Need Help Choosing A High End Detector

[Detectornado]

Hi everyone, my first post here! After reading hundreds of posts and watching YouTube videos online for the last 6 months I've decided to choose one of the following detectors: Legend, Deus 2 or the Manticore. I have very little experience in metaldetecting. The only experience I have is 4 months searching on the saltwater beach with a Makro Racer 2 in 2017. Unfortunately I had to stop and now 6 years later ready to start again. My biggest problem is that I can't visit a metal detecting dealer to see and feel the different models.

The only place I'm going to metal detect is the saltwater beach looking for coins and jewelry. I don't plan to go in the water (waist, diving). I live about 8 minutes from the beach (by bike) so portability is important to me (backpack and go).

These are the configurations I like with their corresponding prices:

- Nokta Legend (WHP): 600 euro (nokta offer valid until march 31, 2023 or while supplies last)

- XP Deus 2 (WSA2 + RC): 1450 euro

- Minelab Manticore: 2000 euro

As you can see the Deus 2 is 2.5x times more expensive than the Legend and the Manticore almost 3.5x times. Unfortunately no discounts are possible. If there are no differences between the three models for my situation (searching on the saltwater beach) then I'll look at the other criteria (weight, warranty etc.). If one of the detectors is better but cost 2x to 3x more then that's no problem. So price is not really a problem.

Some specs I found online (mainly focused on weight and dimensions):

Nokta Legend

Weight: 1.4 kg / 3.0 lbs
Collapsed Length: 63 cm / 25 inch (with coil?)
Warranty: 3 year
Headphones: Bluetooth aptX Low Latency

XP Deus 2

Weight:

- S-Telescopic + Remote + 9" coil = 865 g / 1.9 lbs
- S-Telescopic + Remote + 11" coil = 990 g / 2.2 lbs
- S-Telescopic lite + Remote + 9" coil = 800 g / 1.8 lbs
- S-Telescopic lite + Remote + 11" coil = 925 g / 2.0 lbs
Collapsed Length: 58 cm / 22.8 inch and 65 cm / 25.6 inch (equipped with a 9" coil)
Warranty: 5 year
Headphones: WSA2, WSA2 XL

Minelab Manticore

Weight: 1.3 kg / 2.9 lb
Collapsed Length: 63 cm / 25 inch (with coil?)
Warranty: 3 year
Headphones: Minelab ML-105

Some positives and negatives:

Nokta Legend:

+ price (much cheaper than the Deus 2 and Manticore)

+ Bluetooth aptX Low Latency headphones compatibility

- weight (heaviest of the three)

XP Deus 2:

+ weight (much lighter than the other three models)

+ 5 year warranty

+ choice for a small headphone (WSA2)

+ backpack 240 perfect fit for deus 2 (portability)

- menu learning curve?

Manticore:

+ color screen

+ navigating menu

- only one headphone option

Of course there are more pros and cons between these detectors and these can only be answered by people who own these detectors. I really want a high end detector (no vanquish, simplex etc..). Tips and suggestions are welcome!

[TexHunter]

Is there a particular reason that you aren't considering the Equinox 700/900 units? Great on salt water beaches...

[Steve Herschbach]

Welcome to the forum! 

Efforts to try and prove that any one of these three is vastly superior is nothing more than an endless rabbit hole of other people's opinions. The detectors you listed will all get the job done perfectly well. It's like you are looking at three cars, and they all will go as fast as you need, and get you where you need to go. So you look at the features and decide which one seems to suit you best. It's actually that simple.

But as far as information, there are dozens of threads with hundreds of pages of information already here on the forum covering the questions you are asking. Read it all, but I think I can promise in the end it will still boil down to you picking the one that seems to best suit you for your reasons. Often it's budget, and for many it's ergonomics. I can use any one of these detectors and will do just fine. What will matter is the locations I choose and the hours I go detecting, not which one of these models I use.

The thing you have to understand is this is mature technology now. You might be very surprised how little difference there is between a Vanquish and these higher priced detectors, and in most cases a Vanquish will find the same targets they will. It's only at the extremes where differences show up, extremes often only apparent to hard core detectorists who obsess over a tenth inch difference in capability. So again, I will reiterate that all the top end detectors have rabid fans because they all actually do work and allow people to make very good finds. It is your skills at learning and knowing whatever machine you choose and how you apply those skills that matter.

