I personally own the 800 but I thought it would be helpful if I wrote an article that answers the question, “What is the difference between the Minelab Equinox 600 and 800?
The Minelab Equinox is one of the best all purpose metal detectors ever built by Minelab. The Equinox whether its the 600 or 800 model, offers simultaneous multi-frequency operation also know as Multi-IQ Technology.
This feature alone singles out all of the other metal detector in its class enabling you to cover more ground. The Equinox 600 and 800 models both offer several search modes, numerous adjustments, and excellent target ID capability. Plus both versions are 100% waterproof.
In this post I’ll compare both the 600 and 800 and provide you the differences from the topics below:
- Search Modes
- Operating Frequencies
- Iron Bias
- Recovery Speeds
- Saving Custom Settings
- Backlight Options
- Noise Cancel
- Audio Output
- Different Coil Options
- Price Comparison
Equinox Search Mode Differences.
The Minelab 800 offers 2 additional search modes that the 600 doesn’t have. These additional search modes are for gold prospecting. The table below show lists the different search modes for each machine.
| Equinox 800 | Park1 and Park 2 | Field 1 and Field 2 | Beach 1 and Beach 2 | Gold 1 and Gold 2 |
| Equinox 600 | Park1 and Park 2 | Field 1 and Field 2 | Beach 1 and Beach 2 |
What Are The Equinox Operating Frequencies?
The Equinox 800 offers 3 additional search frequencies compared to the 600. See the table below. Note: The additional 4kHz frequency for the 800 is available after you update the software (Software Update 3.0) from Minelab.
| Equinox 800 | 4kHz | 5kHz | 10kHz | 15kHz | 20kHz | 40kHz | Multi-IQ Capable |
| Equinox 600 | 4kHz | 5kHz | 10kHz | 15kHz | n/a | n/a | Multi-IQ Capable |
As noted in the table above, both the Equinox 800 and 600 are capable of utilizing simultaneous multi-frequency detection. This is also referred to as Minelab’s Multi-IQ Technology.
Iron Bias.
Another difference between the 800 and 600 is the adjustment range of the Iron Bias feature. For the Equinox 800 you have adjustments from “0” to “9” where as the adjustment range on the 600 is from “0” to “3”. See the table below.
| Equinox 800 | “0” to “9” |
| Equinox 600 | “0” to “3” |
What is Iron Bias Anyway?
Think of the Iron Bias setting as a doorway you can open to allow in or shut out iron targets. But in reality its a feature that allows the Equinox to analyze targets with greater scrutiny. In other words, The higher the Iron Bias the more analysis gets done on the target. The result is usually canceling out the iron targets. However, that isn’t always a good thing. The lower the number the less analysis is done and you could hear that pesky nail heads come through as well as other non-desirable targets. You have to use this feature wisely or you could be canceling out good targets unintentionally. A good Iron Bias setting to start with is “2” and adjust from there.
Recovery Speeds.
The recovery speed of the Equinox is one of its best features and can really server you well in trashy areas. However there is a difference between the Equinox 800 and 600. See the table below:
| Equinox 800 | “0” (slowest) to “8” (fastest) |
| Equinox 600 | “0” (slowest) to “3” (fastest) |
Can you Save Custom Settings/Profiles?
Yes it is possible to save a user profile on the Equinox 800 but not on the 600. On the 800 this feature is found by pressing the button on the right hand side of the control box (see the image below).
Regardless of whether you have the 800 or 600, the Equinox will remember the settings of the search mode you are operating in. Plus it will remember the changes you make when you turn off the machine. So the next time you go detecting you setting from your last hunt will be there for you.
There is a Difference in Backlight Options.
The Equinox 800 offers 3 options for brightness (high, medium, and low) where as the 600 only provides 1 option (on or off).
Noise Cancel Difference.
There is a slight difference between the 600 and 800. The Noise Cancel feature is included for both the 600 and 800. However, the 800 has an additional override feature that will help if you encounter EMI. I’ve been using the Equinox for over 6 months and I have never needed to use the override feature. You probably won’t either but its nice to know that its there if you ever need to use it.
What are The Equinox Audio Options?
The Equinox 800 comes with wireless headphones whereas the 600 only comes with wired. However, I have been seeing the 600 on sale where Minelab is throwing in the wireless headphones as well. Check your local venders for any specials they might be running.
At the time of writing this post wireless headphones were available until the end of January 2020. Both models come with the following:
- Internal Speaker
- Wired Speaker option (standard on the 600)
- Bluetooth aptX Low Latency headphones option (standard on the 800)
- WM 08 Wi-Stream module option (standard on the 800)
Are There Other Equinox Coil Options?
The coil options remain the same for both the Equinox 800 and 600. You have 3 “DD” coils to pick from (see image below). The 11″ DD coil comes standard with the purchase of the Equinox 800 or 600. For more information on the Equinox coils check out my post here or click the image below.
*New*: 3 New After Market Equinox Coils Are Coming!
As of February 1st 2021, Coiltek has announced 3 new search coils for the Minelab Equinox. Coiltek will be offering the following searching coils:
- 10×5″
- 14×9″
- 15 (all around)”
I already wrote a post about these new search coils that you can find here or click the image below.
What is The Difference in Price?
The price difference between the Equinox 800 and 600 at the time of writing this post is approximately $200. That difference could change depending on supply and demand and this difference doesn’t account for package deals that vendors may offer from time to time. To check the latest price I recommend going over to my Mental Metal Detecting Resource Guide. Then reach out to my friends at Fort Bedford Metal Detectors to get a great deal.
Summing up the Equinox 800 and 600
Both the 800 and 600 are very similar metal detectors but the 800 offers a few more settings that may come in handy in certain metal detecting conditions especially for gold prospecting. However, most beginners will find the 600 more than adequate to suit their needs.
If you are a dedicated beach hunter you will find no big advantage with the 800 over the 600. In fact, if I was just hunting the beaches I would stick to the Equinox 600 and spend the extra savings on a good sand scoop or purchase the 15″ coil. Whether you decide on the Equinox 800 or the 600 you will find that you just purchased one of the best metal detectors that has ever been made by Minelab. I’ve enjoyed finding more coins and rings with the Equinox than I have in the past and I’m sure you will too.
Are You Ready For The Equinox?
If you are thinking about purchasing the Minelab Equinox I recommend choosing Fort Bedford Metal Detectors. They are a trusted company with great support. I use them for all of my gear and I highly recommend you do as well. You won’t be disappointed.
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