Minelab Equinox 800 Vs 900 | My Pick For Which Is The Best
The Minelab Equinox series revolutionized the metal detecting world with its groundbreaking Multi-IQ technology, allowing simultaneous multi-frequency operation. The Equinox 800, released in late January 2018, quickly gained immense popularity for its versatility and performance across various terrains, from parks and fields to beaches and even gold prospecting. It was widely hyped as a game-changer, offering professional-level performance at an accessible price point.
Building on that success, the Minelab Equinox 900 arrived in late 2022/early 2023, generating considerable excitement among detectorists. It was presented as an enhanced version of the already formidable 800, promising further refinements and improvements in sensitivity, discrimination, and build quality. While maintaining the core Multi-IQ engine, the 900 aimed to provide a more advanced and user-friendly experience.
I’ve spent countless hours with both the Minelab Equinox 800 vs 900, and I’ll tell you right now – choosing between them isn’t straightforward.
While the 900 swept most categories in my testing, the 800 surprised me in ways that matter to real detectorists.
Your experience level and budget will determine which one transforms your hunts, but there’s a twist that might change everything you think you know about these machines.
Unboxing & Initial Setup : Equinox 900 Winner
When I first unboxed the Equinox 900, I couldn’t help but appreciate the thoughtful packaging that included everything I’d need for detecting right out of the gate. The 900 comes with both 11″ and 6″ coils, ML85 wireless headphones, screen protectors, and a comprehensive getting started guide. This complete package gives it a clear advantage in the Minelab Equinox 800 vs 900 comparison.
The three-piece carbon fiber shaft system made assembly remarkably simple – I had it ready to hunt in minutes. What really impressed me was how compact it becomes when collapsed to just 61cm, making transport effortless.
While the 800 includes quality components like its 11″ coil, WM08 wireless module, and Bluetooth headphones, it doesn’t match the 900’s comprehensive offering. When comparing the Minelab Equinox 900 vs 800 for initial setup experience, the 900’s superior packaging and easier assembly make it the winner in this category.
Design, Build Quality & Ergonomics : Equinox 900 Winner
The moment I picked up the Equinox 900, I noticed how the carbon fiber shaft transformed the entire detecting experience. Where the 800’s alloy construction felt adequate, the 900’s full carbon fiber system immediately impressed me with its lighter weight—just 1.27kg compared to the 800’s 1.34kg.
During extended hunts, this weight difference becomes crucial. I’ve spent countless hours swinging both machines, and the 900’s superior balance significantly reduces arm fatigue. The carbon fiber doesn’t just cut weight; it dampens vibrations that would normally travel up your arm with each sweep.
The 900’s collapsible design proves invaluable when I’m hiking to remote sites or storing gear in tight spaces. The improved grip ergonomics fit my hand naturally, maintaining comfort even during all-day sessions. While the 800 remains a solid detector, the 900’s carbon fiber construction elevates it to professional-grade durability and comfort that’s worth every penny.
Key Features & Technology : Equinox 900 Winner
After testing both machines extensively, I can confidently say the Equinox 900’s technological edge makes a real difference in the field. The expanded Target ID system with 119 segments versus the 800’s 50 segments gives you much finer discrimination between targets. When you’re hunting in trashy areas, this precision helps identify valuable targets that might otherwise be masked.
The 900’s additional 4kHz frequency proves invaluable for detecting larger silver coins and relics at depth. I’ve also noticed the increased sensitivity range (1-28 versus 1-25) allows better fine-tuning in mineralized soil. The improved 5-meter waterproofing versus 3 meters opens up deeper water hunting opportunities.
What really sets the 900 apart are its exclusive features: the handgrip vibration alerts you to targets in noisy environments, the control pod flashlight helps during low-light hunts, and the red backlight display reduces eye strain during night detecting. These technological improvements justify the 900’s higher price point.
In-the-Field Performance : Equinox 900 Winner
During months of comparative field testing, I’ve found the Equinox 900 consistently outperforms the 800 in critical detecting scenarios. The 900’s enhanced Multi-IQ processing delivers superior target separation in trashy areas where the 800 struggles to distinguish between closely spaced objects. I’ve noticed the 900 maintains more stable target IDs at depth, reducing the guesswork on deep targets.
The expanded target ID range from 50 to 119 segments makes a real difference when you’re trying to cherry-pick specific targets. I can now differentiate between pull tabs and gold rings more reliably. The 4kHz frequency addition has improved my small gold jewelry finds, especially thin chains and earrings that the 800 often missed.
