Chase Goldman

Would like to establish this as an unofficial Specs and Features Thread to supplement the below "official" features list with additional information gleaned from videos of the prototype units and verbal utterances from ML reps. Please cite your source of information. Prefer this not to be a thread for discussion, debate, or speculation. Just the facts as we know them. MANTICORE High Power Metal Detector Our most powerful detector yet, Manticore finds targets faster, more clearly, and in even the most challenging environments. With impressive capabilities and technologies, nothing will go undetected. More effective than even the most high-end models in the market, Manticore brings power, precision and accuracy to detecting in a way that wasn’t previously possible. MULTI IQ+: Minelab’s revolutionary technology has 50% more power than traditional models and is the highest-powered simultaneous multi-frequency machine on the market. FAST RESPONSE: Identify your targets quickly and confidently to efficiently sort between trash and treasure with exceptional target separation performance. POWERFUL 2D ID MAP: Identify your targets with greater visual and audible target insights. ENHANCED DISCRIMINATION: Exceptionally accurate target ID allows you to accept or reject finds quickly and confidently. WIRELESS AUDIO: Clearly detect with audio controls set specifically for you in order to identify targets confidently, reduce noise and identify trash. ULTIMATE SEARCH MODES: Over 10+ preset search modes allow you to set the stage for success, with the ability to customize up to 10 unique modes tailored to your specific needs. UNRIVALLED CONSTRUCTION & WATERPROOF: Powerful yet lightweight, Manticore weighs only 1.3 kg (2.9 lbs.) and includes a three-piece, compact Carbon-Fibre shaft system. Waterproof up to 16 ft (5 m). INTUITIVE CONTROL: The large LCD panel allows for easy viewing and clear navigation control. BOOSTED EMI IMMUNITY: In challenging environments, improved EMI rejection uses higher sensitivity to isolate targets. CHOICE OF COILS: Comes with the M11 (11" Round Double-D coil) and choose from M8 (8"x5.5" Elliptical Double-D) and M15 (15"x12" Elliptical Double-D) coils. LIGHTING & VIBRATION: Detect even when the sun goes down with features such as Control Box Flashlight, Display Backlight with Auto Adjust, Backlit Keypad and Handgrip Vibration. CLEAR AUDIO: Built in external speaker allows for crystal-clear audio and comes with Low Latency Wireless Headphones. BUILT TO LAST: A three-year warranty with software upgrade capability allows detection far into the future. Link to Minelab Manticore Product Page: https://www.minelab.com/usa/metal-detectors/manticore Excerpts from the Quick Start Guide: Some feature Highlights: 4-way menu navigation Location Keyed mode designations (e.g., All Terrain, Beach, Goldfield) with multiple variants of each mode. 5 for All Terrain, 4 for Beach, and 1 for Goldfield equals a total of ten Multi-IQ+ modes. Standard Equinox Single Frequency Selections - 5, 10, 15, 20, and 40 khz (no 4 khz that was added to Equinox in a subsequent update), but unclear whether these choices are mode specific like on the Equinox, they appear to be independent of mode. Confirmation of 2 Digit/2D Target ID, Target Trace, and what appears to be customizable 2D discrimination patterns. "Ferrous Limits" feature which looks like a more sophisticated version of Equinox's "Iron Bias" but goes to 2D target trace disc (wraps around non-ferrous conductive range). Multiple audio selections appear to be fully customizable across modes including normal, enhanced, and "continuous pitch" VCO-like audio (i.e., you are not locked-in to mode-specific audio types like difference between Goldfield and Non-Gold mode audio). Noise Cancel is quick, hopefully it is also effective. Also has a "Continuous Auto" noise cancel feature. Battery has a minimum 9 hour run time and takes 7 hours to charge full from empty.

Which it has. But if you're saying it has to be on continuously, maybe so. It's not 50% more than Equinox, it's 50% more than single frequency detectors. Their typical ambiguous marketing speak is carefully worded to create these misconceptions without blatantly speaking untruths.

