Choosing a Detector....HELP!!!

nevrdundetecting

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Location
Wayne Co., WV
Detector(s) used
Minelab Equinox 600, White's Prizm III, Bounty Hunter Pioneer EX
Pro-Find 15 pinpointer
Primary Interest:
Metal Detecting
I have been out of detecting for about 18 years and have been searching for a new detector to purchase. Plan on spending $500-$700 dollars. Going from my old Prizm III to one of these new detectors is confusing to say the least.
Here are the detectors that I'm trying to choose from:
  • Minelab Equinox 600
  • XP ORX
  • Fisher F75
  • Teknetics T2+
  • Garrett Ace APEX
  • Garrett AT Max
  • Nokta Makro
  • Any other suggestions....
I'll be searching for coins and relics mainly at old homesites, parks, and schools. I will also be taking the detector to the beach once or twice a year.

Any input is greatly appreciated!
 

I have been out of detecting for about 18 years and have been searching for a new detector to purchase. Plan on spending $500-$700 dollars. Going from my old Prizm III to one of these new detectors is confusing to say the least.
Here are the detectors that I'm trying to choose from:
  • Minelab Equinox 600
  • XP ORX
  • Fisher F75
  • Teknetics T2+
  • Garrett Ace APEX
  • Garrett AT Max
  • Nokta Makro
  • Any other suggestions....
I'll be searching for coins and relics mainly at old homesites, parks, and schools. I will also be taking the detector to the beach once or twice a year.

Any input is greatly appreciated!
I was in the same exact boat as you I was out 15 years actually when I went to get back in and search for Detectors, I was surprised that a couple companies were out of business and how much the technology changed one of the great things I liked is that Detectors became a lot lighter which was a main issue for me All depends what you’re looking for in a detector. My main priorities were it was lightweight waterproof had the capability of SMF and wireless Bluetooth headphones to Detectors checked all those boxes for me. One was the NM legend and the other was the NOx 800 the legend , although I never heard of an M before I decided to give a try because it was almost half the price which was in my budget now it’s gone down to $530 but for the money I would just get the pro pack, which includes the 6 inch coil Spare external battery which is another nice feature and can be had for around $600 from what I’ve seen which seems to be exactly in your price range. Just JMO hope this helps BTW, just be careful who you order from. There is one bad dealer out there , that is pretty “Big” dealer that totally screwed me sent me an item received it completely destroyed and did absolutely nothing about it to where I had to order another one from another dealer that takes a lot of gall
 

I was in the same exact boat as you I was out 15 years actually when I went to get back in and search for Detectors, I was surprised that a couple companies were out of business and how much the technology changed one of the great things I liked is that Detectors became a lot lighter which was a main issue for me All depends what you’re looking for in a detector. My main priorities were it was lightweight waterproof had the capability of SMF and wireless Bluetooth headphones to Detectors checked all those boxes for me. One was the NM legend and the other was the NOx 800 the legend , although I never heard of an M before I decided to give a try because it was almost half the price which was in my budget now it’s gone down to $530 but for the money I would just get the pro pack, which includes the 6 inch coil Spare external battery which is another nice feature and can be had for around $600 from what I’ve seen which seems to be exactly in your price range. Just JMO hope this helps BTW, just be careful who you order from. There is one bad dealer out there , that is pretty “Big” dealer that totally screwed me sent me an item received it completely destroyed and did absolutely nothing about it to where I had to order another one from another dealer that takes a lot of gall
Equinox 800 for $530?
 

I use and like the T-2 SE , it's deep and easy to use, lite and gets many hours on 4 AA batteries . at one time they were all the rage , now something else is what folks are buying . it's like what to buy ford or chevy ? good luck with what ever you pick.
 

There's top end machines that are being sold off that are slightly used.
I'd be looking in the classifieds on the forum
There's fellows that test then sell the units off.
If you can wait a bit good units come available.
 

