Review — Performance & Use

From the first swing, the Minelab Manticore feels like a step forward for serious UK detectorists. The ergonomics are well thought out – a balanced shaft and lighter weight than the Equinox series make it comfortable for extended pasture or ploughed field sessions. UK users have consistently praised its ability to punch deeper in mineralised soils, with several forum members noting that hammered silver coins were being recovered from depths where other detectors had fallen silent.

On pasture, which remains a tough environment for many machines, the Manticore's Multi-IQ+ technology shows its worth. It delivers stable IDs on deep targets even when the ground is uneven or littered with iron. Recovery speed settings, widely discussed in UK forums, are critical here – several experienced users favour running a recovery speed around 4–5 for pasture to balance depth with separation. Ferrous limits have become a hot topic, with UK detectorists using these settings to fine-tune iron rejection without missing tricky non-ferrous signals that read close to iron.

On ploughed land, the detector retains good stability and depth, even with freshly turned soil, though some recommend dropping sensitivity slightly to maintain target clarity. Its EMI handling is also strong – multiple UK YouTubers have tested it near overhead power lines and electric fences with only minimal chatter when sensitivity is optimised.

Beach performance has been solid, but UK reviewers are quick to note that while dry sand is excellent, wet sand capability, though improved over earlier Minelab models, still benefits from specific settings. Gary’s Simple Manticore Settings (a UK guide) recommends Beach Low Conductors for wet sand, with a slight recovery speed increase to help counteract falsing.

Audio customisation is another area where the Manticore excels. From the stock tones to full custom profiles, UK users have commented on how easy it is to differentiate between high and mid conductors in the field, even in noisy environments like rallies. Several blog reviews note that this fine control over audio is part of what makes the machine so versatile across different UK terrains.

Build quality has received strong praise. The carbon-fibre shaft is robust, the coil cable management is tidy, and the waterproofing has been tested in real UK field conditions – one YouTuber submerged it in a river while detecting and reported no issues. The arm cuff is adjustable and sturdy, a welcome improvement over earlier models where breakages were common.

Battery life, estimated at 10 hours, has proven realistic in UK use. Multiple detectorists report that even in colder weather, which can impact battery performance, the Manticore delivers close to the stated runtime. Charging is via a magnetic clip, which some find more convenient than traditional plugs.

Overall, the UK consensus is that the Manticore is a top-tier all-rounder – deep, stable, and highly configurable. Its learning curve is steeper than entry-level machines, but for those willing to spend time understanding its features, it rewards with finds others may leave behind.