Big Boys Hobbies

Please help possible purchase for newbie

There are some very good new detectors in the $200-$250 range. I don't have the vanquish (starting at $199) but it sounds real good. Probably the best ones for high mineralized areas like salt beaches. I do have the simplex (starting at $259) and a Quest X-10 ($199). I don't like the tones on the simplex and a lot of owners are buying a smaller coil and a new shaft bringing it closer to $400. You won't hear much about the Quest because in the past they got a bad rep for copying Fisher and it's not the "in" detector. Anyone giving the X-10 a try will be very impressed by the features, performance and value. Of the the two I grab the X-10 to use, super light, great tones, separation and impressive depth with a 9.5x5.5 coil. The X-10 is rainproof but not submersible so I'm keeping the simplex for now just for freshwater beach hunting. Another detector (a little older technology) loaded with features and very pleasant to use is the Xterra-305 ($269).
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=34Xh9o1xeJM
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=uJm7XlPPKkI
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zLFeRa7FUfM
 
But the simplex buttons are hard to press I hear.
Vanquish is probably your best one.
Or wait for the Garrett Apex to come out! It's like $425.00
 
michaelsmetal said:
Thanks guys I really appreciate it. I missed a clean White’s classic sl Idx for $140 by 3 minutes so I’m super bummed. But being that a lot of the research I’m doing is dated I feel you all know more about the current detectors that are good/ cheap.
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Glad you missed it. Another great detector in its time but that time is over.
 
I use several Quest/Deteknix products and have owned one Quest detector. I have no complaints with their products aside from the original Quest Pro which was an accidental (from all accounts) source code software pirated version of the Fisher/Teknetics T2. Several lawsuits are still ongoing against Quest North America by First Texas Products. Quest detectors are very popular in Europe and elsewhere too. Currently, Quest has shut down all North American customer support and production due to Covid-19 and lawsuits. If you buy a Quest detector or product and it has a problem, you are at the mercy of the dealer you bought it from. If you bought it second hand, its done.
 
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JimR_TN said:
Jeff gives good advice as usual. The Vanquish and Simplex are new tech and give so much performance per dollar the math just doesn't work on most used detectors. Both have been on the market less than a year and they both are getting good reviews.
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I still cant decide between the simplex and the vanquish. I really like the idea that the simplex is waterproof. But it seems like people at 5'11" plus have major issues with the shaft on the simplex. I will mostly be doing salt water beach searching, but there is a lake I also frequent that id like to do some shallow searching in which is why the waterproof function is very appealing.
 
michaelsmetal said:
I still cant decide between the simplex and the vanquish. I really like the idea that the simplex is waterproof. But it seems like people at 5'11" plus have major issues with the shaft on the simplex. I will mostly be doing salt water beach searching, but there is a lake I also frequent that id like to do some shallow searching in which is why the waterproof function is very appealing.
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Nokta Makro has a longer upper shaft available ($24.94) to rectify this issue (if it is even an issue for you) I wouldn't let that scare you away from the Simplex. From what I have seen from others users here, this will rectify the issue.

https://www.colonialmetaldetectors.com/longer-middle-shaft-simplex.html
 
The vanquish being multi frequency will work so much better at the ocean. Just be careful obviously it's not waterproof. Single frequency machines like the simplex are not optimal for salt water. You mentioned above you will be hunting mostly salt water, so I think the vanquish is definitely your best option :imo: good luck with whichever you choose!
 
If you want to hunt all of a saltwater beach and hunt in the surf and hunt with the entire detector submerged occasionally your choices are very limited. Any detectors that will allow ground balancing to zero 0, will do okay on wet sand if you turn down the sensitivity to about half if the salt levels in the sand and the amount of black sand aren't too high. That is taking a chance however since all beaches are definitely not the same and even the same beach can go through big changes.

For detectors that are actually made for occasional submerging and for salt water and just about any other type of detecting, the Nokta Makro Simplex, Kruzer and Anfibio series can do all you are asking for easily. So can the Equinox 600 and 800. The Vanquish can do all of your hunting needs except for being fully submerged. You can definitely get by with the Garrett AT series but they are way overpriced in my opinion for what you get and they are not made for submerging in salt water.

