reviewers Had to Say
Detectorists love the Minelab Equinox 900. Most reviewers rave about its quality construction, accuracy and ease of use. Here’s what actual users have to say.
Verified Amazon user The Master Dude is a novice detectorist who is glad he opted for the Minelab Equinox 900. “I just started metal detecting in 2024 and I am so glad I purchased the Minelab Equinox 900. I have gone out detecting some old farms in Pennsylvania and this detector has impressed me every time,” he writes. “I recommend you watch some online videos to see how others have tested the Equinox 900. There are some excellent videos where the video person digs multiple depth holes and places coins in the bottom of each hole. I stand by their results because I have witnessed similar findings. I love this detector and plan to continue using it for many years to come. I also purchased an optional 15-inch coil so I can cover more ground. I feel it increases my productivity in the plowed fields.”
Pj, another five-star reviewer, purchased this metal detector as a gift for their husband and it was a huge hit! “I purchased this Minelab 900 detector for my husband’s birthday after he saw someone using one on the beach. He had another older brand that was years old and this one just blew him away for the ease and accuracy of use,” writes Pj. “He has taken the pro find pin pointer by itself sometimes when we go a short drive to the lake. He is still learning on how to use it because he is old school he is not into ‘tech’ stuff but he will have it all down soon enough.”
And Amazon user Lucinda Griffin is delighted to have upgraded to the Minelab Equinox 900. “There is a learning curve to using this, but that’s the same with any detector. Its preset programs are on point, and you can customize the way you want them,” she writes. “This thing is lightweight, making you swing longer without tiring out, and it is so compact when the shaft is slid up into its three sections. I upgraded from a Whites XLT and a V3i. I thought I loved that V3i, but found a new connection with this Equinox 900. I’ve only just begun to use it, and found 3 dimes and a quarter in my yard that I missed with the V3i. Looking forward to many hunts with this Nox900.”
Better yet, Griffin returned to update her review. “Update…this detector hits hard on silver! 11-inch deep dime and 8-inch deep half dollar, among more dimes. Loving it,” she raves.
The Minelab Equinox 900 vs. Minelab Equinox 800
The Minelab Equinox 900 is the latest model in the Equinox lineup. It’s also the most expensive, running $350 more than its predecessor. Is it worth the extra money? You bet, according to Laznicka. “The Equinox 800 has been known to experience waterproofing issues if left in hot cars, which can damage the seals. It also has a tendency for the coil ears to break. However, both of these issues have been addressed in the newer Minelab Equinox 900 model,” she explains.
Final Verdict
If your budget allows for a top notch metal detector, then this Minelab Equinox 900 is a no brainer. Its gold-specific settings and ability to detect items buried deep in the ground are sure to give you a leg up when it comes to finding buried treasure.
Where to Buy the Minelab Equinox 900
The Minelab Equinox 900 is available for $1,149 at a variety of retailers including Amazon, Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops and Scheels.
EMIKO FRANZEN FOR FAMILY HANDYMANWe Tried It
Minelab Equinox 900
The Minelab Equinox 900 is superior at detecting gold and deep items.
The post Want to Strike Gold? Here’s Why You Need the Minelab Equinox 900 Metal Detector appeared first on Family Handyman.
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