A Vanquish used properly 100 days a year will outperform any of these detectors used 10 days a year. 

 

[cudamark]

There are some features that can put one machine higher on the list than the others....at least for me. Personally, even though the D2 works just fine, I don't like the menu system or the hokey way you have to make it a water machine. The new Minelab 700/900 machines are  wonderful units and can use all the 600/800 coils that are already available. The refined features of the 700/900 are another plus over the 600/800 making the extra couple hundred dollars, money well spent. Nothing wrong with the Legend either....at least I hope not with the company after the severe earthquakes they just had there in Turkey. As for the Manticore, on paper, probably the most high tech and cutting edge detector, but, coils and headphones are severely limited right now, and feedback is still needed to assess if the performance matches the hype under various conditions. Not knowing your specific conditions at your beaches, there's no way to give you any particular advice. Maybe check with a local club or individual that has some personal experience in that area. All these detectors mentioned are adjustable to most conditions, so, they should all work just fine once adjusted properly. As Steve mentioned, it's the last 3-5% of performance in harsh conditions where one machine may work better than another, and that experience/knowledge with a particular detector is more important than the differences between them at this point.

[palzynski]

Hi Detectornado ,

I am not a beach specialist but if you dont plan to go in the water you might perhaps consider the Deus2 WS6 master version , which is significantly cheaper than the RC version ( 850E instead of 1450 ) . And there are almost all the RC functionalities on the WS6 headphones , including beach modes ..  The menu system is ok for me , may be not perfect just like the other brands .. 🙂

Considering the depth performances , as said above the 3  ( Legend , Deus2 , Manticore ) are probably very close to each other . If you prefer light detectors the Deus2 is much lighter than the others , starting from 750g ( with the 9" coil ) while the Manticore weighs 1,3kg and the Legend 1,5kg  . 

For me the weight is the most important difference between the 3 detectors . Buy a Legend only if weight is not a pb for you ...

Minelab has an excellent reputation for beach hunting and there are many Equinox 800 users on the French coasts .  So you would probably not be disappointed by the new Equinox 900 which replaces the 800 .  I would not buy a Manticore considering its excessive price in Europe ( 2000E ) ..

Just my 2 (euro)cents 🙂 . Hope that helps ..

[Jeff McClendon]

I won't discuss the Manticore, since I don't own one and have never used one.

For me, the easiest to read display on a bright, sunny beach are the Equinox models, followed by the Legend and then Deus 2. Deus 2 can have its target ID numbers enlarged but at the expense of the other important display features.

Also, if you happen to detect a tidal pool of just want to barely submerge the coil in gentle, shallow surf, no additional alterations are necessary with the Legend or Equinox models. Deus 2 would need to have its antenna wire attached even in water that is 5 cm deep.

Deus 2 has many fantastic features as do the newer Equinox models and the Legend.  As Steve H. said in his post, the differences in performance are not worth even discussing comparing Deus 2, Legend and the newer Equinox 700 and 900. Most casual users will not notice much difference. I own all three and the performance differences even for an obsessed metal detector junkie like me really are minimal between these detectors.

I used a Deus 2 Lite setup for awhile. I really liked its light weight. However, using it for saltwater beach hunting on a regular basis is not something I would want to do since the WS6 is not waterproof, the display does not have a backlight and glare from sunlight is a real issue. I recently added the full remote. Even it is hard for me to see sometimes.

Using any of these detectors regularly with their wireless headphones on a noisy beach and considering salt degradation and possible accidents........ I would want to use over the ear, wired, waterproof headphones. Those are readily available for all three brands but you may need to purchase a wired headphone adapter or headphones with the brand specific waterproof connector.

Using the Deus 2 on the ear back phones at a noisy beach is a joke as is just using the external speakers on these detectors on a regular basis.

The Legend and the newer Equinox 700 and 900 (Manticore also?) have a handle vibration feature that alerts the user that a target has been detected so at least with those detectors turning off the external speaker and just using the vibration feature is an alternative to using headphones. 

