Update on Quest V60 and V80 EMI Issues

In my earlier review of the Quest V60 and V80, I praised both models for their solid specifications, impressive build quality, and excellent performance. At the time, I had not encountered the EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) issues reported by other users, and my experience with the detectors was overwhelmingly positive. However, a recent visit to the beach shed new light on this matter.

The EMI Problem

To recap. During my second test on the beach, I used both the V60 and V80 near the pier—an area I had not previously explored. Upon powering up the V80, I immediately noticed persistent chatter caused by interference. Attempts to mitigate the noise by adjusting settings such as noise cancelling, switching frequencies, and lowering sensitivity proved largely ineffective. The issue only resolved itself when I moved away from the pier, at which point both detectors resumed normal operation.

This was a disappointing finding, as other detectors I’ve tested in similar conditions—such as the Nokta Score, Minelab Equinox, Minelab Vanquish, and Garrett Apex—did not exhibit the same susceptibility to EMI. This initially led me to suspect a design flaw, perhaps in the coil shielding or control box, particularly since disconnecting the coil did not resolve the noise. Additionally, Quest’s firmware updates for the V-Series detectors had not addressed the problem, and the models have since been discontinued in favour of the newer S-Line detectors with “double-shielded” coils.

New Findings

Following this experience, I recently revisited the same beach with the V80 and tested it alongside the Rutus Versa, another highly respected detector. Interestingly, both machines exhibited identical EMI issues in the vicinity of the pier. The Rutus Versa, equipped with a useful on-screen noise analysis tool, revealed that all 10 multi-frequency channels were heavily affected by EMI. This interference emanated from a nearby bar or club and persisted up to approximately 15 meters from the venue.

Based on this additional information, it’s clear that the EMI issue stems from an external source of exceptionally strong interference rather than an inherent fault specific to the Quest detectors. The earlier conclusion—that the V60 and V80 were particularly prone to EMI—was likely skewed by the absence of this interference during my previous tests with other detectors in the same location.

Conclusions

While Quest’s decision to discontinue the V60 and V80 in favour of the S-Line leaves existing V-Series users in an uncertain position, the new findings cast these models in a more favourable light. The fact that a high-calibre detector like the Rutus Versa was equally affected by the same interference suggests that the EMI issue I observed was not unique to the Quest detectors.

Ultimately, the V60 and V80 remain solidly built and capable machines, provided users are aware of the potential for external EMI in certain environments. I hope this updated information helps prospective buyers and current users better understand the context of my findings and make informed decisions.

Alternatives

If you’re thinking about purchasing a Quest V60 or V80, it’s important to keep the above considerations in mind. While these machines often perform impressively in many environments, they can encounter EMI issues in certain areas. That said, this challenge is not exclusive to these models and can affect other detectors under similar conditions.

Since the Quest V60 and V80 have now been discontinued, you might be able to find a great deal on a used model. Alternatively, you could explore the options listed below. These detectors fall within a similar price range to the V80 and feature simultaneous multi-frequency technology, with some also allowing for selectable single-frequency use:

•Nokta Legend

•Minelab Equinox 700/900

•Minelab Vanquish Series

•XP WS6 Master

•Garrett Vortex

•Rutus Versa

Each of these options provides solid performance, reliability, and support, making them a worthy investment for anyone in the market for a high-quality detector.