Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Metal Detectors

Minelab Vanquish 560 vs Nokta The Legend 2

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Minelab Vanquish 560 and Nokta The Legend 2 score essentially the same (4.8 vs 4.8). Pick the one whose trade-offs match your priorities — the strengths and watch-outs below are where they actually differ.

Minelab Vanquish 560
Ranked #1 in Best Metal Detectors
Minelab Vanquish 560
5 sources1 derived$399as of Oct 3

The Minelab Vanquish 560 leverages Multi-IQ technology and full five-meter waterproofing to deliver exceptional performance in wet sand and surf, allowing users to submerge the control box without fear of damage. AOL found that this capability opens up new coastal hunting grounds previously inaccessible due to moisture sensitivity, while its rechargeable internal battery eliminates the need for disposable cells. The detector supports interchangeable Equinox and Coiltek coils, a feature highlighted by crawfordsmd and paulcee.co.uk as a way to expand flexibility without upgrading the main unit. However, skill-school noted that the fixed five-tone audio system limits advanced tuning options for experienced users who prefer custom tone breaks or multi-tone configurations. Additionally, the lack of adjustable recovery speed restricts control over target separation in heavily cluttered environments, making this model best suited for casual detectorists and those prioritizing ease of use over granular manual adjustments.

Strengths
  • — Fully waterproof to 5 meters, allowing submersion of the control box and opening up beach or underwater hunting.
  • — Supports interchangeable Equinox and Coiltek search coils for flexibility without upgrading the main unit.
  • — Features a rechargeable internal battery that eliminates the need for disposable AA batteries.
Watch-outs
  • — Limited to a fixed five-tone audio system with no option for custom tone breaks or multi-tone tuning.
  • — Lacks adjustable recovery speed, restricting control over target separation in trashy environments.
Nokta The Legend 2
Ranked #2 in Best Metal Detectors
Nokta The Legend 2
6 sources1 derived$1,194.98as of Oct 3

The Nokta The Legend 2 improves upon its predecessor by offering simultaneous multi-frequency operation and an expanded 99-point Target ID scale, which seriousdetecting notes enhances depth and target separation across varied terrains. bigboyshobbies.net confirms that this finer granularity allows for more precise metal identification in trash-heavy environments, while the upgraded 6700 mAh battery eliminates the need for external power packs during long sessions. However, the device suffers from ergonomic compromises; joanallen found the arm cuff feels thin and plasticky compared to the rugged main body, and seriousdetecting reported that the telescopic shaft locking cams can be stiff and difficult to adjust with cold or wet hands. This detector fits experienced hobbyists who value versatility and waterproof performance for beach or relic hunting but may overwhelm beginners seeking extreme simplicity.

Strengths
  • — Simultaneous multi-frequency operation provides enhanced depth and target separation across various terrains.
  • — Expanded 99-point Target ID scale offers greater granularity in identifying buried metal types compared to the original Legend's 60-point scale.
  • — Weighs approximately 2.6 lbs (1.2 kg), making it significantly lighter than the original Legend for reduced fatigue during long sessions.
Watch-outs
  • — The arm cuff feels thin and plasticky compared to the rest of the detector's rugged build quality.
  • — Telescopic shaft locking cams can be stiff and difficult to adjust with cold or wet hands.

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Minelab Vanquish 560

The Vanquish 560 matches the Equinox 900 in having a fully waterproof control box and high target ID scale (-19 to 99), but it lacks the adjustable recovery speed found in more advanced models like the Nokta The Legend 2. Unlike the Simplex Ultra, which offers Bluetooth audio out of the box, the Vanquish 560 includes this connectivity as a key advantage over older non-Bluetooth units.

Nokta The Legend 2

The Nokta The Legend 2 offers simultaneous multi-frequency operation, providing better depth and separation than the Simplex Ultra’s fixed frequency.

Specs side-by-side

SpecMinelab Vanquish 560Nokta The Legend 2
Waterproof Rating5 meters (16 feet)IP68 (5 meters)
Weight2.6 lb2.6 lb
Detection SystemMulti-IQ technologyVLF simultaneous multi-frequency
Target ID Scale-19 to 9999 points
MaterialPlastic MetalCarbon Fiber
Search ModesPark, Field, Beach5 (Park / Field / Beach / Relic / Gold)
Battery Life10 hours6700 mAh increasing your runtime by up to 33%
FrequencyMulti-IQ4, 10, 15, 20, 40 kHz
Coil Size—LD21, LD22, LD28 and LD38
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