The Ultimate Guide to the Minelab Manticore: Specs, Coils, Accessories & Benefits

Introduction: A Game-Changer in Metal Detecting

The Minelab Manticore has quickly become one of the most talked-about metal detectors in the treasure hunting world — and for good reason. Designed as the powerful successor to the popular Equinox series, the Manticore blends cutting-edge Multi-IQ+ technology with enhanced target identification, deeper depth, and unmatched versatility.

Whether you’re searching Florida’s Treasure Coast beaches, hunting relics on old battlefields, or prospecting for gold nuggets, the Manticore is engineered to maximize your finds. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know — from detailed specifications and advanced features to coil options, accessories, and the real-world benefits of using this powerhouse detector.

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Minelab Manticore Overview

The Minelab Manticore is not just an upgrade — it’s a redefinition of what a multi-frequency detector can do. Sitting above the Equinox 700/900 series in Minelab’s lineup, it offers professional-level features while still maintaining a lightweight, ergonomic design.

• Who it’s for: Detectorists of all levels — beginners who want easy operation, and seasoned hunters who demand customization.

• Where it excels: Beaches, fields, parks, relic sites, and shallow water up to 16 feet deep.

• Why it matters: With its new 2D Target ID system and superior iron discrimination, it allows you to dig less trash and recover more treasure.

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Key Specifications & Features of the Minelab Manticore

At the heart of the Manticore is Minelab’s revolutionary Multi-IQ+ simultaneous multi-frequency technology. Here’s a breakdown of the specs that make it stand out:

Technical Specs

• Operating Technology: Multi-IQ+ (next-generation simultaneous multi-frequency)

• Target ID Scale: Expanded −19 to 99 for improved accuracy

• Display: High-resolution LCD with 2D Target Trace (conductivity vs. ferrous properties)

• Waterproof Rating: Fully submersible to 5m (16 ft)

• Weight: ~2.9 lbs with carbon fiber collapsible shaft

• Battery Life: Up to 9 hours on a single charge

• Audio: Customizable tones, noise cancel, ferrous limits, and recovery speed controls

• Search Modes:

  • All-Terrain General

  • All-Terrain High Conductors

  • All-Terrain Low Conductors

  • Beach General

  • Beach Deep

  • Beach Low Conductors

  • Goldfield

Standout Features

• 2D Target Trace ID: See both conductivity and ferrous values in real-time for more accurate digging decisions.

• Advanced Iron Control: Adjustable ferrous limits help eliminate unwanted nails and iron trash.

• Collapsible Design: Carbon fiber shaft folds down small for travel or storage.

• Durability: Built to handle saltwater, black sand, and extreme soil conditions.

Minelab Manticore Search Coils: M11, M8 & M15

One of the biggest advantages of the Minelab Manticore is the flexibility offered by its coil system. Each coil serves a different purpose, allowing detectorists to fine-tune their hunt depending on the environment.

M11 Stock Coil (11" Round Double-D)

• Included with purchase – comes standard with the detector.

• Best for all-around use – balances depth and separation.

• Great for beaches, fields, and parks.

• Lightweight design keeps detecting comfortable for hours.

M8 Coil (8x5.5" Elliptical Double-D)

• Tight target separation – perfect for trashy areas and iron-infested relic sites.

• Excellent for shallow water hunts where maneuverability matters.

• Lightweight and compact – reduces fatigue, ideal for extended hunts.

M15 Coil (15x12" Elliptical Double-D)

• Maximum ground coverage – great for sweeping large beaches and open fields.

• Extra depth performance – hits deep coins, relics, and jewelry.

• Popular for beach hunters who need efficiency in the wet sand and surf.

Having the right coil makes a major difference in performance. Many detectorists keep more than one coil on hand, swapping them depending on the day’s hunt.

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Essential Accessories for the Minelab Manticore

A powerful detector becomes even more effective with the right gear. Here are the accessories every Manticore owner should consider:

• ML105 Wireless Headphones: High-quality audio with low latency, optimized for the Manticore.

• Wired Waterproof Headphones: Essential for diving, surf detecting, and saltwater hunts.

• Pinpointer: The Minelab Pro-Find 35 pairs perfectly with the Manticore for faster recovery.

• Sand Scoops & Digging Tools: Stainless steel scoops, carbon fiber shafts, and ergonomic shovels maximize efficiency.

• Protective Accessories: Screen protectors, coil covers, and carry bags protect your investment.

• Backpacks & Finds Pouches: For organization and convenience while out in the field.

Treasure Coast Metal Detectors offers bundles and free shipping on many of these accessories, helping you get the most out of your setup.

Warranty & Peace of Mind

Minelab backs the Manticore with a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty. This coverage ensures that detectorists can enjoy years of reliable treasure hunting without worrying about defects or manufacturing issues. Combined with its rugged waterproof build and carbon fiber shaft, the Manticore is designed to last through thousands of hours of detecting in the toughest environments.

Benefits of Using the Minelab Manticore

The Minelab Manticore isn’t just about high-end specs on paper — it delivers real-world advantages that detectorists notice from the very first hunt. Whether you’re combing Florida’s Treasure Coast beaches, exploring old homesteads, or prospecting in rugged terrain, the Manticore gives you an edge.

