Well you definitely can't go wrong with the 900 it's a very capable and fantastic machine. It looks like my lab just discounted the Manticore by $500 bringing it down to the same price as the Equinox 900 for the next couple months I feel bad for people that had to pay the extra $500 but it is discounted right now. And that was a good idea using the difference to get your grandson a detector as well. Thank you for the view and for your comment!
Bought the CTX3030 when it first came out and never regretted it. Had the Manticore on order for a month now and last week cancelled it and bought the EQ900. Seems like a lot of back and forth between the two and I bet I will be very satisfied on what the 900 will do.
I picked the Manticore on December 20th. Still don’t have it. Bought the 900 in April while visiting Myrtle Beach, SC. I have over 200 hours on it now and I love, love it. Received confirmation from KellyCo that my Manticore is finally on it’s way (I live in Okinawa, Japan) and I can not wait to get my hands on that baby. If my wish could come true, I would want Minelab to merge the best of the two machines and make it waterproof to 20 meters and I would be in heaven!! Thanks for the comparison vid, this is my second time watching now that my Manticore is nearly here!!!
I’ve been hitting all the sites with my manticore that I pounded with my 800 over the past two weeks and have pulled deep silver coins every time. I’m still getting used to it because it’s different than my 800, but so far I’m quite impressed with it.
@@BrassMedic More rubbish its no better than the 800. I have done side by side tests and every target the manticore signaled on so did the 800. Stop the bull shit...
Thank you, thank you. You gave me so much information to help with this decision. Because I couldn't get enough information to compare the two together. I have narrowed it down to these two and now it's just one, the manitcore. If I plan to enjoy this retirement adventure, for hopefully ten years, I want to enjoy a great audio sound every time. Thank you once again Mark for your help with this decision. God bless you.
Your welcome! You chose a great machine that will serve you well for the years to come. Make sure you get a hold of that 8 1/2 by 5 1/2 in coil when you can it's a huge game changer on that machine. Thank you for the view, comment and the kind words!
Great points on that, not to mention saving $500!! It's an awesome machine no doubt! Thank you for the view and for taking the time to leave a comment! 🤠
I’ll help you out. I have had Manticore a long time. I am a youtuber. I tested Manticore prerelease. What are the differences in the field? Between the models. Depth on beach low conductors = Manticore. Modern trash performance looking for higher conductors = Manticore. These 2 things alone may be worth $500 one pays extra for Manticore. ID of deeper higher conductors running MF likely more stable on Manticore. Emi handling advantage Manticore. Coils being earless advantage Manticore. Both good units. Nice choices Minelab has provided.
Such a tough decision!!! I have all 3 and I never know which one to take out!! 😛 But even with the CTX-3030 here I still prefer the Manticore just because of the very nice audio and tones. A bit better in heavy iron that the CTX as well. Congrats on getting one, hope you get it soon!! Thanks for the view and comment!
In the UK it works out over 850 dollars extra for the Manticore. Unless there is a big jump in performance the 900 is better value here in England. I've bought the 900 and very happy.
So here at retail of $1,599 vs $1,099 that's about a difference of 32% more cost. Is that a similar percentage between the two even though it's 800 dollars more? Yes, you can't go wrong with the 900 honestly!!
@@BrassMedic Here in the UK the 900 is £1099 and the manticore is £1799 so 700 pounds equates to 850 bucks so a whopping 63% more.. We seem to get ripped off with most prices here. If that was the same in the US l wonder if people would pay 850 bucks more?
I have swung the 800 for 3 plus years. Loved it! Just got lucky and won a 900. Amazing. Still learning the TID now it goes to 99. I really wish i had a manticore. Your video calmed that a bit. Knowing the difference now I will keep the 900 and work it til the next generation comes. Take care, HH, & To the Lost.
That's fantastic to hear that you won that machine what an awesome and capable machine it is. Just double the numbers you used to know literally and you'll have no problem remembering the numbers on the 900. So for example something that used to be a 28 on your Equinox 800 is now simply a 56. It's pretty accurate when you just double the vdi number. Thank you for your view and for your comment!
It's quite different no doubt, especially since the entire circuit is digital now whereas the DFX was mostly analog. Multi-frequency and all the bells and whistles! You will be happy and will find lots of cool treasures with it! Thank you for the view and comment. Happy Holidays!
Hmm, I am glad that you said the 900 has a red screen. Being a red/green colorblind person I am sure that this will bother me to no end. I currently have the 800 and I am looking to upgrade and your video provided the answer for me. Plus on KellyCo right now if you buy a Manticore you get all 3 coils with your purchase.
Thank you for watching!! You can get the same deal but at a way better price and an additional discount using my coupon code at checkout "BRASSMEDIC". Check out the dealer I use. They are a multi-award winning dealer with an outstanding reputation. highplainsprospectors.com/collections/seasonal-promotions?sort_by=created-descending&filter.v.price.gte=0.00&filter.v.price.lte=1848.00&filter.p.vendor=Minelab&filter.p.tag=Manticore/?ref=BRASSMEDIC
Ooooh, GREAT Question!!! So after reading this, I got up and picked up both machines (had to put the 11" coil on the Equinox 900 to be fair) and tested them both. There is literally no difference whatsoever. If I had my eyes closed I wouldn't know which machine was in my hand if it wasn't for the difference in the front of the handles on the fingers. Thank you for the view and helpful question!!
Your 100% correct on the importance off good quality audio. After all, it's what we use to determine a good signal or not. I went with the manticore, BUT I knew I was paying a premium Is it worth it ??? Well I would say yes, one thing NOT ONE has ever mentioned on ANY RUclips video The screen!!!!! The manticore screen is like a smartphone screen Yes, and not many people know of ever mention that!!! That costs money BUT does mean minelab can upgrade software and change whatever it wants Longevity is what I feel brings value to the manticore
I just took delivery of a Equinox 900, my first metal detector I've purchased since my White's unit that's 15 years old. So far I like the 900, although when I purchased it I wasn't even aware of the Manticore model and probably would have liked to have the 2D screen. I plan to eventually buy a higher end metal detector. I noticed that the price on the ML 3030 had dropped. Perhaps I'll wait to see what Minelab replaces the 3030 with. In any case, thanks for the great video!
Good video, Mark! I saw this paragraph in the Manticore user manual regarding low frequencies: “MANTICORE does not have a 4 kHz single frequency setting. Instead, the All Terrain High Conductors Search Mode provides a Multi‑IQ+ based mode that can achieve an operating frequency even lower than 4 kHz. This provides the benefits of a low frequency/high power mode for detection and discrimination of high conductors, while retaining the substantial benefits of Multi‑IQ+”. User Profiles: Correct me if I’m wrong here, but with regards to User Profiles on the Manticore: Based on the user manual, I found no way to actually save an entire user profile mode into memory (as you can on a Nox)…there’s special user selectable buttons you can assign a very limited number of operations (like ground balance, noise cancel, etc), but nothing that allows you to save an entire user mode…?? A note on Iron Bias….even though the Manticore doesn’t have the same iron bias settings as the Nox does, the Manticore has a highly user modifiable version of iron bias in the Ferrous Limits setting (Upper/Lower).
Hi Dan!! I think there is absolutely a huge benefit in being able to switch between Multi-IQ and a single frequency (Like 15kHz) to look at the 2D graph when trying to determine if Iron. I am going to make a video on this asap. So what I am finding is, when I have a target that I am suspicious might be iron and I see a high conductor hanging out over on the right half of the centerline over in the conductive side of the graph, when I switch to a single frequency like 15kHz I then see a hard left inflection from wrap spraying a blob hard left when it's a square nail. If I don't see that blob I'll try 5kHz and if it still looks good over on the right side where it's supposed to be, it's been a coin or desirable target! Not sure if 4kHz would be any better than 5kHz when doing this. But it's something that not everybody realizes . . . Minelab shows us the frequencies WE can choose from but the amount of simultaneous frequencies and exactly what frequencies they are are not the same as the ones we can choose from, and we will likely never know until someone analyzes them on an oscilloscope and publishes that info. As far as the User Profiles, that is correct. Unfortunately you can only choose Mode and designate it as a favorite. Then assign it to that custom User button that will access it with the push of a button, but it won't save even the local settings (let alone the global settings) to that custom button, it simply just switches it over to that Mode with the last settings you had on it. So your suspicion is correct, currently no way to do that. On Iron Bias . . yes, much more tunable and efficient iron bias with us having control over the upper and lower, no need for the Fe or F2 like the 800 had on the Manticore. Dang man, I am really hoping you get yours right away so we can get your feedback, I know you will get under the hood quick and figure out intricacies and how to get everything from the Manticore that's it's capable of! Thank you for the awesome comment and questions, and View!!
Just made the decision to go all in on this machine. (Manticore) Previously I was using a bounty hunter tracker 4 which misses a lot of potential finds. Ancient stuff, literally from analog to digital. This video helped ease the uncertainty my purchase. The newest smaller coils sound ideal, and the greater variety in music tones also fit my preference. In all honesty i’m just looking for an excuse to dig a hole! Cheers-
Hah, same here! But yeah that is a huge upgrade from what you were using before and a very capable machine that will keep you motivated in the Hobby and not get frustrated. Thank you for checking out the video and for your comment!
Great video as always. Interesting that you mentioned the depth guage. I have a NOX 800 but have previously used Garrett detectors and found their depth guages were always very accurate. The build quality has obviously improved - which it needed to - but I'll stick with the 800 for now as I would not buy a new detector until it has been out for at least a year, as all new models come out with some bugs in them.
Hello and thanks for checking the video and for the comment! It's been a "Minelab thing" for a long time to have a small high conductor be more shallow than the depth gauge indicates, we're all used to it by now. So when I hear a sweet high tones that sounds like a deep coin but feels really small on what we call the "Minelab wiggle" and deep because deeper targets are softer in volume (one some detectors - on my CTX-3030 we the setting is called Gain), as soon as I check with the pinpointer and it the pinpointer goes off from the surface I know it's going to be smaller and shallow. But a couple clues were already there to peak my suspicion. It's all good though and I don't see it as a bad thing at all.
Great video the best I have seen on Minelab products. I really like the way you explained all the different features for both machines. I will more then likely get the Manticore because I do more beach hunting then dirt. Thanks again for a great video.
That's a great choice and I know you will find lot's of incredible treasures with it! Thank you for the kind words and for taking a time to leave a comment to let me know. Best of luck! Mark 🤠
I bought a Manticore and really like the 2D screen . The only thing I didn't like was the hand grip . It has grooves and they tend to fill with moist sand. I wrapped my hand grip with self fusing silicone tape . It does like the deep targets . Cant wait for the water to warm up and get the depositors back out there swimming again .
What brand was the tape? Can you email me a picture of the tape you bought and like? My email is in all of my video descriptions! Thanks for the view and Great Tip!!
@@BrassMedic Its made by Permatex . Its great stuff. No glue , it just fuses to itself. Its available at most auto parts stores. Its very stretchy . As you unroll it you have to peel off the film that separates the wraps on the roll.
Awesome choice, I mean it's a win, win either way. Yes the numbers are the same as long as you have the same size coils on. Best of luck with the 900 and thank you for the view and question/comment!
Liked and subbed…great vid, full of info! Just bought a new Manticore for $1019 out the door to mine, have it by the end of the week. My decision was btwn the 900 and Manticore and chose the Manticore. I’m sure it’ll be a trick to learn all the options this machine will do but plenty of vids out there like yours so hopefully the learning curve gets minimized.
