My top 3 metal detectors Skill School Review
Firstly let’s have a look at how I came to choose my top 3 detectors.
This was not an easy task as there are so many good machines on today’s market. I have thought long and hard about sensitivity, depth and weight.
In the end the answer was easy, it was just a case of what machines do I choose to take with me when I go out metal detecting.
As explained in this video at the end of this blog post, a good metal detector can become a bad metal detector after an unsuccessful software update, this makes the hobby a little frustrating at times, but can also bring along new challenges and welcome surprises.
My metal detector is better than yours ! This is normally a statement made by complete novices, because no one metal detector suits everyone.
A metal detector is a personal choice, if it suits you, your land and your style of detecting there is every chance you will have a great journey together.
My third choice
In third place is the Minelab Vanquish 360, it’s light and nimble with a price tag of around £275.
The Vanquish 360 have very limited functions, and that what makes this metal detector fun.
3 Tones
The Vanquish 360 runs on 3 tones, 1 tone is for Iron targets (non-ferrous) and the other 2 are for low conductive and high conductive targets.
A dark horse
Dont be fooled by the lack of features, this little metal detector had great depth and can find Roman and Hammered coins with ease.
The multi frequency allows it top work inland and on the beach.
Factory search modes
The Vanquish 360 has 3 search modes, Park, Beach and All metal, the “All Metal” program is identified by the horse shoe icon and introduces the low tone for iron. This is my preferred search mode.
You can see more about the Minelab Vanquish range by following this link.
Minelab Vanquish choices
Minelab Vanquish 360 summary
The Minelab Vanquish 360 is incredibly smart. But your brain is still the final discriminator, and that’s what makes it fun, the human touch is the final decider after the mathematics have given you the information.
The Vanquish 360 is a clever re-think of what an entry level metal detector should represent. By combining Multi-IQ technology, full waterproofing, intuitive controls, and a lightweight design. For beginners, the Vanquish 360 means fewer mistakes and more finds.
Minelab has created a machine that welcomes newcomers while still satisfying experienced detectorists who want a simple, dependable tool.
My second choice
In second place is the Rutus Versa, many may have not heard of this metal detector, but Rutus has been around for a long time, mainly appealing to the specialist market.
Rutus is a household name in Poland, where these machines are manufactured.
Built like a tank
It is a little heavy compared to some of the today’s machines, but it is heavier for a reason, it’s built like a tank, and I’m sure will take a lot of abuse.
Cool features
The Versa is also a multi frequency machine, with single frequency options, plus some really cool features such as a visual EMI meter and the ability to make a software update in the field via your smartphone.
Love hate relationship
When I first tested the Versa it was an awesome machine, although it needed some small tweaks here and there.
Then it was updated, it then in my opinion went in the wrong direction, now with the new update, it is awesome.
What makes the Rutus Versa such a special metal detector?
For me, I like the way it has a hunger for the low conductive targets, it is very comfortable operating in a high iron level environment, this is normally where a single frequency such as the XP Deus 1 excels.
The Rutus Versa feels like a Deus 1, but it’s better in almost every way. It has a wide choice of search coils and some really cool features including dual search modes.
Priced at around £650, the Rutus Versa is the perfect choice for those who want no gimmick metal detecting.
My first choice
At the top is the Minelab Manticore, the Manticore has it all and fits like a glove. With the M9 coil fitted the Manticore is not only super light, but it takes on a whole new personality.
The best screen in the business
Being a premium product at £1799, you would naturally expect the best, and the 2d screen is just the starting point.
The visual information is bold and clear, allowing you to make some time saving decisions as what targets to dig and what to ignore.
Menus and features
Although the Manticore is packed with features, access and understanding them is a pleasure not a chore, even a complete novice could use a Manticore straight out of the box and get great results.
Power and performance
The Manticore has more power than what you will ever need, and this is where it can be a mis understood machine. New users turn the power up thinking more depth, but on many occasions some of the most productive days detecting can be had with the sensitivity as low as 14.
If you want to know more about these 3 top metal detectors, please watch the video below, and perhaps have a look at the Skill School YouTube channel for a wealth of metal detecting information and tuition.