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1. Beach Detecting Power

Beach hunting is one of the toughest challenges for any detector, thanks to saltwater conductivity, black sand, and shifting tides. The Manticore thrives in this environment.

• Beach Modes: Dedicated programs like Beach General, Beach Deep, and Beach Low Conductors handle saltwater stability and maximize depth.

• Extreme Depth: Capable of hitting rings, coins, and relics at depths that older detectors miss.

• M15 Coil Advantage: Paired with the large 15x12" coil, you’ll cover more ground and dig deeper treasures.

• Waterproof Build: Submersible up to 16 ft — perfect for surf detecting, shallow dives, and wet sand hunts.

For beach hunters chasing gold rings and silver coins, the Manticore is a serious upgrade over past Minelab models.

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2. Relic Hunting in Iron-Infested Sites

Relic hunters know the frustration of pulling nails and junk targets out of the ground. The Manticore’s 2D Target ID screen and advanced ferrous limits take discrimination to the next level.

• Target Trace: Displays conductivity and ferrous values simultaneously, so you can quickly spot iron trash vs. real relics.

• Adjustable Ferrous Limits: Fine-tune the detector to cut through iron-heavy sites without masking valuable targets.

• M8 Coil Precision: The smaller coil gives tight separation, perfect for old home sites, cellar holes, and battlefields littered with iron.

This means more Civil War relics, coins, and artifacts — and fewer wasted digs on bottle caps.

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3. Gold Prospecting Sensitivity

While the Manticore isn’t a dedicated gold machine like the Minelab GPX or GPZ, it offers excellent sensitivity to small nuggets in mineralized soil.

• Goldfield Mode: Optimized for prospecting, enhancing response to tiny, low-conductive targets.

• Multi-IQ+ Advantage: Runs multiple frequencies simultaneously, making it effective on both small flakes and larger nuggets.

• Durability: Built tough for harsh terrain and remote locations.

For hobbyists wanting a versatile detector that can switch from relics to gold, the Manticore is a perfect middle ground.

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4. Benefits for Beginners & Professionals

The Manticore is one of those rare detectors that works for both beginners and advanced detectorists.

• For Beginners:

  • Easy-to-use menu system.

  • Preset modes like Beach General or All-Terrain make it simple to get started.

  • Lightweight and ergonomic, reducing fatigue.

• For Professionals:

  • Full control of audio, recovery speed, ferrous limits, and custom profiles.

  • Expanded target ID scale for pinpoint accuracy.

  • Advanced settings let pros fine-tune for any soil or site condition.

This makes the Manticore an investment that grows with you — simple enough to start with, powerful enough to never outgrow.

Minelab Manticore vs. Equinox 900

A common question detectorists ask is: “Should I get the Minelab Manticore or the Equinox 900?” Both are excellent detectors, but they serve different needs.

Similarities

• Both are fully waterproof up to 16 ft.

• Both use simultaneous multi-frequency technology (Multi-IQ / Multi-IQ+).

• Both feature carbon fiber collapsible shafts and lightweight builds.

Key Differences

• Target ID Range: Equinox 900 = 0–99 scale. Manticore = −19 to 99, giving more resolution and accuracy.

• 2D Target Trace: Exclusive to the Manticore, lets you see ferrous vs. non-ferrous in real time.

• Power & Depth: Manticore has ~50% more power output than the Equinox 900, making it a deeper, more stable machine.

• Customization: Manticore allows advanced ferrous limits, recovery speed, and audio control that surpass the Equinox.

• Price Point: Equinox 900 is more affordable, but the Manticore delivers significantly more performance for serious detectorists.

Bottom line:

• Choose the Equinox 900 if you want a powerful, versatile detector at a mid-range price.

• Choose the Manticore if you want the flagship power, depth, and precision with the latest Minelab technology.

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Buying the Minelab Manticore

When investing in a high-performance metal detector like the Minelab Manticore, you want confidence in your purchase. At Treasure Coast Metal Detectors, we provide:

• Free shipping to the contiguous 48 states (Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico also supported).

• Veteran-owned business – trusted by detectorists nationwide.

• 3-Year Minelab Warranty for peace of mind.

• Expert support from real detectorists who know the gear inside and out.

• Bundle options & accessories to maximize your detecting success.

👉 Shop the Minelab Manticore Metal Detector today and get your detector shipped fast and free.

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Conclusion: Why the Manticore Is Worth It

The Minelab Manticore isn’t just another detector — it’s a revolution in treasure hunting technology. With its Multi-IQ+ system, expanded target ID, advanced 2D Target Trace, waterproof durability, and multiple coil options, it gives detectorists more power, more precision, and more finds than ever before.

Whether you’re:

• Pulling gold rings from the surf,

• Separating relics from iron trash,

• Or chasing small nuggets in mineralized soil,

…the Manticore delivers results. Add in a 3-year warranty, ergonomic design, and a lineup of accessories built to perform, and it’s easy to see why this detector has become the new standard.

If you’re ready to take your treasure hunting to the next level, the Minelab Manticore is the detector you’ve been waiting for.

👉 Order yours today at Treasure Coast Metal Detectors — with free shipping, expert support, and gear trusted by detectorists across the country.