What would be the best beginner detector for clay soil?

[Wannabeabago]

Hello,
Just starting out and not sure what detector to buy. Been tossing up between the equinox models 800 and 600 or the 540 or 440’s of the same brand.

 

[laplander]

Thats a good question. I personally like my 800. You will get as many different answers as there are opinions. Multi frequency is the way to go in my opinion.
HH Jeff

 

[jim tn]

Just starting out, I believe the 540 or 600 would be good detectors to get started with. I have the 600 and it's a good one. HH jim tn

 

[fwcrawford]

I think either of the models you mentioned will work for you.
I have an Equinox 800 and I have not found any soil that I think it has trouble dealing with.
I think you will do fine with the Vanquish or Equinox.

 

[dfmike]

Almost all clay soil here as well and hard packed. I'm using the Nox 600 with good results for copper and silver coins. If you can afford one or the other (Nox 600 or 800), download Minelab's user manual to know the differences between both machines and figure out if you need the added features of the 800. Looking back, I might have chosen the 800 myself. I can't use the 40 kHz freq on the 600 which means that my 600 is not suited to find our evil steel Canadian clad. The 800 can do it with ease by using the 40 kHz single frequency option. That's not a problem in the US where your modern coins are not as cheaply made but just be aware that the 800 can be a higher performance machine for you by way of greater customization options.