11" was used.

Looks like it's using the GPX 6000 Headphones

Definitely worth it with the M8 coil if it were going head to head with Deus 2 because the weight advantage of Deus 2 (a lot of what you are paying for) would be reduced.

Yes.

Well, the raw depth thing is just physics and power - power is limited not by the power source but by ground reflection, especially in mineralized soils. At practical power limits a near field EM wave at 5 khz (higher frequencies attenuate more) can only travel so far in the ground before it is attenuated to the degree that it cannot induce a detectable magnetic field in the target no matter how many fancy signal processing gymnastics you apply in the receive "circuit". Many detectors can acquire a target at maximum depth, but what separates the best from the mediocre is ID reliability at depth. In other words does Gokd ID as gold or iron at max detection depth. But just because vlf raw detection depth is at its limits, that doesn't mean there are not innovations in detector tech. The latest advances in detector tech performance have been improving recovery speed (mitigating masking - which is tge thing hiding most reachable targets now, not the amount of dirt between the target and coil), iron handling (SMF enabled biasing to mitigate falsing), filtering (disc and notch), ground/salt handling (SMF) and utilizing signal processing horsepower to leverage the advantages of SMF to improve target ID accuracy at depth and to reduce EMI. The other innovations improve usability - multiple available modes, improved detector indications (target trace) and user interface, wireless audio, and improved ergonomics. Maltivort should improve target ID accuracy at depth (improving effective depth if not raw depth) over Nox and bring significant Multi-IQ advantages (speed/iron handling) vs. CTX. Is it going to be a good detector? Most certainly. Is it breaking new ground? Only in the sense that it is likely merging the best features and performance attributes of Nox and CTX while adding a few additional, welcome bells and whistles.

Wondering what tech would make it go deeper than CTX? I am expecting it to reliably ID deeper than the Nox, hopefully as deep as CTX but with better recovery and iron handling. But deeper than CTX, doubtful because IB can only go so deep on coin sized targets. But if anyone can do it ML can.

No it's 50% more than single frequency detectors - because it HAS to be if you are combining 2 or more transmit waveforms together. The ambiguous pseudo tech marketing hype continues and just causes confusion. SMH Yep Hardnox it is, Manatee will go 2 more meters before leaking now.

Wish they could have made it more than just 1 oz lighter. But that gives them license to say lighter than Nox, at least. Seriously, though. Looks like we got the Multi-IQ eTrac/CTX variant we have been clamoring after for 4 years, why am I not more excited about that? New detector launch fatigue and a bad case of manufacturer cynicism, I guess. And also knowing that we are on the vlf performance plateau and the only real innovation left is in usability vice performance.

Was referring to the M8, which enables me to maneuver around obstacles. Def won't be a water machine if I ever do get the Manginot.

