Nokta Legend vs Minelab Equinox 800 - Your Full Comparison Guide

Here’s a blog-style comparison of the Nokta Legend and the Minelab Equinox 800 — two of the most talked-about all-purpose metal detectors today. If you’re trying to decide between them, this should help you weigh their strengths, trade-offs, and what kind of user each favors.

⚙️ Core Features & Technology

Minelab Equinox 800

• Uses the proprietary “Multi-IQ” simultaneous multi-frequency (SMF) technology, delivering stable performance across a variety of ground conditions and target types — from coins to jewelry to relics. Minelab+2Tech Metals Research+2

• Offers multiple single-frequency options in addition to SMF: 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 40 kHz. Minelab+1

• Equipped with 4 detect modes (Park, Field, Beach, Gold), each with two custom search-profile slots (total 8 customizable profiles). Minelab+1

• Adjustable ground balance (auto/manual/tracking), noise cancel, sensitivity, and recovery speed — giving you great control over performance depending on terrain and trash/junk density. Tech Metals Research+1

• Lightweight (~2.96 lbs / ~1.34 kg) and fully submersible to 3 meters (≈10 ft) — good for wet sand, shallow water, and rivers. Minelab+1

Nokta Legend

• Also a true multi-frequency detector. According to comparisons, it supports five single frequencies (4, 10, 15, 20, 40 kHz) plus multiple multi-frequency modes. Metal Detectors South Africa | MDSA+2Metal Detecting Tips+2

• Ships with an 11-inch waterproof Double-D coil (the same coil size commonly bundled with the Equinox). Optionally, with certain packages (like the "Pro Pack"), a smaller 6-inch DD coil is available — helpful on stubble fields, mineralized ground, or trash-littered areas. Mental Metal Detecting -+2Metal Detecting Tips+2

• Comes with a full-color 4.3″ touchscreen display (versus the monochrome LCD on Equinox) — many find this more intuitive and modern. Metal Detecting Tips+1

• Built-in wireless audio support, rechargeable battery, and reportedly up to 20 hours runtime on a single charge (though actual runtime may vary by settings). Metal Detecting Tips+1

• Fully waterproof (submersible) — comparable to Equinox for water use. Mental Metal Detecting -+1

• Compact, adjustable shaft (often carbon fiber) — some versions collapse to a much shorter length than Equinox’s shaft, which can make transport/storage easier. Mental Metal Detecting -+1

✅ Where Each Detector Shines (Strengths & Use-Cases)

Why you might choose Equinox 800

• Proven performance across varied conditions: The Multi-IQ SMF system in Equinox has a long track record — it’s widely trusted for beach, fields, mineralized ground, and mixed target scenarios. Tech Metals Research+2Minelab+2

• Fine-tuned control: Adjustable ground balance, noise cancel, sensitivity, recovery speed — gives advanced users the ability to dial in performance precisely for challenging conditions or deep targets. Tech Metals Research+1

• Good balance of depth, stability, and versatility: Great “do-everything” detector capable of coin hunting, relic hunting, beach detecting, and even gold-nugget hunting (especially small pieces in mineralized ground with Gold mode). Minelab+1

Why you might favor Legend

• Value for money: Relative to its features (multifrequency, waterproofing, color screen, multi coils, long battery life), Legend is often priced lower than Equinox — making it an attractive “bang-for-buck” option. Metal Detecting Tips+2Discover Metal Detecting+2

• User-friendly modern interface: The color touchscreen display is easier to read and navigate, especially for beginners or those upgrading from simpler detectors. Metal Detecting Tips+1

• Flexibility with coils and portability: The included 11-inch DD coil plus optional smaller 6-inch coil expand Legend’s adaptability. The compact shaft (especially on carbon-fiber versions) also helps with transportation and storage — handy if you travel to different detecting spots. Mental Metal Detecting -+1

• Battery life for long hunts: Up to ~20 hours per charge — good for long days outdoors or weekend outings. Metal Detecting Tips

⚠️ Considerations & Possible Downsides

Equinox 800

• More expensive than budget or mid-range detectors (though many consider it worth the cost).

• As a more “classic” detector (monochrome LCD, plastic shaft in some bundles), it might not feel as modern or nimble as newer machines.

• For very fine or shallow targets (small jewelry, thin coins in trashy ground), some users may prefer smaller coil options (e.g. 6″) — which are usually bought separately.

Legend

• As a newer detector, long-term reputation is still being built. Some in the metal-detecting community note that older versions had “chatty” signals or struggled to reach the deepest possible targets compared to high-end detectors. Reddit+2Reddit+2

• Adjustable settings and power might lack the fine-tuned control range of Equinox, especially for very mineralized soils or deep relics (depending on coil and user skill).

• While battery life is high, runtime will depend heavily on settings (frequency, coil, sensitivity, etc.), so “20 hours” likely represents optimal conditions — real-world sessions may vary.

🧑🤝🧑 Who Should Use Which Detector

• Choose Equinox 800 if you’re looking for a proven “do-everything” detector capable of handling a wide variety of terrain and target types — especially if you expect challenging ground conditions (mineralization, trash, mixed soils) or want flexibility through advanced settings.

• Choose Legend if you want good all-around detecting performance at a lower cost, prefer a modern and user-friendly interface, value portability and battery life, and mainly hunt coins, relics, or jewelry where extreme depth isn’t critical.

• Good for Beginners or Budget-Conscious Users: Legend offers strong value and ease of use.

• For Experienced Detectorists or Versatile Hunting: Equinox remains a gold-standard pick — especially if you want maximum flexibility and fine-tuning.

🧭 Final Thoughts — No Clear “Winner,” Just Different Strengths

Both Nokta Legend and Minelab Equinox 800 are excellent metal detectors; the “better” one depends heavily on what you expect from your outings.

If you want a modern, affordable, easy-to-use detector with good battery life and versatile coil options — Legend delivers impressive value. If you want proven, highly tunable performance across many environments with a long track record, then Equinox 800 is hard to beat.

For many detectorists, the choice comes down to priorities: cost & convenience (Legend) vs. power & versatility(Equinox).