No all round use detector like the Simplex, Kruzers, Anfibios and Equinox, Garrett AT series can withstand constant submerging in salt water or fresh water. They were not made for that and they will eventually develop problems. So you are always taking a chance. Nokta Makro warranty is 2 years. Minelab warranty is three years, Garrett warranty is 2 years. There are other specialty detectors for constant submerging. To get one of these that will also do well on dry land..........get your wallet ready.

So, by wanting a detector that can basically do it all well, you have narrowed your choices considerably.
 
michaelsmetal said:
Diabolik you have both which one do you like better?
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Well, I have only just started using the Vanquish, so I haven't been able to form much of an opinion with it yet. Overall I think I like the form factor of the Simplex better. I think the Simplex has a faster recovery than the Vanquish. I bought the Vanquish as a backup and to take to the beach. It is extremely easy to pick up and understand. very stable machine. I think it is probably a better option for salt water beaches than the Simplex (from what I have seen) although there are many people using both. The Vanquish is certainly not waterproof by any means. With the rain hood on it I am very comfortable taking it to the beach with limited shoreline usage. On dry ground, I am guessing the Vanquish might go deeper from videos I have seen? Depends on what you are hunting. The Simplex can hold it's own and will do an easy 6-8 inches in most cases. I use it in parks and with the smaller search coil, it does a fantastic job hunting clad. If I had to live with just one, I'd probably stick with the Simplex for my needs. If I was going to hunt the beach primarily, I think I would consider the NOX 600. It's built more like the Simplex, is waterproof, and has the same tech as the Vanquish. It is a little less complicated than the 800 from a setting standpoint and that is a bit more attractive to me. It's a tough decision, but as others have stated, a lot of it depends on your overall budget and the type of hunting you are planning on doing.

Edit - I wanted to add that there are videos of depth testing on the beach between a Simplex and 540, and at a depth of 7-8 inches, they were both able to hit all of the targets no problem and that was with the Simplex ground balanced at almost zero. Not saying one is better than the other, just saying that at an average depth, they are both solid capable performers. :D
 
jmaclen said:
I ........... Currently, Quest has shut down all North American customer support and production due to Covid-19 and lawsuits. If you buy a Quest detector or product and it has a problem, you are at the mercy of the dealer you bought it from. If you bought it second hand, its done.
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For what it's worth I asked my dealer in Texas about this today and they said they do warranty work for Quest. If they can't repair them then they will send out a new one even if it wasn't purchased from them. I'm looking at buying a couple X-5's for my grandkids. IMO it the best detector with VID for kids and beginners for under $150.

Now that the OP said he was going to be hunting on saltwater beaches my recommendation would be a a vanquish, apex or a equinox.
 
Diabolik said:
Well, I have only just started using the Vanquish, so I haven't been able to form much of an opinion with it yet. Overall I think I like the form factor of the Simplex better. I think the Simplex has a faster recovery than the Vanquish. I bought the Vanquish as a backup and to take to the beach. It is extremely easy to pick up and understand. very stable machine. I think it is probably a better option for salt water beaches than the Simplex (from what I have seen) although there are many people using both. The Vanquish is certainly not waterproof by any means. With the rain hood on it I am very comfortable taking it to the beach with limited shoreline usage. On dry ground, I am guessing the Vanquish might go deeper from videos I have seen? Depends on what you are hunting. The Simplex can hold it's own and will do an easy 6-8 inches in most cases. I use it in parks and with the smaller search coil, it does a fantastic job hunting clad. If I had to live with just one, I'd probably stick with the Simplex for my needs. If I was going to hunt the beach primarily, I think I would consider the NOX 600. It's built more like the Simplex, is waterproof, and has the same tech as the Vanquish. It is a little less complicated than the 800 from a setting standpoint and that is a bit more attractive to me. It's a tough decision, but as others have stated, a lot of it depends on your overall budget and the type of hunting you are planning on doing.

