The Minelab Equinox 800 is my favorite metal detector released by Minelab.  Many of their higher end metal detectors are too difficult for the average person to use.  Their intermediate metal detectors used to be priced rather high for what you were getting.  The Equinox series metal detectors are a great metal detector for a great price.  Able to detect in many different terrains and the ability to fine tune the detector make it a great choice for intermediate level metal detectorists.  It can however serve beginners but has a little higher learning curve than the lower level metal detectors.