My personal preference after watching a lot of reviews and detecting videos was the equinox, one thing I noticed is a lot of long time detectors switching to the nox from Garret and fisher. I have the nox 800 but they are one in the Same the 600 and 800, I purchased mine a year ago and have been very happy with it. It’s very light weight which is awesome for detecting long periods of time and it’s easier on your back. The factory presets are really good for relic hunting, coins and beach hunting modern jewelry right out the box. The settings are easy to adjust on the go you need to. Hope this helps
 

There's top end machines that are being sold off that are slightly used.
I'd be looking in the classifieds on the forum
There's fellows that test then sell the units off.

If you can wait a bit good units come available.
JMo the OP plans on spending
There's top end machines that are being sold off that are slightly used.
I'd be looking in the classifieds on the forum
There's fellows that test then sell the units off.
If you can wait a bit good units come available.
JMO the OP states spending $500-$700. with that they can buy a good brand new right now with 2 year warranty. Can you get a top end used in working condition, yes but as is usually. How long do you have to wait? And then compete with other buyers.
The NM legend rivals those top end detectors, don’t just take my word for it but hope he researches not bias reviews but actual user feedback.
I would like to add a Nok 800 but as it has user stated hardware issues as other detectors ( not knocking the Nox) would rather wait until more price drop and get new with warranty.
I get there is alot of “sales” going on in these forums trying to push advertising to a captive audience.
Having had businesses and been in marketing/advertising it’s pretty obvious but i have no vested interest in any manufacturer,dealers or detectors..
Main thing is to do what is right for the customer based on their wants and needs.
If they don’t mind used to save a few bucks nothing wrong with that. Everyone has different preferences.
Personally I always opt for new with warranty if possible. Second would be used with warranty third is used as is weather its a detector, a car, or any major purchase.
whatever my budget allows.
Not everyone has plenty of money for multiple detectors or time for that matter and if one breaks down no big deal. Whatever the OP does hopefully will research all options and do whats best for them. Appears they are.
Best wishes.
 

Welp, I ended up going with the Equinox 600. It was on sale on Amazon for $530. Also ordered a Minelab pinpointer and a new digger. Now the wait begins.... I'm excited to get back out swinging. Thanks to all who replied!
 

I have been out of detecting for about 18 years and have been searching for a new detector to purchase. Plan on spending $500-$700 dollars. Going from my old Prizm III to one of these new detectors is confusing to say the least.
Here are the detectors that I'm trying to choose from:
  • Minelab Equinox 600
  • XP ORX
  • Fisher F75
  • Teknetics T2+
  • Garrett Ace APEX
  • Garrett AT Max
  • Nokta Makro
  • Any other suggestions....
I'll be searching for coins and relics mainly at old homesites, parks, and schools. I will also be taking the detector to the beach once or twice a year.

Any input is greatly appreciated!
I would strongly recommend getting the Nokta Legend. It’s the best detector for the money hands down. Can’t get a better detector for the price point. Right now they are having crazy sells on it too!
Like $450 for the pro pack.
Also is easy to learn and use.
 

Welp, I ended up going with the Equinox 600. It was on sale on Amazon for $530. Also ordered a Minelab pinpointer and a new digger. Now the wait begins.... I'm excited to get back out swinging. Thanks to all who replied!
Ooops, didn’t see your reply before posting.
I’ve heard the Nox is also a great detector.
Good luck out there!
 

I would strongly recommend getting the Nokta Legend. It’s the best detector for the money hands down. Can’t get a better detector for the price point. Right now they are having crazy sells on it too!
Like $450 for the pro pack.
Also is easy to learn and use.
$450 for the pro pac?
Welp, I ended up going with the Equinox 600. It was on sale on Amazon for $530. Also ordered a Minelab pinpointer and a new digger. Now the wait begins.... I'm excited to get back out swinging. Thanks to all who replied!
Congrats HH
 

I would strongly recommend getting the Nokta Legend. It’s the best detector for the money hands down. Can’t get a better detector for the price point. Right now they are having crazy sells on it too!
Like $450 for the pro pack.
Also is easy to learn and use.
If $450 for a pro pack what was just the detector?
At those prices get another as a spare
 

in reading through this thread someone stated the Equinox 600 is the same as the equinox 800 it is not the only thing that is the same between the Nox 600 and 800 is they run the same frequencies and are multi frequencies the difference in the 600 and the nox 800 is the more finer adjustments that can be made on the 800 that the 600 cannot do like the prospecting or true Gold mode the 600 is not capable of that the OP already made his decision on which detector he chose to go with I just hope his decision was not based on false statements made by someone, the Legend and the Nox 800 are closer to being more alike alike then the nox 600 and nox 800