Edit - I wanted to add that there are videos of depth testing on the beach between a Simplex and 540, and at a depth of 7-8 inches, they were both able to hit all of the targets no problem and that was with the Simplex ground balanced at almost zero. Not saying one is better than the other, just saying that at an average depth, they are both solid capable performers. :D
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I'm usually only at the beach twice a year or so but I think I will start searching around this lake more often than the shore since the lake also has beaches. Since the price point between the simplex and the 440 are so close I'm really struggling with making a decision here. I dont want to base my decision solely on the waterproof aspect, but Im not sure how I feel about the way the simplex discriminates the metal. It seems like the Vanquish is easier to understand. But I'd like to be able to dip the coil in the water from time to time without worrying. And be able to search the parts of the lake I can stand in.
 
michaelsmetal said:
I'm usually only at the beach twice a year or so but I think I will start searching around this lake more often than the shore since the lake also has beaches. Since the price point between the simplex and the 440 are so close I'm really struggling with making a decision here. I dont want to base my decision solely on the waterproof aspect, but Im not sure how I feel about the way the simplex discriminates the metal. It seems like the Vanquish is easier to understand. But I'd like to be able to dip the coil in the water from time to time without worrying. And be able to search the parts of the lake I can stand in.
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Well the coil of the Vanquish is waterproof, so as long as you don't drop it you are good. They both have straps for the arm cuff too. I spent all day at a park yesterday with the Vanquish and I can assure you, they are both liars. LOL It took me half of the day to realize a 13 and only a 13 on the vanquish is a Nickel. As far as clad goes, the Simplex has a specific number for all of your basic coins and 9 times out of 10 I know what I am digging. I think once you learn any machine better once you use it a while. If I wasn't in the position to buy a second detector, I would have taken the Simplex to the beach in a heartbeat. I am sure I could live with either one of these machines as my only machine. So far I am not regretting buying either one of them.
 
I’d get my best deal on the Minelab 600 if you could. Totally submersible, will work on any beach wet or dry and a great field and park hunter. 3 year transferable warranty.
Multiple coil options and you won’t out grow it.
 
Beachhunter said:
I’d get my best deal on the Minelab 600 if you could. Totally submersible, will work on any beach wet or dry and a great field and park hunter. 3 year transferable warranty.
Multiple coil options and you won’t out grow it.
Click to expand...

If you know of anyone thats selling one for $300 I'm in lol
 
And don't forget to budget for a good pinpointer. I started with a cheap generic orange carrot which was better than nothing. But when I upgraded my pinpointer I became much more productive spending less time finding the target in every hole. You can get an inexpensive digging tool but get a good pinpointer.
 
Diabolik said:
Well the coil of the Vanquish is waterproof, so as long as you don't drop it you are good. They both have straps for the arm cuff too. I spent all day at a park yesterday with the Vanquish and I can assure you, they are both liars. LOL It took me half of the day to realize a 13 and only a 13 on the vanquish is a Nickel. As far as clad goes, the Simplex has a specific number for all of your basic coins and 9 times out of 10 I know what I am digging. I think once you learn any machine better once you use it a while. If I wasn't in the position to buy a second detector, I would have taken the Simplex to the beach in a heartbeat. I am sure I could live with either one of these machines as my only machine. So far I am not regretting buying either one of them.
Click to expand...

SO I think I decided to go with the Vanquish Because I like the fact that the vanquish is bluetooth and not "wireless" and it does look like its easier to program and such. A lot of sources say the vanquish is better on the beach that the simplex which is mostly where ill be. Can anyone tell me the major difference between the 540 and the 440 that would make it worth an additional $100?
 
You better double check, I don't think the 440 has bluetooth. At least there is no bluetooth button on the control panel on Minelab's site. I am not sure if the 440 has the "custom" search mode you can save your settings like the 540. Not aware of any other differences?
 
You should be able to find the Whites M6 for 200-300 these days, and even with Whites closing shop, that machine is a sleeper. I own two of them. Last one cost me $300 a few years ago, with accessories too!

It really all depends on how serious you are and what you expect from metal detecting as your hobby. You won't get rich and you will likely just quit and put that first machine away, or sell it on Craigslist or a garage sale.

All of those newer machines are very good, and you do get a better resale opportunity. Me? I sell EVERYTHING, horribly. I own most all I bought.
 
Diabolik said:
You better double check, I don't think the 440 has bluetooth. At least there is no bluetooth button on the control panel on Minelab's site. I am not sure if the 440 has the "custom" search mode you can save your settings like the 540. Not aware of any other differences?
Click to expand...

just looked on the site, the 440 does have the bluetooth. I trust the experts settings for the most part. Probably wont have to mess around too much.
 
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