Equinox 800 coil tab breaking. Defect?

[Dirty Digger Doug]

So I bought an Equinox 800 three years ago and have enjoyed it very much. While watching the multitude of metal detecting videos on YouTube I've seen time and time again that the tab that holds the coil on the shaft breaks off. I assumed it was a case of over tightening or banging around in the brush. Well after three years mine broke to. Although I use it a lot I never abuse it. So now I have to wonder if the design is insufficient for it's intended use or is there a defect. How many of us Equinox users have had their coil tabs break off? Lets get count. I'll start with 1.

 

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[pepperj]

I had ears break on the early Explorers coil even-so it's been a defect with Minelab coils for a longtime.
But it seems to be the Equinox line that it's really been a issue with some.

 

[Gare]

The new manticores have the tabs built on the shaft not the coil. So now you just replace the shaft

 

[Gare]

It does seem like with all the tab issues minelab would construct them much better

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

Check with Minelab, they were doing free replacements on broken coil tabs.

 

[Dirty Digger Doug]

I cut a piece of plexiglass and glued it to both tabs with JB weld. Once dry I re-drilled the holes to mount to the shaft. Seems to be working. I give minelab a call.

 

[Dirty Digger Doug]

I checked with Minelab and they replaced my coil. I think I'll make two new plexiglass pieces and JB weld them on before I start using the new coil.