Congrats on getting that deal on your machine! That's like $500 less than most others paid. It really is a fantastic and very capable machine if you get a chance to get the M8 coil I highly recommend that too. Thank you for liking and subscribing and for watching the videos! I also sincerely appreciate your kind words!
Thank you so much for your support and kind words! I'm happy to hear that the explanation was clear. Greetings from Northern California USA (Heart of the California Gold Rush of 1848) to Holland!
Hey there, I’m a new subscriber and enjoy your videos a ton. I appreciate the time you’ve spent comparing these 2 machines. When I first heard Minelab was coming out with some new detectors I had all my fingers and toes cross that they would include the ability to pair a pin-pointer. I like to hear the pin-pointer over just the vibration but I don’t like everyone else having to put up with it when hunting in a group or just people in the area to hear it. Maybe next time. Keep up with great videos. Thanks!
That's a great point to bring up. First off, thank you sincerely for the kind words!! For some reason, Minelab has never made a pinpointer that paired to the machine. There was a 3rd party company that made an inline probe (pinpointer) that would engage the probe at the flick of a switch on the Minelab Explorer series machines. It was VERY popular and you would think that Minelab would realize that but so far this has not been a feature on any Minelab product. I'm sure they see it more valuable to just sell a pinpointer like the Pro-Find 35 that is disassociated from the circuit so it's a separate piece of equipment and therefore, technical support type issues just cover the smaller, more inexpensive pinpointer rather than the detector as part of the system. Who knows?? But there are many others who liked having that inline probe where you could hear the detector circuit in your headphones from the probe.
I was told the new Manticore was better than my ctx . Deeper , better target separation, faster recovery , and quicker noice canceling plus many other functions. You are a very familiar with the ctx . Will I be getting a better detector with the Manticore and now my ctx is a back up . Or no and I should buy the 900 as a back up and stick to my ctx as the go to detector. Thank you for your response and for sharing Pete detects
I have answered this same question a few times here as it's a great question. I have to be one of the highest total hours of usage on the Minelab CTX-3030 on the planet. Seriously I have many countless thousands of hours on that machine. This is the same answer I have given to others that asked this same question. The CTX with the 6" round coil is phenomenal and accounts for about 90% of all of my best finds ever. I can somehow hear in 3D with the CTX, I hear depth, size, shape and can easily hear iron. BUT in the heavy iron I am going to miss co-located targets. The processor on the CTX is just not fast enough to compete with the XP Deus 2 for example. But until we get the 8" x 5.5" Manticore coil I can't really say if it's better than the CTX in heavy iron. When I get that coil I will be the first to let everyone know if it can match up against the almighty CTX! Right now CTX is still the king in my opinion. For you, I would say you would be fine to keep the CTX and buy the 900 with the 6" coil for the real trashy, heavy iron sites. Or if you go to the beach. You have to admit that swinging a CTX all day long is not for the everyone as it's a long day and swings pretty heavy. But with that and the 900 you set either way! Thanks for the view and comment!
@@BrassMedic Basically in heavy iron the Manticor my out shine the ctx with the help of a coil that hasn't been released . I'm heading towards the 900 for my back up detector. Thank you very much . I appreciate your input tremendously. I just subscribed to your channel, Pete detects from central California
Iam by no means a pro yet at metal detecting, I've watched numerous videos on the manticore, I'm just trying to make sure I made the right decision on ordering one, I have currently been using the nox 800 since it first came out, I originally was going to get the deus 2 as my upgrade, but went with the manticore instead. In your opinion, did I make the tight choice, other opinions from other subscribers welcomed as well.
All I can say on this right now is . . . that in heavy iron, the XP Deus 2 is still king! If not consistently detecting in beds of nails than the choice gets pretty tough. So the Manticore is an awesome detector and it will serve you very well for a long time but right now, you only have 1 coil and no updates (if you can even find a manticore). I have to use the Deus 2 in heavy iron to have the best results but I don't like the tones or the detecting experience, but I use it because I want results! I much prefer the tones and detector experience on my Minelab CTX 3030 or the Manticore as it's enjoyable and ear pleasing tones. But what really matters to me is performance. I own every major machine made in the last 15 years so it's a tough choice when I reach for a machine to take on the trip. If I'm going to the beach it's the Manticore! If it's a park to look for deep silver I will take the Manticore or CTX. If it's to the goldfields and I'm not taking a PI machine like the GPX-6000 I will take either my Minelab Gold Monster 1000 or the Manticore. So I guess the question gets a little easier to answer when you can consider the types of sites you mostly hunt. Thanks for the view and comment!
Hi. Great comparison. I've owned them all! CTX ,2 800S 2 600S and Xcal! Love Minelab equipment but I'm a water hunter and go by tones not a screen! Manticore may seek a little deeper but how DEEP ARE YOU WILLING TO DID CHEST DEEP IN WATER? JUST ORDERED A 900 FOR THE SIMPLE REASON I WANT TO SEE IT SWIM AND NOT FLOOD!!! Main concern to me as in past 5yrs I spent 10k on Minelab Detectors with deffinitly a great return!!! BUT: DONT NEED ALL THE EXTRA BELLS AND WHISTLES!! I do believe Minelab created the Beast Manticore more for the coin and relic hunters? Thanks for a super comparison chart! Well appreciated!! 👍👍👍
Yes, very difficult to dig deep in the surf (where the trough is) in the rolling sand and rocks getting bounced around! Good point about that! Really can't go wrong either way! Congrats on your new 900, hope you get it asap!! Thank you for the view and very kind comments!
I've been on the fence between the two and was scared that either would be a let down compared to the whites V3I and now I'm pretty sure I'm going for the manticore thanks for all the useful information
The whites v3i was ahead of its time and still is a fantastic metal detector. But there are a few issues you have to take into account and that is number one you will not be able to get parts or support for much longer as those parts are getting very hard to find to get them repaired number two it's only three frequencies that are fixed whereas these newer machines have multiple frequencies that are customized for each search mode rather than fixed numbers. This turns out to be a huge advantage over the v3i. There is also the ergonomics the weight and minimum size comparisons. Like I said I love the v3i when it first came out but in today's world these new more modern detectors just can't be beat. I highly suggest you do upgrade in the Manticore is a fantastic choice I love my Manticore and it's the first machine I grab out the door every time I go! Thank you for the view and for your great question/comment!
Excellent video thanks very much. I am 100% a Beach Hunter here in South Florida, and all of the videos I’ve seen so far yours included, favor the manticore at the beach. Everyone seems to be very impressed with the 2D display. The red display on the 900 doesn’t do much for me since I am red green colorblind, and actually looking at a red screen is a detriment for me. So, in the long run, I will wait for a little more feedback from users, but I’m leaning towards the manticore.
Hi Doug, If I were head out to the beach to detect right now, I would absolutely grab the Manticore (and I have every major brand and model of detector made in the last 20 years to choose from over here). The Manticore really is the best at the beach in my opinion. If your 100% beach, your machine is the Manticore and it's good to go as is for the beach. We're all waiting for an update and the smaller coil before we can start taking it out to heavy iron over the XP Deus II, the Nokta Makro Legend or the Minelab CTX-3030. Yes, I really don't care for that red display and it looks horrible under water too (if you dive). Wish I was closer I would meet you at the beach and let you run the Manticore for the day! Thanks for the view and comment!
@@BrassMedic , a friend of mine, met me at the beach this past week, and brought his manticore with him. I played with it for a while, and I was very impressed. I already ordered mine, who knows how long it’s going to take, but it is ordered.
It really is a big deal for some and can be a useful feature to size up a signal for a dig-no dig decision. Thank you for the view and comment from Okinawa!
Ive been 99% a gold detectorist since 1996. I haven’t used my Equinox 800 even that much in the 4 years I’ve own it but that Manticore is intriguing. I would definitely need some training on it.
One more thing to consider, NASA Tom posted early on in his Manticore thread that the Equinox 900 was a low end Multi IQ, the Manticore is a mid/upper detector. To me this implies a CTX 3030 replacement is in the works. I can't remember which page he posted this, but it is in his Manticore thread on his forum.
Yes, I have heard this from multiple sources as well (although if anyone would know for sure it's NASA Tom). The new machine is being called the "Minelab Ultimate". I am eagerly awaiting this as very few have the amount of hours that I have at the end of a CTX-3030!! Thanks for the view and comment!!
Now your talking!!!! Yes, my Explorer II's were very good to me and we opened up all kinds of new park ground that was pretty beat up. Was like a whole new park! And those tones!!!! I am working hard to get those tones again as an option on new machines. Thanks for the view and comment!
Great info! Is there any information on if there will be a new detector coming out in the near future? Want to upgrade from my 800 but don't want to buy the manticore if an upgrade will become available.
There will be no new machine anytime soon you would be safe to do an upgrade to the Manticore right now and know that it will stand the test of time. Thank you for watching the video and for your great question!
Rest assured that it is definitely an upgrade in many ways from the E-Trac, first and foremost there are nearly no parts left to repair e-tracs anymore. But yes that target trace is a great tool that we can use to our advantage! Hope you can make the upgrade. Best of luck! Thanks for the view and comment!
Same here, can't really give the machine a fair assessment until I get that new 8x5.5 out in the iron. The 11" in the heavy iron is definitely not ideal. When I asked 2 weeks ago I was told emphatically that they were being manufactured and will be available soon. I will let you guys know right when the new coils and waterproof headphones start shipping out. Thanks for the view and comment!
Nice!! Good choice, hope you enjoy it and now it's time to head back into some of those older, beat up sites you thought were hunted out! Thanks for the view and comment!
Nice share my question is, it's making a lot of noise where there are high voltage energy cables, how can we adjust it, good explanation for monticore in advance, my respects man..
You can make sure you have the sensitivity set where you want it and the mode your going to be in, then hold the coil up at belt height and hold the noise cancel button in, watch carefully as it chooses channels, when you see the same channel repeating a few times let go and it should be able to overcome your EMI issue. Thank you for the view and question!!
Thank you for the comparison video and all the effort you put into making great videos. Quick question. I'm considering getting the manticore to compliment my gold detecting arsenal. Does the 2d trace work in the prospecting mode on manticore, and do you feel it Is fairly reliable. It appears in another video I saw that lead targets mostly show below the non ferrous line in 2d. That would be great to be able to somewhat tell the difference between gold and lead. Some places I go are plastered with hundreds of lead targets in a small area. But there is good gold there. Thanks again for another great video, been watching for years on your last channel too. Hello from the Northern diggings up in shasta/ trinity area.
Great questions! Appreciate the view and the kind words! The 2D graph does work in goldfield general mode and it's very helpful. Nuggets appear right on the midline as little round dots, I have not seen lead drop down below the middle line ever, so not sure on that . Gold has a more subtle and slightly subdued sound compared to the more bombastic sound of lead. But you just have to dig all the lead to get the nuggets. In my gold patches I dig about 20 or so bullets for every piece of gold. So the good news is, if you finding bullets your in a great spot because the other detectors missed those bullets so they also missed the gold! I have heard lot's of stories about the gold up your way! The Manticore will prove to be arguably the best VLF Gold machine available on the market today. Best of luck out there!! 🤠⛏
How well do you think the Excalibur 2, would do versus the Manticore. I currently use my Excalibur in the water and my Nox on the sand. Still waiting for the Manticore to come in. Would be an interesting comparison 🤔
I think firstly that if your talking about in the dry/wet sand, the Manticore is much more comfortable to swing and carry. I used to belt or chest mount my Excalibur 2 and have the cable dangling across to the shaft and coil which wasn't too bad but swinging the Excalibur and Excalibur 2 underwater or on dry or wet sand, made for a long day. So as far as comfort I think that's something to consider, the Manticore is WAY lighter! As far as performance at the beach the Manticore is going to be better as well. I think you could make a good case for selling you 800 and your Excalibur 2 and getting just the Manticore!! I do miss the sounds of the Excalibur in the surf on coins and jewelry though. Thank you for the view and comment/question!
