Upgrade to Manticore from Equinox 800

PullTabPete

PullTabPete

Hero Member
Jun 14, 2012
802
807
Michigan
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Detector(s) used
Excal II E-trac EQ 800
Primary Interest:
Metal Detecting
Hello

I'm thinking about upgrading to the Manticore from EQ 800.

I'm Interested in hearing any ones thoughts, especially on whether the depth is significantly better and also curious how the weight distribution is. I think the 800 is pretty good weight wise especially compared to my E-trac.

Any input is appreciated.

Thanks,

Pete
 

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I’m was thinking same. From 900 to the manticore, but i have a feeling if i do. They will be a new one out shortly after. So I’m on the fence. If i find a steal of a deal and can sell my 900 mmmmmaybeeee. But we never sell just keep buying.
 

Yeah I seem to keep accumulating machines also, I really like my E-Trac but it feels so heavy I almost always use the 800 now plus I love the wireless headset
 

Manticore is the best detector I've ever used. The 2D graph and separation make it in a class by it's self. Been detecting since 1973.
 

PullTabPete said:
Hello

I'm thinking about upgrading to the Manticore from EQ 800.

I'm Interested in hearing any ones thoughts, especially on whether the depth is significantly better and also curious how the weight distribution is. I think the 800 is pretty good weight wise especially compared to my E-trac.

Any input is appreciated.

Thanks,

Pete
Click to expand...
I haven't noticed a weight difference but my 800 had added a carbon fiber shaft. I'm still learning the full capabilities of the Manticore but so far I like the additional info it provides. I am one who just goes off sounds/tones so only ever look at the screen if I get a definite signal. It also has a more robust coil mounting system than the unloved EQ design, (in fact I just broke both off my 800 on Friday...).

I am using the 15" coils on both machines (just bought a monster 18" coil for the M to try), and I mainly do beach hunting. My new toy came with the 15", 11" and 9" coils, I believe that promotion is still in effect. If you already use something from the Equinox family then you will recognize with a lot of the functions on the Manticore.
 

I made the switch earlier in the year when the Manticore was $500 off on sale. I made the mistake of messing around with some settings early on and I was disappointed with it's performance. If you get one DO NOT MESS WITH IT! I ended up doing a factory reset and have been doing well with it recently. I definitely recommend just turning it on and using it as it is until you are comfortable with it. Mental Metal on YouTube has many good videos about setting it up and using it as a beginner. I think I was able to sniff out 2 barber dimes that a Nox 700 user missed who I was detecting with. He said he thought he hit the area pretty well. I said I don't know if it's the Manticore or if he just swung past it.
 

Ahhh winter. Just moved from Washington State to Florida this past year. I don't miss the shovels, the snow, the winter studded tires. But I do now deal with ticks, snakes, gators. I'll take it. The beaches I am now enjoying with my Manticore have excited me more than I can say the past year. Gamechanging detector for me.
 

I also purchased my equinox and some coils from Bart. Great service as always, called him Wednesday afternoon and detector was at my house Friday afternoon.

I was able to get a quick couple hours in on the Manticore today at a 50's school yard that I have pounded over the years. I went with All terrain general with a few tweaks and liked how it performed, still dug a lot of trash targets to learn what machine is telling me. So far the weight and performance seem close to the Eq 800 I have, but still need to learn the machine obviously. I had it cranked to 35 sensitivity and it was pretty stable, think I was getting more depth. I only tried the M11 coil so need to get back out. I also had a pinpointer issue so I didnt hunt very long.

First coin I dug was a 47 Roosevelt so nice start.

47_roos.jpg
 

FYI

Now that I have the Manticore and EQ 800 as backup,I have mixed feelings but decided to list my E-trac for sale in the classfieds

www.treasurenet.com

💵 FOR SALE - Minelab E-trac with Standard/WOT/X-5 Coils Carry Bag and Sabisch Book $600

Have upgraded to the Minelab Manticore and have an Equinox 800 as my backup detector so I have decided to clear out my basement. I have an Minelab E-trac for sale in excellent working condition with multiple coils and Sunray Pro Headphones For $600 plus shipping (I will work with purchaser to...
www.treasurenet.com www.treasurenet.com
 

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