01
Which one to pick
Each pick follows from the facts in the table below. Each button opens a listing for that model, and a bundle says what it adds.
Pick the Manticore if…
You want the larger battery and 2D target IDs with ferrous indication, and you don't mind 2.9 lb on the arm.
The listing is a bundle: it names a PRO-FIND 40 pinpointer, an M9 coil and a backpack with the detector.
Pick the Equinox 900 if…
You want the 4 kHz setting and, at 2.8 lb, the lighter of the two.
The listing is a bundle: it names an EQX 15 coil and a case with the detector.
02
What sets them apart
On paper the two are close. Both run several frequencies at once, both are submersible to 16 ft, and Minelab gives both a 3-year warranty on the control box and coil.
The Equinox 900 goes lower in frequency, with six frequencies from 4 to 40 kHz against five from 5 to 40 kHz on the Manticore. Minelab lists two coils for it, the 11-inch EQX11 and the 6-inch EQX06.
The Manticore has the bigger battery: 6800 mAh against 5100 mAh. It also shows 2D target IDs from 0 to 99 with ferrous indication. Neither page gives a battery life.
Screens and headphones differ as well. The Manticore shows its targets on a Full color LCD and ships with ML 105 wireless headphones. Minelab gives the Equinox 900 a Monochrome LCD, ML 85 wireless headphones and a flashlight.
| Spec | BundleManticore | BundleEquinox 900 |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Multi-frequencyMulti-IQ+ | Multi-frequencyMulti-IQ |
| Frequencies | 5-40 kHz5, 10, 15, 20, 40 kHz | 4-40 kHz4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 40 kHz |
| Weight | 2.9 lb1.3 kg | 2.8 lb1.27 kg |
| Coil | 11-inchM11, round, DD | 11-inchEQX11, round, DD, plus 1 more |
| Battery | 3.7 V 6800 mAh internal lithium-ion | 3.7 V 5100 mAh internal lithium-ion |
| Search modes | All Metal, All Terrain, Beach, Goldfield | Park 1 and 2, Field 1 and 2, Gold, Beach 1 and 2, All Metal |
| Target ID | 2D IDs, 0-99 with ferrous indication | -19 to 99, 119 segments |
| Display | Full color LCD | Monochrome LCD |
| Waterproofing | 16 ftDetector, IP68, 5 m | 16 ftDetector, IP68, 5 m |
| Battery life | Not published | Not published |
| Warranty | 3 years, control box and coil | 3 years, control box and coil |
View on Amazon Manticore (opens in a new tab)Affiliate link | View on Amazon Equinox 900 (opens in a new tab)Affiliate link |
Facts from Minelab's page for each model, read Oct. 16, 2026.
03
Questions
Answered from the makers' pages, read Oct. 16, 2026.
The Equinox 900, at 2.8 lb against 2.9 lb for the Manticore.
Yes, the detector itself. Minelab rates both IP68, submersible to 16 ft (5 m).
The Equinox 900: 4, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 40 kHz. The Manticore runs 5, 10, 15, 20 and 40 kHz.
04