Once you’ve outgrown a beginner detector like the Vanquish or X-Terra Voyager, the next step for most UK detectorists is one of Minelab’s higher-end machines: the Equinox 700, the Equinox 900 or the Manticore. They’re all multi-frequency, fully waterproof and well proven on British soil. The differences are in features, power and price, which runs from about £700 to about £1,400.
How we compared them: from Minelab’s specifications, the Amazon UK listings and reviews, and current UK prices. We haven’t tested them side by side ourselves.
The short answer
- Best value upgrade: Equinox 700 (about £699). Everything most UK detectorists need, for the least money.
- Best for gold and fine-tuning: Equinox 900 (about £1,049). Adds a Gold mode and a second, smaller coil.
- Best for maximum performance: Manticore (about £1,417). Minelab’s most powerful Multi-IQ+ machine, with advanced target ID.
- Stepping stone: X-Terra Pro (about £334). A fully waterproof detector with selectable frequencies, if you’re not ready to spend £700.
What they have in common
All three use Minelab’s multi-frequency technology, which is what makes them stable on wet, mineralised UK ground and on salt beaches. All three are fully waterproof, collapse for carrying, and support Minelab’s wireless headphones. Compared with a beginner detector, you get more control over settings, better target separation in rubbish-filled ground, and better depth on difficult soil.
Side-by-side comparison
| Equinox 700 | Equinox 900 | Manticore | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (approx.) | £699 | £1,049 | £1,417 |
| Technology | Multi-IQ | Multi-IQ | Multi-IQ+, higher power |
| Coils in the box | 11" DD | 11" and 6" DD | 11" DD |
| Gold mode | No | Yes | — |
| Target ID | Standard | Standard | Advanced 2D display |
| Waterproof | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Amazon UK rating | 4.5 (44) | 4.6 (198) | 4.6 (206) |
Prices and ratings are from Amazon UK in September 2026. All three were low in stock when we checked.
The detectors
Minelab Equinox 700: the value upgrade (about £699)
The Equinox 700 gives you Minelab's proven Multi-IQ performance with Park, Field and Beach modes, a waterproof 11-inch coil, and much more control than a beginner machine. For most UK detectorists working farmland and beaches, it's all the detector they'll ever need. Rated 4.5 stars from 44 Amazon UK reviews.
Minelab Equinox 900: for gold and fine-tuning (about £1,049)
The 900 adds a Gold mode and comes with a second, smaller 6-inch coil, which is good for working between rubbish in trashy fields and for small targets. It also gives more options for adjusting settings. Worth the extra if you'll prospect for gold or you like to tinker. Rated 4.6 stars from 198 reviews.
Minelab Manticore: maximum performance (about £1,417)
The Manticore uses Multi-IQ+, Minelab's most powerful version of its multi-frequency technology, and an advanced target ID display that shows more information about each target. It's aimed at experienced detectorists who want every bit of depth and separation. Rated 4.6 stars from 206 reviews. Bundles with a Pro-Find 40 pinpointer and carry bag cost about £1,799.
A cheaper step up: Minelab X-Terra Pro (about £334)
Not multi-frequency, but fully waterproof, with selectable frequencies and more control than a Vanquish. It's a good middle ground if £700 is too much. Rated 4.6 stars from 717 reviews. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Accessories worth budgeting for
- Wireless headphones. All three support Minelab’s wireless audio. The Minelab ML85 (about £128) is designed for the Manticore, and the ML105 (about £169) covers the Equinox 700 and 900 too. See our headphones guide.
- A pinpointer. If you don’t already have one, the Garrett Pro-Pointer AT is the UK favourite. See our pinpointer guide.
Which should you buy?
- Most UK detectorists upgrading from a beginner machine: Equinox 700.
- You’ll pan or prospect for gold, or like fine control: Equinox 900.
- You detect a lot and want the best Minelab makes: Manticore.
- You want a step up for well under £500: X-Terra Pro, or the Vanquish 560 from our Vanquish comparison.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Equinox 900 worth it over the 700? Only if you want the Gold mode, the second coil or finer control. For general UK detecting, the 700 does the job.
Is the Manticore better than the Equinox? It has more power and more advanced target ID, which experienced users can take advantage of. For many detectorists, the Equinox 700 or 900 is more than enough.
Are these detectors good for beginners? They work for beginners, but they have more settings to learn. Most people are better starting with a Vanquish and upgrading later.