Minelab Vanquish 540 Pro Pack

Looking to get into metal detecting but find your self overwhelmed by the choices and the cost? Minelab is going to be your best friend! Minelab has tons of options to chose from. One such option is the Vanquish 540 Pro. This is a fantastic entry level detector that will have you bragging about found treasures in no time.

Just the Facts:

VANQUISH 540 Pro-Pack: for the serious detectorist who’s always in control. As if Multi-IQ technology, audio control and pinpoint wasn’t enough, the 540 also boasts Iron Bias control, Bluetooth headphones, red LED backlight and rechargeable batteries. What’s more, it comes with waterproof 8” and 12” coils as standard for greater depth and precision. No matter where the hunt takes you, the 540 is the ultimate packout for those who want it all. 

     VANQUISH 540 PRO-PACK TECH SPECS

Search Modes

Coin, Relic, Jewellery, Custom, All Metal

Custom User Search Profile

Yes

Operating Frequencies (kHz)

Multi-IQ

Noise Cancel

Auto (19 Channels)

Bluetooth Audio

Yes

Iron Bias

High (default), Low

Sensitivity

10 levels

Volume

10 levels

Target Tones

5 tones

Discrimination Segments

25 segments

Target ID’s

-9 to 40

Depth Indicator

5 levels

Length

Extended: 1450mm (57″)
Collapsed: 760mm (30″)

Weight (incl. batteries)

2.9lbs (1.3kg)

Standard Coil

V12 12″x9″ Double-D
V8 8″x5″ Double-D

Audio Output

In-built loudspeaker
3.5mm (1/8″) headphones
Bluetooth wireless headphones

Supplied Headphones

Bluetooth wireless headphones

Display

Monochrome LCD with red backlight

Supplied Batteries

4 x AA NiMH rechargeable

Waterproof

Coil to 1m/3-feet

Operating Temperature Range

-10°C to +40°C (+14°F to +104°F)

Storage Temperature Range

-20°C to +70°C (-4°F to +158°F)

Key Technologies

Multi-IQ, Bluetooth, aptx™ Low Latency

Warranty

3 years control box and coil

My Story:

Covid freakin sucked. I know, that is not news to anyone, but dang it just sucked. There were a few good things to come out of that whole mess though. A renewed love for the outdoors, longer family bonding times, and my personal favorite new hobbies. For me, metal detecting was not really a new hobby, but I certainly fell more in love with it during Covid.

Minelab metal detectors represent, in my opinion, the finest metal detectors on the market. I had the great privilege of testing and reviewing the Equinox 800 when it came out and I love that machine. So, when given the chance to try out another Minelab product I jumped at the chance.

When the Vanquish 540 Pro Pack showed up on my doorstep I was really excited to tear into the box as it was just full of all kinds of goodies!

My first testing ground for the Vanquish was a friend 1920’s home and some local parks. I was rewarded with some clad coins and of course a bunch of bottle caps and pull tabs. A few relics and some costume jewelry. I was a bit disappointed in my friends yard but later found out it had been hunted a few times by a neighbor and he had cleaned all the silver out.

I was able to pull one cool find out of his yard which was an old trade token from a bar in Idaho.

The parks were less fruitful as far as old stuff goes but the clad was plentiful and I even found a cash token that sounded better than it’s value.

Of course I had to let my daughter play with this machine a little bit. I loved that it was super adjustable so I could make it work for her!

I took the vanquish with me on a couple trips to California as my daughter was playing softball and I thought I would be a great time to get some beach detecting in. Sadly, I was only able to come up with a few clad coins. I desperately wanted to get out into the surf but the vanquish is not a waterproof machine so that was not an option. Still, I found some clad and that was fun.

The Vanquish 540 PRO Pack comes with everything you need to get out and start hunting. Bluetooth headphones, rechargeable batteries with charger, two coils for diversity in hunting styles, a protection cover for the head, and collapsible pole so you can store it in a suitcase. This really is the whole package aside from a pinpointer which is not completely necessary but is very handy and will speed up target recovery. Minelab has some options for that as well.

The Machine is simple in its design but complex on its features. Multi-iQ technology allows this machine to use multiple frequency which aids in target detection and identification.  An adjustable iron bias setting allows for better discernment of treasure and trash. It also has mode options to fit the style of hunting you are doing. For the price, this is one of, if not the most versatile detector in its class. You will not be sorry with this purchase. Well, not at first, then the detecting bug will bite you and you will be chasing the other Minelab options, of that I’m sure!

Find it Here:

See the details on the Minelab site. There is a link to show you where to buy near you.

https://www.minelab.com/usa/metal-detectors/vanquish-540-pro-pack

What could be done better?

For the money I can’t really think of anything I would change other than waterproofing the head. If you are going to get into this hobby and are looking for a great entry level package I wholly recommend you look at the Vanquish 540 Pro Pack.