Product Rating: [usr 3.8]
Recently I was on the lookout for a telescopic shaft for my Minelab Equinox 800, so that I could place the detector in a backpack for easy transportation while out on my bike. I was struggling to find a solution, but it looks like Detecting Innovations, a company based in Dorset have come up with the answer. Known as the ‘Tele Nox,’ their innovative carbon fibre shaft is a fantastic upgrade for an already great metal detector.
The ‘Tele Nox’ collapses down to approximately only 22.5 inches fully closed, and what’s more the sturdy carbon fibre shaft is super lightweight (shaves about 200g off the original Equinox setup.) With the shaft fully collapsed, transportation is now a breeze; it will now easily fit in the smallest of car boots, or even on the front seat! No more assembling your metal detector once you arrive on location.
The build quality of the shaft felt ‘sturdy’ and I could not detect any ‘wobble factor.’ It also looks good, and when fully extended aesthetically enhances the Minelab Equinox 600/800. It is easy to setup, and you can convert your Equinox into a ‘telescopic machine’ in under 10 minutes.
Fully collapsed, and with the search coil still attached, the ‘Tele Nox’ can just about fit into a medium sized backpack as shown in the photo above. Great if you want to combine a bit of rambling with metal detecting.
With the search coil removed, the ‘Tele Nox’ easily fits into a backpack as shown above. I placed the detached search coil in the front pocket of the backpack, and the collapsed shaft/control box in the main backpack compartment. To fully setup the detector by simply re-attaching the search coil, takes little over a minute.
To summarise, if you are a detectorist who likes to combine the likes of cycling/rambling with a spot of metal detecting, then the ‘Tele Nox,’ really is the carbon fibre shaft for you. The ‘Tele Nox’ makes the Equinox 600/800 more transportable than ever, and turns it into the ultimate ‘grab and go’ machine. The ‘Tele Nox’ is made by ‘Detecting Innovations,’ of Wimborne, Dorset, and retails for £125.
{UPDATE] I have been using the Tele Nox for some months now, and did notice some ‘manufacturing issues’ with the particular shaft that I had. For example sometimes the cam locks loosened after a few hours of use. However, on saying that, the manufacturer helped me resolve these issues (sent me new parts free of charge.) These were probably just ‘teething problems’ with an early production model.
Given some of the issues I experienced with the shaft I have decided to give it a review rating of 3.8 out of 5. On saying that, I still use the Tele Nox on a regular basis, and it’s currently my ‘Equinox shaft of choice.’ The concept behind this product is great!