In mineralized soil, the 900’s improved sensitivity translates to an extra inch or two of depth on coin-sized targets. The enhanced 5-meter waterproofing has also allowed me to hunt deeper water without worry.
Experience & Learning Curve : Equinox 800 Winner
While both detectors share a similar interface, I’ve found the Equinox 800’s streamlined feature set makes it significantly easier to master. With fewer advanced features to navigate, you’ll spend less time in menus and more time detecting. The 800’s simplified target ID system, though less precise than the 900’s, proves easier to interpret when you’re starting out.
I’ve noticed beginners become proficient with the 800 much faster than with the 900. The learning curve isn’t as steep, and you won’t feel overwhelmed by options you don’t yet understand. The extensive online resources and established user community for the 800 provide excellent support when you need help. YouTube tutorials, forum discussions, and user guides specifically for the 800 are abundant, making it simple to find answers to your questions. For those prioritizing a shorter path to competency, the 800’s straightforward approach wins.
Equinox 800 Is Best For Budget-Conscious Detectorists and Intermediate Users
Two key advantages make the Equinox 800 the smart choice for intermediate detectorists: proven performance and significant savings. At £899, you’ll save £200 compared to the 900 while still getting the core Multi-IQ technology that revolutionized metal detecting.
I’ve found the 800 hits the sweet spot for users upgrading from entry-level machines. You won’t miss the 900’s advanced features if you’re primarily land hunting or detecting in waters under 3 meters deep. The 800’s capabilities far exceed basic detectors while avoiding the premium price of cutting-edge models.
Budget-conscious doesn’t mean settling for less – it means being smart about what you actually need. The 800 delivers exceptional depth, target separation, and discrimination that’ll satisfy most detecting scenarios. Unless you specifically need the 900’s enhanced waterproofing or latest refinements, that £200 difference can go toward quality accessories, detecting trips, or simply staying in your pocket.
Equinox 900 Best For Serious Enthusiasts and Professional Detectorists
When you’re ready to take your detecting to the professional level or simply demand the absolute best performance, the Equinox 900 justifies its £1,099 price tag through cutting-edge refinements that matter in the field. I’ve found the enhanced sensitivity and improved target separation invaluable when hunting in heavily mineralized soils where lesser detectors struggle.
The 900’s vibration feedback proves essential for underwater detecting, where audio cues aren’t practical. If you’re someone who spends hours detecting weekly, the superior ergonomics reduce fatigue significantly during extended sessions. The integrated lighting system makes early morning and late evening hunts more productive – times when parks and beaches are less crowded.
For serious detectorists who can justify the investment, the 900 delivers measurable advantages. It’s particularly suited for those tackling challenging conditions where every technological edge counts toward finding targets others miss.
Best Value For Money Is Equinox 800
Although the Equinox 900 packs impressive technology, I can’t honestly recommend it over the 800 for most detectorists. You’re looking at a £200 price difference – that’s 22% more for features that won’t fundamentally change your detecting experience.
The 800 still gives you everything that matters: Multi-IQ technology, proven performance, and the same excellent build quality that’s made it the world’s best-selling detector. Sure, you’ll miss out on the 900’s enhanced iron bias settings and improved target separation, but I’ve found these refinements rarely justify the premium for recreational hunters.
Think about it – that £200 could buy you quality accessories, a pinpointer, or fund several detecting trips. Unless you’re detecting professionally or in extremely challenging conditions where those extra features become essential, the 800 delivers more than enough capability. It’s the sweet spot where performance meets value, which explains why it remains so popular years after release.
Conclusion
After testing minelab Equinox 900 vs 800, I found both detectors extensively, I’ve found the Equinox 900 excels in nearly every category with its advanced features and superior performance.
However, I can’t ignore that the 800 delivers exceptional value for most detectorists. Unless you’re a professional or need the 900’s enhanced capabilities for challenging conditions, I’d recommend saving money with the 800. It’s the smarter choice for recreational hunters who want reliable performance without breaking the bank.
About the Author
Piotr Lesniewski
Piotr is a Polish metal detectorist living in Scotland who discovered his passion for metal detecting as a child when exploring fields and beaches with his dziadek (grandfather). With over 10 years of experience, he now specialises in making metal detecting accessible to younger generations and promoting affordable Chinese-made detectors in the growing market.