Hey, good video! No one is covering whether either of these will use the water phones that the 800 used. I use my machine 50/50 water and land. So water phones are imperative. Also does the 800 coils fit the 900? Thanks again! I just found you and enjoyed the video
Yes the waterproof headphones will work on both the Manticore and the Equinox 900. and the coils from the 800 do work on the 900 (including aftermarket like CoilTek). Unfortunately the waterproof headphones are a little hard to find right now, I am waiting for a set myself. Hopefully they get some more manufactured and shipped out soon. Thank you for the view and questions!
Really depends on your budget. By the vary design of the way pulse induction technology works (with pulses that in between each pulse it allows time for the eddy currents of the soil to subside, thereby ignoring highly mineralized soil. So the Minelab GPX and GPZ series machines along with the Garrett Axiom are going to be your best bet. If not able to afford this level of technology in your budget. The next best machine would be the VLF technology of the Minelab Gold Monster 1000. From a productivity standpoint you can cover some serious ground with the bigger coil in the Gold Monster 1000. If in the market for a new machine, check out my discount code by typing in "BRASSMEDIC" at checkout. highplainsprospectors.com/collections/gold-detectors-1/ref?=BRASSMEDIC Thank you for the view and comment!!
Thanks for the video, you explain it perfectly. In Spain the difference between the 900 and the manticore is approximately €800, would you say it is still worth spending €800 more? thank you. I add information, I don't use headphones and I detect mainly on the beach.
That is a big difference in price!! I wouldn't be so quick to suggest the Manticore over the 900 with that big of a cost difference . But like I said in the video, if you want that color screen, really easy to use menu system, better tones and far more adjustability, you may consider the Manticore, even at the price difference. Sorry I couldn't be more definitive but that is a VERY hard choice! As far as the beach and no headphones goes, neither would really have much of an advantage, I have seen a few different videos online where the Manticore is just a little more deep on coins at the beach over the 900. Thanks for the view and great question!
Great comparison! At the $1,600 price point, if a person is going to spend that much anyway, I think the comparison should be between the Deus II and Manticore rather than the 900. Don't forget the other coil sizes bring that price spread up to even more from the 900, closer to double if you also buy the extra 8 x 5 coil. I have been planning on getting the 900 all along and will stick with that I think for my needs. I live nowhere near a saltwater beach so that was the most helpful to me. Thanks! :)
GREAT Point on the value of the extra coil!! Yes the decision between the XP Deus 2 vs the Manticore is another video and although it's a very tough decision, it's not as commonly asked as the Manticore vs 900 is. Since they are two different companies and at the same price point and so close in performance, and so controversial as the fans of Minelab collide with fans of XP Deus, it's a video that you almost can't make any suggestions to the viewers without lighting a fire under someone. But the decision between these two with a big price difference of 32% it's a bit easier to help folks choose. You will love that Equinox 900!!! Fantastic in the goldfields too! Arguably the best VLF gold machine ever made to date! Thank you for your view and comment!!
@@BrassMedic really nice video. I do have a question, do you know anything about the 700. I currently own the vanquish 540 pro pack and was thinking about upgrading to the 700. You're opinion would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
No fires lit with this die hard XP D2 user! I love technology and I will go with whatever gives me an edge. I should have the Core very soon and I can’t wait to compare!
I have an 800 and an XP D2. Love them both. I almost exclusively hunt wet sand at the beach here in Southern California. I also hunt waterfalls and swimming holes. I love both machines. I especially like the bone headphones that work with the D2. They enable me to hunt directly under a waterfall and still hear the signals. A few fellow “wet sand” beach hunters have told me they prefer the 900 over the Manticore. I foolishly didn’t ask them “why”. Im also a musician. I play guitar in a band called Dengue Fever, and I care about tones. With all this information, should I get a 900 or the Manticore? Or neither? Thanks!
Very good comparison video. I love the pitch tone from the NOKTA Makro the Legend, and the full tone on the XP Deus, does the Equinox 900 have pitch tone options? Or full tones like the Deus? I have the Minelab ctx3030 with 11” and 17” coils, and according to Minelab engineers the ctx if setup correctly is still the king of the production line, but it’s a heavy machinery compared to the Manticore, so I’ll stick with the ctx3030 for now, since I bought it in 2022….😊 Still learning that beast 😅
Thank you, yes I completely agree CTX is still the king! It's the flagship machine over at Minelab and there is a new one coming hopefully this year called "Minelab Ultimate" it will replace the CTX-3030 but until then, if you can still swing this heavy detector, it will serve you well. 95% of all of the finds in my displays were found with the 3030, I had it out today in fact. The tonal options on Equinox 900 do have both full tones and adjustable pitch tone breaks as well. There is a tone setting that mimics what we have on the CTX that is called "Gain" so that you can hear depth as a softer volume. Nothing wrong with just keeping the CTX-3030 for now. Email me at my email in the description of this video and I will email you over my programs so you can use the Minelab Exchange2 computer software to upload my programs into your CTX-3030. Thank you for the view and questions!
Awesome video thanks!! Why do you think Minelab dismissed putting the 4khz in the Manticore?? Higher priced machine you would think the frequencies would at least match the 900 and not have one less??
Scroll up to the top in these comments and read the comment pinned at top from CAPTN DAN to see what he said. Doesn't sound like we will be getting an option for 4kHz for now. Thanks for the view and comment!
Mark - Nice Video. I'll be going with the Manticore. Question - You know if Minelab will be addressing the small object depth gage issues anytime soon?
Honestly I have never spoke with the engineers about that issue so I am not sure if there could be a solution. But I will see what they say. I have just learned to live with it for now coming from the CTX where it really notice, I just expect it now. No matter what the depth is, we're still going to dig the target so I don't think many others have complained about it. Over at these companies, the squeaky wheel gets the grease so if nobody is complaining, it's not an issue kind of thing. I have been told this about other issues I have brought up in the past. Congrats on choosing the Manticore, you will love it and dig many epic targets with it. Hope it arrives soon! Thanks for the view and comment/question!
Ok, the (apparently) dreaded question for youtube channel operators of "50% more power"... The FCC caps max power at one watt (30dBm). All detectors are at that one watt of max"Transmit" power, because, why wouldn't they be? Does the Manticore transmit 1.5 watts? Great video BTW. Exactly what I was looking for.
Not sure, let me check on that... I know it was a RUclips "short" video so maybe on my play lists it's in the shorts list. I'll go look though... Thanks for the view and question!
I have all three of those too and it makes for a tough decision on which machine to take out!! One thing you won't miss on the CTX is how heavy it can get at the end of a long detecting day or working up and down hills or elevation. Thanks for the view and comment!!
really thought out video Mark. i have the 800. been using it since it came out so i'm wondering. # 1. will the small coil i have now match up to the 900 and is the 900 going to be a throw away detector after the warranty runs out like the 600 and the 800.
They (Minelab) are even still repairing some E-Tracs . . . . but yes, after about 10 years most machines are obsolete due to limited amounts of parts available. The coils are compatible. Thank you for the view and comment/questions!
Thanks for the vid! Great information. For the cost of either of these detectors, I’m very surprised Minelab doesn’t offer a water resistant headphone option. Do you think that’ll change?
Heel, Thank you for the view and question! They do have waterproof headphones for both units. I don't know if they are shipping yet but they absolutely do have them for both. I will have to get a pair as well!!
Great video Mark! Looking forward to a video comparing the D2and the Manticore. I’m leaning towards the Manticore right now but the videos about the iron falsing and separation being a little better on the D2 have me wondering 🤦♂️
Would be an epic video to make recommendations for one or the other between the XP Deus 2 and the Minelab Manticore. It's undoubtedly a very tough decision, it's this question is not as commonly asked as the Manticore vs Equinox 900 is. Since they are two different companies and at the same price point and so close in performance, and so controversial as the fans of Minelab collide with fans of XP Deus, it's a video that you almost can't make any suggestions to the viewers without lighting a fire under someone. It really comes down to warranty, tones, coil options, comfort and portability and of course build quality. Head to head in the heavy iron or trashy parks, the D2 is arguably still the king! But at the beach or in depth of detection, user interface and menu, tonal options, beautiful color screen with backlit buttons, vibrating handle and flashlight, etc. The Manticore has advantages. If one of RUclips content creators ever makes that video, better get the popcorn ready!! 😛 Thank you for the view and comment!
17:18 New to your channel, Mark, and new to metal detecting. Looking for an outdoor hobby that I can continue for many years. Excellent content and is helpful in my decision making for my first detector. I would like to do some hunting before I move from Alaska.
Thank you for watching the video. This really is a fantastic hobby it's rewarding it gives you peace and Solace while you're out detecting and time to think about things and relax get away from the hustle bustle it gives you exercise as you get up and down and dig signals and most importantly you find treasures! Either one of the two machines in this video are to great options for you for your first detector but they are quite an investment if you're not sure you're going to like the hobby so there are some other machines I can recommend to you that are way more affordable that you can buy first to see if you like the hobby. Thanks again for watching the video and for your comment!
Dude!!! I did not know you had your own channel! You and Ron were my boys and my favorite detecting duo!! We were sad to see the duo end. Great channel and keep the videos rolling in. We have a lot of catching up to do watching all of your videos. Subscribe button is smashed!!!
Awesome, this made my day to read this!! Thank you for the kind words. Trying to get Ron to do some RUclips live events with me to tell some stories . . . and boy do we have some! Happy you found the channel!
@@BrassMedic That would be awesome!! Keep up the great work on your videos, we are almost finished watching them all and we really like the content. Its nice seeing the Gold Rush relics coming out of the ground again lol.
Absolutely, there have been some good sales since this video was released and here in the USA, at one point the machines were only $200 difference in price. Thank you for the view and comment!
Thank you sir, very helpful intel! I swing a 600 & am thinking about getting a gently used 900 from a buddy. He is asking $800 for it hence I’m debating it versus brand-new Legend. 👍
That's a tough choice, it really depends on the tones and features of the two machines between the Equinox 900 and the Legend. Both are incredible machines. Your comment is a couple months old, wondering if you ended up choosing one or the other yet? 🤔 Thank you for your view and comment/question!
It's a huge upgrade in technology and construction/materials and oerformance. The Manticore is a GREAT machine and if you upgrade I highly recommend it. I loved using the Minelab Explorer, then switched to the e-trac until the CTX-3030 was born. I did better with the Explorer and CTX-3030 than I did with the e-trac. Thanks for the view and comment/question!
That is a great point I should have talked about that and the video. The user interface on the Manticore is the best ever made by any company period and it is so easy to navigate through and understand it is a very ergonomic and predictable menu system period because of that alone I would say it's much easier to learn and make changes on. I feel like I should do a video just on what you said right here! Take a look at the description of all of my videos for a link to get a good discount on any new machines that you buy. Thank you for your view, comment and a great idea for a new video!
Great video. I own a Deus II, and a CTX. I’m just into my 50th year of digging. Never owned the 800 so I’ve pre-ordered the Manticore which is due to be delivered in a couple days. Personally I think the manticore is more customizable. We’ll see.
I have a very hard time myself trying to decide if I take the CTX-3030 out or grab the XP Deus II. Tough decision. Sure prefer the tones of the CTX-3030 though. The Manticore is overall a bit more customizable with many more options, but the 800 and 900 both have the ability to completely save a customizable program that can be quickly recalled. Whereas the Manticore can't do that, however, it was a feature that was rarely used on the 800 so I can see why Minelab didn't implement it (yet). All local programs on the Manticore save the settings from previous use so you don't really lose any settings, it's just that no customizable program can be recalled. Thank you for the view, comment and kind words!!
