Joe6112
Full Member
Looking to hear experiences with the AT Max. Been considering purchasing one.
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I too am considering an AT Max. I like the built in wireless, and even though I am unlikely to hunt while submerged, the waterproof feature is needed for rain,shallow creek and river ford hunting. The backlight is a nice feature also.
I mostly look for coins and jewelry and do some relic hunting. I figure that this machine, along with a 5X8 coil will do everything I need it to do.
All of the glowing reviews about the Equinox almost convinced me to go that direction but the sealed battery and expensive accessory coils are a deal killer.
I am pretty new to this and this will be an upgrade from the old 1266X that I am currently using. (which I can't get wet).
if anyone has other suggestions for a waterproof/back lit/ wireless/ conventional battery using machine, I am all ears.
Thanks in advance for all of your suggestions.
Sounds as if the Equinox 600 would be a better choice. I appreciate all the feedback.
Lol throw away?? Why? Because you have to take out 4 screws and unplug a battery? I'm not sure how some of the members here manage to put their pants on every morning lol. Lithium ion batteries are the best option for high end electronics period. Any detector that doesn't utilize this tech is either cheap or outdated.EQUINOX 600 / 800 .. Are a throw away detector after 3 yrs if it has issues..
I just sent a 4 yr old Garrett AT Gold in that was notching in disc 1 .. $80 fix now I have almost a new detector ..
Do you own an Equinox? Because unless Minelab assumes everyone who buys one is an idiot and can't use a screwdriver there is more to it than 4 screws and unplugging a battery. The below statement is directly from the Equinox users manual .There is no mention of cost or time to service.Lol throw away?? Why? Because you have to take out 4 screws and unplug a battery? I'm not sure how some of the members here manage to put their pants on every morning lol. Lithium ion batteries are the best option for high end electronics period. Any detector that doesn't utilize this tech is either cheap or outdated.
I owned the AT Pro for years and I tested an AT max and honestly I preferred the AT Pro. The max was a flop. It was an atpro with backlight and wireless phones. If it were me I would either pick up a good used at pro setup with some extras or get the equinox 600. The equinox will detect circles around the max.
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Yes I own the 800. There are already posts on this forum and videos on how to change the battery. It is very simple and only takes a few minutes. Yes at some point years down the road a new seal might be needed when replacing battery and I'm sure it will be available like others already are. Of course minelab doesn't want everyone messing with their new machine while it is under warranty so they will not recommend doing it yourself. Once it is out of warranty anybody will be able to swap batteries themselves if neccessary. If properly used and charged the lithium battery should last past the warranty anyway.Do you own an Equinox? Because unless Minelab assumes everyone who buys one is an idiot and can't use a screwdriver there is more to it than 4 screws and unplugging a battery. The below statement is directly from the Equinox users manual .There is no mention of cost or time to service.
"Even with correct care and maintenance, Lithium-ion battery performance reduces over time with normal use. Therefore the battery may need to be replaced every few years. Replacement batteries can be supplied and installed by an Authorised Service Centre."
"Every few years" is a guess because some people go detecting a few times a year, some go a few times a week, some go every day.
A battery that wears out, a proprietary charging cable that is not immediately replaceable if it is lost or damaged makes the Equinox a no go for me.