Big Boys Hobbies

Burnt Out about the Manticore

On their website, they claim this is their most powerful detector. Yet, in others statements, they don't claim it goes deeper than the CTX.

Most probably the manticore will be the best detector on the market when people get their hands on them. But... by how much?

Kinda reminds me of my Iphone this year. yes, the new 14 is better than the 13, but not by much. Will the Manticore be worth upgrading to? I guess we'll wait and see, but I've lost my enthusiasm over it, I have no desire to buy one, prior to the rest of you, I'll let you gamble with your money. And I bet they pop out a new CTX after they get everyones $ for the Manticore, or at least thats a possibility. Do you want to buy the Manticore, then find out 3 months later, the CTX 4040 is coming out to that will be better than the Manticore?

I would like to thank all the suckers out there who have pre-ordered the Manticore, you are saving me $. And once I find out you are finding new coins, and once I find out the CTX isn't going to be upgraded just yet.. maybe... maybe.. I'll waste $ on one.
 
The price of the Manitcore is about double the price of the Equinox 600. In my opinion, it's going to need to find double the number of desirable targets while still finding the same (or less) trash targets. I don't know if it'll be able to do so, but we shall see and I'd love to be wrong.
 
I don't think any of these new machines will be finding a huge percentage of targets that the previous generation couldn't also find. Without some ground breaking advancement in technology, the improvements in depth, ID and separation are going to be minimal at best. Also, the amount of good targets in the ground are getting fewer and further between by the day as more and more people get into the hobby. So IMHO if we're expecting a big return on our investment from upgrading, we're already fighting a losing battle.

What I ask myself before purchasing a new detector is the following:
- Will it possibly make the hobby even more enjoyable? Will it help me dig less trash? Is it lighter & easier to swing? More ergonomic? Better build quality? Useful new features? At least some improvements in performance so that I can possibly make a few more finds at those hunted out sites? If it checks at least a few of those boxes, I'll consider purchasing it. I love this hobby and plan to continue doing it as long as I'm able, so I don't mind investing $$$ into gear that makes it even more enjoyable.
 
Rattlehead said:
I don't think any of these new machines will be finding a huge percentage of targets that the previous generation couldn't also find. Without some ground breaking advancement in technology, the improvements in depth, ID and separation are going to be minimal at best. Also, the amount of good targets in the ground are getting fewer and further between by the day as more and more people get into the hobby. So IMHO if we're expecting a big return on our investment from upgrading, we're already fighting a losing battle.

What I ask myself before purchasing a new detector is the following:
- Will it possibly make the hobby even more enjoyable? Will it help me dig less trash? Is it lighter & easier to swing? More ergonomic? Better build quality? Useful new features? At least some improvements in performance so that I can possibly make a few more finds at those hunted out sites? If it checks at least a few of those boxes, I'll consider purchasing it. I love this hobby and plan to continue doing it as long as I'm able, so I don't mind investing $$$ into gear that makes it even more enjoyable.
Click to expand...

Well said Rattlehead. Although not waiting for the waters to be tested, I'm diving in on this one. Undoubtedly you will have one before me and look forward to your thoughts and how it stacks up to the D2. It looks like they have addressed all the build quality concerns and hoping the larger target Id helps with Iding a coin more accurately. I heard it may. That was one of my hopes when XP announced a 0-99 target range. But it didn't, seems it all the high conductors hit in the top 11 #s or so, just like the Equinox, the Legend also. When I used the AT Pro I never had trouble Iding a penny from a dime. I've been checking Minelabs website just about every day to see if they posted the manual yet. Hopefully soon. Good luck. Mark
 
markinswpa said:
Well said Rattlehead. Although not waiting for the waters to be tested, I'm diving in on this one. Undoubtedly you will have one before me and look forward to your thoughts and how it stacks up to the D2. It looks like they have addressed all the build quality concerns and hoping the larger target Id helps with Iding a coin more accurately. I heard it may. That was one of my hopes when XP announced a 0-99 target range. But it didn't, seems it all the high conductors hit in the top 11 #s or so, just like the Equinox, the Legend also. When I used the AT Pro I never had trouble Iding a penny from a dime. I've been checking Minelabs website just about every day to see if they posted the manual yet. Hopefully soon. Good luck. Mark
Click to expand...