I saw a video recently and the deus 2 did way better than the 900 when a high conductor was covered up by iron not sure about the manticore yet they are closer in price maby they will be similar.
@@USMC-1911 For this to be a fair test head to head they would both have to have the same size coil. So the 9" round on the 11" round on the Manticore is not going to be fair. Minelab has an 8" x 5.5" coming out soon so that would be more fair. At the XP Deus 2 is outstanding in the heavy iron. All 3 machines are incredible! Thanks for the view and comment!
Great Video Mark! I've owned every explorer model and E-trac also. So your comment about the fluty audio in the manticore is welcoming to me. I loved those tones. I've run the 800 for a few years and just picked up a 900 also. Question: I live in Ohio and hunt land and fresh water lakes. Have you used the DP Audio on the 900 and correct me if I'm wrong. Is it suppose to be something good to run in iron infested areas? I'm looking for someone that has had these machines explain the DP Audio to me. Also when it comes to Fresh water detecting what would be your choice 900 or Manticore and why? I'm #1 on my dealers list for the Manticore just waiting for another batch to get released. Again I'm gonna sub your channel as I like your videos!!!!
Yes, I really miss those tones!! Wish I would have kept my old Explorer SE Pro to take out every once in a while. So the dp audio is something I tried and do not care for but have to use. It's quite different and it changes the tones based on depth and conductivity. So it's kind of tricky to explain as a shallow high conductor will be both loud in volume and high in tone whereas a deep low conductor will be quiet in volume (due to depth) and a low tone (due to low conductivity). I honestly don't know if they recommend it in heavy iron but on the CTX this is called "gain" where you can adjust the volume of deep targets and it's very useful, especially in parks where your not so much wanting to dig shallow coins but rather concentrating on the deep coins hoping for silver. So I would think that Minelab included this feature more for park hunters. On the Manticore this feature is built into two of the included audio profiles. On this machine it's only available in this particular tone setting (dP) . . . my gripes with it are mostly related to volume so it's tough to hear the really deep signals and just about the time you really start focusing on the deep and therefore quiet signals . . . a shallow signal right on top comes in and blows your headphones off in volume. It's quite startling sometimes but I still use it because I like to hear depth. Both machines are going to be awesome underwater. The choice between the two machines for underwater for me comes down to the screen believe it or not! I do not like looking at a red backlit screen underwater, very difficult to see but the Manticore looks great under water. I am really excited to get a chance to try the new waterproof headphones as soon as they start shipping. When I get them I will do a couple underwater videos to show the screens and do some detecting in Folsom lake Reservoir and the Delta here in California. Thank you for the kind words, the view, the sub and for these great questions!!!
@@BrassMedic One last question Mark Can I use the water proof head phones I used on the Equinox 800 on the Manticore? Your suppose to be able to use them on the 900 or so I've heard. Thanks Again for getting back....
The CTX with the 6" round coil is phenomenal and accounts for about 90% of all of my best finds ever. I can somehow hear in 3D with the CTX, I hear depth, size, shape and can easily hear iron. BUT in the heavy iron I am going to miss co-located targets. The processor on the CTX is just not fast enough to compete with the XP Deus 2 for example. But until we get the 8" x 5.5" Manticore coil I can't really say if it's better than the CTX in heavy iron. When I get that coil I will be the first to let everyone know if it can match up against the almighty CTX! Right now CTX is still the king in my opinion. Thanks for the view and comment!
Hi Martin, if using a 2A charger approx 7 hours. However less if using a better amperage USB charger it will be less. Thank you for the view and checking in from Germany with the great question!
The buttons are backlit and I screwed up and said they were not. Yes, I have since figured that out and the video can't be edited so it's unfortunately a bit of bad info there!!! Thank you for the view and comment/correction!
I've watched this video several times now and looked at others on other channels. I agree with Mark: the 2D screen on the Manticore is a huge factor. I used to pay a lot of attention to the display on my ExplorerXS and I'm quite certain I'll do the same with the Manticore (should I ever get one). I can't afford more than one high end detector so I'm really hoping I'm making the right decision to go with the Manticore. Thanks!!
Sweet!!! Congratulations! You will love it! Take a look at my channel for other videos that will help you get up and running quick on your new Manticore, including a video on the first 10 things you should do when you buy the Manticore! www.youtube.com/@BrassMedic Thank you for the view and comment!
I just missed out purchasing a Manticore today. Did you get yours via prepaid or is there a company receiving stock? Who are you buying yours from? Tks!
NICE!!! Take a look at my video on the first 10 things to do with the Manticore!! ruclips.net/video/9AxSDowK584/видео.html Thanks for checking in and best of luck on your trip on Sunday!!
They would both be equally capable of detecting nickels that are deep in soil or sand. However I think the Manticore clhas an advantage on depth over the Equinox 900. Thank you for your view and for the comment/question!
Do you have one for the Vanquish 540 compared to these more expensive models for someone starting out wondering if we should save up the extra money for the more expensive models or go with the cheaper? For all terrain (beach, woods, field, etc.).
Great question! So right off the bat I have to ask... Will you be using it in rain, mud or near water? If so, you definitely want to avoid the Vanquish 540 The prices are significantly different so it's not really a fair comparison as there are far more features on the Manticore and Equinox 900 compared to the Vanquish 540. Performance and depth of detection are quite better on the Manticore and Equinox 900. Thank you for the view and comment!
Why did I watch that Minelab release trailer a few days ago? Now I want to get back into this coming from an Excalibur 2 that didn't get the proper use it deserved. Thought I was decided on the 900 but I'm a sucker for bells and whistles and since I don't buy multiple detectors at once feel I can justify the Manticore over the 900. The Excal is proven but I always felt MD design needed to be updated. These new ones are very nice. Maybe I can forget I saw that video for now? 😑
Hah, this is the dilemma we all face!! I can assure you however that if you decide to get either of these you will have tremendous success and the machine will get used. Thank you for the view and comment!
Honestly I don't see either machine having an advantage over the other in your highly mineralized soil. I can only recommend the Manticore over the Equinox 900 due to some of the newer features from the June 2023 update. Either machine would be ideal for you! Thank you for watching the video and for taking the time to ask a good question like that from all the way across the world in Iran.
Hi, welcome, hope you enjoy the videos! Yes I do and as far as comparing it in the type of sites I target, they are very comparable in performance but I still think the Deus 2 has the edge in separation amongst heavy iron. I prefer the tones on the Manticore though. Also dig waaaay less big iron and flat iron with the Manticore. Could be a lack of user skill but I always come home with a couple horseshoes when I take the Deus 2 out. Thanks for the view and question!!
You mention there isn't iron volume on the 900. The 800 has it and I swear I saw someone adjusting the iron vol on the 900 in a video. Have I misunderstood?
I honestly just don't know and we're not getting any answers on that. I do know that I will be one of the first people to know when they start shipping though and I will let all of you guys know right away with a video. Thanks for the view and comment/question.
Sweet, good move, Thanks for checking in to let me know. You will do very well with it, even back at your old beat up sites!! Thanks again for the view and comment!
Today, 7/5/24, the manticore is on sale (until mid December) for $1199, and the Nox 900 is $1149. For a $50 difference, is there ANY reason to go with the Nox?
Well to be perfectly honest you would need to have the same size coils on. There is an 11 x 13 inch coil for the XP Deus II and I have it headed my way right now... as soon as it gets here I will do more testing head-to-head and let you guys know. We're all wondering the same thing though. Thanks for the view and comment.
Brass Medic said recently that he's going to gold fields to test them. This video doesn't answer your question, but you can see the 900 in action sniffing out gold. Minelab Equinox 900 Arizona Gold Nuggets & GPX 6000 ruclips.net/video/hrQoaGGWRXI/видео.html
Yes, undoubtedly, just in my test garden on deep nuggets, both the Manticore and Eq 900 were deeper and more stable than my Eq 800. I think the Manticore and Equinox 900 are the best VLF gold machines ever made. The Minelab Gold Monster 1000 is incredible too but overall not as good as these two new machines. Thank you for the view and comment!
Unfortunately I still can't say. I have been watching and checking in daily, I will let you guys know right away if I hear anything! Fingers crossed soon! Either way, can't go wrong with the D2! Thanks for the view and comment!
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I went with the 900, bought my grandson a detector with the difference, now I have a buddy detecting with me that's good for my man core.
Well you definitely can't go wrong with the 900 it's a very capable and fantastic machine. It looks like my lab just discounted the Manticore by $500 bringing it down to the same price as the Equinox 900 for the next couple months I feel bad for people that had to pay the extra $500 but it is discounted right now. And that was a good idea using the difference to get your grandson a detector as well. Thank you for the view and for your comment!
Bought the CTX3030 when it first came out and never regretted it. Had the Manticore on order for a month now and last week cancelled it and bought the EQ900. Seems like a lot of back and forth between the two and I bet I will be very satisfied on what the 900 will do.
I picked the Manticore on December 20th. Still don’t have it. Bought the 900 in April while visiting Myrtle Beach, SC. I have over 200 hours on it now and I love, love it. Received confirmation from KellyCo that my Manticore is finally on it’s way (I live in Okinawa, Japan) and I can not wait to get my hands on that baby. If my wish could come true, I would want Minelab to merge the best of the two machines and make it waterproof to 20 meters and I would be in heaven!! Thanks for the comparison vid, this is my second time watching now that my Manticore is nearly here!!!
I hope you finally did get it and by now have done very well with it. Thank you for the view and comment!
I’ve been hitting all the sites with my manticore that I pounded with my 800 over the past two weeks and have pulled deep silver coins every time. I’m still getting used to it because it’s different than my 800, but so far I’m quite impressed with it.
Same here!! It has shown to be a whole new look in the ground at some of my old, beat up sites! Thanks for the view and comment!
Are you hunting in High Conductor mode?
@@BrassMedic More rubbish its no better than the 800. I have done side by side tests and every target the manticore signaled on so did the 800. Stop the bull shit...
Thank you, thank you. You gave me so much information to help with this decision. Because I couldn't get enough information to compare the two together. I have narrowed it down to these two and now it's just one, the manitcore. If I plan to enjoy this retirement adventure, for hopefully ten years, I want to enjoy a great audio sound every time. Thank you once again Mark for your help with this decision. God bless you.
Your welcome! You chose a great machine that will serve you well for the years to come. Make sure you get a hold of that 8 1/2 by 5 1/2 in coil when you can it's a huge game changer on that machine. Thank you for the view, comment and the kind words!
Believe me buddy, I could of brought the Manticore but the red screen on the 900 and the use of 3 coils sold it for me. 900 way better here in the UK!
Great points on that, not to mention saving $500!! It's an awesome machine no doubt! Thank you for the view and for taking the time to leave a comment! 🤠
I’ll help you out. I have had Manticore a long time. I am a youtuber. I tested Manticore prerelease.
What are the differences in the field? Between the models.
Depth on beach low conductors = Manticore.
Modern trash performance looking for higher conductors = Manticore.
These 2 things alone may be worth $500 one pays extra for Manticore.
ID of deeper higher conductors running MF likely more stable on Manticore.
Emi handling advantage Manticore.
Coils being earless advantage Manticore.
Both good units.
Nice choices Minelab has provided.
You say "low conductor " what does that mean?
I have the Nox 900.. my wife wants to get into it now..I'm looking at the Manticore for her..
