I Upgraded to Minelab's New Vanquish 560—Here's Why It's Now the One I Recommend to My Friends

6 min readAs a long-term metal detectorist, my go-to metal detector has been a Minelab, particularly the Minelab Vanquish 440, the detector that I recommend as the best general detector for most people.For me, the choice is clear: If you want an affordable metal detector with multi-frequency performance that works effectively in any terrain, including wet sand or underwater, the best upgrade investment you can make from the 440 is the new Vanquish 560.It adds key features to the mix, including rechargeable battery support, an entirely waterproof chassis, wireless headphone support (which the 440 did not have), and improved performance. It’s $100 more than the 440, but the 560 is one of the best machines I've ever tested.ProsMulti-frequency performance works well on any terrain, including underwaterDurable and physically substantialEasy to useConsOnly 4 search modes (compared to 10 on much more expensive models)TypeMulti-frequencyCoil Size12 in. (varies by package)Weight2.6 lbWaterproofYes, up to 5 meters (16 ft)How I TestedI tested the Vanquish 560 in three terrains: wet sand, dry sand, and park conditions, in addition to my front yard. I buried a spoon and several coins two to eight inches in the ground in various venues, including a local park and construction site, to determine how easy it would be to find all of them. I also took the detector out to a few local Florida beaches near my house to test the detector’s waterproof capabilities. The Vanquish 560 found everything I buried, even items under several inches of saltwater.Some quarries where I found coins, bottle caps, and trash were as deep as 8 to 10 inches, which represents superior performance for the Vanquish 560. And thanks to its improved waterproofing, I was able to wade farther out into the surf at high tide, where I found several deeply buried beer cans.Comfortable Wireless Earbuds Provide Tone Clarity for TargetsMinelab is one of the most reliable companies in the detector game (thanks to its durable machines and longevity—it’s been around since 1985). I own three Minelab machines: the Vanquish 440, the Vanquish 560, and the Equinox 900.After completing the straightforward assembly process, my first impressions of the Vanquish 560 were positive. At 2.6 pounds, it's lightweight yet feels robust and durable in the hand. It presents as a serious device, not a toy, which many of these metal detectors can look like.If you've used a previous Vanquish machine, you'll notice the similarities immediately, like the familiar color scheme and display. In fact, from a distance, you might struggle to tell the difference between the 560 and the 440, but the differences reveal themselves on closer inspection.My Vanquish 560 "Pro Pack" came with the detector and a number of accessories, including two different-sized coils (8-inch and 12-inch) and a set of wireless earbuds. These earbuds aren't just an optional extra—you're going to want to wear them so you can better hear the tones that the detector produces, which can tell you a lot about a potential target (more on that below). You can go with a 560 package that comes with wired headphones instead, but I recommend shelling out a little more for the Pro Pack for these earbuds, as they're more durable and comfortable than their wired equivalents.If you're looking for a pair that's specifically designed for detecting, I recommend the foldable, compact XP Wired Headphones, which are designed for the XP Deus metal detector, but work with any standard 3.5mm jack.Handgrip Feedback and Rechargeable PowerThe Vanquish 560 is similar to the 440 in design and style, but the newer version has several upgrades that justify the higher price. Instead of four AA batteries, the 560 has a rechargeable internal power system, which I prefer because it's more convenient and better for the environment. It also has configurable handgrip vibration feedback that gives you a haptic signal as you pinpoint your quarry. Plus, the Vanquish supports Bluetooth wireless headphones, unlike the 440, which is convenient for those who prefer to minimize cords.Instead of the waterproof coil of the 440, the 560 is fully submersible up to 16 feet (5 meters), and that even includes the control panel. Unlike the 440, the 560 features a built-in flashlight and five target tones, so you can hear the difference between certain targets without having to squint at the display all the time. The low tones indicate iron and other ferrous metals, the mid-tones indicate mid-conductive valuables like gold, and the high tones indicate highly conductive metals like silver or copper. Overall, the wireless headphone support and internal power supply alone give this model a huge advantage over previous versions, and it makes the Vanquish 560 an easy recommendation.Steven T. WrightKeeping