11 Best Minelab Metal Detectors 2024 – High-quality Brand

Minelab is positioned as a leader in the ground metal detector market. Production launched in 1985, and since then, Minelab metal detectors have been available to the general public while being an integral tool for the Military for hidden explosive detection. Minelab detectors, called Minilabs, are high-quality products with versatile functionality.

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The easy-to-handle Minelab products are well designed with quality ergonomics.  The front panel is equipped with buttons that allow you to launch any function. Its unique positioning, close to the handle, means you will not need to reach for front panel buttons, but you still control it with two hands.

Despite its quirky front-panel design, the Minelab brand produces quality equipment that’s easy to use and, in some categories, warrants the Best Metal Detector title.

The device requires programs to filter out unnecessary items when searching. By adding items to the ignore list, you’ll search valuable items without the distraction of trash and other nonessentials.

 

Top Best Minelab Metal Detectors

1.Minelab 3720-0002 Equinox 800 Metal Detector – Best Overall

 

The Minelab 3720-0002 Equinox 800 implements multi-frequency Multi-IQ technology, with the ability to work in single-frequency mode at a frequency of 5, 10, 15, 20, or 40 kilohertz, or in multi-frequency mode at frequencies of 5-40 kilohertz.

Such a wide range of frequencies allows you to search for absolutely any purpose, be it scrap metal, coins, antiquities, jewelry, or gold nuggets. Multi-IQ significantly increases the depth and stability of target detection of any size in any soil.

Minelab Equinox 800 has a completely redesigned control, where all settings are selected using the buttons, without leaving the main screen of the device. No need to delve into the sub-items of the menu to create the perfect setting for your search needs.

There are four operating modes—Park, Field, Beach, Gold—each with its own predefined settings, and each mode can be further customized for your personal preferences. Create your favorite search profile with your own settings.

Unlike the younger Equinox 600, there is an advanced settings feature for each mode. With all of its advanced functionality, the control management is still very simple, suitable for both pros and amateurs.

 

2. Minelab CTX 3030 Standard Pack Metal Detector

 

With ten configurable search modes, five of which already have presets, you won’t need to build your own search mode. These versatile search modes will make starting the search quick and easy. Each search mode has two custom discriminatory patterns.

The digital camera has both manual and automatic sensitivity settings, providing maximum detection depth when working on any type of ground. In addition, there is now an improved balancing of the bent.

Even on sites with strong mineralization of the soil, you can detect targets without cutting the search depth. What could be better? A multi-detector! Using the ON / OFF button, you can do so much more than power it on or off. You can select a language or reset the detector to factory settings.

According to the Minelab CTX 3030 review, you can also configure the detector using the option that is most convenient for you by selecting the appropriate settings (Wireless, Backlight, GPS, Location, Time Zone and Units of Measurement).

 

3. Minelab E-TRAC Metal Detector

 

The Explorer model from Minelab is distinguished from other detectors by the use of multi-frequency technology, which makes it possible to achieve high detection efficiency of targets on any soil. In 2008, the company released the fourth version of this model.

Despite being designed and marketed specifically for professional search, the MInelab E-TRAC is simple to configure and operate. You can use a Minelab E-TRAC immediately from the box with the factory settings. Without changing the parameters, this detector garners quality search results.

Smartfind discrimination technology positions the E-Track detector as an advanced and effective device. To identify the type of metal, the device immediately analyzes its two properties—conductivity and percentage of iron—and the results are displayed on a two-dimensional scale with separate Smartfind indicators.

This makes it possible to correctly identify the metal by type and change the discrimination mask for the conductivity and the percentage of Fe in the object (QuickMask technology). With this in mind, you can set the target acceptance parameters with precision.

The Minelab Explorer E-Track has the capability to connect directly to a computer via a USB interface. This allows users to download and change masks and discrimination settings without creating them themselves (E-Trac Xchange technology). The developers also took care of improved ergonomics, providing this model with a more comfortable control panel, a clear black and white LCD display, and a lightweight DD coil.