I have looked at the Manticore, Nox 900 and D2. I have gone back and forth. Finally decided on the manticore and on the list to get one.
Such a tough decision!!! I have all 3 and I never know which one to take out!! 😛 But even with the CTX-3030 here I still prefer the Manticore just because of the very nice audio and tones. A bit better in heavy iron that the CTX as well. Congrats on getting one, hope you get it soon!! Thanks for the view and comment!
In the UK it works out over 850 dollars extra for the Manticore. Unless there is a big jump in performance the 900 is better value here in England. I've bought the 900 and very happy.
So here at retail of $1,599 vs $1,099 that's about a difference of 32% more cost. Is that a similar percentage between the two even though it's 800 dollars more? Yes, you can't go wrong with the 900 honestly!!
@@BrassMedic Here in the UK the 900 is £1099 and the manticore is £1799 so 700 pounds equates to 850 bucks so a whopping 63% more.. We seem to get ripped off with most prices here. If that was the same in the US l wonder if people would pay 850 bucks more?
@@paulmartin3946 i held back for a year and then got the 900 with 3 coils when on offer. I just could not justify the extra here in the UK.
I have swung the 800 for 3 plus years. Loved it! Just got lucky and won a 900. Amazing. Still learning the TID now it goes to 99. I really wish i had a manticore. Your video calmed that a bit. Knowing the difference now I will keep the 900 and work it til the next generation comes. Take care, HH, & To the Lost.
That's fantastic to hear that you won that machine what an awesome and capable machine it is. Just double the numbers you used to know literally and you'll have no problem remembering the numbers on the 900. So for example something that used to be a 28 on your Equinox 800 is now simply a 56. It's pretty accurate when you just double the vdi number. Thank you for your view and for your comment!
I just ordered the Equinox 900...
Im coming from owning a Whites Dfx...
I hope i will enjoy the difference...
Thank you for your video!
It's quite different no doubt, especially since the entire circuit is digital now whereas the DFX was mostly analog. Multi-frequency and all the bells and whistles! You will be happy and will find lots of cool treasures with it! Thank you for the view and comment. Happy Holidays!
Hmm, I am glad that you said the 900 has a red screen. Being a red/green colorblind person I am sure that this will bother me to no end. I currently have the 800 and I am looking to upgrade and your video provided the answer for me. Plus on KellyCo right now if you buy a Manticore you get all 3 coils with your purchase.
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Nice video. I like the 2-D screen. I also like having a better sounding musical audio tones.
Good honest review. Is there any difference in balance on either detector. Len
Ooooh, GREAT Question!!! So after reading this, I got up and picked up both machines (had to put the 11" coil on the Equinox 900 to be fair) and tested them both. There is literally no difference whatsoever. If I had my eyes closed I wouldn't know which machine was in my hand if it wasn't for the difference in the front of the handles on the fingers. Thank you for the view and helpful question!!
Your 100% correct on the importance off good quality audio.
After all, it's what we use to determine a good signal or not.
I went with the manticore, BUT I knew I was paying a premium
Is it worth it ??? Well I would say yes, one thing NOT ONE has ever mentioned on ANY RUclips video
The screen!!!!!
The manticore screen is like a smartphone screen
Yes, and not many people know of ever mention that!!!
That costs money BUT does mean minelab can upgrade software and change whatever it wants
Longevity is what I feel brings value to the manticore
Good point(s)! But even the user interface is the best I have ever seen on any machine. Thanks for the view and comment!
Great to hear there is a small coil coming, with the sweet audio this will make it the one to go for in the future.Cant wait to get this coil🙂
Yes, I was pleased to hear that news and excited for the chance to try it one of these days. Cheers for the view and comment!
I just took delivery of a Equinox 900, my first metal detector I've purchased since my White's unit that's 15 years old. So far I like the 900, although when I purchased it I wasn't even aware of the Manticore model and probably would have liked to have the 2D screen. I plan to eventually buy a higher end metal detector. I noticed that the price on the ML 3030 had dropped. Perhaps I'll wait to see what Minelab replaces the 3030 with. In any case, thanks for the great video!
Good video, Mark!
I saw this paragraph in the Manticore user manual regarding low frequencies:
“MANTICORE does not have a 4 kHz single frequency setting. Instead, the All Terrain High Conductors Search Mode provides a Multi‑IQ+ based mode that can achieve an operating frequency even lower than 4 kHz. This provides the benefits of a low frequency/high power mode for detection and discrimination of high conductors, while retaining the substantial benefits of Multi‑IQ+”.
User Profiles:
Correct me if I’m wrong here, but with regards to User Profiles on the Manticore: Based on the user manual, I found no way to actually save an entire user profile mode into memory (as you can on a Nox)…there’s special user selectable buttons you can assign a very limited number of operations (like ground balance, noise cancel, etc), but nothing that allows you to save an entire user mode…??
A note on Iron Bias….even though the Manticore doesn’t have the same iron bias settings as the Nox does, the Manticore has a highly user modifiable version of iron bias in the Ferrous Limits setting (Upper/Lower).
Hi Dan!! I think there is absolutely a huge benefit in being able to switch between Multi-IQ and a single frequency (Like 15kHz) to look at the 2D graph when trying to determine if Iron. I am going to make a video on this asap. So what I am finding is, when I have a target that I am suspicious might be iron and I see a high conductor hanging out over on the right half of the centerline over in the conductive side of the graph, when I switch to a single frequency like 15kHz I then see a hard left inflection from wrap spraying a blob hard left when it's a square nail. If I don't see that blob I'll try 5kHz and if it still looks good over on the right side where it's supposed to be, it's been a coin or desirable target! Not sure if 4kHz would be any better than 5kHz when doing this. But it's something that not everybody realizes . . . Minelab shows us the frequencies WE can choose from but the amount of simultaneous frequencies and exactly what frequencies they are are not the same as the ones we can choose from, and we will likely never know until someone analyzes them on an oscilloscope and publishes that info. As far as the User Profiles, that is correct. Unfortunately you can only choose Mode and designate it as a favorite. Then assign it to that custom User button that will access it with the push of a button, but it won't save even the local settings (let alone the global settings) to that custom button, it simply just switches it over to that Mode with the last settings you had on it. So your suspicion is correct, currently no way to do that. On Iron Bias . . yes, much more tunable and efficient iron bias with us having control over the upper and lower, no need for the Fe or F2 like the 800 had on the Manticore. Dang man, I am really hoping you get yours right away so we can get your feedback, I know you will get under the hood quick and figure out intricacies and how to get everything from the Manticore that's it's capable of! Thank you for the awesome comment and questions, and View!!
Pinned this Comment!!!
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Great review. Finally got my hands on a manticore today in the uk after a 7 month waiting list. Cannot wait to get out and use it on the beach 👌
Liked and subscribed....
Good honest info without bias or fluff. Another channel I can binge watch and learn from. Happy hunting in 2023!
Just made the decision to go all in on this machine. (Manticore) Previously I was using a bounty hunter tracker 4 which misses a lot of potential finds. Ancient stuff, literally from analog to digital. This video helped ease the uncertainty my purchase. The newest smaller coils sound ideal, and the greater variety in music tones also fit my preference. In all honesty i’m just looking for an excuse to dig a hole! Cheers-
Hah, same here! But yeah that is a huge upgrade from what you were using before and a very capable machine that will keep you motivated in the Hobby and not get frustrated. Thank you for checking out the video and for your comment!
Great video as always. Interesting that you mentioned the depth guage. I have a NOX 800 but have previously used Garrett detectors and found their depth guages were always very accurate. The build quality has obviously improved - which it needed to - but I'll stick with the 800 for now as I would not buy a new detector until it has been out for at least a year, as all new models come out with some bugs in them.
Hello and thanks for checking the video and for the comment! It's been a "Minelab thing" for a long time to have a small high conductor be more shallow than the depth gauge indicates, we're all used to it by now. So when I hear a sweet high tones that sounds like a deep coin but feels really small on what we call the "Minelab wiggle" and deep because deeper targets are softer in volume (one some detectors - on my CTX-3030 we the setting is called Gain), as soon as I check with the pinpointer and it the pinpointer goes off from the surface I know it's going to be smaller and shallow. But a couple clues were already there to peak my suspicion. It's all good though and I don't see it as a bad thing at all.
Great video the best I have seen on Minelab products. I really like the way you explained all the different features for both machines. I will more then likely get the Manticore because I do more beach hunting then dirt. Thanks again for a great video.
That's a great choice and I know you will find lot's of incredible treasures with it! Thank you for the kind words and for taking a time to leave a comment to let me know. Best of luck! Mark 🤠
I bought a Manticore and really like the 2D screen . The only thing I didn't like was the hand grip . It has grooves and they tend to fill with moist sand. I wrapped my hand grip with self fusing silicone tape . It does like the deep targets . Cant wait for the water to warm up and get the depositors back out there swimming again .
What brand was the tape? Can you email me a picture of the tape you bought and like? My email is in all of my video descriptions! Thanks for the view and Great Tip!!
@@BrassMedic Its made by Permatex . Its great stuff. No glue , it just fuses to itself. Its available at most auto parts stores. Its very stretchy . As you unroll it you have to peel off the film that separates the wraps on the roll.
@@idigdaytona4478 Awesome, thank you for the tip sounds like it should work perfectly. 🤠
Hi mark . Great video I ended up with nox 900. Are the vdi numbers the same on manticore as the 900?
Awesome choice, I mean it's a win, win either way. Yes the numbers are the same as long as you have the same size coils on. Best of luck with the 900 and thank you for the view and question/comment!
Liked and subbed…great vid, full of info! Just bought a new Manticore for $1019 out the door to mine, have it by the end of the week. My decision was btwn the 900 and Manticore and chose the Manticore. I’m sure it’ll be a trick to learn all the options this machine will do but plenty of vids out there like yours so hopefully the learning curve gets minimized.
Congrats on getting that deal on your machine! That's like $500 less than most others paid. It really is a fantastic and very capable machine if you get a chance to get the M8 coil I highly recommend that too. Thank you for liking and subscribing and for watching the videos! I also sincerely appreciate your kind words!
Thanks for the nice video Mark.
Good explanation.
Greetings from Holland👍
Thank you so much for your support and kind words! I'm happy to hear that the explanation was clear. Greetings from Northern California USA (Heart of the California Gold Rush of 1848) to Holland!
Hey there, I’m a new subscriber and enjoy your videos a ton. I appreciate the time you’ve spent comparing these 2 machines. When I first heard Minelab was coming out with some new detectors I had all my fingers and toes cross that they would include the ability to pair a pin-pointer. I like to hear the pin-pointer over just the vibration but I don’t like everyone else having to put up with it when hunting in a group or just people in the area to hear it. Maybe next time. Keep up with great videos. Thanks!
That's a great point to bring up. First off, thank you sincerely for the kind words!! For some reason, Minelab has never made a pinpointer that paired to the machine. There was a 3rd party company that made an inline probe (pinpointer) that would engage the probe at the flick of a switch on the Minelab Explorer series machines. It was VERY popular and you would think that Minelab would realize that but so far this has not been a feature on any Minelab product. I'm sure they see it more valuable to just sell a pinpointer like the Pro-Find 35 that is disassociated from the circuit so it's a separate piece of equipment and therefore, technical support type issues just cover the smaller, more inexpensive pinpointer rather than the detector as part of the system. Who knows?? But there are many others who liked having that inline probe where you could hear the detector circuit in your headphones from the probe.
