Minelab Vanquish 340, 440 and 540 Review

What the New Vanquish Series Is About?

The very first thing to understand about Vanquish detectors is that this series was created for beginner level hunters. Yeah, the machines are equipped with multi-frequency technology, because Minelab made them cool, but they are still targeted at newbies.

Another important thing to keep in mind is that – and Minelab haven’t even tries to conceal this fact! – the main purpose of this new series is to eventually bury the Garrett Ace metal detectors, the main favourite and one of the most popular series in the beginner segment on the market since the time of dinosaurs – since 2005, to be more precise.

Now the question is whether Minelab will be able to do what they planned. Of course, we will not get the full picture unless the machines are made available for purchase and are tested on the field by at least the first dozen of detectorists. However, we can already assess the tech specs and analyze them. So, let’s do that together!

New Interesting Features of Minelab Vanquish

One of the most curious peculiarities of this Vanquish series is the Multi-IQ technology, that seems to break all the stereotypes and norms about entry-level metal detectors. And this is little surprise, really, since the competitors are literally close on the heels. Nokta Makro, for example, have developed an underwater detector with semi-automatic Ground balance – Nokta Makro Simplex – and this device is meant for beginners!

The Quest company is also working on a new series of advanced metal detecting machines, also in the beginner-middle level, but with a bunch of cool features.

To cut the long story short, it seems that for the first time in the last 10-15 years the market of metal detectors experiences a real revolution, and the Vanquish series is a big chunk of this revolution. Now, let’s see what interesting features this revolution brings.

The design of the Vanquish series is rather curious, and while it really reminds a device from some kind of videogame of the 80s, at least it does not fall apart when handled (like Go-Find does). Vanquish looks pretty solid.

The armrest is classic, the shaft has clamps which is a rather convenient solution (here, I’m taking a potshot at Garrett Ace, just in case). Yet, the wire of the coil is still on the outer side, while I would really preferred to have it inside – this is way more convenient, and we could have taken a potshot at several other brands).

Moreover, a new series of coils that were developed specifically for Vanquish machines attracts attention as well. All metal detectors in the series have DD coils, which is really cool (best regards to Garrett again!).

The only thing that makes me personally a bit suspicious is the fact that Vanquish 340 has smaller discrimination segments number, and no pinpoint mode. Will the user have additional issues with identifying and locating the target in the dirt because of these two features? Well, we’ll leave that unanswered for now.

Vanquish All Features

Now, let’s check out the main features and tech specs of every Vanquish model separately, and compare those three machines in terms of specifications and advantages. We will also have to keep in mind that the whole series is meant for beginners, so will beginners be able to take advantage of those cool features, or are those too much?
Or maybe not enough?

Vanquish 340

Vanquish 340 is the simplest of the three models within the Vanquish series. Just for quick comparison, it has only three search modes (All Metal, Coins, and Jewelry) which are enough for a beginner detectorist, is equipped with 10 inches DD coil, and has the smallest scale of discrimination segments. Limited discrimination can potentially make identification of targets more complicated, but this is yet to be tested.

Another important thing to consider is absense of pinpoint mode. While the majority of metal detectors on the market do not have this mode, and pinpointers are expected to be bought separately (which is cool for the seller but not very cool for the user), it would have actually made sense to add pinpoint mode even to the youngest model of the series in order to our-execute the competition.

Next features that I suggest you should pay attention to are important in the long run. For example, this model currently does not have a warranty. Perhaps info about warranty will be available later, and the expected term is 2 years warranty. But we’ll see.

This detector is all-purpose, uses Multifrequency and is compatible with several coils, which is cool. You can adjust audio tones and depth indication, and also control the volume of signal, because there is no vibration. The system is not rechargeable, and you can use only headphones for this model specifically.

The detector weighs only 2.6 lbs which is definitely an advantage for newbies who are not used to swinging a heavy thing back and forth in the field all day long. Also – surprise! – the machine is equipped with waterproof coil that can be used on the depth of up to 3.3 feet, but you can put the machine underwater only to the level of the control unit.

Vanquish 440

Vanquish 440, the “middle brother” of the series, is more advanced in terms of features. It has four search modes – Coins, Jewelry, Relics, and Custom mode where you can choose specific settings, save them, and discriminate certain metal types. The discrimination scale is bigger, as well, which means more control over target spotting.

The coil in the kit is 10 inches DD one, and the thing has a pinpoint mode. Compared to 340 model, this one also boasts more convenient controls.

All other features are generally like in the 340 model – all purpose multifrequency with several compatible coils and tunable signal and stuff. The system is not rechargeable, and only native headphones fit.

Waterproof, lightweight, and pretty functional, we would say this model of the series is very nice for beginner detectorists (mainly because it has pinpoint included!)

Vanquish 540

And for afters, let’s dissect Vanquish 540, the most sophisticated model of the three in this series.

The main and the most interesting features of it are as follows: all purpose multifrequency detector , compatible with several DD coils, four search modes (similar to 440) plus pinpoint mode included. Only native headphones fit.

If you are wondering about its differences with the younger models, well, here’s what you get. Firstly, the coil in the kit is 12 inches DD; moreover, there is a Vanquish 540 Pro Pack kit that includes 8 inches coil additionally.

Secondly, the number of discrimination segments is the biggest in the series, plus programmable target ID is available. Thirdly, the display is backlit which is cool when searching in twilight.

Fourthly, you get a bluetooth compatible machine that allows you to connect to the Minelab application. And fifthly, the system is rechargeable.

The machine is slightly heavier (2.9 lbs), and of course it is waterproof.

All these specs and features make Vanquish 540 really worthy of your attention, and even if you are a complete newbie, the features seem to be chosen in the manner that will help you manage the machine fast, learn, and develop your skills for more efficient search.