Explorer E-Trac Minelab operates at 28 frequencies ranging from 1.5 to 100 kHz. Thanks to a 32-bit microprocessor—more powerful than its predecessors—the discriminator and the device as a whole are provided with high speed, minimizing the response time of the audio signal to the visual display.

 

4. Minelab Excalibur II 1000 Underwater Metal Detector

 

The Minelab Excalibur II—a professional underwater metal detector with a diving depth of 60 meters—is the industry leader for underwater search instruments.

The metal detector is designed for both underwater and ground search and simultaneously operates at several frequencies from 1 to 17 kHz (1.5-25.5 kHz). Seventeen Excalibur frequencies allow this detector to find the tiniest coins, lost rings, and detect serious targets at great depths.

The discriminator of the detector allows you to distinguish iron targets from non-ferrous ones or eliminate unnecessary debris. Automatic adjustment to the soil makes it possible to work both in saltwater and in freshwater without loss of detection depth.

 

5. Minelab GPX 5000 Metal Detector – Gold Detector

 

The new GPX 5000 has a number of innovations over the previous GPX 4500.

Tech upgrades in noise reduction and the use of complex probe pulses allow the device to perform in the most difficult search conditions. Extremely high sensitivity provides the maximum search depth and detection of metal objects of the smallest sizes such as grains of native gold.

The model’s versatile design is adapted for lovers of the search for antiquities and beach searches who do not need hypersensitivity to very small goals.

The available search programs cover an enormous range of searches.

Smooth Sensitivity * Fine Gold * Extra Sensitivity * Salt / Gold * Sharp Response * Coins / Relics

 

Minelab Metal Detectors FAQ

1. Where Can I Buy a Minelab Metal Detector?

The Base Outdoor Team is happy to help you and select the metal detector that fits your needs. From beginner to a professional level, we’ll find the best fit for your skill level.

You can buy original products in several places: on Amazon, via sites of official dealers or offline stores dedicated to metal hunting.

We’re here to help you dive into the interesting and inspiring world of searching with metal detectors.

2. Where Can I Repair a Minelab Metal Detector?

In most cases, service centers can carry out warranty repairs of devices sold by Minelab and perform repair work on request for the main brands of metal detectors including Garrett, Minelab, Fisher, Tesoro, Teknetics, and Whites.

Minelab’s official service centers also repair search coils for metal detectors such as replacing cable with 11“ Minelab (butterfly), 10.5” x-terra, or the main coils of Garrett, Detech, Whites, Fisher, NEL, and MarsMD.

To deal with “repair” issues less often, follow these rules:

• Do not store the device with batteries.
• Dry the appliance, especially after working in the rain.
• Handle the coil and cord with a silicone suspension (silicone for cars).
• When working in the cold, wind the coil cable around the rod in advance, ideally try to bend the coil cable infrequently.

Check your warranty period so you won’t have additional trouble searching for a service center.

3. Where Can I Buy Parts for Minelab Metal Detector?

Minelab, a leading manufacturer of metal detectors, offers not only high-quality metal detectors and accessories but also various components and accessories. If you already have a metal detector of this brand, then you can pick up the following products for it on the pages of the online catalog stores, on Amazon, or via the official Minelab website:

• headphones
• coils
• rods
• batteries
• screws, washers
• battery holder
• armrests

All spare parts are certified, reliable, and, compatible with the Minelab products which are very popular among treasure seekers and security companies.

 

Minelab Vs Best Metal Detector Brands

Minelab vs Garrett

A well-stablished brand, when comparing Minelab and Garrett metal detectors, the closest competitor to the Garrett AT PRO metal detector is the top-end semi-professional Minelab X-Terra 705—an excellent detector, with super recommendations. Both metal detectors are designed for semi-professionals and cost up to $1,000.

When considering the brand catalog parameters, it’s important to remember that the most eye-catching qualities are not necessarily the most important components.

Considering the catalog parameters (especially for a beginner), the first thing that catches your eye is that there are three frequencies in the Minelab X-Terra 705, and the Garrettt ATPRO can dive underwater. We would advise a beginner to try the Garrett AT PRO metal detector. The Minelab X-Terra 705 is less user-friendly for the novice user.

Both metal detectors belong to the classic design of soil detectors and include a 3-piece boom. In both, the cord goes around the bar. The X-Terra 705 design has an easier rod joining and runs much smoother than the AT PRO which can prove a difficult connector.

The fixed stroke and precise clearance of the X-Terra 705 creates and ease of operation not present in the AT PRO where there is a constant threat that the collet clamp will crack if it is too tight.

Minelab Pros and Cons

 

Garrett Pros and Cons

 

Minelab vs Fisher

Let’s consider Fisher F44 and Minelab X-Terra-705.

Sellers are saying…

• It is better to buy the X-Terra-705 because it is fast (that is, it thinks faster and gives an answer), the price is reasonable, and it works at three frequencies. The company has been working since the 30s.
• It is better to buy a Fisher F44 because X-Terra, is produced in China, and its handle breaks very often. Fisher F44 is produced in Britain and the USA.

Forums are saying…

• The Fisher F44 was created for sandy soil in the USA, so it is not suitable for other surfaces.

Shared Features of the Fishers F44 “] Minelab X-Terra-705

• Pinpoint mode
• sensitivity setting
• threshold background
• detuning from electrical noise
• tone identification
• VDI / Target ID
• volume control
• low charge indicator
• LCD display
• display backlight
• armrest
• built-in speaker
• headphone output

The Fisher 44 boasts 40 hours run time.

Minelab Pros and Cons

 

Fisher Pros and Cons

 

Minelab vs Bounty Hunter

Bounty Hunter Quick Draw Pro uses the metric system to indicate the depth of the target; it displays values ​​in centimeters, unlike the Minelab X-Terra 305, where the designations are in inches.

In addition, this Bounty Hunter metal detector is equipped with branded Bounty Hunter headphones with an L-shaped plug, and its power is supplied by four batteries or similar AA-size batteries.

In principle, the Bounty Hunter Quick Draw Pro and Minelab X-Terra 305 metal detectors do not differ, except for the coils which—despite their differences—are completely interchangeable.

The Bounty Hunter Quick Draw Pro metal detector is still controlled by six buttons, traditionally located on the front side of the control unit. As with all Bounty Hunter models, the information panel displays sensitivity settings, a movable visualization segment, five discriminator modes, and a segment movement button.

The sound identification of Minelab has not changed. As before, a low tone is assigned to ferrous metals, and a middle tone and Belton signal are also present.

We would like to note that in Bounty Hunter Quick Draw Pro, the Belton is triggered by gold products, although in Minelab X-Terra 305 gold was identified by medium tonality. It’s important to note the Bounty has only two parameters—Ferrous and Non-Ferrous—while the X-Terra provides visualization in more detail.

In the field, Quick Draw Pro behaves confidently and stably, but the DD coil behaves a little differently than mono in the Terra.

When using a metal detector in extreme conditions, especially in wet weather, we recommend using a cover on the display, since it is not waterproof.

In the separation of goals, a significant role is played by the type of coil (DD or mono). When using a DD type coil, the pinpoint does not work as it does on mono, so you will have to dig a hole with a margin.

Ultimately, the Quick Draw Pro surpasses the X-Terra in the separation of goals, and failures occur only in very heavily littered areas. Still, the Quick Draw Pro is nothing more than a slightly improved Terra 305 with a new coil and a higher detection depth but with the same balance and usability.

Minelab Pros and Cons

 

Bounty Hunter Pros and Cons

 

If you found this review useful but you’re still unsure which metal detector is the best for you, you can check out baseoutdoor.com for other brand reviews.

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