Is Quest Metal Detectors a Chinese or American manufacturer? In today’s world, clear boundaries no longer exist, but affiliation with a specific country still somewhat guarantees that norms and ethics will be upheld.
The New Quest S Series of Metal Detectors
At the Detectival 2024 festival, Quest Metal Detectors announced a new series of metal detectors—the Quest S. The new detectors (there will be 3 models – Quest S30 / Quest S40 / Quest S50) utilize the SIMULTIQ multi-frequency technology. The name of the technology closely resembles that of another Australian manufacturer’s technology—Minelab Multi-IQ. And that’s not the only similarity. If desired, one could even identify the model that “inspired” the “developers” at Quest Metal Detectors.
The new metal detectors feature 3 multi-frequency modes (Coin / Relic / Hard) and the option to work on a single frequency (features that vary depending on the model). The frequency range is 5-40 kHz (the same as the Minelab Manticore). Designed for both land and underwater searching at depths of up to 3 meters. There are 5 search modes: Park, Field, Beach, Gold, and Deep. A slot for saving custom settings is available. Digital Target ID/VDI. Automatic and manual ground balance. The built-in battery provides up to 10 hours of operation. USB charging. A large monochrome screen with backlight. On-screen time display. Supports wireless headphones. The new metal detector will come with an upgraded 12-inch coil, elliptically shaped.
Initially, Quest planned to launch sales by Christmas, the traditional release time for new metal detectors. However, the plans have changed, and the Quest S is now set to launch in spring 2025. The entry-level S model will be priced from $299 (Quest S30) and $399 (Quest S40) and $599 (Quest S50).
Quest SimultiQ S50 PRO Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Frequency | 5kHz, 10kHz, 15kHz, 20kHz, 40kHz, SimultiQ (Coin / Relic / Hard) |
| Menu | Two Levels Intuitive MENU Design |
| Target ID | 60 I.D. Bars for Select or Mask, 1-60 Target I.D. |
| Programs | Park / Field / Beach / Gold / Deep (5 Detecting Programs) |
| Ground Balance | Tracking / Automatic (pump) or Manually (selecting) |
| Gauge | Depth Reader, Metal ID Indication, Mineralization, Salt Water Level, Correction Index, Fe/NonFe Possibility, Battery Status, etc. |
| Noise Canceling | One Click to Perform Noise Canceling (10 seconds) |
| Display | Monochrome Matrix LCD Display |
| Battery | Built-in 5500mAh Li-Po Battery for 10~15 Hours Operating |
| Recharge Port | Universal Type-C Recharge Port with Protection Cap |
| Alarm | Speaker / HD Vibration / Wired, Wireless Headphones |
| Protection | Entire Unit IP68 Waterproof (up to 5 meters) |
| Telescopic Rod | Super3D Gen2 Telescopic System |
| Design | Foldable Compact Design to Store into Most Midsize Backpacks |
| Handle | Position Adjustable, Grenade Textured Rubberized Surface |
| Armrest | Hollow Design, Flexible Armrest Cup, Position Adjustable |
| Weight | 2.8lb / 1.28kg with Bishop12″ Coil, 2.4lb / 1.14kg with Bishop9 |
| Coils | 12×9″ Bishop12 and 9×5″ Bishop9 GORILA Gen2 Double D Coil |
| Headphones | PRO Over-Ear Low Latency Bluetooth Headphones |
Quest SimultiQ S30 Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Operating Frequency | 15kHz, SimultiQ |
| Search Modes | Park / Field / Beach |
| Waterproof | 5M/15ft |
| Sensitivity Setting | 1 – 5 |
| Discrimination Patterns | 4 models |
| Auto Noise Cancel | Yes (13 Channels) |
| Pinpoint | Yes |
| Depth Indicator | Yes |
| Target ID | 1 – 60 |
| Discrimination Resolution | 30 (1 segment for 2 IDs) |
| Volume | 0 – 6 |
| Back Light | 0 – 5 |
| Flashlight | Yes |
| Bluetooth Headphones | Not Available |
| Telescopic Shaft | Super3D Gen2 |
| Coil | Shogun11 |
Quest SimultiQ S40 Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Operating Frequency | 15kHz, SimultiQ |
| Search Modes | Park / Field / Beach |
| Waterproof | 5M/15ft |
| Sensitivity Setting | 1 – 10 |
| Recovery Speed | 1 – 3 |
| Ferrous Bias | 0 – 9 |
| Ground Balance | Automatic / Manual / Tracking |
| Custom User Profiles | 2 |
| Discrimination Patterns | 4 models |
| Auto Noise Cancel | Yes (13 Channels) |
| Pinpoint | Yes |
| Depth Indicator | Yes |
| Target ID | 1 – 60 |
| Discrimination Resolution | 30 (1 segment for 2 IDs) |
| Volume | 0 – 6 |
| Back Light | 0 – 5 |
| Flashlight | Yes |
| Bluetooth Headphones | Module built-in Optional Vibe |
| Telescopic Shaft | Super3D Gen2 |
| Coil | Shogun11 |
What is the difference between the S30 and S40 models
The main differences between the Quest S30 and Quest S40, as highlighted in the provided data and comparison text, can be summarized as follows:
- Bluetooth Audio: The Quest S40 has Bluetooth functionality, while the S30 does not.
- Sensitivity Settings: The S40 offers 1–10 sensitivity levels, compared to 1–5 in the S30.
- Recovery Speed: The S40 features adjustable recovery speed (1–3), which is absent in the S30.
- Ferrous Bias Setting: The S40 includes a ferrous bias setting (0–9), which helps with target identification.
- Ground Balance: The S40 has manual and automatic ground balance with tracking, while the S30 lacks this feature.
- Custom User Profiles: The S40 supports 2 custom user profiles, not available in the S30.
In essence, for an additional $100, the Quest S40 brings a significant amount of extra functionality that makes it more versatile and capable in challenging conditions. The S40’s added features—such as ground balance, adjustable recovery speed, and ferrous bias—can make a substantial difference in detecting performance, especially in varied terrains. While the S30 is a good entry-level option, investing in the S40 may offer a better long-term experience due to its broader range of capabilities.
Does the new model resemble the Minelab Manticore? Or has everything already been invented, and now all new metal detectors will be the same, regardless of the manufacturer? Just like with smartphones, for example.
Is there anything about this metal detector that I haven’t seen before?