Minelab Vanquish 340 review

The Minelab Vanquish 340

Minelab has been a leader in metal detecting technology for 35 years. They are known for making metal detectors that can combat even the most difficult soil conditions. Minelab has launched some industry changing metal detecting technology in its time, and its newest line is no different! 

The Minelab Vanquish 340 is part of Minelab’s Vanquish series (consisting of the 340, 440, 540, and 540 Pro), which was designed for an entry level or intermediate metal detectorist. This line was designed to give new users a great metal detector with plenty of features that won’t break the bank. 

The Vanquish 340 comes standard with Multi-IQ technology, waterproof V10 search coil, and audio control. This compact and lightweight metal detector is simple to use and has all the right features. Minelab created this detector to work on all metals in all soils all the time. This machine is simple to use meaning you can turn on the detector and go; you don’t need to fiddle with numerous settings (which can be confusing and overwhelming for new detectorists). This model is also budget friendly, lightweight, and comes with a decent warranty.

Below, please use our interactive guide to see how well the Minelab Vanquish 340 stacks up to other notable metal detectors on the market:

PhotoModelPriceFeatures
Garrett AT Max$$$Waterproof to 10 feet
Fisher F22 Fisher F22$$9″ Triangulated Concentric Coil
Garrett Ace 400 Garrett Ace 400$$$8.5 x 11" DD coil
Minelab Vanquish 540$Search Modes: Coin, Relic, Jewelry, Custom, All Metal

Minelab Vanquish Frequencies: Multi-IQ

Minelab’s revolutionary Multi-IQ technology changes the game for single frequency very low frequency (VLF) metal detectors. The term Multi-IQ is derived from Simultaneous Multi-Frequency In-phase and Quadrature Synchronous Demodulation. That a mouthful! So, Minelab shortened it to Multi-IQ. 

Dr. Philip Wahrlich, the principal technology physicist behind Multi-IQ stated that in the Multi-IQ technology the receiver is phase-locked and amplitude-normalized to the transmitted magnetic field, rather than a voltage driven transmission field. Locking the receiver to the transmission field across all frequencies at once makes the detector more stable and more sensitive and eliminates the increased noise level and inaccurate Target IDs typically found in mineralized soils. 

This technology combines multi-frequency with quicker recovery speed. Frequencies are:

  • 5 kHz
  • 10 kHz
  • 15 kHz
  • 20 kHz
  • 40 kHz

Low frequencies are more responsive to metals that are high conductors while higher frequencies are more responsive to lower conductors. So, the lowest frequency is best for large silver pieces, while the highest frequency is best for small pieces of gold. Another advantage to Multi-IQ is that hunted out areas are given new life. While a single frequency metal detector can search an area with one frequency, the Vanquish line using Multi-IQ searches an area at multiple frequencies. So, if an area did not produce any gold, the Vanquish line may find that left behind treasure because of its higher frequencies. 

Multi-IQ has a higher level of target ID accuracy at maximum depth compared to most single frequency detectors. Multi-IQ means more than one frequency is transmitted, received and processed concurrently enabling maximum target sensitivity across all target sizes and types while minimizing ground noise, even in saltwater and highly mineralized soils.

Below, please check out some of the best selling metal detectors on Amazon, and see how well they compare to the MInelab Vanquish 340!

BEST SELLERS
1) Garrett AT MAX
2) Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV
3) Bounty Hunter Gold Digger

Minelab Vanquish 340 Features and Specs

The Vanquish 340 is designed to be an all-terrain model. It does well in parks, fields, yards, mountain areas, rivers/streams, gold prospecting, wet sand and saltwater beaches. Wet sand and saltwater beaches and gold bearing areas are notoriously difficult for single frequency and VLF detectors due to the high soil mineralization. 

The Multi-IQ technology helps with the accuracy and reduction of ground noise in these difficult soil conditions. Ground balancing is fixed on this machine so users will not need to adjust it. This detector has 3 Find Modes: Coin, Jewelry, and All Metal. Each mode is pre-programmed and fully optimized to give users the best possible performance anytime, anywhere. The arm rest is adjustable and comes with a strap to keep the detector from falling. 

This model is extremely lightweight at just 2.6 pounds and features a unique collapsible snap-lock system making it simple to pack up and go. The Vanquish 340 comes standard with Minelab’s V10 10” by 7” Double-D waterproof (to 3 feet) search coil. The Vanquish line of metal detectors have interchangeable search coils so the user can customize the machine for their treasure hunting needs. 

The control box is not fully waterproof but is water resistant and can be combined with an optional rain cover. Audio control features automatic 19 channel noise cancelling, 3 volume settings, and lag-free audio response. Iron Bias is non-adjustable and preset to High. There are 4 sensitivity levels on this model with 3 target ID tones: Low, Medium, and High. Audio output is achieved with the external speaker or 1/8” headphone jack. 

The control box features a monochrome numerical Target ID, ranging from -9 to 40 with 5 segments of discrimination to filter out unwanted metals or objects. There are also 4 levels of depth indication. This model does not have a pinpoint feature. The Vanquish operates on 4 AA batteries and comes with a 3-year warranty.

Minelab Vanquish Prices

The Minelab Vanquish line pricing ranges from $199 to $499. The Vanquish 340 is the lowest priced, at about $199, the Vanquish 440 is about $279, the Vanquish 5540 is about $369, and the Vanquish 540 Pro is about $499. For the number of features packed into this easy to use beginner model, $199 is a great price.

Other beginning detectors run around the same prices including Fisher Labs’ F Series detectors, which are similarly priced, but are single frequency, ranging from $159 to $399. Garrett’s Ace 200 is the same price as the Vanquish 340, but again, is single frequency. 

Minelab Vanquish 340 vs 440

The Minelab Vanquish 440 has nearly identical features and specifications to the Vanquish 340. One notable exception is the 440 has a pinpoint mode. The Vanquish 440 also features Minelab’s Multi-IQ technology making it work very well in all terrains and for all types of treasure. While the Vanquish 340 has 3 Find Modes, the 440 has 5 Find Modes: Coin, Relic, Jewelry, All Metal and Custom. 

The Custom Find Mode is not found on the 340 model. The 440 has higher level discrimination compared to the 340, with 12 discrimination segments (the 340 has 5 segments). This gives the 440 more control over what metals to accept or reject. The 440 has a preset Iron Bias (High), like the 340. 

The weight is the same on both the 340 and 440, at 2.6 pounds. The standard coil is identical to the 340. Audio features 10 volume levels compared to the 3 volume levels on the 340. As with the 340, the 440 uses an external speaker or 1/8” headphone jack.

The 440 has more sensitivity settings (10 levels compared to the 340s 4 levels) with the same monochrome numerical Target ID. This model also has one more depth indicator level than the 340. The Vanquish 440 also comes with wired headphones, whereas the 340 does not. Both run on 4 AA batteries and have a 3-year warranty.

The Vanquish 440 would be an appropriate detector for beginning detectorists or more intermediate detectorists. 

Pros:

  • All Features of the 340
  • 2 Additional Search Modes
  • More Sensitivity Levels
  • More Depth Indicators
  • Pinpoint Mode

Cons:

  • More Expensive ($199 for the 340; $279 for the 440)

Minelab Vanquish 340 vs 540

The Minelab Vanquish 540 is the top dog in this series of metal detectors. This model comes with the same Multi-IQ technology and audio control as both the 340 and 440. The 540 has several more features than the 340 including pinpoint mode, iron-bias control, red LED backlight, and rechargeable batteries. It also features a larger waterproof Double-D search coil, the V12, which is 12” (the 340 comes with a 10” coil). The Vanquish 540 comes with 4 Find Modes, adding a Custom mode to the 3 Find Modes found on the 340. 

The Vanquish 540 has 25 discrimination levels compared to the 5 levels on the 340 and 12 levels on the 440. Adjustable Iron Bias allows users to switch between High (default) or Low, meaning the detector will find more treasure and less trash. This model weighs just slightly more than the 340 and 440, at 2.9 pounds.

The audio control is the same on all 3 Vanquish models but this model has Bluetooth connectivity so wireless headphones can be used. There are 10 sensitivity and volume levels on the 540 and 5 Target ID tones (the 340 has 4 sensitivity levels and 3 volume levels). The Vanquish 540 comes with wired headphones and operates on 4 AA rechargeable batteries. The red LED backlit screen helps in low-light conditions. 

The Vanquish 540 would be an appropriate metal detector for all skill levels but is more tailored to beginner or intermediate detectorists. The Vanquish 540 Pro package contains 2 search coils and is a higher price than the standard 540 model. As with the other Vanquish metal detectors, Minelab offers a 3-year warranty on the 540. 

