Minelab recently released more information about their line of Vanquish metal detectors but which one is right for you? This article breaks down each Vanquish series detector based on Minelab’s own tech specs to give you a better idea of which one is best for you and your budget.
Minelab Vanquish Comparison
In this article, I am comparing the Vanquish 340, 440, 540, and 540 Pro-Pack. Each version is a little different than the other. My intent is to arm you with enough information to help you determine if the Vanquish is right for you in the future. The Vanquish series is not currently available. The release date is set for early 2020.
Lets Start with the Minelab Vanquish 340.
The Vanquish 340 is going to be the lower end of the series. It has 3 search modes for coins, jewelry, and all metal mode. This machine does not have Bluetooth built in. You get 3 target tones to pick from (high, medium, or low). It comes with 4 levels of sensitivity and 3 volume levels. The target ID range is the same across all models -9 to 40. It is relatively light weighing in at 2.6 lbs. It comes with a V10 10″ x 7″ DD coil and does use Minelab’s Multi-IQ Technology. It does not come with headphones.
The Vanquish 440 is a Step Up With Some Additional Features.
Right away the Vanquish 440 adds 2 additional search modes to include relic and custom. The sensitivity of the 440 has 10 levels of sensitivity and 10 levels of volume. It weighs the same as the 340 and it also comes with a V10 10″x7″ DD coil that also uses Minelab’s Multi-IQ Technology. It does not come with headphones.
The Vanquish 540 Adds Additional Features Including a Larger Search Coil.
The Vanquish 540 includes the same 5 search modes as the 440. The big difference with the 540 is that is offers Bluetooth audio which enables you to supply your own Bluetooth Wireless headphones. However, the 540 does come with a set of wired. 1/8″ headphones (not Bluetooth). It does weigh slightly more weighing in at 2.9 lbs. It also comes with a slightly larger V12 12″x9″ DD coil. The 540 also uses Multi-IQ Technology and has a red back light where as the 440 and 340 only have a monochrome LCD display.
The Vanquish 540 Pro Pack Adds 2 Coils and Wireless Headphones.
You get everything mentioned above and more to include 2 DD search coils. You get the V12 12″x9″ DD coil as well as the V8 8″x5″ DD coil. The smaller coil with give owners the advantages while hunting in tight spaces or around trees. Also, included is a set of Bluetooth wireless headphones which is a really nice bonus. As an owner of wireless headphones, once you try out a set these headphones you will never want to go back to wired again.
Minelab Vanquish Comparison Table
| 340 | 440 | 540 | 540-PP | |
| Search Modes | Coin, Jewelry, All Metal | Coin, Jewelry, Custom, All Metal | Coin, Jewelry, Custom, All Metal | Coin, Jewelry, Custom, All Metal |
| Noise Cancel | Auto 19 Channels | Auto 19 Channels | Auto 19 Channels | Auto 19 Channels |
| Iron Bias | High | High | High, Low | High, Low |
| Bluetooth | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Sensitivity | 4 Levels | 10 Levels | 10 Levels | 10 Levels |
| Volume | 3 Levels | 10 Levels | 10 Levels | 10 Levels |
| Tones | 3 Tones | 3 Tones | 5 Tones | 5 Tones |
| DISC | 5 Segments | 12 Segments | 25 Segments | 25 Segments |
| Target IDs | -9 to 40 | -9 to 40 | -9 to 40 | -9 to 40 |
| Standard DD Coil | 10 x 7 | 10 x 7 | 12 x 9 | 12 x 9 8 x 5 |
| Batteries | 4 AA | 4 AA | 4 AA NiMH rechargeable | 4 AA NiMH rechargeable |
| Weight | 2.6 lbs | 2.6 lbs | 2.9 lbs | 2.9 lbs |
| Waterproof | Coil Only | Coil Only | Coil Only | Coil Only |
Watch The Vanquish Video to Get More Information
Where Can you Purchase a Vanquish?
The easiest way to purchase a Minelab Vanquish is through Kellyco Metal Detectors. If you find yourself interested in one of these machines I provided the their prices below courtesy of Kellyco. Clicking the link below will take you over the Kellyco’s website where you can find out more about the Vanquish 340, 440, 540, and 540-PP.
Who Will Want to Buy a Vanquish Metal Detector?
I suspect there will be a bunch of interest surrounding the Vanquish machines. Depending on how easy they are to use, I would anticipate interest from customers who are new to the hobby as well as some more advanced customers will take an interest in these detectors. At first, I wasn't a big fan of the color scheme but after a while it tends to grow on you. Some customers will not buy simply because of the color but others will. I know one thing is for certain, the Vanquish series of detectors will stand out in a crowd.
Will Minelab Take Over Garrett's Share of The Market?
The new Vanquish metal detectors are clearly going after the market where Garrett has dominated for many years. The new machines will be competing with the Garrett ACE and potentially the AT line of detectors. Its hard to say which company will dominate this area of the market in the future. But Minelab is making it pretty obvious that they are going after customers who are new to metal detecting and to potential customers with a lower budget who will want a cheaper machine that uses Minelab's MultiIQ Technology. Minelab has set the bar high with its Equinox 600 and 800 series metal detectors. I think they will do it again with the Vanquish series.
How Does The Vanquish Compare to Garrett's Ace Series of Metal Detectors?
I took the tech specs from both the Minelab Vanquish Series and The Garrett Ace Series of metal detectors and compared the following:
- Price
- Search Modes
- Search Coils
- Frequency
- Weight
- Type of Batteries
- Target ID <li>Warranty
If you want to see which series
of metal detectors came out on top, click on the image above to read the article or click here. I think you might be surprised.Are You New to Metal Detecting?
If you are new to metal detecting you might want to read this section first. Don't jump into the hobby until you are ready. This section breaks down metal detecting as a hobby and sets your expectations with the following articles: