With so many new metal detectors flooding the market just now, it can at times seem somewhat daunting trying to figure out which is the one for you.
These new machines offer us a plethora of features to suit our needs and wallets, each of them claiming to be the best or to have a something unique to offer. Minelab took the field by storm with their Equinox 600 and 800 range, then soon after they released the Vanquish, a machine that has quickly gained popularity for its Multi IQ and low price.
At a similar time Nokta Macro released their Simplex, like the Vanquish it is aimed at the more affordable end of the market and it too has already a gained large following. Then Garrett arrived with the new Apex. The Apex is priced to sit neatly between the higher end Equinox and the lower end Vanquish and Simplex, only time will tell how well this machine will do but we all eagerly await its release into the market.
During the hype and launch of these new machines, another manufacture has quietly been working away in the background, they haven’t opted for exuberant media launches or moody shots from drones with dramatic voice overs. Instead they have been perfecting their craft, a craft that has seen them already produce high quality metal detectors that can hold their own with the big boys, and it seems they don’t need any media hype because their machines do the talking for them.
Bring on the Quest Q60!
Just its aesthetics alone caught my attention, the design, ergonomics and appearance ooze quality, it’s rugged yet stylish and most importantly light! Although a downside for me is the external coil cable, routing the cable through the shaft would have dramatically enhanced its appearance.
So, what does the machine offer that the others do not? Well, Quest’s approach to the Q60 was the same as all their other machines, build quality and reliability.
Quest set the bar high back in 2015 with the introduction the Quest Pro, it was fully submersible with an internal rechargeable battery and a high-quality adjustable shaft.
The Q60 has taken the best points from the Pro, enhanced them and then added some more, making this new machine the best in their range to date!
SPECIFICATIONS
WORKING METHOD* : VLF 5kHz, 14kHz, 21kHz Frequencies Selectable AUDIO OUTPUT* : 15Level Speaker / Vibration / Wire, Wire Free Headphones SMARTPHONES COMPATIBILITY: Built-in Bluetooth Module TELESCOPIC ROD :Fast Release Cam-lock 2 Sections Straight Rods Extendable DESIGN: Sleek, Compact Structure with Low-Poly Diamond Sculpturing Design PROTECTION: Entire Unit IP68 5Meters Waterproof. Mud-guard Control Box HANDLE: Position Adjustable, Grenade Textured Surface ARMREST : Flexible Armrest Cup with Kickstand and Pinpointer Attach Design BATTERY : Built-in 4000mAh Li-Po Battery for 10~18Hrs Operating RECHARGE PORT: Durable and Corrosion-Resist Magnetic USB System DETECTION COIL*:13”X9” BEASTX Waterproof Super Sport Coil LED DISPLAY: 2 Levels LED Back Lights For Low Light Condition METAL ID: 99 Metal I.D. Level for Target Identification PROGRAMS * : Park / Field / Beach / Gold / Cache 5 Detecting Programs GROUND BALANCE: Automatic(pump) or manually (selecting) TARGET ID*: 50 Segments Resolution Easy to Select and Mask SETUPS*: Target ID Selection, Threshold, Tones, Tone Space, FeSen, Frequency SALTWATER PERFORMANCE: For Mineralized Ground or in Saltwater GAUGE: Depth Reader, Metal ID Indication, Battery Status.etc. WEIGHT: Lower to 2LB 8OZ/1.15KG (w/ BladeS Coil) OPERATION TEMP RANGE: 32° to 95° F (0° to 35° C) NON-OPERATION TEMP: -4° to 113° F (-20° to 45° C)
With performance specs like that you could be forgiven for assuming that it will be priced to match the Equinox 800, but in fact it looks like it will be priced to sit comfortably somewhere in the middle with a predicted RRP or £569.
Some of the new features, such as built vibration which I particularly like, smart phone connectivity with Quest Go connect and the enhanced salt water (submersible to 5M) and mineralised ground performance, all look set to make this latest model something quite special.
The four pre-set programmes will be familiar to most of us, with Park, Field, Beach, Gold and a cache to store 5 of your own programmes. The Q60 will be supplied with the new 9”X13” BEASTX TurboD coil and possibly a second coil but that isn’t clear yet.
But what about the all-important weight?
It weighs in at a mere 1.15 KG. That is considerably lighter than the Equinox, Simplex, Vanquish and astonishingly only 250 grams more than the XP Deus!
The Q60 should be in UK shops later this year and I cannot wait to get my grubby little hands on one to try it out.
In summary, the specs look like this new machine could find a well-deserved place in the market, giving us all yet another innovative and exciting new machine to choose from.
I think that the Quest Q60 could possibly find itself a place in my home without too much persuasion.
Ottis