Minelab Manticore

2D ID Mapping:

For a decade now, the CTX3030 by Minelab has maintained its esteemed reputation as a high-performance coin and treasure detector. One of the standout features contributing to the machine's popularity is its visual XY presentation, providing a 2D representation of targets. To those unfamiliar with it, the Ferrous and Conductivity (FeCo) system visually displayed these two distinct attributes, enabling detectorists to assess and identify potential targets based on their plotted positions.

Minelab has taken this system and elevated its sophistication. The CTX3030 features an enhanced 2D mapping system with a central horizontal line. Targets plotted along this central line are identified as non-ferrous, while those positioned further above or below it indicate a higher iron content. This system effectively maps a target's position along the y-axis, leaving the left-to-right or "x" position to represent conductivity, with low conductors on the left and high conductors on the right.

However, this is where it takes a step further. The shape of the indicator on the map is also linked to the nature of the target. A solid, well-defined object like a coin will likely appear as a clean, compact dot on the screen. In contrast, a more irregular object will be depicted with a less uniform shape. For instance, a silver coin would typically be displayed as a tight dot along the central line and towards the right side of the screen (attributable to its high conductivity). On the other hand, a small iron nail would manifest further away from the central line as an irregular shape and more towards the left of the screen (owing to its lower conductivity).

Depth:

The phrase "50% more power than the Equinox" has been circulating since the machine's introduction, and sceptics were quick to point out, quite rightly, that this doesn't necessarily translate to 50% more depth. They are correct in their assessment; 50% more power doesn't directly equate to 50% more depth. The electromagnetic field's energy emitted by a detector's search coil dissipates relatively quickly, reaching its peak within the soil or sand. The dissipation rate isn't directly proportional to the power used, so a 50% power increase doesn't guarantee a 50% increase in depth.

However, there is indeed an improvement in depth! The extent to which the Manticore surpasses the Equinox in depth can be influenced by factors like moisture levels, target composition, target orientation, mineralization, and various other variables. But in general, one might expect an additional depth increase of around 10-15% for certain types of targets.

The Manticore offers a significantly greater depth than the Minelab Equinox and matches the exceptional depth capability of the earlier top-tier Minelab coin and treasure detector, the CTX3030. Minelab aptly characterizes the Manticore as a blend of the CTX3030 and the Equinox series, highlighting its superior performance in all aspects compared to the Equinox and matching or surpassing the CTX3030 in virtually every aspect, except for GPS location tracking, where the CTX3030 maintains its edge.

Configurability:
You can configure anything on this detector that you would expect with other sophisticated metal detectors such as Equinox, but there’s much more to be tinkered with if you wish. Here’s a great example of how adjustable this machine is to the user’s preferences.

The Minelab Metal Detector lineup exhibits a remarkable range of aesthetics, showcasing their thoughtful approach to product design. For instance, when comparing the Go Find series with its portable, "boxy" design to the Vanquish range's "loud" and striking red, angular styling, and then transitioning to the Equinox series with its elegant, "slimline," excellent grey appearance, you can truly appreciate the diversity in construction and potential market appeal.

With the Manticore's design, we believe Minelab has targeted a distinct segment within the metal detecting community, embodying what we'd describe as a "tactical" or "stealth mode." This is evident in the nearly military-inspired colour scheme and construction, reflecting a more covert and advanced approach.

Telescopic:

Resembling a gadget fit for a secret agent from the 00s era, the Manticore, with its lightweight black carbon fibre stem, condenses to the size of a dumbbell. You no longer need to fret about detector length, the awkward manoeuvring into your car's trunk, or purchasing separate telescopic shafts.

Additionally, it boasts another feature with a spy-like quality: its waterproof capabilities. While the Equinox and CTX3030 series were already waterproof up to 3 meters, the Manticore takes it further with an expanded waterproof rating of 5 meters. Although a 5-meter rating might initially seem unimpressive, it's crucial to acknowledge that, especially in-depth, 5 meters is significantly substantial.

The standout feature, however, is the new "Scorpion" Arm Rest, named after something one wouldn't wish to encounter in the wild but happens to be one of our favourite aspects of the machine. It offers remarkable comfort; when you hold the detector, it wraps around your arm in a way that no other detector can match. This is likely due to its more pliable material, inner cushion, and the machine's lightweight and excellent balance.

Easy to Use:

The Equinox 800 has four preset modes: field, park, beach, and gold. It's remarkably versatile and can be readily utilized by a novice with minimal training. On the other hand, the CTX3030 demands a bit more time and effort to interpret the acquired information.

The Manticore addresses this by introducing additional preset modes and simplifying the previously complex 2D ID mapping system in the CTX3030, making it more user-friendly and straightforward (we'll delve deeper into this shortly).

Regarding physical setup and adjustments, the telescopic shaft, swift locking bolts, and the easily adjustable scorpion armrest contribute to a hassle-free experience. Notably, Minelab invested significant time refining the primary preset, aiming to develop a finely tuned machine for a broad spectrum of detecting scenarios.

Preset modes available:

• 5 x All-Terrain Modes
• 4 x Beach Modes
• 1 x Goldfield Mode

Multi-IQ+

The surge in power wasn't merely confined to enhancing the coil's performance; it extended to improving the machine's processing capabilities. The exact details of how Multi-IQ+ differs from Minelab's initial iteration of Multi-IQ, as found in the Equinox and Vanquish series, remain undisclosed and may stay so. However, what is clear is that the expanded array of presets necessitates an elevated level of processing and data delivery from Multi-IQ+. Additionally, the device incorporates various customizable features (as outlined below) within its framework, which, while not directly tied to Multi-IQ+, rely on a heightened overall processing capacity.