August 25th 2022 Minelab released its first teaser video about a new metal detector they have developed called “Manticore”. Two days later they released their first reveal video to the world via Facebook live. Their 3 minute video didn’t reveal too much but I did record my reaction video that you can watch below.
However, with a little investigative work I was able to uncover some additional information that others may not have just yet. Here is what I know so far about the Manticore.
Last Update: 08/30/22
As promised Minelab has been letting out additional information on the Manticore. There has been a couple of videos out now that show the Manticore in the field with the Minelab engineers talking about the features of their new metal detector. I captured as much as I could from the videos and from the information they have put out. I will update this article as I learn more about the Manticore. However, you can now find a lot of the information on their website but specifically you can find the Manticore Tech Specs here.
Is The Manticore Designed From The CTX 3030 and Equinox?
Answer: The Manitcore is built entirely from the ground up. No re-use of software. All new technology but there were features taken from the CTX 3030 and the Equinox.
- There was mention of “Target Trace” – Featured in the 3030
- 2D display – Similar perhaps to the pattern usage of the 3030? More info below.
Will it Have Multi-IQ Technology?
Answer: Yes, they are calling it Multi-IQ Plus.
How High Does The Target ID Go?
Answer: 0-99
Will it Have GPS Capability?
Answer: No, it does not have GPS capability like the CTX 3030.
Is There Electronics in The Coil or Strictly in the Control Box?
Answer: According to the engineers in one of the UK videos, there are electronics in the coil and in the control box.
Does it Look Like The Equinox?
Answer: The design is similar but vastly different. Check out the Display below. There is a lot going but seems simple enough to understand.
What Size Coils Will Be Available?
Answer: The Manticore will have the following coil options available:
- 11″ DD Standard
- 8.5″ x 5.5 DD confirmed on their website
- 15″ x 12″ DD confirmed on their website
Will The Manticore be Software Updateable?
Answer: Yes for both Mac OS and Windows
What Kind of Power Does The Manticore Have?
Answer: The Manticore will generate 50% more power than the Equinox.
Is The Construction Better Than The Nox?
Answer: Yes, the shaft is carbon fiber will all new cam locks and a “flexible” arm cuff that will not snap and break. Their coil connects to the shaft (ears are on the shaft not the coil) and it appears to be very thick and better designed than the flaws we saw with the Nox.
The shaft is also telescopic and nicely collapses down.
How Much is The Manticore Going to Cost?
Answer: It was stated that the Manticore will cost $1599 USD.
What is The Expected Release Date?
Answer: In one video they indicated they were hoping for November but expected the Manticore to be out in time for Christmas. There is nothing etched in stone at this point.
How Many Search Modes Does the Manticore Have?
Answer: According to the Tech Specs, the Manticore has 10 customizable search modes they are:
- All Terrain General
- All Terrain Fast
- All Terrain Low Conductors
- All Terrain High Conductors
- All Terrain Trash Reject
- Beach General
- Beach Low Conductors
- Beach Deep
- Beach Surf & Seawater
- Goldfield
How Long Do The Batteries Last on a Single Charge?
Answer: You will get around 9 hours of operating use but that also depends on the features you have enabled.
How Long Does it Take to Charge The Manticore?
Answer: Approximately 7 hours.
Will You Be Able To Save Custom Programs?
Answer: Yes
Does The Manticore Have a Flashlight?
Answer: Yes you can choose between low, medium or high for the brightness.
Does the Manticore Handle Vibrate?
Answer: Yes
Does The Manticore Have a Clock?
Answer: No
What Kind of Tones Will The Manticore Have?
Answer: The Manticore will have 1, 2, 5 – Tones. Plus 1, 2, 5 – Regional All Tones
What is The Target Volume Limits?
Answer: 0-25
What is The Audio Theme All About?
Answer: The Manticore has 3 audio themes and they are:
- Normal – Very similar to the Equinox.
- Enhanced – Deeper targets will be faint giving you more depth perception. This mode also suppresses chatter from interference.
- Continuous – Gives you the most depth. For areas low in trash.
Can You Use a Threshold With The Manticore?
Answer: Yes you can set the threshold level from 0 to 25 but they are also including a “Threshold Pitch” that can be set from 1 to 50.
How High Does Recovery Speed Go?
Answer: Recovery Speed can be set from 0 to 8 (8 being the fastest).
Does The Manticore Have a Depth Indicator?
Answer: Yes it has a 5 bar depth indicator.
Does The Manticore Have a Backlight Display?
Answer: Yes and its backlight can be set from 1 to 10 or it has an Auto Adjust sensor.
Does The Manticore Have a Keypad Backlight?
Answer: Yes.
What Frequencies Will The Manticore Be Using?
Answer: According to their technical specs on Minelab’s website they are using the same frequencies as the Nox which are 5, 10, 15, 20, and 40 kHz. In one video, the engineer did say they are using a broader spectrum of frequencies but I’m not sure what that really means at this point.
Is The Manticore Waterproof?
Answer: Yes down to 5 meters (approximately 16 feet)
Will The Manticore Come in Different Models like The Equinox 600 and 800?
Answer: No, they stated 1 model only.
Will The Manticore Get More Depth Than The Equinox?
Answer: Yes and it will have a quicker recovery speed.
How Much Does The Manticore Weigh?
Answer: Lighter than the Nox at approximately 2.9 lbs. The Equinox/Nox weighs approximately 2.96 lbs.
What Type of Headphones Will Come Standard With The Manticore?
Answer: ML-105 Wireless Headphones. They are also compatible with the Nox. Plus your waterproof headphones for the Nox will also work with the Manticore.
A Few More Things to Mention About The Manticore.
Note: The information below is what I captured from our friends at Fort Bedford Metal Detectors.
- The Manticore has 50% more power than the standard Multi-IQ models and it will be the highest power and deepest simultaneous multi-frequency machine on the market.
- The Manticore has boosted EMI immunity.
- Uses the Equinox charging Cable.
- 2D ID Map – Two Dimensional (2D) ID Map system delivers greater visual & audio Target ID insights (similar to the CTX 3030 and Etrac)
Will You Be Buying One of These New Minelab Manticore Metal Detectors?
Truth be told, now that I know more about the Manticore I will be looking to invest in this machine. I’ve often said in my videos that I love the functionality of the CTX 3030 and if they are combining some of the great features in the CTX with what we’ve come to love with the Equinox, then I’m all in. Keep checking back for more information. Thanks for reading!
How Do You Get on The List To Get One of These New Manticore Metal Detectors?
Right now, you can get on the waiting list courtesy of our friends over at Fort Bedford Metal Detectors. Reach out to Keith Leppert or John Page by giving them a phone call. Their web sight and contact information is below. Give them a call or message them via Facebook.
