Minelab Equinox 900 Review: Multi-IQ+ Tested on UK Ground

The 40-word answer The Equinox 900 is the best all-round detector we sell: Multi-IQ+ performance across every UK terrain, 5m submersion and beach modes that actually hold up on wet salt sand. Only detectorists chasing maximum target information need to spend more on the Manticore.

Hands-on testing notes

All-terrain performance. Multi-frequency is what separates this machine from single-frequency rivals: on our test ground it held stable, repeatable IDs through mineralisation that forced single-frequency machines to be desensitised into blindness.

On the beach. Saltwater is conductive and wet sand behaves like a large diffuse target to lesser machines. The 900’s dedicated beach modes kept falsing under control on wet sand where it matters — this is the machine we most often recommend to coastal customers.

Handling & learning curve. Menus are logical and shallow enough to learn in an afternoon. It is noticeably easier to get productive with than the Manticore, which is exactly why it scores 4.4 for ease of use against the flagship’s 3.9.

Specification

Specification	Minelab Equinox 900
Technology	Multi-IQ+ simultaneous multi-frequency
Target ID	Expanded numeric ID
Standard coil	11" EQX Double-D
Waterproof	Submersible to 5m
Audio	Built-in speaker, Bluetooth wireless
Warranty	3-year Minelab manufacturer warranty via Crawfords (authorised dealer)

See how it fares against the value challenger in Legend 2 vs Equinox 900.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Equinox 900 good for beaches?

Yes — this is its strongest suit relative to price. Simultaneous multi-frequency plus dedicated wet-sand and surf modes keep it stable on conductive salt sand, and the whole unit submerges to 5m.

Equinox 900 or Manticore?

The Manticore adds the 2D target trace and a stronger Multi-IQ+ implementation for difficult ground — at a meaningful premium. If you hunt averagely difficult permissions, the 900 does the job; our full Manticore review covers when the upgrade is worth it.

What is the difference between Multi-IQ+ and Multi-IQ?

Multi-IQ+ (Equinox 900, Manticore) is the newer, higher-powered engine. Multi-IQ (X-Terra Elite, Vanquish) is still simultaneous multi-frequency but on the previous platform.

Final verdict

4.6/5. The Equinox 900 is the machine we recommend more than any other above entry level: nearly all of the flagship performance, most of the ease, and a price that leaves money for a pinpointer and a spade.