Big Wave Dave started the response by saying you may get brand loyalty responses. I know that some take a question like, "AT MAX or Equinox 800" as a Manufacturers Loyalty statement rather than performance question.
From 1985 until 2012, I was using Garrett detectors exclusively. Then I purchased a Minelab Etrac. I really saw a difference in performance and productivity. Garrett is a great company that makes a great product and is hard to match in their after sales support .
Minelab is a different technology and has outperformed the Garrett machines in various applications. I did recovered numerous gold rings with the AT PRO, but the PRO will not perform anywhere close to the Excalibur in salt water. Different technology. Since breaking the "Loyalty " stigma, I have added the CTX 3030 as well as the XP DEUS.
I'm watching very closely at what is happening with the Equinox 800. I'm pretty sure it will be my next detector.