the coil parallel to the ground is key to finding targets with any metal detector.Four Modes for Finding TreasureThe Vanquish 560 has four modes: Coin, Relic, Jewelry, and Custom. You can change modes with the touch of a button on the display face. These settings adjust the detector's "discrimination" settings, which is the term for the machine's ability to determine what kind of metal or object it finds without trying to dig it up. This information is displayed as numbers on the detector's screen, with higher-conductivity metals producing larger numbers compared to iron trash (30s and 40s).I prefer to use Coin Mode (also known as Park Mode) because it has the fastest recovery speed (how quickly it shows the depth and number). If you're more serious about digging for deep treasures, go with Jewelry Mode (also known as Beach Mode). It specifically works to find smaller, lower-conductivity targets like fine jewelry, especially in beach conditions. It’s the happy medium between Coin and the slower, deeper Relic Mode, which I only use in low-trash areas. Custom mode allows you to manually adjust the settings for advanced detectorists, but it's a convenient feature if you like to experiment in new terrains, or you want to target something specific (like gold).The Vanquish 560 has a dedicated All Metal mode to allow you to bypass its discrimination to detect all metal, including iron. This lets the detector give you everything metal that it finds within range, but it can be time-consuming. It can act essentially as an even more hardcore version of Relic Mode. What is worth trying out is the Vanquish 560’s built-in Pinpointer mode. I’ve had consistent success with it, which lets you make small adjustments to find the exact location of your quarry before you dig.Steven T. WrightThe Vanquish 560 allows you to easily change and customize modes with the touch of a button.Multi-Frequency Matters for More Accurate ResultsThere are two main kinds of consumer-grade metal detectors: very low frequency (VLF) and multi-frequency. VLF detectors operate on one frequency at a time, which makes them easy to use, but they often don't work as well in certain conditions, particularly in mineralized soil, on saltwater beaches, or underwater. Multi-frequency detectors like the Vanquish 560 operate on various frequencies—typically three to five, from 5 kHz to 40 kHz—which justifies their higher price tags. You can expect to spend $250 to over $1,000.A metal detector has a round head, the “search coil,” which is the actual part that detects metal itself. It has two parts, the transmitter coil and the receiver coil, which work in tandem to produce an electromagnetic field that shoots down into the ground.When the field hits metal, it triggers another magnetic effect in response, which the coil picks up. Depending on the device, that signal may be able to tell you how deep an object is buried based on the strength of the response. By varying the frequency of this electromagnetic field, you can find a larger variety of metal objects.What makes the Vanquish 560 an ideal option for anyone getting into this hobby or for those who are already experienced is that it’s one of the most reasonably priced multi-frequency detectors on the market.The VerdictThe Vanquish 560 offers a premium feel and superior performance—both of which made me reconnect with the metal detector hobby. Overall, the Vanquish 560 is the best bang-for-your-buck metal detector out there, especially when you consider its upgraded features and consistent performance. I plan to keep this in my car all the time so it’s ready for any planned or impromptu excursions, and it's the one I would recommend to a friend who's looking to get into beachcombing.Other Metal Detectors We RecommendThis detector offers great performance for a reasonable price. It comes with an all-in-one kit and carrying case. Its compact frame and adjustable handle make it accommodating to a wider-than-average range of newcomers, including kids and adults.Best for Underwater DetectingUsing "fast multi-frequency" technology, the Deus II allows for superior multi-frequency detection in a variety of conditions. It’s rated for up to 20 meters of water, a massive upgrade compared with our other buying guide picks that top out at 5 meters of water resistance.When I'm feeling really fancy, I take my Minelab Equinox 900 out for a spin. Its fantastic build quality, fast and accurate detection, and compact foldable profile make it the best upgrade for detectorists who are willing to shell out a bit more for a high-end device.Steven T. Wright is a freelance writer based in Miami, FL. He has been a full-time writer of various things for around a decade, especially long-form features about tech and digital culture. He enjoys spending time with his wife and cat, hiking, and reading weird fiction. You can follow him on Twitter @MadCathedral.