I was told the new Manticore was better than my ctx . Deeper , better target separation, faster recovery , and quicker noice canceling plus many other functions. You are a very familiar with the ctx . Will I be getting a better detector with the Manticore and now my ctx is a back up . Or no and I should buy the 900 as a back up and stick to my ctx as the go to detector. Thank you for your response and for sharing Pete detects
I have answered this same question a few times here as it's a great question. I have to be one of the highest total hours of usage on the Minelab CTX-3030 on the planet. Seriously I have many countless thousands of hours on that machine. This is the same answer I have given to others that asked this same question. The CTX with the 6" round coil is phenomenal and accounts for about 90% of all of my best finds ever. I can somehow hear in 3D with the CTX, I hear depth, size, shape and can easily hear iron. BUT in the heavy iron I am going to miss co-located targets. The processor on the CTX is just not fast enough to compete with the XP Deus 2 for example. But until we get the 8" x 5.5" Manticore coil I can't really say if it's better than the CTX in heavy iron. When I get that coil I will be the first to let everyone know if it can match up against the almighty CTX! Right now CTX is still the king in my opinion. For you, I would say you would be fine to keep the CTX and buy the 900 with the 6" coil for the real trashy, heavy iron sites. Or if you go to the beach. You have to admit that swinging a CTX all day long is not for the everyone as it's a long day and swings pretty heavy. But with that and the 900 you set either way! Thanks for the view and comment!
@@BrassMedic Basically in heavy iron the Manticor my out shine the ctx with the help of a coil that hasn't been released . I'm heading towards the 900 for my back up detector. Thank you very much . I appreciate your input tremendously. I just subscribed to your channel, Pete detects from central California
I ordered the 900 last night . You helped me decide. Thank you
Well done. We been waiting for one just like that!
Iam by no means a pro yet at metal detecting, I've watched numerous videos on the manticore, I'm just trying to make sure I made the right decision on ordering one, I have currently been using the nox 800 since it first came out, I originally was going to get the deus 2 as my upgrade, but went with the manticore instead. In your opinion, did I make the tight choice, other opinions from other subscribers welcomed as well.
All I can say on this right now is . . . that in heavy iron, the XP Deus 2 is still king! If not consistently detecting in beds of nails than the choice gets pretty tough. So the Manticore is an awesome detector and it will serve you very well for a long time but right now, you only have 1 coil and no updates (if you can even find a manticore). I have to use the Deus 2 in heavy iron to have the best results but I don't like the tones or the detecting experience, but I use it because I want results! I much prefer the tones and detector experience on my Minelab CTX 3030 or the Manticore as it's enjoyable and ear pleasing tones. But what really matters to me is performance. I own every major machine made in the last 15 years so it's a tough choice when I reach for a machine to take on the trip. If I'm going to the beach it's the Manticore! If it's a park to look for deep silver I will take the Manticore or CTX. If it's to the goldfields and I'm not taking a PI machine like the GPX-6000 I will take either my Minelab Gold Monster 1000 or the Manticore. So I guess the question gets a little easier to answer when you can consider the types of sites you mostly hunt. Thanks for the view and comment!
Yes
Great review!! I’m a beach hunter and you have helped me make my mind up. But I was gonna go with the manticore anyways for the target trace. Thanks
Awesome, glad it helped, definitely can't go wrong with the Manticore, can pay for itself pretty quick at the beach!! Thanks for the view and comment!
Hi. Great comparison. I've owned them all! CTX ,2 800S 2 600S and Xcal! Love Minelab equipment but I'm a water hunter and go by tones not a screen! Manticore may seek a little deeper but how DEEP ARE YOU WILLING TO DID CHEST DEEP IN WATER? JUST ORDERED A 900 FOR THE SIMPLE REASON I WANT TO SEE IT SWIM AND NOT FLOOD!!! Main concern to me as in past 5yrs I spent 10k on Minelab Detectors with deffinitly a great return!!! BUT: DONT NEED ALL THE EXTRA BELLS AND WHISTLES!! I do believe Minelab created the Beast Manticore more for the coin and relic hunters? Thanks for a super comparison chart! Well appreciated!! 👍👍👍
Yes, very difficult to dig deep in the surf (where the trough is) in the rolling sand and rocks getting bounced around! Good point about that! Really can't go wrong either way! Congrats on your new 900, hope you get it asap!! Thank you for the view and very kind comments!
I would think that you could dial the Manticore back on depth by increasing the Recovery Speed and lowering the Sensitivity?
I've been on the fence between the two and was scared that either would be a let down compared to the whites V3I and now I'm pretty sure I'm going for the manticore thanks for all the useful information
The whites v3i was ahead of its time and still is a fantastic metal detector. But there are a few issues you have to take into account and that is number one you will not be able to get parts or support for much longer as those parts are getting very hard to find to get them repaired number two it's only three frequencies that are fixed whereas these newer machines have multiple frequencies that are customized for each search mode rather than fixed numbers. This turns out to be a huge advantage over the v3i. There is also the ergonomics the weight and minimum size comparisons. Like I said I love the v3i when it first came out but in today's world these new more modern detectors just can't be beat. I highly suggest you do upgrade in the Manticore is a fantastic choice I love my Manticore and it's the first machine I grab out the door every time I go! Thank you for the view and for your great question/comment!
Excellent video thanks very much. I am 100% a Beach Hunter here in South Florida, and all of the videos I’ve seen so far yours included, favor the manticore at the beach. Everyone seems to be very impressed with the 2D display. The red display on the 900 doesn’t do much for me since I am red green colorblind, and actually looking at a red screen is a detriment for me. So, in the long run, I will wait for a little more feedback from users, but I’m leaning towards the manticore.
Hi Doug, If I were head out to the beach to detect right now, I would absolutely grab the Manticore (and I have every major brand and model of detector made in the last 20 years to choose from over here). The Manticore really is the best at the beach in my opinion. If your 100% beach, your machine is the Manticore and it's good to go as is for the beach. We're all waiting for an update and the smaller coil before we can start taking it out to heavy iron over the XP Deus II, the Nokta Makro Legend or the Minelab CTX-3030. Yes, I really don't care for that red display and it looks horrible under water too (if you dive). Wish I was closer I would meet you at the beach and let you run the Manticore for the day! Thanks for the view and comment!
@@BrassMedic , a friend of mine, met me at the beach this past week, and brought his manticore with him. I played with it for a while, and I was very impressed. I already ordered mine, who knows how long it’s going to take, but it is ordered.
@@Deus-Too Awesome Doug I hope you get it ASAP! 😁
2D screen is a winner, may get a 900 for backup and use it more in the bush here in Okinawa
It really is a big deal for some and can be a useful feature to size up a signal for a dig-no dig decision. Thank you for the view and comment from Okinawa!
Ive been 99% a gold detectorist since 1996. I haven’t used my Equinox 800 even that much in the 4 years I’ve own it but that Manticore is intriguing. I would definitely need some training on it.
Well then, good thing you have a buddy that lives close by that knows the machine inside and out!! 😀
One more thing to consider, NASA Tom posted early on in his Manticore thread that the Equinox 900 was a low end Multi IQ, the Manticore is a mid/upper detector. To me this implies a CTX 3030 replacement is in the works.
I can't remember which page he posted this, but it is in his Manticore thread on his forum.
Yes, I have heard this from multiple sources as well (although if anyone would know for sure it's NASA Tom). The new machine is being called the "Minelab Ultimate". I am eagerly awaiting this as very few have the amount of hours that I have at the end of a CTX-3030!! Thanks for the view and comment!!
I'm enjoying the Nox but the Explorer II is still the best detector I've ever owned. If I ever find a used one locally, I'll certainly buy it.
Now your talking!!!! Yes, my Explorer II's were very good to me and we opened up all kinds of new park ground that was pretty beat up. Was like a whole new park! And those tones!!!! I am working hard to get those tones again as an option on new machines. Thanks for the view and comment!
Great info! Is there any information on if there will be a new detector coming out in the near future? Want to upgrade from my 800 but don't want to buy the manticore if an upgrade will become available.
There will be no new machine anytime soon you would be safe to do an upgrade to the Manticore right now and know that it will stand the test of time. Thank you for watching the video and for your great question!
Thinking its time for an upgrade form my old E trac. That target trace and sound similarity of the Manticore is a great selling point.
Rest assured that it is definitely an upgrade in many ways from the E-Trac, first and foremost there are nearly no parts left to repair e-tracs anymore. But yes that target trace is a great tool that we can use to our advantage! Hope you can make the upgrade. Best of luck! Thanks for the view and comment!
Finally someone talking sense! Thank you for this grate video 👏🏼👌🏻🥰
Cheers, Thank you for the kind words and view!!
Great video! Looking forward to the new Manticore coils!
Same here, can't really give the machine a fair assessment until I get that new 8x5.5 out in the iron. The 11" in the heavy iron is definitely not ideal. When I asked 2 weeks ago I was told emphatically that they were being manufactured and will be available soon. I will let you guys know right when the new coils and waterproof headphones start shipping out. Thanks for the view and comment!
Thanks, Good Video ! I went with the 900.
Nice!! Good choice, hope you enjoy it and now it's time to head back into some of those older, beat up sites you thought were hunted out! Thanks for the view and comment!
Best review of any detector I have seen well explained thks
Thank you so much! What an awesome comment to see! 🙏🤠
Nice share
my question is, it's making a lot of noise where there are high voltage energy cables, how can we adjust it, good explanation for monticore in advance, my respects man..
You can make sure you have the sensitivity set where you want it and the mode your going to be in, then hold the coil up at belt height and hold the noise cancel button in, watch carefully as it chooses channels, when you see the same channel repeating a few times let go and it should be able to overcome your EMI issue. Thank you for the view and question!!
Thank you for the comparison video and all the effort you put into making great videos. Quick question. I'm considering getting the manticore to compliment my gold detecting arsenal. Does the 2d trace work in the prospecting mode on manticore, and do you feel it Is fairly reliable. It appears in another video I saw that lead targets mostly show below the non ferrous line in 2d. That would be great to be able to somewhat tell the difference between gold and lead. Some places I go are plastered with hundreds of lead targets in a small area. But there is good gold there. Thanks again for another great video, been watching for years on your last channel too. Hello from the Northern diggings up in shasta/ trinity area.
Great questions! Appreciate the view and the kind words! The 2D graph does work in goldfield general mode and it's very helpful. Nuggets appear right on the midline as little round dots, I have not seen lead drop down below the middle line ever, so not sure on that . Gold has a more subtle and slightly subdued sound compared to the more bombastic sound of lead. But you just have to dig all the lead to get the nuggets. In my gold patches I dig about 20 or so bullets for every piece of gold. So the good news is, if you finding bullets your in a great spot because the other detectors missed those bullets so they also missed the gold! I have heard lot's of stories about the gold up your way! The Manticore will prove to be arguably the best VLF Gold machine available on the market today. Best of luck out there!! 🤠⛏
How well do you think the Excalibur 2, would do versus the Manticore. I currently use my Excalibur in the water and my Nox on the sand. Still waiting for the Manticore to come in. Would be an interesting comparison 🤔
I think firstly that if your talking about in the dry/wet sand, the Manticore is much more comfortable to swing and carry. I used to belt or chest mount my Excalibur 2 and have the cable dangling across to the shaft and coil which wasn't too bad but swinging the Excalibur and Excalibur 2 underwater or on dry or wet sand, made for a long day. So as far as comfort I think that's something to consider, the Manticore is WAY lighter! As far as performance at the beach the Manticore is going to be better as well. I think you could make a good case for selling you 800 and your Excalibur 2 and getting just the Manticore!! I do miss the sounds of the Excalibur in the surf on coins and jewelry though. Thank you for the view and comment/question!