I’m hoping targets are spread out a bit more on that scale too Mark. I’m still excited about it, just tired of the same old talking points from the videos being uploaded lately. I’ll be glad when actual owners start uploading some vids.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Rattlehead said:
I don't think any of these new machines will be finding a huge percentage of targets that the previous generation couldn't also find. Without some ground breaking advancement in technology, the improvements in depth, ID and separation are going to be minimal at best. Also, the amount of good targets in the ground are getting fewer and further between by the day as more and more people get into the hobby. So IMHO if we're expecting a big return on our investment from upgrading, we're already fighting a losing battle.

What I ask myself before purchasing a new detector is the following:
- Will it possibly make the hobby even more enjoyable? Will it help me dig less trash? Is it lighter & easier to swing? More ergonomic? Better build quality? Useful new features? At least some improvements in performance so that I can possibly make a few more finds at those hunted out sites? If it checks at least a few of those boxes, I'll consider purchasing it. I love this hobby and plan to continue doing it as long as I'm able, so I don't mind investing $$$ into gear that makes it even more enjoyable.
Click to expand...

This^^^^^is exactly my mindset. A detector coming along anymore and “making a site new again”….that ship has sailed. For those of us who got into this in the last 10-15 years, we’ve been doing nothing but picking out stuff the previous 40-50 years worth of hunters couldn’t find, or didn’t find. It’s been a battle from the start for us. It’s not always productive, it’s more of a challenge than anything. I’m willing to invest not to make money, but to make the experience of hunting possibly more enjoyable and possibly a bit more productive, because that’s all I’m really hoping for at this point. The days of 100+ silver coins a year around here, for me, on public ground, are over. NO machine with the current tech is going to change that much, if at all IMO, in MY area.
Brilliantly said DeWayne! Now go make some videos for me to watch!:lol:
 
IDXMonster said:
This^^^^^is exactly my mindset. A detector coming along anymore and “making a site new again”….that ship has sailed. For those of us who got into this in the last 10-15 years, we’ve been doing nothing but picking out stuff the previous 40-50 years worth of hunters couldn’t find, or didn’t find. It’s been a battle from the start for us. It’s not always productive, it’s more of a challenge than anything. I’m willing to invest not to make money, but to make the experience of hunting possibly more enjoyable and possibly a bit more productive, because that’s all I’m really hoping for at this point. The days of 100+ silver coins a year around here, for me, on public ground, are over. NO machine with the current tech is going to change that much, if at all IMO, in MY area.
Brilliantly said DeWayne! Now go make some videos for me to watch!:lol:
Click to expand...


Thanks Kevin. Heck man, I’m basically done with making Youtube vids. You’ll have to upload enough for both of us! :cheers:


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Rattlehead said:
I don't think any of these new machines will be finding a huge percentage of targets that the previous generation couldn't also find. Without some ground breaking advancement in technology, the improvements in depth, ID and separation are going to be minimal at best. Also, the amount of good targets in the ground are getting fewer and further between by the day as more and more people get into the hobby. So IMHO if we're expecting a big return on our investment from upgrading, we're already fighting a losing battle.

What I ask myself before purchasing a new detector is the following:
- Will it possibly make the hobby even more enjoyable? Will it help me dig less trash? Is it lighter & easier to swing? More ergonomic? Better build quality? Useful new features? At least some improvements in performance so that I can possibly make a few more finds at those hunted out sites? If it checks at least a few of those boxes, I'll consider purchasing it. I love this hobby and plan to continue doing it as long as I'm able, so I don't mind investing $$$ into gear that makes it even more enjoyable.
Click to expand...

I agree, don't think we are in for anything groundbreaking, but minor advancements could make it worth the while for some.

Kind of a catch-22 with the trash because there is no true way to find out what is trash and what is not until you dig it, no matter what detector is used. True, after heavy use one may develop enough confidence that they think they are able to discern a bottlecap or foil from a gold ring, but I seriously doubt if it is even possible to be 100% accurate with these electronic best guesses, and there will always be a risk by passing on these signals.
I have long ago decided to dig any clear, repeatable signal, with the exception of pennies at tot lots, those I will pass on.

I like seeing Minelab do well even though I rarely ever buy them, seems to drive competition if nothing else. Apex seemed to have fallen flat but I'll be interested to see what Garrett comes up with next.
 