Also to the OP for future reference, I would steer clear of purchasing any detector on Amazon or Flea-bay because there are a lot of fakes on both sites if the deal seems to good to be true generally it is to good to be true, stick with trusted dealers, that can get you through warranty issues if they arise

just me .02 cents
 

I agree with oldkoot on using a trusted dealer for your purchases Amazon has had knock off, Chinese look a likes for sale before. we have a trusted vendors list on this site . I bought a new machine from one of them and it arrived broken , the dealer sent me another machine the day I called him , before the broken one was even sent back .
that's service you won't get from Amazon . you can see if yours is authentic by the serial number
 

Welp, I ended up going with the Equinox 600. It was on sale on Amazon for $530. Also ordered a Minelab pinpointer and a new digger. Now the wait begins.... I'm excited to get back out swinging. Thanks to all who replied!
Good decition

Eqx 600 is what I have and it work really acurate on Detecting coins, rellics, pendants, rings, etc. Its no heavy to use for long periods, battery is rechrgable and easy to use.

Good luck, keep detecting, keep posting and Keep in touch😎
 

The Nokta Legend, a serious tool for serious detecting, no BS
 

JMo the OP plans on spending

JMO the OP states spending $500-$700. with that they can buy a good brand new right now with 2 year warranty. Can you get a top end used in working condition, yes but as is usually. How long do you have to wait? And then compete with other buyers.
The NM legend rivals those top end detectors, don’t just take my word for it but hope he researches not bias reviews but actual user feedback.
I would like to add a Nok 800 but as it has user stated hardware issues as other detectors ( not knocking the Nox) would rather wait until more price drop and get new with warranty.
I get there is alot of “sales” going on in these forums trying to push advertising to a captive audience.
Having had businesses and been in marketing/advertising it’s pretty obvious but i have no vested interest in any manufacturer,dealers or detectors..
Main thing is to do what is right for the customer based on their wants and needs.
If they don’t mind used to save a few bucks nothing wrong with that. Everyone has different preferences.
Personally I always opt for new with warranty if possible. Second would be used with warranty third is used as is weather its a detector, a car, or any major purchase.
whatever my budget allows.
Not everyone has plenty of money for multiple detectors or time for that matter and if one breaks down no big deal. Whatever the OP does hopefully will research all options and do whats best for them. Appears they are.
Best wishes.
It was a suggestion for the OP

Certainly you are plugging (JMO) the "The NM legend" and there's nothing wrong with that.
Though why limit one's choices just because of a warranty card.
If the machine stands up to what the Manufacturer totes then that warranty card isn't ever required.

To put that into perspective:
I sent the Deus 1 in for a cuff repair on the headphones/ a slight shadow print that was on the screen/and a firm update.

Sent in the CTX 3030 for a warranty fix.

This was twice in owning machines for over 50yrs
(Can't say that about any vehicle I've ever bought new.)

So the warranty claim isn't a game stopper in buying a near new unit.
Nor does there a long waiting period of waiting for a unit to come up for sale.
Suggestion: There's the "Want to buy" forum also.

But sure the mid range units/with a warranty card can be bought today from any of the sponsors that advertise on TNet.
They all work-they all find little treasures the make the operator smile.
 

I have both, the EQ 800 and the Legend. At first, I kept using the 800, but the more I used the Legend, the better I liked it. Built stronger then the Minelab with everything the 800 has plus. For me, the Legend gave the most bang for the buck. The EQ 6 and 800 are really fine machines, but I only use the Legend now. With the Pro pack, extra battery pack wireless headphones and a 6" coil. Everyone out there, no, I am not trying to sell anyone on one machine, only on what I have owned and used over the many years. There are MANY brands and models I have never used. With nevrdundetecting's price point, the Legend.
 

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