I have never used the manticore bit i have used the equinox and also the nokta legend the nokta impact and the fisher f75...the one that i like best is the legend but thats just me...but what we need to do more of is just have fun metal detecting....its not a competition...so what if one is a inch deeper than the other....i dont want to dig a hole 15 inches deep for a penny....im to old been doing this way to long to be arguing about who has the best detector....if all you can afford is a walmart detector well thats fine ...i promise you can go out with it and fine different treasures ....fun not competition...sorry for the rant....