ColonelDan

I'm a full time beach hunter and use the 11" coil exclusively. In my view, and my view only, I look at the 11x13 as having the advantage over the 11" only in its ability to cover a little more area per swing. The "east-west" dimension of the double D 11x13 i.e. 11" is the more important dimension in terms of determining depth capability. So, the 11" is fine for me as it nicely covers enough ground over the time I can physically spend on the beach these days and goes just as deep as I want to dig! 😅 Additionally, my experience with larger coils, on the CTX for example, is that they may not be as precise when pinpointing than smaller coils and they're just a mite heavier....which I don't need. So, the conclusion from my foxhole....I'm happy with the 11" 😉

I agree with the Gigmaster and that's why I use Steve's new Deus II shafts. Solid as a rock.

I'm reserving judgement until field use proves the detectors worth. I recall the CTX flooding issues because Minelab skimped by using thin gaskets around the battery box. When they reissued thicker gaskets, the problem was resolved. The use of cheap gaskets cost them tens of thousands in warranty replacements. Then there was the weak coil ears on the Equinox that required a replacement coil. Just a little stouter coil ear would have saved them a ton of money....not to mention the cost incurred through negative customer relations. Then there was the flooding nightmare. Who can forget that?!? I used Minelab products for years and was happy with the software but the hardware skimping was a real head scratcher. As I said, I'll wait and see on these new Minelab detectors. I sincerely hope these new detectors are up to the Minelab software standards which were always some of the best. Just the view from my foxhole...

I live on Florida's east coast and have been hunting our beaches for a number of years. In that time, I've learned a thing or two about our beach characteristics and hunting them. Do I know it all? I've yet to meet the detectorist who does...and that goes in spades for me. The advice you have received hits the 10 ring. Take it to heart....especially the part of not deluding yourself as to exaggerated expectations. The only advice I would add is a repeat of that above. Learn your detector, study the beaches you intend to hit, learn how to read the ever changing conditions and the habits of those depositors that populate those beaches. Detecting is a game of odds. The more you learn about a few key things, the more you increase those odds in your favor. But nothing can sway those odds in your favor more than time spent on the beach with your detector. You'll learn some little thing every time you go out...you'll learn from mistakes, good choices and the simple luck factor. Soldier on....

Original Test Data added to the bottom of this Report.