Weight is definitely an issue when coils get covered with dry or especially wet sand. So is lower shaft torque with a sand coated coil attached. Deus 2 can become very nose heavy with a sanded coil, so the lightest initial weight does not always mean the best ergonomics for sandy beach detecting. Deus 2 lower shaft torque has definitely been reported by beach/water hunters.

I personally would not buy a new Equinox 600 or 800. Their many issues with flooding, broken coil ears and broken arm rests are well documented by beach hunters. The newer Equinox models have been designed to fix those issues.

I would buy a new Equinox 700 or 900, a Legend WHP or a full Deus 2.

Since you specifically mentioned High End detectors I won't recommend the Minelab Vanquish models which are not waterproof. Even minor rogue waves do happen.

[Soky72]

I have the Deus 2 and the Legend. Used to have the Deus 1 and Equinox 800. The Deus 2 is a fantastic machine but do yourself a favor and pick up the Legend. It's a fun machine and I recommend it to friends getting into the hobby. The performance for the money is unbeatable. 

[geof_junk]

Before you buy get your 2 or more choices in your hand and consider how they fit for your comfort. Remember the best detector in the worst place will not get as many desired targets as a bad detector in the best location. So what matters is get one that feel great and do research on where to use it.

[F350Platinum]

^^^^ This, and what everyone else said. 😀 Simply put, if there's nothing where you swing your coil, even with the cheapest detector, you will get nothing.

Seems to me the Legend would be a great fit for you, I don't have one but like Nokta, they are a serious contender. I have a Deus 2 and don't mind the antenna at all, even figured out (with great help here) how to make the WS6 Master work in shallow water with a cheap piece of coax.

I will add that the call of the water can be strong, so consider waterproofing first and foremost so you won't be disappointed with limitations. 🙂

[Detectornado]

23 hours ago, TexHunter said:

Is there a particular reason that you aren't considering the Equinox 700/900 units? Great on salt water beaches...

This may also be an option now.

23 hours ago, Steve Herschbach said:

Welcome to the forum! 

The thing you have to understand is this is mature technology now. You might be very surprised how little difference there is between a Vanquish and these higher priced detectors, and in most cases a Vanquish will find the same targets they will. It's only at the extremes where differences show up, extremes often only apparent to hard core detectorists who obsess over a tenth inch difference in capability.

Thanks! This will definitely help me make a choice!

22 hours ago, cudamark said:

Maybe check with a local club or individual that has some personal experience in that area. All these detectors mentioned are adjustable to most conditions, so, they should all work just fine once adjusted properly. As Steve mentioned, it's the last 3-5% of performance in harsh conditions where one machine may work better than another, and that experience/knowledge with a particular detector is more important than the differences between them at this point.

Good suggestion! 3-5% is much lower than I expected, especially when you consider the prices are so far apart between these detectors.

22 hours ago, palzynski said:

I am not a beach specialist but if you dont plan to go in the water you might perhaps consider the Deus2 WS6 master version , which is significantly cheaper than the RC version ( 850E instead of 1450 ) .

If I would choose the Deus 2 I would like to have a larger screen with more information. Thanks for the suggestion!

20 hours ago, Jeff McClendon said:

For me, the easiest to read display on a bright, sunny beach are the Equinox models, followed by the Legend and then Deus 2.

I own all three and the performance differences even for an obsessed metal detector junkie like me really are minimal between these detectors.

I would buy a new Equinox 700 or 900, a Legend WHP or a full Deus 2.

Great info about the display. I can't get any better information than from someone who owns all three detectors. Thanks! I've added the Equinox 700/900 to my list.

----

Thanks for all the info! This really helps me. Now I have another option and that is the new Equinox. If the above detectors only have a small difference in performance it shouldn't be any different with the Equinox 700/900.

The prices here are as follow:

Legend (WHP) : 600 euro
Equinox 700:  900 euro (1.5x)
Equinox 900: 1200 euro (2.0x)

I read somewhere that the Legend can best be compared to the Equinox 900 instead of the 700. The Equinox is also 0.2 lbs lighter and the collapsed length is 1 inch shorter (correct me if I'm wrong).

Unfortunately I don't see many direct comparisons between these models online on the beach (YouTube etc.). I'm going to do some more research. In the meantime, any tips are welcome!