Minelab is famous for manufacturing different types of treasure hunting devices. Their metal detecting gadgets are characterized by ruggedness and effectiveness when treasure hunting. One of the most powerful creations of Minelab is the vanquish series which comprises vanquish 340, vanquish 440, vanquish 540, and a special vanquish 540 pro pack.
All four devices are metal detectors built with multi-iQ technology that gives you the power of multiple frequencies at once. Each subsequent vanquish metal detector is usually an upgrade to the previous model. That means purchasing 440 means you have access to increased features than a 340 user.
The most rival vanquish metal detectors are the 440 and 540. Because they are similar in function, it may be a hassle to choose the more suitable vanquish model. To make your quest easier, this article compares the vanquish 440 and 540. Read through!
Minelab vanquish 440
The Vanquish 440 model is an advanced version of the first design in the vanquish metal detector series. It is simple to use, lightweight, and overall, an excellent option for passionate treasure hunters. Check out some of the features below;
Features of the vanquish 440 metal detector
- It uses the Multi-IQ ® technology which avails the power of multiple metal detectors to users at once.
- Its search mode options include Coins, relics, jewelry, or custom. The custom option allows you to save your tuning for future searches.
- The Vanquish 440 can function in salt water and wet sand due to its waterproof and water-resistant ability.
- It weighs less than 3 lbs with a precise lightweight of 1.2kg. That means you can easily move the vanquish 440 around without expending your energy.
- The 145 cm length of the vanquish 440 can be collapsed to 76 cm for easier mobility.
- You can control the audio volume to high, mid, or low depending on your preference.
- It possesses an automatic noise cancellation ability.
- The vanquish 440 has a V10 Coil which is waterproof and Highly versatile.
- It possesses the ability of a pinpointer. That allows you to determine the exact area where a metal element is hidden.
Pros
- It can work on any terrain including wet beach sand and saltwater without any issue.
- The vanquish 440 does not require complex procedures to assemble or operate. It is super user-friendly.
- It discriminates against different metal types excellently.
- The custom mode option allows you to save a setting. You don’t have to go through the hassle of tuning your vanquish 440 each time you go treasure hunting.
- The vanquish 440 has a three-year warranty.
- It goes for an affordable price.
Cons
- Headphones cable can easily tangle.
- The vanquish 440 is not totally waterproof. Some parts like the control box area are water-resistant. That means moisture can still penetrate the gadget with enough force.
Minelab vanquish 540
The vanquish 540 has great added features including fixes to the shortcomings of its preceding version. The vanquish 540 is suitable for any beginner treasure hunter because of the simplicity of its operations. Despite its increased functionality, the vanquish 540 is affordable and easy to use. Check out its features, pros, and cons below;
Features of the vanquish 540
- Can pinpoint metal objects
- Backlit LCD screen
- Waterproof coil
- Uses multi-IQ® technology
- Bluetooth
- It weighs 1.3Kg
- The Batteries are rechargeable
- Audio control
- It has noise cancellation ability
Pros
- The LCD screen has a red backlight that enables a clearer view even in foggy areas.
- The rechargeable batteries mean you don’t have to replace them as often as regular ones.
- You can easily move the vanquish 540 around due to its compressible nature and lightweight.
- The search coil is waterproof.
- The vanquish 540 uses Bluetooth unlike the vanquish 440. That means you don’t have to worry about tangled headphone wires.
- It has five different target tones
- The vanquish 540 possesses 25 segments of discrimination that enable you to separate the metals acceptable.
Cons
- Like the 440, the vanquish 540 is not entirely waterproof. Some of its parts are water-resistant and can be damaged by moisture.
What is the difference between Minelab vanquish 440 and 540?
The comparison chart of the vanquish 440 and 540 below will reveal the strengths and weaknesses of the two devices. A quick scan will show you which gadget performs better in different areas;
| Areas of comparison | Vanquish 440 | Vanquish 540 |
| Technology | Multi-IQ® | Multi-IQ ®aptX™ low latencyBluetooth |
| Available search modes | CustomCoinsRelicsJewelriesAll metal | CustomCoinsRelicsJewelriesAll metal |
| Discrimination | 12 segments | 25 segments |
| Volume | 10 levels | 10 levels |
| Target IDs | -9 to 40 | -9 to 40 |
| Sensitivity | 10 levels | 10 levels |
| Depth indicator | 5 levels | 5 levels |
| Target tones degree | 3 tones | 5 tones |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| Noise cancelation | Auto 19 channels | Auto 19 channels |
| Iron bias | Highlow | HighLow |
| Length | Collapsed:76 cm Extended: 145cm | Collapsed: 76 cm Extended: 145 cm |
| Display | Monochrome LCD | Monochrome LCD with backlight |
| Weight | 1.2kg | 1.3kg |
| Standard Search Coil | V10 10″ by 7″ Double D | V12 12″ by 9″ Double D |
| Waterproof ability | From coil to 1m | FRim coil to 1m |
| Battery supplied | 4 × AA Alkaline replaceable | 4× AA NiMH rechargeable |
In summary
Both vanquish devices compared above, are great metal detectors for beginners and intermediate level treasure seekers. They have simple operations and can even be used by children once compressed. Their waterproof ability is also a plus for users. Both vanquish 440 and 540 work excellently in different terrain including wet beach sand and saltwater.
When stuck with choosing between the vanquish 540 and 440, you should consider factors like your budget and the functions you prefer. From the comparison earlier, you can tell the features of each device and make a choice easily and faster.
Overall, the vanquish series beat all other entry-level metal detectors. Their Multi-IQ ability alone makes the vanquish series stand out among other detectors in their category. The multi IQ® technology enables users to use multiple frequencies at once.