Rok said:
I would like to thank all the suckers out there who have pre-ordered the Manticore, you are saving me $. And once I find out you are finding new coins, and once I find out the CTX isn't going to be upgraded just yet.. maybe... maybe.. I'll waste $ on one.
Click to expand...



Its my understanding this new detector is not to replace the CTX so why would you even compare it?

I have heard they are working on a upgraded CTX....

Maybe this detector is a intermediate for those who can't or want to fork out $2500 or more for a upgraded CTX....


I know ML will never do it but I would love for them to bring back the Sov GT it was kick ass at the beach....

While others wasted time digging bottle caps I would know when I was swinging over one with the GT... the tone on gold was unmistakable... just like the Excal... two detectors I will use over any of these new detectors today...
 
Cfmct said:
Its my understanding this new detector is not to replace the CTX so why would you even compare it?

I have heard they are working on a upgraded CTX....

Maybe this detector is a intermediate for those who can't or want to fork out $2500 or more for a upgraded CTX....


I know ML will never do it but I would love for them to bring back the Sov GT it was kick ass at the beach....

While others wasted time digging bottle caps I would know when I was swinging over one with the GT... the tone on gold was unmistakable... just like the Excal... two detectors I will use over any of these new detectors today...
Click to expand...

My understanding is the Manticore is more of a replacement for the E-Trac. Less than the CTX but more than the Equinox.
 
Detector said:
My understanding is the Manticore is more of a replacement for the E-Trac. Less than the CTX but more than the Equinox.
Click to expand...

Multi IQ+ or whatever they are calling it, and better build quality, seems more a replacement for the Nox than the E-Trac. I don't know exactly how the TID screen works until I get a machine in my hand, but it seems an improvement over the Nox as well. Not an improvement over the E-Trac screen/TID IMHO from what I have seen.

Tones, we'll see. Nox can't tell a clad dime from a silver dime, E-Trac can. What can the Manticore do for us old folks who don't have the time and energy to dig clad dimes?

All I know is that I won't be selling my E-Trac anytime soon until ML comes up with an FBS replacement, not called the CTX, that has better weight balance/egronomics and is waterproof.

In other words, we want E-Trac 2.0. I don't think Manticore is (and I don't think CTX was), but until we test it for ourselves in our own dirt, we just don't know yet.
 
I have nothing against the Etrac or CTX. Both great for certain things. As a matter of fact I would not mind having one or both if I could afford a unlimited amount of detectors. I had an Etrac at one time. I'm not sure what you guys are wanting with a new version of either of those? Do you just want one in a Equinox/Manticore form factor? Is it just the weight? I think they could manage that, and I guess it would sell some units, but for some reason they are fully invested in Multi-IQ.

There must be some kind of road block with the FBS technology or there would be new versions of them already. Or at least that's what common sense would tell you. Have they not had like 10-12 years to improve on it. Speaking of ships sailing. I think that one has sailed.

I don't like being a party pooper, but my mind would be totally blown if Minelab releases any new high end hobby detectors in the near term after the Manticore.
 
randy said:
Multi IQ+ or whatever they are calling it, and better build quality, seems more a replacement for the Nox than the E-Trac. I don't know exactly how the TID screen works until I get a machine in my hand, but it seems an improvement over the Nox as well. Not an improvement over the E-Trac screen/TID IMHO from what I have seen.

Tones, we'll see. Nox can't tell a clad dime from a silver dime, E-Trac can. What can the Manticore do for us old folks who don't have the time and energy to dig clad dimes?

All I know is that I won't be selling my E-Trac anytime soon until ML comes up with an FBS replacement, not called the CTX, that has better weight balance/egronomics and is waterproof.

In other words, we want E-Trac 2.0. I don't think Manticore is (and I don't think CTX was), but until we test it for ourselves in our own dirt, we just don't know yet.
Click to expand...

I can tell a clad dime from a silver dime with my Equinox 800 in my dirt a large percentage of the time. Silver dimes just ring on average a little higher than clad. Same with quarters, but in my opinion are a little harder to tell silver from clad on quarters.

How do you tell a heavily worn seated/barber/merc from a clad dime or memorial with any machine? They ring low to begin with.
 
longbow62 said:
I have nothing against the Etrac or CTX. Both great for certain things. As a matter of fact I would not mind having one or both if I could afford a unlimited amount of detectors. I had an Etrac at one time. I'm not sure what you guys are wanting with a new version of either of those? Do you just want one in a Equinox/Manticore form factor? Is it just the weight? I think they could manage that, and I guess it would sell some units, but for some reason they are fully invested in Multi-IQ.

