Minelab Equinox 900 UK Review: Worth the Upgrade in 2025?
The arrival of a new machine from Minelab, particularly one carrying the Equinox name, always stirs up considerable excitement.
The Equinox 800 was a genuine game-changer for so many of us, myself included, so I was naturally eager to get my hands on the Equinox 900. I wanted to discover firsthand if it could not only live up to the formidable legacy of its predecessor but also offer genuine, practical improvements for us UK metal detectorists.
The Equinox 900 steps into a bustling and competitive market, positioning itself as a high-mid-range to professional option. My interest was particularly captured by Minelab’s claims of enhanced features, an improved physical build, and the continuation of their highly-regarded Multi-IQ technology.
This technology has consistently proven its worth across our varied and often challenging UK permissions, so I was keen to see if the 900 truly represented a significant step up for those looking to invest in a serious, capable piece of detecting kit.
MINELAB Equinox 900 Unboxing & Initial Setup: 9/10
Upon opening the Equinox 900’s box, my first positive impression was the inclusion of not one, but two coils: the versatile EQX11 11″ and the smaller, more surgical EQX06 6″.
For UK detecting, this immediately offers fantastic flexibility right from the start, catering to different ground conditions and target types without needing an immediate aftermarket purchase. The presence of the Minelab ML85 low-latency wireless headphones, magnetic charging cable, screen protectors, and a clear getting started guide further underscored a quality initial package.
Assembling the detector was remarkably straightforward. The new 3-piece carbon-fibre shaft, with its improved cam locks, felt significantly more refined and secure than many previous designs I’ve handled, exhibiting absolutely no wobble once tightened.
Even for a beginner, the process is intuitive, and pairing the wireless headphones was equally quick and trouble-free.
Straight out of the box, the Equinox 900 exudes a sense of quality, with the lightweight yet robust carbon fibre shaft and the comfortably redesigned arm cup being notable improvements.
My initial thoughts on the stock coils were that the 11″ would provide excellent coverage on pasture and ploughed fields, while the 6″ would be indispensable for our often iron-choked Roman sites or cluttered Victorian parks, where meticulous target separation is paramount. This dual-coil strategy means you’re well-prepared for a broad spectrum of typical UK detecting scenarios from your very first outing.
MINELAB Equinox 900 Design, Build Quality & Ergonomics: 9/10
Swinging the Equinox 900, which tips the scales at a mere 1.27 kg (2.8 lbs), felt exceptionally comfortable, even during an extended four-hour hunt I undertook on some challenging pasture.
The carbon fibre shaft is a key contributor to this lightness, and I found the balance with the 11″ coil to be superb, significantly reducing arm fatigue – a critical consideration for those long, rewarding days we often spend detecting in the UK.
From my perspective, the materials and overall construction quality are undeniably top-tier. The shaft feels sturdy, coil connections are solid, and the control box appears well-sealed and built to endure. It instils confidence that it will withstand the rigours of regular use in the unpredictable UK weather.
The IP68 rating, certifying it as fully waterproof and submersible to 5 metres (16 ft), is a massive practical advantage for us UK detectorists, allowing for worry-free detecting on beaches, in shallow waters, or during those inevitable downpours.
I found the monochrome LCD screen clear and easy to interpret, even in bright UK sunlight, and the red backlight is a boon for low-light conditions.
The buttons are well-positioned, tactile, and I had no issue operating them with gloves during a colder session, a vital feature for year-round detecting in our climate.
MINELAB Equinox 900 Key Features & Technology: 9.5/10
For me, Minelab’s Multi-IQ technology continues to be the standout feature, effectively using multiple frequencies simultaneously, which is a game-changer for the UK’s diverse ground conditions – from highly mineralised clays to conductive saltwater beaches.
My field tests confirmed the Equinox 900’s Multi-IQ provides excellent stability and depth, enabling it to unearth faint signals from targets like hammered silver or Roman bronze that other machines might struggle with.
The Equinox 900 also features an impressive 119 high-resolution Target ID range (Ferrous: -19 to 0, Non-ferrous: 1 to 99), an enhancement over previous models that provides finer control and more detailed target information.
Coupled with the improved Iron Bias (0-9) and Recovery Speed (1-8) settings, I found I could more effectively “see” through iron contamination on historic UK sites, a common challenge when seeking older artefacts.
The increased sensitivity range (up to 28) allowed me to push the machine harder on quieter ground for extra depth, while the advanced audio controls with five selectable tone modes offer exceptionally clear and informative feedback, aiding in gauging target size and depth.
The built-in flashlight and handgrip vibration are also genuinely practical additions for varied detecting conditions. This combination of technologies creates a powerful system adept at tackling the specific challenges of UK detecting, offering more “headroom” for experienced users to optimise performance while remaining accessible for those still learning.
In-the-Field Performance MINELAB Equinox 900 Review: 9/10
I rigorously tested the Equinox 900 across a variety of my permissions: old pasture land in the Midlands with its notorious clay soil, a flinty, sandy loam ploughed field in East Anglia known for Roman finds, and several sessions on a busy South Coast beach, covering both wet and dry sand.