I conducted this field test in 2020. Field Test: Minelab Vanquish 440 Colonel Dan with input from Gary Bronga March 2020 Purpose: Evaluate the overall operational capability, sensitivity and stability of the Minelab Vanquish 440 metal detector under various test conditions. As always, I report findings and provide comments from strictly a user perspective--not that of a technical engineer. Procedure: Tests were designed to examine sensitivity at depth, ability to separate good targets from junk, performance in dry soil and wet salt sand as well as operational stability in saltwater. Sensitivity at Depth: Determined by reporting the greatest depth at which a modern nickel and a 14K gold wedding ring could reliably be detected by tone and target ID under the established test conditions in both dry soil and wet salt sand. Separation: Conducted on dry land, each of the various targets shown/ below were positioned between two rusted, dime size iron washers. Both washers were then moved equally and incrementally toward that target. The test continued until the closest point at which the target could be clearly detected and not masked by the junk was determined. Saltwater: Stability at various levels of sensitivity was noted while detecting in saltwater surf. Detector settings were selected to optimize performance of the overall system under the specific test conditions and are detailed in the test data sheet. Separation test target array: * Silver Quarter * Clad Dime * Modern Nickel * Copper Penny *14K Wedding Band * 925 Silver Ring * Rusted Washers Findings: Detailed findings are as shown on the test data sheet with comments and conclusions directly below. Comments: I chose to test the Vanquish 440 instead of the Vanquish 540 simply because there have been multiple videos published on the 540 performance but none that I’ve seen on the 440. I also thought the 440 at $279 might be a bit more attractive to first time buyers or beginners than the 540 or Minelab Equinox. Initial Impression: The 440 was very simple to assemble. It uses pictures! The user instructions were just as simple and very brief--one page with illustrations! Looking at it for only a few seconds, I soon realized you don’t need more detailed instructions than that. This machine is exceedingly simple to operate yet has many features found in higher priced models. I’m liking it right out of the box. I was impressed how adjustable for overall length this detector is. Not only can you adjust the lower shaft for length but the arm cuff shaft as well. This again is perfect for those little ones in your family just getting into the hobby. Operational Impression: As with any machine, regardless of cost, there are always pros and cons. The pertinent question is, do the pros outweigh the cons? For the 440, the answer is definitely yes; pros far outweigh the cons! Pros: The operational features for a $279 detector are quite amazing. The most impressive to me was the Multi-IQ technology it shares with the Equinox series. This machine can easily handle the beach, park and field providing the same Target ID range on the LED display as the Equinox series (-9 through 40). You can select any of the four modes withthe most obvious difference being the factory preset discrimination patterns. Although it doesn’t offer a separate beach mode, the 440 performs just as well on the beach regardless of the mode selected thanks to the Multi-IQ technology. I found the stability at the beach to rival that of other Minelab multi frequency detectors. It’s truly at home in a salt water environment. In discrimination mode, it was quiet and stable throughout the wet sand. In the surf, I reduced the sensitivity from level 10 to 8 and it performed flawlessly. The 440 is the epitome of user friendliness, comfort and effective simplicity. It weighs a minuscule 2.6 lbs with batteries installed and the balance is very good with the 10x7 coil. The control box display is large, very readable and all controls are easy to reach and a snap to use. I’m confident that even the true novice will be using the 440 effectively in no time. Minelab engineers have thought this through in detail and gave us a product that will put smiles on many faces. Sensitivity at depth was excellent. See the test data sheet below. The factory preset zero threshold didn’t seem to hamper target ID capability. One noted shortcoming was with thin gold chains. See Cons below. I’ve always focused on sensitivity at various depths in my field tests rather than putting any stock in unreliable raw depth numbers. There are numerous variables that affect raw depth performance in any detector such as soil type and mineralization, possible electromagnetic interference (EMI), target metallurgical composition, and orientation in the soil to cite just a few examples. The depth that I can achieve under my test conditions most likely would not apply under different conditions. Therefore, any raw data I would report from my Florida environment would be so site and situation specific as to be unreliable to the reader in Virginia for example. I always value sensitivity at depth over raw depth which provides at least some indication of the detectors capability to find the test target under the established conditions. I also found that the pinpoint function worked very well in these test cases. Separation was again excellent overall. On most test targets I was able to place the junk right against the good target and the 440 was able to separate the good from the junk with ease. I used All Metal for this test so I could clearly hear the “iron grunt” of the junk. Custom mode. Minelab has provided an option for the user to save a preferred setting to which they can easily return that is most effective in their environment for the type of hunting they do. Three tones are factory set at Low, Medium and High all of which are clear and very distinguishable. Not surprisingly, I like this set up since I programmed my Equinox 800 and my CTX 3030 years ago to report 3 tones. Personally, I don’t need any more than 3 since ALL targets encountered are either low, medium or high conductors so why not align the tones accordingly? A simplified plus in my book. The Vanquish 3 year warranty is truly superb for any detector let alone one that costs a mere $279. Cons: Water resistant vs waterproof. The Vanquish control box is weather/water resistant but the coil is waterproof. To my way of thinking, all detectors should be fully waterproof if not weatherproof. Why? Ours is an outdoor hobby and even if you’re not a water hunter, a heavy rain could do a detector in if it isn’t waterproof, but that’s just the view from my foxhole. The Vanquish does come with a nice control box cover so Minelab has taken the possible pop-up shower into consideration. Although fully clear and functional, the Vanquish headphones are not the most comfortable I’ve ever had on my head. The ear pads are soft and they are very comfortable but the head piece is fairly wide (ear to ear) and stiff with no soft padding. Also, I found the headphone cable thin and so long as to get tangled around the control box and cover at times. I would be using an after-market set of headphones with a 1/8” connection. However, I’m a big fan of wireless headphones and Minelab has again provided that convenient option with the Vanquish 540 series. Sensitivity on thin chains. I was somewhat surprised that the 440 I tested didn’t like thin gold chains. I tried my best to adjust the settings so that it would pick up the thin strands but unless I bunched the chain up into a pile, the 440 didn’t see it where my Equinox has no trouble seeing such thin chains. Conclusions: Bottom line up front: I believe Minelab has another winner here for the first-time user, the younger detectorist or those stepping up their game to the multi frequency world and do so at an unbelievable price point! The pros, as you can see, far outweigh the cons in my estimation. Admittedly, those cons I listed were primarily based on personal preference rather than any operational shortcomings. As far as operationally, the Vanquish series employs virtually the same Multi IQ technology as the Equinox so that alone gives the detecting world an outstanding way to get into the hobby by both improving their chances of success and widening their possible detecting environments. At the Vanquish price points from the 340 to the 540 Pro-Pack, users can now hunt any environment they choose - park, field or beach! My final opinion: I was impressed enough that the Vanquish will immediately become my 10-year-old granddaughter’s new machine! Note of appreciation: I want to thank Kellyco for providing the Vanquish 440 for me to evaluate as well as my hunting buddy and good friend Gary Bronga for his valued contribution to this report. Caveat: As with any field test, the results reflect and are dependent upon the specific test conditions/environment, selected targets and mineralization level of the soil, sand and water. Results of similar tests conducted under different conditions can be expected to vary from those reported here. VANQUISH 440 Tech Specs Search Modes: Coin, Relic, Jewelry, Custom, All Metal Custom User Search Profile: Yes Operating Frequencies: (kHz) Multi-IQ Technology Noise Cancel: Auto (19 Channels) Bluetooth Audio: No Iron Bias: High Sensitivity: 10 levels Volume: 3 tones (Low, Mid, High) Discrimination Segments: 12 Segments Target ID's: -9 to 40 Depth Indicator: 5 levels Length Extended: 1450mm (57") Collapsed: 760mm (30") Weight: (incl. Batteries) 2.6lbs (1.2kg) Standard Coil: V10 10"x7" Double-D Audio Output: In-built loudspeaker 3.5mm Supplied Headphones Wired 3.5mm (1/8") headphone Display Monochrome: LCD Supplied Batteries: 4 x AA Alkaline replaceable Waterproof: Coil to 1m/3-feet Operating Temperature Range: -20°C to +70°C (-4°F to +158°F) Warranty: 3 years control box and coil