Pros:

  • All the Features of the 340 and 440
  • Wireless Headphone Compatibility
  • Larger Search Coil
  • Red Backlit LCD Screen
  • Adjustable Iron Bias (the 340 and 440 only have High Iron Bias)
  • Higher level of discrimination

Cons:

  • The Most Expensive Vanquish Model ($369; or $499 for the 540 Pro)

Minelab Vanquish 340 vs Equinox 600

As with the Vanquish line of metal detectors, the Equinox line of detectors comes standard with Minelab’s Multi-IQ technology. The Equinox line were the first Minelab metal detectors to feature Multi-IQ, and as such, it only has 3 additional frequencies: 5 kHz, 10 kHz, and 15 kHz.

The Equinox 600 comes with 3 detect modes: Park, Field, and Beach. Each Detect Mode features 2 custom search profiles allowing users to save their favorite settings in each mode. As with the Vanquish line, the Multi-IQ technology allows for faster and more accurate target identification and recovery speed. 

Unlike the Vanquish 340, the Minelab Equinox 600 features Bluetooth connectivity and comes with wired headphones. The Equinox 600 is fully submersible up to 10 feet, making it perfect for metal detecting at the beach and in rivers or streams. The LCD screen features backlight, numerical Target ID, 25 sensitivity levels (the 340 has 4), 25 volume levels (the 340 has 3), 25 threshold levels. Ground balancing can be done automatically or manually. The Vanquish has no need to ground balance due to the number of operating frequencies in the Multi-IQ setting.

The Equinox 600 weighs just slightly more than the Vanquish 340 at 2.96 pounds. The standard search coil is an 11” Double-D Smart coil with skid plate (the 340 comes with a 10” search coil). This model runs on a built-in rechargeable battery pack and features upgradeable software. This metal detector is designed for beginning or intermediate detectorists and is significantly more expensive than the Vanquish line, at $649.

As with the Vanquish line, the Equinox 600 comes with a 3-year warranty. This model is designed for beginning to intermediate detectorists. 

Pros:

  • Multi-IQ, like the Vanquish Series
  • Bluetooth Connectivity
  • Fully Submersible
  • More Sensitivity, Volume, and Threshold Settings
  • Larger Search Coil

Cons:

  • Much More Expensive (Vanquish Series: $199 to $369; Equinox 600: $649)

Minelab Vanquish 340 vs Equinox 800

The Minelab Equinox 800 has most of the same features as the Equinox 600, with the addition of another Detect Mode: Gold mode. This means the Equinox 800 has 8 total search profiles as each Detect Mode has 2 custom search profiles to save settings. This model also has wireless connectivity, like the Equinox 600. The Vanquish 340 and 440 do not have Bluetooth connectivity. As with the Equinox 600, this model is fully submersible up to 10 feet. 

The Equinox 800 has 5 single frequencies available on top of the Multi-IQ technology, just like the Vanquish line. The higher frequencies on the Equinox 800 make it better than the Equinox 600 at detecting gold. The Vanquish line is great at finding gold because each model operates at 5 individual frequencies like the Equinox 800 as well as multiple frequencies.

This model must be ground balanced and this is done manually or automatically. Sensitivity, volume, threshold level, and threshold pitch are all adjustable up to 25 levels. The LCD screen features numerical Target ID, 4 backlight levels, 5 levels of depth indication, 2 Target ID tones, and 2 tone pitches. 

This model weighs the same as the Equinox 600, at 2.96 pounds (slightly heavier than the Vanquish 340). This model features rechargeable batteries, unlike the Vanquish 340, which relies on AA-batteries. As with the Equinox 600, the 800 is significantly more expensive than the Vanquish 340, at $899. Software is updatable via USB to computer connection and the Equinox 800 comes with a 3-year warranty. This model is designed for all detectorists. 

Pros:

  • All the Features of the Equinox 600
  • Added Gold Mode
  • More Sensitivity, Volume, and Threshold than Vanquish Series
  • Updatable Software

Cons:

  • Expensive ($899)

Minelab Vanqush 340 vs Nokta Makro Simplex+

The Nokta Makro Simplex is designed to be an affordable metal detector appropriate for beginning detectorists or more intermediate detectorists. This is Nokta Makro’s first entry level metal detector and is simple to use. This model allows users to turn it on and start detecting right away.

Ground balancing is automatic, and it comes with 4 search modes: All Metal, Field, Park, and Beach. Unlike the Vanquish 340, the Simplex+ is fully submersible up to 10 feet. This model has Iron Volume, Notch Discrimination, and features Bluetooth connectivity for use with wireless headphones. 

