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Minelab Manticore – more power. More depth. More finds
Product review · high-end metal detector
Minelab · MANTICORE · Multi-IQ+ · flagship VLF
Minelab Manticore
More power. More depth. More finds.
The most powerful, fastest and most precise multi-frequency metal detector in Minelab's history: Multi-IQ+ technology, revolutionary 2D target ID, 10 customisable search modes and 50% more power than the EQUINOX series.
Introduction
The Minelab Manticore is Minelab's current flagship model in the VLF multi-frequency range – and, according to field tests and user experience worldwide, the most powerful detector in its class. At its heart is Multi-IQ+ technology, a further development of the proven Multi-IQ from the EQUINOX series. It transmits more energy over a wider frequency range, delivering considerably more depth, more stable target IDs and superior separation of good and bad targets. This is complemented by 2D target identification, which assigns each signal not just a conductivity value but a two-dimensional coordinate on a visual map – enabling an outstanding quality of target response.
Core technologies in detail
Multi-IQ+ technology
The latest generation of Minelab's simultaneous multi-frequency platform. Transmits more power over a wider frequency range (5–40 kHz + Multi), works with completely revised signal processing and delivers 50% more power than the best-selling detector series of all time – the EQUINOX range.
50% more than EQUINOX2D target identification
Every signal is plotted on a two-dimensional map – the X axis shows conductivity, the Y axis shows ferromagnetism. This allows finds to be classified more precisely than with a simple 1D conductivity display, especially with mixed signals and targets close to iron.
Exclusive to the Manticore in the current Minelab rangeFast response & target separation
Recovery speed can be adjusted in 8 levels . Higher values allow faster swinging with better separation in trashy areas. Good targets beneath iron junk are identified more precisely.
Adjustable in 8 levelsAudio the way you want it
Fully customisable audio system: 1, 2 or 5 tones, pitch proportional (VCO), adjustable iron tones, threshold tone, individual frequencies per tone. The supplied ML-105 low-latency wireless headphones deliver delay-free stereo audio.
ML-105 includedImproved EMI immunity
Revised system for suppressing electromagnetic interference. In difficult environments (power lines, towns, other detectors), the increased EMI resistance allows operation at higher sensitivity with a calmer signal at the same time.
Automatic frequency shiftIP68 to 5 metres
Control unit, coil and housing are fully waterproof to 5 m (IP68). This makes the Manticore equally suitable for beaches, shallow water, streams and diving. The only exception: the supplied ML-105 headphones are not waterproof.
No terrain is off-limitsLighting & vibration
Flashlight on the detector, LCD backlight in 10 levels (manual or automatic via light sensor), illuminated buttons and coil lighting (3 levels). Vibration in the handgrip is ideal for underwater searching, noisy environments or hearing-impaired users.
Night and dusk useCarbon shaft & ergonomics
Three-piece carbon shaft with camlock fasteners, continuously adjustable from 61–144 cm. Despite its high-end performance, a total weight of just 1.3 kg. Reinforced coil mounting, flexible adjustable armrest, magnetic USB charging port.
1.3 kg · carbon · 61–144 cm10 search modes + 10 personal
10 factory-optimised search modes for all types of terrain, complemented by up to 10 fully customisable personal modes. Each personal mode can save all settings (tone, sensitivity, discrimination, frequency) independently.
20 modes in total2D target identification – a quantum leap
See what other detectors don't show
Conventional detectors assign a single conductivity value (1–99) to a signal. The Manticore goes a decisive step further: every detected object is positioned on a two-dimensional map .
The horizontal axis (X) shows the electrical conductivity – in other words, what all other detectors show as well. The vertical axis (Y) shows the ferromagnetic component – in other words, the iron content of the signal.
Result: bottle caps (high conductivity + lots of iron) end up at a completely different point from a silver coin (high conductivity + no iron) – even though both would have the same X conductivity value. This is the decisive improvement in separating good and bad finds.
2D target IDhigh cond. →
Iron ↑
● Coins/jewellery ● Iron junk
The 10 factory search modes
The Manticore offers 10 preset search modes: 5 all-terrain modes for coin and relic hunting, 4 beach modes for dry sand, wet sand, surf and underwater searching, and 1 gold mode for mineralised goldfields. All modes can be individually customised and saved.
All-terrain
5 modes · field, park, coins, relics, woodland
Fast
Higher recovery · lots of junk
Beach
4 modes · dry, wet, surf, underwater
Gold
Gold nuggets · mineralised ground
Custom modes
up to 10 personal profiles
Getting started: “General Off-Road” roughly corresponds to Park 1 on the EQUINOX and is the ideal starting point. For areas with a lot of iron junk, “Fast Off-Road” with a higher recovery speed is recommended.