Hey, good video! No one is covering whether either of these will use the water phones that the 800 used.
I use my machine 50/50 water and land. So water phones are imperative. Also does the 800 coils fit the 900?
Thanks again! I just found you and enjoyed the video
Yes the waterproof headphones will work on both the Manticore and the Equinox 900. and the coils from the 800 do work on the 900 (including aftermarket like CoilTek). Unfortunately the waterproof headphones are a little hard to find right now, I am waiting for a set myself. Hopefully they get some more manufactured and shipped out soon. Thank you for the view and questions!
What would be best for finding gold in Western Australia's highly mineralised soils around Kalgoorlie ?
Really depends on your budget. By the vary design of the way pulse induction technology works (with pulses that in between each pulse it allows time for the eddy currents of the soil to subside, thereby ignoring highly mineralized soil. So the Minelab GPX and GPZ series machines along with the Garrett Axiom are going to be your best bet. If not able to afford this level of technology in your budget. The next best machine would be the VLF technology of the Minelab Gold Monster 1000. From a productivity standpoint you can cover some serious ground with the bigger coil in the Gold Monster 1000. If in the market for a new machine, check out my discount code by typing in "BRASSMEDIC" at checkout. highplainsprospectors.com/collections/gold-detectors-1/ref?=BRASSMEDIC
Thank you for the view and comment!!
Thanks for the video, you explain it perfectly. In Spain the difference between the 900 and the manticore is approximately €800, would you say it is still worth spending €800 more? thank you. I add information, I don't use headphones and I detect mainly on the beach.
That is a big difference in price!! I wouldn't be so quick to suggest the Manticore over the 900 with that big of a cost difference . But like I said in the video, if you want that color screen, really easy to use menu system, better tones and far more adjustability, you may consider the Manticore, even at the price difference. Sorry I couldn't be more definitive but that is a VERY hard choice! As far as the beach and no headphones goes, neither would really have much of an advantage, I have seen a few different videos online where the Manticore is just a little more deep on coins at the beach over the 900. Thanks for the view and great question!
Thanks for the info. It really helped. I'm going to buy the Manticore.
Great choice! It's my primary machine now. Thank you for watching the video and for leaving a comment!
Great comparison! At the $1,600 price point, if a person is going to spend that much anyway, I think the comparison should be between the Deus II and Manticore rather than the 900. Don't forget the other coil sizes bring that price spread up to even more from the 900, closer to double if you also buy the extra 8 x 5 coil. I have been planning on getting the 900 all along and will stick with that I think for my needs. I live nowhere near a saltwater beach so that was the most helpful to me. Thanks! :)
GREAT Point on the value of the extra coil!! Yes the decision between the XP Deus 2 vs the Manticore is another video and although it's a very tough decision, it's not as commonly asked as the Manticore vs 900 is. Since they are two different companies and at the same price point and so close in performance, and so controversial as the fans of Minelab collide with fans of XP Deus, it's a video that you almost can't make any suggestions to the viewers without lighting a fire under someone. But the decision between these two with a big price difference of 32% it's a bit easier to help folks choose. You will love that Equinox 900!!! Fantastic in the goldfields too! Arguably the best VLF gold machine ever made to date! Thank you for your view and comment!!
@@BrassMedic really nice video. I do have a question, do you know anything about the 700. I currently own the vanquish 540 pro pack and was thinking about upgrading to the 700. You're opinion would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
No fires lit with this die hard XP D2 user! I love technology and I will go with whatever gives me an edge. I should have the Core very soon and I can’t wait to compare!
I have an 800 and an XP D2. Love them both. I almost exclusively hunt wet sand at the beach here in Southern California. I also hunt waterfalls and swimming holes. I love both machines. I especially like the bone headphones that work with the D2. They enable me to hunt directly under a waterfall and still hear the signals.
A few fellow “wet sand” beach hunters have told me they prefer the 900 over the Manticore. I foolishly didn’t ask them “why”. Im also a musician. I play guitar in a band called Dengue Fever, and I care about tones. With all this information, should I get a 900 or the Manticore? Or neither? Thanks!
Very good comparison video. I love the pitch tone from the NOKTA Makro the Legend, and the full tone on the XP Deus, does the Equinox 900 have pitch tone options? Or full tones like the Deus? I have the Minelab ctx3030 with 11” and 17” coils, and according to Minelab engineers the ctx if setup correctly is still the king of the production line, but it’s a heavy machinery compared to the Manticore, so I’ll stick with the ctx3030 for now, since I bought it in 2022….😊 Still learning that beast 😅
Thank you, yes I completely agree CTX is still the king! It's the flagship machine over at Minelab and there is a new one coming hopefully this year called "Minelab Ultimate" it will replace the CTX-3030 but until then, if you can still swing this heavy detector, it will serve you well. 95% of all of the finds in my displays were found with the 3030, I had it out today in fact. The tonal options on Equinox 900 do have both full tones and adjustable pitch tone breaks as well. There is a tone setting that mimics what we have on the CTX that is called "Gain" so that you can hear depth as a softer volume. Nothing wrong with just keeping the CTX-3030 for now. Email me at my email in the description of this video and I will email you over my programs so you can use the Minelab Exchange2 computer software to upload my programs into your CTX-3030. Thank you for the view and questions!
Awesome video thanks!! Why do you think Minelab dismissed putting the 4khz in the Manticore?? Higher priced machine you would think the frequencies would at least match the 900 and not have one less??
Scroll up to the top in these comments and read the comment pinned at top from CAPTN DAN to see what he said. Doesn't sound like we will be getting an option for 4kHz for now. Thanks for the view and comment!
Mark - Nice Video. I'll be going with the Manticore. Question - You know if Minelab will be addressing the small object depth gage issues anytime soon?
Honestly I have never spoke with the engineers about that issue so I am not sure if there could be a solution. But I will see what they say. I have just learned to live with it for now coming from the CTX where it really notice, I just expect it now. No matter what the depth is, we're still going to dig the target so I don't think many others have complained about it. Over at these companies, the squeaky wheel gets the grease so if nobody is complaining, it's not an issue kind of thing. I have been told this about other issues I have brought up in the past. Congrats on choosing the Manticore, you will love it and dig many epic targets with it. Hope it arrives soon! Thanks for the view and comment/question!
Ok, the (apparently) dreaded question for youtube channel operators of "50% more power"... The FCC caps max power at one watt (30dBm). All detectors are at that one watt of max"Transmit" power, because, why wouldn't they be? Does the Manticore transmit 1.5 watts?
Great video BTW. Exactly what I was looking for.
Well done video Mark
Mark,
What happened to the coin video you had for the manticore ?
Not sure, let me check on that... I know it was a RUclips "short" video so maybe on my play lists it's in the shorts list. I'll go look though... Thanks for the view and question!
well done.. purchased Manticore. Have the Deus II but really like the idea of the 2-D screen (owned CTX 3030 and recently sold).
I have all three of those too and it makes for a tough decision on which machine to take out!! One thing you won't miss on the CTX is how heavy it can get at the end of a long detecting day or working up and down hills or elevation. Thanks for the view and comment!!
@@BrassMedic 3030 is definitely heavy but well balanced.
really thought out video Mark. i have the 800. been using it since it came out so i'm wondering. # 1. will the small coil i have now match up to the 900 and is the 900 going to be a throw away detector after the warranty runs out like the 600 and the 800.
They (Minelab) are even still repairing some E-Tracs . . . . but yes, after about 10 years most machines are obsolete due to limited amounts of parts available. The coils are compatible. Thank you for the view and comment/questions!
Thanks for the vid! Great information. For the cost of either of these detectors, I’m very surprised Minelab doesn’t offer a water resistant headphone option. Do you think that’ll change?
Heel, Thank you for the view and question! They do have waterproof headphones for both units. I don't know if they are shipping yet but they absolutely do have them for both. I will have to get a pair as well!!
The revelation of the 900 Red Screen only pushed me to the Manticore.
Yes, like I said, it's an issue for me too! Thanks for the view and comment!!
Great video Mark! Looking forward to a video comparing the D2and the Manticore. I’m leaning towards the Manticore right now but the videos about the iron falsing and separation being a little better on the D2 have me wondering 🤦♂️
Would be an epic video to make recommendations for one or the other between the XP Deus 2 and the Minelab Manticore. It's undoubtedly a very tough decision, it's this question is not as commonly asked as the Manticore vs Equinox 900 is. Since they are two different companies and at the same price point and so close in performance, and so controversial as the fans of Minelab collide with fans of XP Deus, it's a video that you almost can't make any suggestions to the viewers without lighting a fire under someone. It really comes down to warranty, tones, coil options, comfort and portability and of course build quality. Head to head in the heavy iron or trashy parks, the D2 is arguably still the king! But at the beach or in depth of detection, user interface and menu, tonal options, beautiful color screen with backlit buttons, vibrating handle and flashlight, etc. The Manticore has advantages. If one of RUclips content creators ever makes that video, better get the popcorn ready!! 😛 Thank you for the view and comment!
depth range test manticore
Looking at the 900, can't really find the manicure in the states right now
17:18 New to your channel, Mark, and new to metal detecting. Looking for an outdoor hobby that I can continue for many years. Excellent content and is helpful in my decision making for my first detector. I would like to do some hunting before I move from Alaska.
Thank you for watching the video. This really is a fantastic hobby it's rewarding it gives you peace and Solace while you're out detecting and time to think about things and relax get away from the hustle bustle it gives you exercise as you get up and down and dig signals and most importantly you find treasures! Either one of the two machines in this video are to great options for you for your first detector but they are quite an investment if you're not sure you're going to like the hobby so there are some other machines I can recommend to you that are way more affordable that you can buy first to see if you like the hobby. Thanks again for watching the video and for your comment!
Dude!!! I did not know you had your own channel!
You and Ron were my boys and my favorite detecting duo!! We were sad to see the duo end. Great channel and keep the videos rolling in. We have a lot of catching up to do watching all of your videos. Subscribe button is smashed!!!
Awesome, this made my day to read this!! Thank you for the kind words. Trying to get Ron to do some RUclips live events with me to tell some stories . . . and boy do we have some! Happy you found the channel!
@@BrassMedic That would be awesome!! Keep up the great work on your videos, we are almost finished watching them all and we really like the content. Its nice seeing the Gold Rush relics coming out of the ground again lol.
I dig in sand and hard surface Ive been using the 600 with some success was looking at the 900 But that Manticore’ looks like a better unit 🌴
Absolutely, there have been some good sales since this video was released and here in the USA, at one point the machines were only $200 difference in price. Thank you for the view and comment!
Thank you sir, very helpful intel! I swing a 600 & am thinking about getting a gently used 900 from a buddy. He is asking $800 for it hence I’m debating it versus brand-new Legend. 👍
That's a tough choice, it really depends on the tones and features of the two machines between the Equinox 900 and the Legend. Both are incredible machines. Your comment is a couple months old, wondering if you ended up choosing one or the other yet? 🤔 Thank you for your view and comment/question!
I going to replace my e trac leaning towards manticore what’s your thoughts on that
It's a huge upgrade in technology and construction/materials and oerformance. The Manticore is a GREAT machine and if you upgrade I highly recommend it. I loved using the Minelab Explorer, then switched to the e-trac until the CTX-3030 was born. I did better with the Explorer and CTX-3030 than I did with the e-trac. Thanks for the view and comment/question!
For someone with little to no metal detecting experience what would have the easiest learning curve? Manticore or 900? Thanks.
