I bought the 540 pro pack just before Christmas and used it about 10-15 times at various sites. I think it's a great metal detector for parks and does pretty good at the beach as well. The ID is very stable and the unit is fairly deep with the big coil. I initial bought it so my daughter could use it or I could use it as a loaner unit. However my daughter really doesn't go out much anymore.
Most of my hunting is done at Ghost Towns or Military sites. Those sites are generally loaded with iron trash and in my opinion the Vanquish falls short at those areas even with the small coil.
Anyway long story short I sold it last night. The Equinox does everything the Vanquish can do and more. The Vanquish has better balance than the Equinox, but I've swung the Equinox long enough that it really doesn't bother me.
Now I can buy another coil for the Deus, probably the 11 x 13 X35.
Andrew
XP Deus-Minelab Equinox 800-Minelab GPX 4000-Tarsacci MDT 8000-Minelab Vanquish 540-Easy Radar ER500A GPR