ColonelDan

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.

3 minutes ago, Doc Bach said:

Great review and information Colonel D.Would you by chance use the XP 280 backpack to transport your detector in and if so does the new shaft fit comfortably? I have already posed this question to Steve via e.mail and of course he can build me one any length that I desire but it would be good to have the extra length or even longer and know that it will fit inside of the pack.Maybe you or some other forum members will know.Thanks D.B.

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.

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.

25 minutes ago, Chase Goldman said:

It’s definitely a compelling detector, but the intelligence-insulting marketing spin and self-hype (that comes with the territory lately for all new release detectors not just ML) is a big turnoff to me personally.

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!

12 hours ago, Mikenowellsmith said:

Does your clock keep the right time? Mine doesn't on 0.71 I know it doesn't seem important but I'm a carer and being able to look at the screen is a lot quicker than having to stop and pull my sleeve up.

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.

2 hours ago, CPT_GhostLight said:

Thank you Colonel! How's the battery life on them, as long as the WS6 or longer?

 

I’ve had them out 3 times for around 3 hours each time and they ran strong throughout.  It’s the coil that uses battery power more than anything.

Yes, I have those and they're very nice.  Comfortable, excellent sound, link up with the remote is flawless.  Waterproof to 1 meter....not a dive set of headphones.  Keeps out ambient beach noise very well.  Folds up conveniently for packing.  XP build quality is apparent.

Those attributes are ones I very much appreciate.  I can unreservedly recommend them.

1 minute ago, midalake said:

HI Dan
Great info! 
Did you try to keep the machine in S.S.9 and clean up the noise by lowering sensitivity? 

The reason I ask, when testing on deep gold we found the machine had the ability for the same depth at 88 sensitivity. It was below this point that the D2 seem to lose depth. 
I was out with my Equinox yesterday and will be today, but hope to get that D2 out by the end of the week and will test lowering the sensitivity with keeping salt sens at 9.
We had a hurricane out in the ocean and it is very rough here. 

 

I did not adjust the sensitivity setting below 95.  My test objective was to limit the number of variables in this particular case to just the salt sensitivity.  However, a test that maintains the salt sensitivity constant at a given level and adjusts only the sensitivity setting would certainly be worthwhile.