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Minelab Vanquish is the new series of machines by Minelab Metal Detectors. The series includes Vanquish 340, Vanquish 440, and Vanquish 540 devices. The company has already created waves with their new product, partially because this is a serious blow below the belt in terms of competition, and also because now the detectorists try to assess whether the novelty is worth powder and shot.
Meanwhile, the new detectors will become available for purchase only at the beginning of 2020, so the majority of the curious public is left guessing. However, not us. We have already had our hands on these machines, and have a lot to say about them.
Minelab boasts huge about these machines, but of course it is always better to have an objective opinion provided, so check it out in the review.
Enables the detectorist to search through the location with several frequencies at the same time, with high recovery speed, and notice many different targets on various depths.
A super handy feature allowing variations in operating frequencies for more finds.
One of the most productive coils, able to bring finds even on trashy locations, and easy to use even for a newbie.
Four search modes provide all necessary tools for most popular locations, and one custom mode is for unique settings.
Handy technology for accurate target spotting; the bigger the number of discrimination segments, the better the analysis.
Useful for handy operation and less risk of ripping the wire.
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!
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.
Search modes offered in Vanquish 540 are similar to those available in the “younger brother”, but due to enhanced functionality of this model, each mode can operate with enhanced efficiency.
This mode is the best to hunt for coins, or other small targets of similar shape. Multi-IQ technology allows enhanced search in this mode, with higher efficiency.
Those wanting to spot some ancient or modern jewelry can take advantage of this search mode in Vanquish 540. Multi-IQ Technology supports increased sensitivity to such objects.
Together with other features in Vanquish 540, the Relics mode promises especially efficient search. Iron Bias and high quality discrimination will help with identifying the targets.
The user can save a unique settings combination if they have certain unique conditions or location they often face, and by-default search modes cannot meet their needs on this location in full.
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 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, 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!)
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.
So, let’s strike the balance here. Minelab has definitely muddied the water with its new Vanquish series, and all manufacturers offering at least one series in the entry-level niche have shuddered after the series was announced. After some reasonable analysis, however, we can conclude that the series provides nice machines, well-suited for treasure hunting, coins, and relics hunting.
Models 340 and 440 will fit more to those who are total noobs and only make their first steps in this hobby. The 540 one will be a good choice for those who has already gave it a try and would love to improve their skills.
One of the most attractive things in Vanquish is, of course, Multi IQ technology. Of course, you cannot expect it to bring finds as it does in the Equinox, because it just won’t make any sense at all. But in general, newbies can really take advantage of this technology in a very affordable new series by Minelab.
Minelab Vanquish 540 ✅ The best user-friendly metal detector
Hi detectorists! I’m Michael Moore, founder of this website, and a dedicated treasure hunter since 2013. If you want to be posted about the most recent news and updates in metal detecting, releases, and trends, subscribe!
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