The next model in the line of Quest metal detectors is the Q40. The “middle” machine.
Most metal detecting companies seem to release in 3 models, for example, Garrett with the Ace – 150, 250, 350. Then Minelab with the X-terra 305, 505, 705.
So how does the Quest Q40 fair as the middle machine?
Quest Q40 Appearance
Appearance-wise, nothing has changed from the Q20 so I won’t go to great lengths talking about it.
You can view appearance information for the Q20 above. Same colour, same innovative sleek design, still looking good.
Quest Q40 Control Panel & Buttons
The control panel and buttons on the Q40 are exactly the same as the Q20.
The only difference between the two is the information you receive on the LCD screen.
Modes & Features
So what added features and modes does the Q40 bring in comparison to its junior model the Q20.
As per the Q20, we have the preset modes, coins, jewellery, and all-metal, an added beach mode, and the addition of a much-welcomed custom mode so the user can preset their own preferences and fine-tune the program.
The Quest Q40 pretty much has all of the same features as the Quest Q20. They both:
- have rechargeable batteries with USB charging (larger battery on the Q40)
- have splash and rain resistant control boxes
- come with fully waterproof search coils filled with Float Resin for faster and lighter detecting
There are, however, a few notable differences between the two models
- The Q40 operates at 13kHz, whereas the Q20 operates at 9kHz
- Wireless headphone technology is also a major upgrade from the Q20. You still, however, have the option of plugging in the headphones through the 3.5mm jack if your batteries run out.
- 6 Tone response as opposed to the dual response in the lower model – Allowing you to receive a much more detailed audio response.
- FESEN, this allows you to hear good targets that could be masked by iron or bad targets. Using this feature will increase the audio capability and allow you more of a chance of hearing the good signals.
- The Q20 comes with the smallest TurboD coil – the Blade, where the Q40 comes with its older sibling – the Raptor allowing an additional 2 inches of depth (14 inches vs 12 inches)
Quest Q40 Pro’s & Con’s
| Pro's | Con's |
|---|---|
| Wireless Headphone Tech | Not Fully Waterproof |
| Fantastic USB Battery Life | Limited Coil Upgrades |
| Lightweight | |
| User Friendly |
Quest Q40 vs Q20 Technical Specifications
| Quest Q40 | Quest Q20 | |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | 13kHz VLF (Very Low Frequency) Induction Balance | 9kHz VLF (Very Low Frequency) Induction Balance |
| Length | Fast Release Camlock 3 Sections Straight Rods Extendable From 80CM to 130CM | Fast Release Cam-lock 3 Sections Straight Rods Extendable From 80CM to 130CM |
| Battery | Built-in Rechargeable 2000mAh Li-Po Battery | Built-in Rechargeable 1200mAh Li-Po Battery |
| Stock Coil | International Market - 9x5" TurboD Waterproof Coil US market - 11x9" TurboD Waterproof Coil | 9.5x5" (22.5x28cm) Blade™ TurboD Waterproof Coil |
| Programs/Modes | 6 Searching Programs | 3 Searching Programs |
| Audio | Built-in Speaker, Wireless/Wire Headphones | Built-in Speaker, Wire Headphone |
| LCD | 60X70mm With Backlight | 60X70mm |
| Tones | Multi-tones Selectable | 3 Tones |
| Weight | 1350g with Raptor coil, 1050g with Blade coil | 1350g with Raptor coil(option), 1050g with Blade coil |
| Battery Life | Up to 20Hrs on Wireless, 30 Hrs on Speaker | Up to 30Hrs on Speaker |
| Handle & Armrest | Ergonomic with anti-slip dotted pattern surface. Made of Robust PP Material, Ergonomic Design | Ergonomic with anti-slip dotted pattern surface. Made of Robust PP Material, Ergonomic Design |
| Ground Balance | Automatic or Manually | Automatic or Manually |
| Metal ID | 99 Metal I.D. for Target Identification | 99 Metal I.D. for Target Identification |
 | |
Quest Q40 Useful Links & Videos
Deteknix Quest Q40 User Operator Manual PDF
Summary
After extensive research and speaking to a few detectorists who have used the Q40 it has to be said that I’m still shocked that more people don’t own one.
The Quest Q40 is an absolute steal for the price.
The wireless headphone technology is probably my favourite feature, no more tripping over your headphones or taking them on and off constantly all day.
Again you are getting far more power and performance than you should for what you are paying.
I’d highly recommend this to beginners and even to more advanced detectorists who wanted to upgrade from their first metal detector. For the beginner with a slightly larger budget this is going to last you a long time and as far as I can see the detector is future-ready with a Sync menu option which is not used at the moment.
I investigated the “sync” menu option further and it seems that you will be able to update the firmware in the future activating more features.
It has everything you need and it’s lightweight. It looks nice and there are so many reports saying the recovery speed is fantastic.
As I am writing about these Quest metal detectors I’m convincing myself to buy one as a spare 🙂
Please keep an eye out for my next update on this page where we will review the Quest Pro.
I am currently trying to get my hands on one to borrow so I can give you an in-depth review. I’m thinking the worst thing about the Quest-Pro so far is the difficulty to purchase one in the UK.