That is a great point I should have talked about that and the video. The user interface on the Manticore is the best ever made by any company period and it is so easy to navigate through and understand it is a very ergonomic and predictable menu system period because of that alone I would say it's much easier to learn and make changes on. I feel like I should do a video just on what you said right here! Take a look at the description of all of my videos for a link to get a good discount on any new machines that you buy. Thank you for your view, comment and a great idea for a new video!
Thank you. Where’s a good place to buy a manicore please?
Are you still looking for one? If so, email me at the email address in the video description. Thank you for the view and comment!
Great video. I own a Deus II, and a CTX. I’m just into my 50th year of digging. Never owned the 800 so I’ve pre-ordered the Manticore which is due to be delivered in a couple days. Personally I think the manticore is more customizable. We’ll see.
I have a very hard time myself trying to decide if I take the CTX-3030 out or grab the XP Deus II. Tough decision. Sure prefer the tones of the CTX-3030 though. The Manticore is overall a bit more customizable with many more options, but the 800 and 900 both have the ability to completely save a customizable program that can be quickly recalled. Whereas the Manticore can't do that, however, it was a feature that was rarely used on the 800 so I can see why Minelab didn't implement it (yet). All local programs on the Manticore save the settings from previous use so you don't really lose any settings, it's just that no customizable program can be recalled. Thank you for the view, comment and kind words!!
I saw a video recently and the deus 2 did way better than the 900 when a high conductor was covered up by iron not sure about the manticore yet they are closer in price maby they will be similar.
@@USMC-1911 For this to be a fair test head to head they would both have to have the same size coil. So the 9" round on the 11" round on the Manticore is not going to be fair. Minelab has an 8" x 5.5" coming out soon so that would be more fair. At the XP Deus 2 is outstanding in the heavy iron. All 3 machines are incredible! Thanks for the view and comment!
Great Video Mark! I've owned every explorer model and E-trac also. So your comment about the fluty audio in the manticore is welcoming to me. I loved those tones. I've run the 800 for a few years and just picked up a 900 also. Question: I live in Ohio and hunt land and fresh water lakes. Have you used the DP Audio on the 900 and correct me if I'm wrong. Is it suppose to be something good to run in iron infested areas? I'm looking for someone that has had these machines explain the DP Audio to me. Also when it comes to Fresh water detecting what would be your choice 900 or Manticore and why? I'm #1 on my dealers list for the Manticore just waiting for another batch to get released. Again I'm gonna sub your channel as I like your videos!!!!
Yes, I really miss those tones!! Wish I would have kept my old Explorer SE Pro to take out every once in a while. So the dp audio is something I tried and do not care for but have to use. It's quite different and it changes the tones based on depth and conductivity. So it's kind of tricky to explain as a shallow high conductor will be both loud in volume and high in tone whereas a deep low conductor will be quiet in volume (due to depth) and a low tone (due to low conductivity). I honestly don't know if they recommend it in heavy iron but on the CTX this is called "gain" where you can adjust the volume of deep targets and it's very useful, especially in parks where your not so much wanting to dig shallow coins but rather concentrating on the deep coins hoping for silver. So I would think that Minelab included this feature more for park hunters. On the Manticore this feature is built into two of the included audio profiles. On this machine it's only available in this particular tone setting (dP) . . . my gripes with it are mostly related to volume so it's tough to hear the really deep signals and just about the time you really start focusing on the deep and therefore quiet signals . . . a shallow signal right on top comes in and blows your headphones off in volume. It's quite startling sometimes but I still use it because I like to hear depth. Both machines are going to be awesome underwater. The choice between the two machines for underwater for me comes down to the screen believe it or not! I do not like looking at a red backlit screen underwater, very difficult to see but the Manticore looks great under water. I am really excited to get a chance to try the new waterproof headphones as soon as they start shipping. When I get them I will do a couple underwater videos to show the screens and do some detecting in Folsom lake Reservoir and the Delta here in California. Thank you for the kind words, the view, the sub and for these great questions!!!
@@BrassMedic One last question Mark Can I use the water proof head phones I used on the Equinox 800 on the Manticore? Your suppose to be able to use them on the 900 or so I've heard. Thanks Again for getting back....
I’ve hunted with the CTX the past two years. In your opinion, what is the better machine?
The CTX with the 6" round coil is phenomenal and accounts for about 90% of all of my best finds ever. I can somehow hear in 3D with the CTX, I hear depth, size, shape and can easily hear iron. BUT in the heavy iron I am going to miss co-located targets. The processor on the CTX is just not fast enough to compete with the XP Deus 2 for example. But until we get the 8" x 5.5" Manticore coil I can't really say if it's better than the CTX in heavy iron. When I get that coil I will be the first to let everyone know if it can match up against the almighty CTX! Right now CTX is still the king in my opinion. Thanks for the view and comment!
Hi Mark, best regards and thanx for your Videos from Germany. I have one question: how long does it take to charge the manticore from empty to full?
Hi Martin, if using a 2A charger approx 7 hours. However less if using a better amperage USB charger it will be less. Thank you for the view and checking in from Germany with the great question!
Why did you put on the graph the 900 doesn't have backlit buttons?, They do.
The buttons are backlit and I screwed up and said they were not. Yes, I have since figured that out and the video can't be edited so it's unfortunately a bit of bad info there!!! Thank you for the view and comment/correction!
I've watched this video several times now and looked at others on other channels. I agree with Mark: the 2D screen on the Manticore is a huge factor. I used to pay a lot of attention to the display on my ExplorerXS and I'm quite certain I'll do the same with the Manticore (should I ever get one). I can't afford more than one high end detector so I'm really hoping I'm making the right decision to go with the Manticore. Thanks!!
Have faith, it's a fantastic machine and it will be even better real soon! Thanks for the view and comment!
@@BrassMedic how will it be better? I'm curious now. I agree with the comments about the 2D screen well worth it
Good video...i just subscribed. I have the 800 and picking up my Monticore tomorrow.
Sweet!!! Congratulations! You will love it! Take a look at my channel for other videos that will help you get up and running quick on your new Manticore, including a video on the first 10 things you should do when you buy the Manticore! www.youtube.com/@BrassMedic Thank you for the view and comment!
I just missed out purchasing a Manticore today.
Did you get yours via prepaid or is there a company receiving stock?
Who are you buying yours from? Tks!
My manticore just showed up today. Hoping to get out Sunday with it
Who did you purchase your Manticore from? Tks! :)
NICE!!! Take a look at my video on the first 10 things to do with the Manticore!! ruclips.net/video/9AxSDowK584/видео.html Thanks for checking in and best of luck on your trip on Sunday!!
@@pigeonbloodruby5330 Robert Wyatt with Quality Metal Detectors
@@BrassMedic I've watched just about all your videos on it haha
@@waynep2123 Thank you!
Which machine would be best at identifying nickels?
They would both be equally capable of detecting nickels that are deep in soil or sand. However I think the Manticore clhas an advantage on depth over the Equinox 900. Thank you for your view and for the comment/question!
Do you have one for the Vanquish 540 compared to these more expensive models for someone starting out wondering if we should save up the extra money for the more expensive models or go with the cheaper? For all terrain (beach, woods, field, etc.).
Great question! So right off the bat I have to ask... Will you be using it in rain, mud or near water? If so, you definitely want to avoid the Vanquish 540 The prices are significantly different so it's not really a fair comparison as there are far more features on the Manticore and Equinox 900 compared to the Vanquish 540. Performance and depth of detection are quite better on the Manticore and Equinox 900. Thank you for the view and comment!
Nice thumbnail😍
Excellent video.
Why did I watch that Minelab release trailer a few days ago? Now I want to get back into this coming from an Excalibur 2 that didn't get the proper use it deserved. Thought I was decided on the 900 but I'm a sucker for bells and whistles and since I don't buy multiple detectors at once feel I can justify the Manticore over the 900. The Excal is proven but I always felt MD design needed to be updated. These new ones are very nice.
Maybe I can forget I saw that video for now? 😑
Hah, this is the dilemma we all face!! I can assure you however that if you decide to get either of these you will have tremendous success and the machine will get used. Thank you for the view and comment!
Hi, I am an Iranian. Do you think we should use Manticore or 900 for Iran's soil, which has a lot of salts and is very ancient?
Honestly I don't see either machine having an advantage over the other in your highly mineralized soil. I can only recommend the Manticore over the Equinox 900 due to some of the newer features from the June 2023 update. Either machine would be ideal for you! Thank you for watching the video and for taking the time to ask a good question like that from all the way across the world in Iran.
New to your channel, have you used a Deus 2? If so how does it compare in your opinion to the Manticore? Thanks !
Hi, welcome, hope you enjoy the videos! Yes I do and as far as comparing it in the type of sites I target, they are very comparable in performance but I still think the Deus 2 has the edge in separation amongst heavy iron. I prefer the tones on the Manticore though. Also dig waaaay less big iron and flat iron with the Manticore. Could be a lack of user skill but I always come home with a couple horseshoes when I take the Deus 2 out. Thanks for the view and question!!
You mention there isn't iron volume on the 900. The 800 has it and I swear I saw someone adjusting the iron vol on the 900 in a video.
Have I misunderstood?
Does the 900 and Manticore have the same target ID’s? If a penny rings up say an 80 on 900 will it be an 80 on Manticore also? Thanks!
I found that the ID's on the Manticore and Equinox 900 are Identical. Check multiple coins both clad and silver. Thank you for the view and comment!
When will the Manticore be available?
I honestly just don't know and we're not getting any answers on that. I do know that I will be one of the first people to know when they start shipping though and I will let all of you guys know right away with a video. Thanks for the view and comment/question.
Thanks Mark!! I went with the manticore!!
Sweet, good move, Thanks for checking in to let me know. You will do very well with it, even back at your old beat up sites!! Thanks again for the view and comment!
Today, 7/5/24, the manticore is on sale (until mid December) for $1199, and the Nox 900 is $1149. For a $50 difference, is there ANY reason to go with the Nox?
At these incredible prices you absolutely HAVE to go with the Manticore. Thank you for the view and comment/question!
Great review. You just snagged a new sub! Plus thanks for the ups on other viewers to sub too.
Thank you kindly for the view, the sub and for taking the time to leave a comment!
wich is deeper man? And copareing with deus2 - what you tink is it better for deep targets (manticore)
Well to be perfectly honest you would need to have the same size coils on. There is an 11 x 13 inch coil for the XP Deus II and I have it headed my way right now... as soon as it gets here I will do more testing head-to-head and let you guys know. We're all wondering the same thing though. Thanks for the view and comment.
Wow great video friend
Thanks for the super review! Great channel. Calabash is also a super youtuber.
Do you think either one is much better than the 800 on nugget shooting👍🇺🇸
Brass Medic said recently that he's going to gold fields to test them.
This video doesn't answer your question, but you can see the 900 in action sniffing out gold.
Minelab Equinox 900 Arizona Gold Nuggets & GPX 6000
ruclips.net/video/hrQoaGGWRXI/видео.html
Yes, undoubtedly, just in my test garden on deep nuggets, both the Manticore and Eq 900 were deeper and more stable than my Eq 800. I think the Manticore and Equinox 900 are the best VLF gold machines ever made. The Minelab Gold Monster 1000 is incredible too but overall not as good as these two new machines. Thank you for the view and comment!
What's for dessert 😅, Happy New Year Max 👊
Thank you for watching the video and for your kind wishes, Happy New Years to you too!
Thank you for the view and comment!
Is there a shipment in the very near future on the Manticore? I am on the edge of ordering a Deus 2.
Unfortunately I still can't say. I have been watching and checking in daily, I will let you guys know right away if I hear anything! Fingers crossed soon! Either way, can't go wrong with the D2! Thanks for the view and comment!