The same principle applies when you detect along the shaft of an iron nail as opposed to when you detect in a perpendicular angle to the nail. Try a masking test using a nail...coin...nail. Change the orientation of the nails relative to the coin and watch what happens. I always used the shaft approach when testing metal detectors for Kellyco years back as it was the tougher test. Good video explanation of that principle....

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

I wanted tI take it into the surf but it just wasn’t to be. I have no doubt that it will be solid there as well. I have a second shaft on order that I’ll install on my Deus II that’s set up specifically for water hunting. I’ll report on that when the time comes.

I use the 11” coil, factory standard offset. I made sure the cam lock screws were properly adjusted before swinging it….I learned that with other shafts from Steve! 👍🏻 You and I are of the same mind regarding Steve’s shafts! Simply the best….period.

First off, I'd like to echo F350Platinum's assessment of Steve's Deus II shaft in field use. I found it top notch, just as he did. It was so solid that if you didn't know better, one might think they were swinging a one piece carbon fiber shaft. It had no wobble whatsoever . One very important aspect to making it so is the proper tightening of the thumb screw that adjusts the tension on the cam lock. If you ensure this is tightened down sufficiently to allow the cam lock to put enough pressure on the shaft, it will not move...period. I tried rotating the upper shaft to several angles of the RC and settled on one that fit me best. That's a nice feature in my opinion. It was very comfortable to handle and I could just feel the quality. My hunting buddy was so impressed that he contacted Steve and put his name on the list. I didn't take it in the surf as the ocean, somewhat north of Daytona Beach, was angry today. However, the numerous surfers there loved it but this 74 year old knows his limitations. As a young LT and CPT I was sure that I was bullet proof...not these days however.😁 Again, as F350Platinum said, it is very easy to clean up after a long day at the ocean. Super slick and professional looking in every way. The only shortcoming I can point out is that it just can't dig the targets for me once I find them! Steve will have to work on that.... 🤣 All in all....a super shaft for the Deus II. GREAT job Steve.

In fact, I had the same question so I did test it and it does fit inside the 280 backpack even with my 11” coil attached to the lower rod.