Unlike the Vanquish 340, the Simplex+ features vibration upon target detection. This is a great feature for hearing impaired users or those searching underwater or in loud environments. Electromagnetic interference is easily dealt with on this model with frequency shift. This does not mean the Simplex+ is a multiple frequency detector like the Vanquish or Equinox models. It simply means the frequency can shift very slightly to filter out interference. 

This model is a VLF metal detector that operates at 12 kHz. This means although it is waterproof, the lower frequency will make detecting in wet sand and saltwater a little bit more difficult. Despite the added chatter in saltwater, the Simplex+ does a great job of finding valuable targets on beaches as the tones are distinct enough to recognize as a target. The LCD screen has a backlight (the Vanquish 340 does not) and built-in LED flashlight. 

Unlike the Vanquish 340, the Simplex+ comes with a pinpoint mode. It comes standard with an 11” waterproof Double-D search coil. This model is slightly heavier than the Vanquish 340 at 2.9 pounds, but is more ruggedly built and again, completely waterproof. It runs on a built-in rechargeable battery or a USB power bank. Software is updatable via USB on PC, like the Equinox line. The Simplex+ is much more cost effective than the Equinox line, but slightly more than the Vanquish 340, starting at $299.

This model comes with a 2-year warranty. 

Pros:

  • Waterproof
  • 11” Search Coil (Vanquish 340 comes with a 10” Search Coil)
  • Pinpoint Mode
  • Backlit LCD Screen
  • LCD Flashlight
  • Upgradable Software
  • Rechargeable Batteries
  • Rugged Design
  • Vibratory Target ID

Cons:

  • Single Frequency (12 kHz)
  • Only a 2-year Warranty (Minelab Offers 3-Years)

Conclusion

While all these metal detectors would be great for beginning or intermediate metal detectorists, Minelab’s Vanquish 340 has some amazing features for an entry-level metal detector. Be aware that if you are looking for a specific treasure, you may want a more specified machine, as the Vanquish line are for all types of treasure so they are all-purpose machines.

Most entry-level metal detectors will struggle to find gold, for example, and a specific gold hunting metal detector would be necessary. Fear not! The Vanquish line and Equinox line will do better at finding gold due to the higher operating frequencies. 

The Equinox series is a great choice, but the price is much higher. I should note, also, that the Vanquish and Equinox lines are not exactly equal. The Equinox line is a higher-end metal detector, as is evidenced by the price point and added features. As such, these will always be more appealing to the advanced detectorists.

The Vanquish line is intended to be more affordable and friendly to new users (the Equinox line is not difficult to learn for newbies, either). This line was designed to give everyone the opportunity to own a great metal detector with fantastic features.

What really sets the Vanquish 340 detector apart from all the others is the upgraded Multi-IQ technology. While the Equinox line was the first to have this technology, it has been perfected for the Vanquish line, and all of the detectors in this series have the full spectrum of multiple frequency scanning, while the Equinox 600 has 3 single frequency options and the Equinox 800 has 5 single frequency options.

The Nokta Makro Simplex+ is a great choice but has a higher cost than the Vanquish 340 and only a single frequency. Despite this, the machine performs very well and has more features than the Vanquish 340.

This beginner metal detector has enough features to make an intermediate detectorist happy, is simple enough for a beginning detectorist to use, and has a fantastic price to boot. Some may find the lack of pinpoint mode on the Vanquish 340 problematic, at which point, it is reasonable to go with the Vanquish 440 or 540 instead. Those looking for an affordable waterproof model should consider the Nokta Makro Simplex+.

It has several advantages over the Vanquish 340, and a price comparable to the Vanquish 440. For a beginning metal detectorist, or if budget is an issue, I would highly recommend the Vanquish 340. Minelab is a great company offering quality products, so you will not be disappointed using one of their metal detectors! 

One last bit of advice for all detectorists out there: beware of counterfeit metal detectors being sold online. It can be difficult to tell whether a site is offering a genuine brand or a very similar looking counterfeit detector. Minelab offers tips for spotting genuine Minelab sellers and a link where users can report deceitful sellers.

Be sure the website you buy from is an authorized Minelab dealer (their website offers links to authorized sellers, but many online sites are legitimate, too), and double check the product when it arrives for any discrepancies. Always do your homework before you order online!

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