There must be some kind of road block with the FBS technology or there would be new versions of them already. Or at least that's what common sense would tell you. Have they not had like 10-12 years to improve on it. Speaking of ships sailing. I think that one has sailed.

I don't like being a party pooper, but my mind would be totally blown if Minelab releases any new high end hobby detectors in the near term after the Manticore.
Click to expand...

Tones longbow, tones. That and having a separate ferrous & conductive VDI has proven unmatched for deep ID in my experience. The Manticore might get close with the Target Trace display, but only time will tell because none of the videos have.

The E-Trac was one of a kind when it comes to tones. I believe it was partly due to having so many tones, but that silver warble has never been reproduced that I've heard. I think the CTX comes close, and maybe with the right setting it can, but when they compressed the ferrous range on the CTX I think it made the silver warble tough to reproduce.
 
Detector said:
Tones longbow, tones. That and having a separate ferrous & conductive VDI has proven unmatched for deep ID in my experience. The Manticore might get close with the Target Trace display, but only time will tell because none of the videos have.

The E-Trac was one of a kind when it comes to tones. I believe it was partly due to having so many tones, but that silver warble has never been reproduced that I've heard. I think the CTX comes close, and maybe with the right setting it can, but when they compressed the ferrous range on the CTX I think it made the silver warble tough to reproduce.
Click to expand...

I get the tones thing kinda on clean ground and not extremely deep. But again if your swinging along with an Etrac can you tell a memorial penny from a silver dime by strictly tone alone. I say you guys can't.

I have a buddy who has been swinging one for years. He still digs Memorials and I call them just as good as he does.

They are at best a couple of numbers apart. Then numbers wise a silver dime is one number from a memorial penny. Barbers are for the most part the same as a memorial penny. If you throw in real worn pieces which I've dug enough to know they ring low. A worn Barber dime might ring up and tone the same as a aluminum screw cap. You throw in really deep targets and I say Etrac or CTX you can't tell what it is any better than with a Nox. All silver regardless of size and wear is not instantly recognizable as silver by tone with the Etrac or CTX.
 
longbow62 said:
I get the tones thing kinda on clean ground and not extremely deep. But again if your swinging along with an Etrac can you tell a memorial penny from a silver dime by strictly tone alone. I say you guys can't.

I have a buddy who has been swinging one for years. He still digs Memorials and I call them just as good as he does.

They are at best a couple of numbers apart. Then numbers wise a silver dime is one number from a memorial penny. Barbers are for the most part the same as a memorial penny. If you throw in real worn pieces which I've dug enough to know they ring low. A worn Barber dime might ring up and tone the same as a aluminum screw cap. You throw in really deep targets and I say Etrac or CTX you can't tell what it is any better than with a Nox. All silver regardless of size and wear is not instantly recognizable as silver by tone with the Etrac or CTX.
Click to expand...

From Minelab: "The E-TRAC is configured from the factory to continuously vary the tone according to the conductivity of the target. This setting will allow an operator simply by listening to the audio to detect the difference between targets with different conductivities. Using audio only an operator could distinguish between a US 1990 penny and a US 1980 penny, or an Australian one and two dollar coin. "

The best way to test this out is take a silver dime and a clad dime and lay them on the ground. Close your eyes and run the coil over them with the E-Trac and the NOX 800. Then also note that even when the E-Trac may show the same VDI on both the silver dime & clad dime, you can tell the difference with your eyes closed by the tones.

Just this morning I was out with my $250 Simplex+ and I could easily hear the difference between a penny & a dime.
 
Last edited:
I'll never be an early adopter of anything. When I was considering my options for a new detector, the ones suggested to me where the Nox 600 and the Legend. I went with the Nox because it had been out longer and hopefully, had the bugs shaken out. The Legend was still on the new side and having frequent software updates.

However, after I got it, I learned about the need for coil ear reinforcement and rods working loose, so I ended up buying the ear reinforcement tabs and Steve's Detector Rods (in yellow-orange, so I won't lose them) to replace the factory rods.

My other detectors are Whites and Tesoro. Does this bode evil for Minelab? :)

--Tom
 
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