I'm sure the Equinox is a fine detector, but the E-trac has truly spoiled me. The two main concerns I have about it, are first, the target ID numbers seem really close together. Perhaps if they enlarged the scale to at least 50 number values, it would be more precise. As it is, there seems to be some 'crowding' when trying to identify targets in the desirable range. Cent and dime readings appear to blend together, and the number range appears to be broader and less precise. Maybe that doesn't matter, but I like more differentiation. Second, it only offers one set of ID numbers, which I assume is the equivalent to the conductive numbers on the E-trac. Again, with a broader range of ID numbers, it gives less information that the E-trac does, having both 'ferrous' and 'conductive' readings on a target. After I got used to that, I wondered how I ever got along without it....this coming from someone who started out with a meterless/ screenless detector with minimal discrimination capabilities in the mid '70's. The depth on the Equinox seems to be okay. A third concern is the availabilty of aftermarket coils and accessories. There are at least four companies making coils that work with the E-trac, in a host of different sizes and shapes. I like to experiment and have WAY too many coils (probably), but I feel I have just about every site condition covered with them. As of now, I think there are only three coils for the Equinox....maybe more will come later. Last, I'm not sure I like a rechargeable format, with a battery that can only be replaced by the factory. I like the E-trac removable cells and the AA battery module for when you can't recharge the cells....handy when out in the field with no plug! I don't see why Minelab couldn't have incorporated the ferrous and conductive numbers into the target ID screen of the Equinox. I think it would have been a shoe-in for us Explorer/E-trac users. Honestly, I don't own an Equinox, but have many seasoned detector using friends that do, and they share my thoughts. I guess if it was all that was available, I could deal with it if the E-trac ever goes away. My tendency to have to have a back up plan, even caused me to buy a third E-trac, which I will keep unused in pristine condition, in case the E-trac goes away. It should keep me going until an improvement comes along or until I'm in the ground along with all the good targets!
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