Specs breakdown commentary in bold italics. MANTICORE High Power Metal Detector LATEST DETAILS JUST RELEASED Our most powerful detector yet, Manticore finds targets faster, more clearly, and in even the most challenging environments. With impressive capabilities and technologies, nothing will go undetected. More effective than even the most high-end models in the market, Manticore brings power, precision and accuracy to detecting in a way that wasn’t previously possible. Lots of words without much info. MULTI IQ+: Minelab’s revolutionary technology has 50% more power than traditional models and is the highest-powered simultaneous multi-frequency machine on the market. Typical ambiguous marketing stuff. And that means what exactly? Power used? Power transmitted? Hope if its transmit power it can be turned down in high mineralization. Does that mean the battery will run down sooner? Comparing how much power a vlf "has" is really somewhat meaningless without specifics. SMF by its very nature needs more Tx power in the first place just to achieve the same depth penetration as "traditional" models. Saying it's the "highest" is also meaningless without giving any power units or magnitude. FAST RESPONSE: Identify your targets quickly and confidently to efficiently sort between trash and treasure with exceptional target separation performance. Good, that's expected nowadays. POWERFUL 2D ID MAP: Identify your targets with greater visual and audible target insights. Like it. Can't wait to hear details. ENHANCED DISCRIMINATION: Exceptionally accurate target ID allows you to accept or reject finds quickly and confidently. Sort of a repeat of the previous bullet. Really want to hear about its ability to ID iron/not false. WIRELESS AUDIO: Clearly detect with audio controls set specifically for you in order to identify targets confidently, reduce noise and identify trash. Like it. Details would be nice, including whether they are sticking with Greytooth APTX-Low Latency or moving back to proprietary wireless. ULTIMATE SEARCH MODES: Over 10+ preset search modes allow you to set the stage for success, with the ability to customize up to 10 unique modes tailored to your specific needs. 10 truly discrete search modes? How many SMF variations (not just user settings variations)? Are gold modes provided? SF settings? UNRIVALLED CONSTRUCTION & WATERPROOF: Powerful yet lightweight, Manticore weighs only 1.3 kg (2.9 lbs.) and includes a three-piece, compact Carbon-Fibre shaft system. Waterproof up to 16 ft (5 m). Certainly not rivaled by the Nox, hopefully. Hmm...Weighs as much as Nox or maybe is 1 oz lighter at best (2.9 vs 2.96 lbs) despite the CF shaft and stem. INTUITIVE CONTROL: The large LCD panel allows for easy viewing and clear navigation control. Like it. BOOSTED EMI IMMUNITY: In challenging environments, improved EMI rejection uses higher sensitivity to isolate targets. We'll see. CHOICE OF COILS: Comes with the M11 (11" Round Double-D coil) and choose from M8 (8"x5.5" Elliptical Double-D) and M15 (15"x12" Elliptical Double-D) coils. Liking the M8 (M10 would be better but I'll take it over a 6" round any day) LIGHTING & VIBRATION: Detect even when the sun goes down with features such as Control Box Flashlight, Display Backlight with Auto Adjust, Backlit Keypad and Handgrip Vibration. Cute. CLEAR AUDIO: Built in external speaker allows for crystal-clear audio and comes with Low Latency Wireless Headphones. You don't say? See my wireless audio comment above. BUILT TO LAST: A three-year warranty with software upgrade capability allows detection far into the future. I would expect no less. Overall - not a lot of solid content. 2D TID is a welcome nod to it's FBS2 ancestors. Liking the small elliptical coil (hopefully if will be available at launch). Screen and nav controls are a welcome addition. Would have liked to have heard more about the modes, if nothing else, what they are called and how will they be grouped. Seems solid, though not ground breaking unlike the game changing Nox at release, and I hope I don't miss the release because I'm out detecting.

Well at least they got the coil thing right.

Hope springs eternal as they say. It will probably incrementally improve the issue you pointed out regarding ID accuracy at depth. If they come out with a decent accessory coil lineup, I could see divesting myself of my out-of-warranty/dead battery Nox at some point. I'll bite just before the obligatory 3-year Minelab MAP price bump up that comes right after the initial lot of Manticores' warranties expire, just like Nox. Joyful.

I'll wait for Jeff McClendon's (get back on your feet soon, my friend, you got work to do) and Andy Benson's reviews. They know best how I hunt and what I hunt in and have not steered me wrong. But I'm thinking, this is not a game changer for me, but another incremental VLF release that has a few desirable bells and whistles perhaps missing on Nox but no game changers. But also no real improvement/innovation on ergonomics (just a CF shaft and custom clevis they will use as an excuse to overcharge for while conveniently hiding under the exorbitant pricing of XP) and that's really disappointing. The disingenuous silence/blame shifting spin regarding the open secret flaws associated with Nox watertight integrity and their continued lack of commitment to providing accessory coil options (even going out of their way to provide cross platform compatibility between Nox and Vanquish), have left a bad taste in my mouth. Therefore, not quite willing to take the bait on a technology fix at the expense of my self respect...just yet. 😀 Again, this is my take, and my take alone. I know it will fill the bill nicely for many.

Yawn...

It's not going to be deeper than Equinox with its 15" coil in the sense that you will hit targets any deeper (remember we've basically hit the limit on VLF detection depth and have been there for quite some time), but it may give more reliable TID at depth than Equinox, a la CTX. So I do believe it will be a dream machine for you Simon so you can retire the CTX behemoth. Larger coil in my hot soils is counterproductive as it picks up too much ground- I would probably not choose that coil at all if I had my druthers. Hoping they come out with a a 10x5 accessory coil for it, might sit up and take notice then. Otherwise this is a yawner with a bad name for me. I am much more interested in Axiom than this thing and happy with my D2 and Legend combo, as I really am done with the ergonomics of the Nox now. It's only bearable with the collapsible shaft and 10x5 coil and they've now made sure to sabotage the third party shaft systems with their funky coil/stem attachments (perhaps). This will be one new VLF I am probably going to wait on well after release and enjoy watching the circus from the sidelines for once. Really doesn't excite me at this point, especially since they apparently did nothing to improve the terrible grip handle. It's just a tweak to Equinox that is not really going to do much for me because I'm a relic hunter that cares more about picking out brass and lead (and the occasional gold) in hot soil and/or amongst junk than deep silver and since that is about the easiest target to hit at depth regardless of what detector you use, so much of it has already been cherry-picked in any plot that has had any coil run over it at least once, (except that which is hiding in the iron and modern trash and D2 and Nox with the 10x5 take care of that). Glad I'm not going to have to endure the inevitable disappointment of the release delays. In fact, I'd likely sell my Equinox now except for the fact that I would have nothing to attach to my excellent Coiltek 10x5 Nox Coil, the only thing that is forcing me to keep Nox after the release of D2 and Legend since they don't yet have a comparable coil. (Disclaimer: My brutal honesty about how I am truly feeling about Manticore right now notwithstanding, as an unabashed non-recovering detector addict, I reserve the right to completely contradict myself in an instant and queue up for this one as soon as my anti-impulse-detector-buy medication wears off, so don't bother trying to throw this post in my face in the future).

Love it! Would have loved to have been a fly on the wall at the "Manticore" decision meeting to see what names didn't make the cut.

It's apparently a warning ⚠️ indicator that the stock 15" coil they bolted on to this sucker is too heavy to swing.

Means nothing most likely. Marketing bleck dummies fall for. Like the notion that depth reigns supreme...(I'm talking vlf not PI) as it sells detectors to those who don't know any better. Probably also why they may be using what appears to be a large diameter coil in their marketing materials. The good stuff (not talking nugget hunting or beach detecting here) is either deep out of the range of a vlf regardless of how much power they pump out or hiding amongst the trash where speed and accurate signal filtering reign supreme. High Power in that context could mean high signal processing power (hence speed and accuracy).

First of all - these detector companies are spending way too much time being clever about the symbology of their detector monikers when they should be more concerned about coming up with a detector name that someone can actually pronounce after a few beers or that someone wouldn't be embarrassed to utter in front of a bunch of people wearing camo and wielding sharp digging tools. "Cletus, could you be a dear and fetch me my Man-ti-core out of the back your crew cab?" Puleeze Anyhoo... Unlikely those technologies can be actually combined or blended as-is. But hopefully Multi-IQ+, does improve Multi-IQ performance in the two areas where FBS2 excelled, namely ID accuracy at depth which in turn enabled the implementation of sophisticated discrimination patterns.

Bingo! As well as hinder dev of 3rd party shaft systems. Not liking sticking with the large diameter handle (presumably still housing the battery). Multi color screen and better navigation appears evident. If they stick with the single mode user profile scheme that would be disappointing. Never liked the user profile button being embedded into the side of the control pod because ot is awkward to invoke with one hand w/o setting the coil on the ground. I use user profile switching frequently for target interrogation to see how the target responds to two different modes.

Looking Good Steve!

Lowest price.

Love my Devil's Tongue probe too. Great tool. Great review by 350. Thanks kac!