Having just received the carbon fiber shaft for my Deus II from Steve’s Detector Rods, I wanted to provide the forum with my first impressions---those of a user versus a design engineer. Bottom Line up front: This is simply a work of art that promises to significantly improve the detecting experience of Deus II users. Initial Inspection Fit, Finish, Balance and Weight: As in all of Steve’s shafts, the fit and finish is truly superb. He has once again gone to great lengths to make a shaft that is really superior. The weight is a feather light 16.61 ounces and I can sense that the balance has been improved over the stock version Shaft Length and Lock up: The length of the lower rod and overall shaft is longer than the stock XP shaft which allows the lower shaft to extend farther up into the middle shaft providing greater stability. The cam locks are far superior to the stock shaft and are the same ones he used on his Equinox version--tight as a bank vault. Arm Cuff and Stand: The cuff and stand are much improved over the stock set up. The cuff is also of carbon fiber and extremely stiff. The stand is wider and taller resulting in greater stability when resting the Deus on the ground and is infinitely adjustable to any length of reach. Steve even provides the Allen wrench needed to tighten it down. Grip: The grip is carbon fiber and very comfortable with a slight finger bump which helps to insure a firm hold. Great pains were taken here regarding the angle of the grip which provides a comfortable hold and the length of thumb reach to the Remote Control (RC) buttons is very accessible. Mount and Coil Attachment: Steve’s rod came with a cap over the RC mount as does the stock shaft. This was a bear to remove as the fit has been improved to prevent unintentional dropping of the RC when in use. The RC mount is very solid with tighter tolerances. This resulted in a much better fit than the stock mount with which Deus II users are all too familiar—the RC can easily drop off the stock shaft after an inadvertent bump. Steve’s mount really secures the RC tightly. Even so, he designed an attached locking mechanism that can be thumb or screw driver tightened which provides an added level of security. The coil attachment uses the stock XP hardware so there is no need for anything proprietary. Shaft: As I said, the shaft is not only longer than the stock shaft but round versus the trapezoidal shape of the the XP shaft. This may take a little getting used to as the shaft now freely rotates when the locking cams are opened. I questioned this at first but then realized the benefit. I can now precisely select the angle of the RC so I can view the screen better if that’s what I wanted to do. Great! Options: Steve offers several options that will personalize your shaft. If you like he will provide the capability for an internal channel for the underwater antenna and can outfit the upper shaft to accommodate a counterbalance weight just as he did with the Equinox. Even though this shaft is longer than the stock one, he can also provide additional length for those really really tall folks. Conclusion: This shaft is an extremely usable thing of beauty in my view. It has been very well thought out and in great detail. It’s rugged and stiff with absolutely no wobble. It was very simply and very clearly designed and built with the user in mind and with user input from multiple user sources. You can read Steve’s own words about this shaft with photos at: https://www.detectorprospector.com/forums/topic/20979-deus-shafts-in-production/#comments As I said, this is just my initial impression. I will add to this review after my first beach run with Steve’s new Deus II shaft.

I’ve always used a cover. Beach sand is very much akin to sandpaper.

The remote by far but...I'm grateful that XP gave me the option if the need ever arose.

Great job and very nice post!

Good job soldier!

This looks to be a real winner for Deus users! 😀

I never look at the clock because it’s so small. I use my smart watch which gives me lat/long information as well as time…much more useful and easier to see. just the view from my foxhole….

I use a modified General program when in fresh water lakes. Nice and smooth, quiet and effective.

100% Agree Chase. I'll wait and see what is shown after verifiable use in the field. Recall the advertising hype over the Equinox's waterproof capabilities? How'd that turn out for the user in shallow water applications? Didn't quite live up to the hype did it.

Tracking is my default setting for the east coast Florida beaches I hunt. Our beaches are pretty much uniform in mineralization so I find the tracking option stable and easy to use. Works well for me here but certainly not on all beaches everywhere.

Outstanding!

Outstanding work in every regard! Military class rings are exceptionally meaningful to all of us who have them. They mean much more than just a reminder of the education and training we went through. You did a magnificent thing in my view. Your dedication and total effort means much more to the recipient than you'll ever know. A salute to you sir!

Yes, mine keeps perfect time but I never use it. I rely on my smart watch which is much easier to see and gives me a lot of useful information.