I was genuinely impressed with its depth capabilities. On the pasture, using the 11″ coil in Field 1 mode, I successfully retrieved a small, thin hammered silver penny from a good 8 inches, and a small Roman bronze coin surfaced from about 9 inches on the ploughed field, both giving crisp, clear signals.
The Equinox 900 truly excelled in iron-infested areas, particularly with the 6″ coil on the ploughed field, allowing me to pull out non-ferrous targets nestled close to iron by adjusting the Iron Bias (a setting around 4-5 worked well for me) and using a slightly faster Recovery Speed.
The machine remained generally very stable, with minimal and manageable false signals once correctly ground balanced and with sensitivity optimised for the conditions.
Based on my experiences, a dedicated beginner could quickly start making enjoyable finds using the preset modes, and the machine clearly rewards those who take the time to learn its nuances, adapting well to diverse and challenging UK environments.
Its ability to effectively “unmask” good targets in iron-rich UK soil is a significant performance advantage for finding older, valuable artefacts.
MINELAB Equinox 900 User Experience & Learning Curve: 8.5/10
Beyond the initial setup, I found the Equinox 900 quite intuitive to operate in the field, with a logically laid-out menu system that will feel familiar to experienced Minelab users.
Adjusting key settings like sensitivity, discrimination, and search modes on the fly is quick and easy thanks to the well-placed buttons, which is vital when traversing varied UK permissions.
For a beginner stepping up, understanding the -19 to +99 Target ID system and the audio feedback will require some practice, but I found the audio tones exceptionally clear and informative, allowing me to quickly associate certain tones with typical UK finds like hammered silvers or copper coins.
While the preset modes are excellent starting points for finding plenty, unlocking the Equinox 900’s full potential for UK detecting, especially on challenging sites, does involve a learning curve as you master the interplay of sensitivity, ground balance, iron bias, and recovery speed.
Overall, using the Equinox 900 was a genuinely enjoyable and productive experience. It felt responsive and capable, giving me confidence in its ability to handle tough conditions and accurately report targets, ultimately making me want to detect more.
The machine offers a tiered learning experience, accessible for ambitious beginners yet deeply rewarding for those who invest time in mastering its advanced settings for our unique UK conditions.
Who Is The MINELAB Equinox 900 Best For in the UK?
In my experience, the MINELAB Equinox 900 is particularly well-suited to a few types of detectorists here in the UK:
Ambitious Beginners: If you’re new to the hobby but are serious about it and want a machine that offers a high ceiling for growth, the Equinox 900 is an excellent, albeit significant, initial investment. Its preset modes are effective enough to get you finding interesting items like hammered coins, Roman artefacts, and Victorian-era pieces relatively quickly, but the depth of its features means it will continue to reward you as your skills and understanding develop.
Upgraders from Entry/Mid-Level Machines: For those who have been using a more basic detector and are now feeling its limitations – perhaps struggling with mineralised UK soils, frustrated by iron on historic sites, or wanting better performance on the beach – the Equinox 900 will represent a substantial leap forward in depth, target separation, and overall stability.
All-Round UK Detectorists: If your detecting takes you across a wide spectrum of UK sites – from pasture and ploughed fields to woodland and beaches – the Equinox 900’s exceptional all-terrain capability, largely thanks to its Multi-IQ technology, and the practical inclusion of two distinct coils, makes it an incredibly versatile and effective choice.
It’s important to acknowledge that to truly get the best from this machine, especially on some of the more challenging sites the UK has to offer, a commitment to learning its more advanced settings and understanding its nuances is beneficial.
The ideal user is someone who views metal detecting as a serious hobby or passion, not just a fleeting interest, and is prepared to learn how to maximise their investment in the context of the UK’s unique and rewarding detecting environment.
My Final Verdict on the MINELAB Equinox 900: 9.2/10 Rating
Having spent considerable time with the Equinox 900, my main takeaway is that this is a genuinely impressive machine that largely lives up to the considerable anticipation surrounding its release.
It intelligently builds upon the successes of its acclaimed predecessors, offering tangible and welcome improvements in build quality, ergonomics, and, most importantly for us, in its refined performance tailored for demanding UK conditions.
The versatility afforded by the inclusion of two coils as standard, combined with the sheer power and stability of Multi-IQ, makes it a formidable tool for tackling a vast range of scenarios – from Roman sites heavily contaminated with iron, to quiet pastures potentially holding delicate hammered coins, and even our often-testing beaches.
For a UK detectorist, particularly an ambitious beginner looking for a machine they won’t quickly outgrow, or someone with experience aiming to upgrade to a detector that can confidently handle pretty much anything our island’s varied history and geology can throw at it, I wholeheartedly recommend the Equinox 900.
Yes, it represents a significant investment, but in my considered opinion, the performance, features, and overall package justify the price tag. This is especially true when you factor in the inclusion of two excellent coils and a pair of quality low-latency wireless headphones right out of the box.
The learning curve is certainly there if you wish to delve into the advanced settings – and I strongly encourage you to do so to extract the maximum performance on tricky UK permissions – but it’s crucial to remember that the preset modes are remarkably effective for getting started and unearthing good targets almost immediately.
This is a detector that won’t hold you back; rather, it will empower you to push your detecting abilities further.
I give the MINELAB Equinox 900 a strong 9.2/10.
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.