Scope of delivery
Manticore control unit with carbon shaft
M11 11" (28 cm) round DD search coil incl. coil cover
ML-105 low-latency wireless headphones incl. carry bag
Audio cable & charging cable for ML-105
Magnetic USB charging cable (detector)
5× screen protectors
Printed getting-started guide (quick start)
Optional: M8 (8"×5.5") or M15 (15"×12") search coil
Search coil overview
| Coil | Size | Type | Strengths | Supplied |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M11 | 28 cm · 11" | Round DD | All-rounder: depth + sensitivity to small items + ground coverage | ✓ Standard |
| M8 | 20×14 cm · 8"×5.5" | Elliptical DD | Tight spots, lots of junk, maximum sensitivity to small items | Optional |
| M15 | 38×30 cm · 15"×12" | Elliptical DD | Maximum depth on large objects, fast ground coverage | Optional |
Manticore vs. Equinox 900 – the most important differences
| Feature | Equinox 900 | Manticore |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-IQ generation | Multi-IQ (original) | Multi-IQ+ (+50% power) |
| Target ID system | 1D conductivity (1–99) | 2D ID map (conductivity + ferromagnetism) |
| Sensitivity levels | 25 | 35 |
| Recovery speed | 6 levels | 8 levels |
| Search modes (factory) | 8 | 10 |
| Personal modes | 8 | 10 |
| Volume levels | 10 | 25 |
| Display backlight | 5 levels | 10 levels + light sensor |
| Coil lighting | ✕ No | ✓ 3 levels |
| Depth range (euro coin) | approx. 35 cm | approx. 50 cm |
| Depth range (large objects) | approx. 100–120 cm | approx. 150–180 cm |
| Battery life | approx. 12 h | approx. 9–10 h |
| Price (approx.) | approx. €1,100 | €1,999 |
Technical specifications
Technology
Multi-IQ+ simultaneous multi-frequency VLF
Frequencies
5 / 10 / 15 / 20 / 40 kHz · Multi-IQ+ (simultaneous)
Conductivity display
1 – 99 (1D) + 2D target identification map
Search modes (factory)
10 (5× all-terrain, 4× beach, 1× goldfield)
Personal modes
up to 10 individually configurable
Sensitivity
35 levels
Recovery speed
8 levels
Ground balance
Automatic · manual · tracking
Frequency shift
Automatic · continuous auto · manual (−9 to +9)
Depth indication
5 levels
Depth (euro coin approx.)
approx. 40–50 cm
Depth (large objects approx.)
approx. 150–180 cm
Discrimination
Notch · adjustable iron threshold · notch volume
Target tones
1 · 2 · 5 · VCO (pitch proportional)
Volume
25 levels
Threshold tone
0 – 25
Bluetooth
Proprietary low latency (ML-105 included)
Audio connection
Built-in speaker · 3.5 mm (waterproof cap) · wireless
Display
Colour LCD · backlight 10 levels manual + auto light sensor
Button lighting
Yes
Coil lighting
Yes · 3 levels
Flashlight
Integrated in the detector
Vibration
Yes (handgrip)
Battery
Integrated Li-ion · USB magnetic charging
Battery life
approx. 9–10 hours
Charging time
approx. 7 hours
Weight
1.3 kg (incl. M11 coil)
Shaft length
61 cm (collapsed) to 144 cm
Shaft material
Carbon (three-piece, camlock fasteners)
Water protection
IP68 to 5 m water depth
Software updates
Free of charge via Minelab Update Utility (USB)
Warranty
3 years
Manufacturer
Minelab Electronics Pty. Ltd., Adelaide, Australia
Strengths at a glance
What sets the Manticore apart
- Multi-IQ+ – 50% more power than the EQUINOX series
- 2D target identification – more precise target assessment
- 10 factory search modes + up to 10 personal modes
- 35 sensitivity levels – the finest control
- 8-level recovery speed for maximum separation
- IP68 – fully waterproof to 5 m
- ML-105 low-latency wireless headphones as standard
- Colour LCD with 10-level backlight + light sensor
- Coil lighting (3 levels) – night searching possible
- Vibration in the handgrip for underwater use & hearing-impaired users
- M11, M8 and M15 search coils available
- 3-year warranty + free software updates
Who is the Manticore suitable for?
Ideally suited
Manticore recommended
- Experienced detectorists looking for the best on the market
- Searching heavily trashed fields and parks
- Highly mineralised ground, saltwater beaches, underwater
- Anyone who needs the most precise target separation and depth
- Detectorists with an interest in archaeology & professionals
- Anyone who wants to re-search fields that have already been worked
Think twice
Consider alternatives
- Beginners with no experience of multi-frequency detectors
- Occasional leisure searching without high expectations
- Anyone looking for a cheaper all-round detector (→ EQUINOX 900)
- Anyone searching exclusively for gold nuggets (→ GPX 6000 / GPZ)
- Budget under €1,500 (→ Nokta Legend 2 or EQUINOX 900)
Conclusion & rating
The Manticore is no compromise – it is the maximum.
With the Manticore, Minelab has not simply revised the EQUINOX but created a new category. Multi-IQ+ delivers considerably more depth and stability, 2D target identification is a real quantum leap for the “dig or not” decision, and the 35 sensitivity levels with 8-level recovery speed give experienced detectorists a level of control that no other VLF detector on the market offers.
The price of €1,999 is high – but justified for what the Manticore delivers. Anyone who detects seriously, wants to take a fresh look at sites that have already been searched or regularly searches in difficult conditions will make finds with the Manticore that would have remained hidden to other detectors. For beginners it is oversized. For ambitious detectorists it is the clear choice.
★★★★★Depth performance
★★★★★Target separation
★★★★★Target ID (2D)
★★★★☆Battery life
★★★★☆Value for money
Minelab Manticore – buy now
Available at metalldetektoren.de – fast DHL shipping, personal expert advice Mon–Thu 9 am–5 pm and Fri 9 am–12 noon, and 30-day returns. Order by 1 pm on working days for same-day dispatch.
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