10 Best Metal Detector Reviews and Recommendations for Treasure Hunters of All Ages

June 24, 2020

by Barbara Hogg

There are more hidden treasures around us than you would think! All you need to know is where to look. If you have ever wondered if there is buried treasure in your back yard, the best metal detector will help you find it!

Even if you don’t strike it rich, it’s guaranteed that you will have lots of fun finding what’s waiting beneath your feet. After thorough research and lots of talks with users, we picked the best metal detectors for any of your needs, whether you want to find that treasure in your garden, intend to begin your own gold prospecting enterprise, or even retrieve some sunken riches from the sea.

We have even included a buyer’s guide at the end to help you decide what model is the best fit for your adventures.

While the products on this list of best metal detectors are for adults, don’t even think about keeping the kids out of your plans! Your little explorers and future scientists will absolutely love to treasure hunt with you! Consider a metal detector as one of the most amazing and peculiar science gifts for kids this year, as, beyond adventure and treasure hunting, there is always the science and the research! 

Product Name Use For Coil Size Frequency Check Latest Price
Bounty Hunter Land Ranger Pro Metal Detector Affordable Gold Prospecting 11 inches 7.69kHz Check Latest Price
Fisher Weatherproof Metal Detector All Seasons Treasure Hunting 9 inches 7.69kHz Check Latest Price
Teknetics Delta 4000 Metal Detector Coins & Relics 8 inches 7.8 kHz Check Latest Price
National Geographic Pro Metal Detector Coins & jewelry 10 inches 7.8 kHz Check Latest Price
Ricomax Metal Detector All Metals Hunting 10 inches 7 kHz Check Latest Price

1 Bounty Hunter Land Ranger Pro Metal Detector

The first Bounty Hunter metal detector to make it to the list is the Bounty Hunter Land Ranger Pro. A common theme with the Bounty Hunter metal detectors is their value for money and simplicity without sacrificing function.

The Land Ranger is probably the best metal detector for gold on this list. It is also one of the brand’s models that are more advanced. It comes with a multitude of functions to fully customize your experience. It has pre-set modes for coins, jewelry, and artifacts for beginners, and it seems to be one of the best metal detectors as per Amazon reviews.

BEST FOR Price/quality/ warranty ratio ty
Use Gold finds, coins, jewelry
Item Weight 3 pounds
Item Size 45 x 8 x 14 inches
What it does 10-inch deep  metal detecting
Coil Size 11 inches DD waterproof search coil
Frequency 7.69 kHz
Fun Value Very High
Special Features
  • V-Break, variable tone breakpoint
  • Pinpoint mode with depth indicator
  • Iron tone, adjustable iron audio
  • Menu system with variable notching
  • Ground grab, computerized ground balancing
  • 0-99 target ID
  • 4-tone audio
  • 7 modes of operation
  • 6 discrimination modes: 3 pre-sets, 3 manual
Warranty 5 years

Why choose the Bounty Hunter Land Ranger Pro Metal Detector?

The Bounty Hunter Land Ranger Pro is packed with features to carve out exactly what you are looking for. It has 7 modes of operation, with pre-sets to differentiate by the treasure you are looking for or the number of tones you want to feedback. You can also use the V-Break to set the low tone threshold to completely eliminate targets and then refine further with the variable notching width and frequency.

Other things you should know about this metal detector:

  • Operates with one 9V battery
  • 20 – 25 hours of battery life
  • Adjustable stem length

 

Pros
Best metal detector for gold
Excellent price for the tech specs
Fully programmable
Great warranty
Cons
No backlight

Verdict

The first installment on our best metal detector reviews on this list is a great tool to quench your treasure hunting thirst. If you want to find the best loot on your treasure hunt, this is a top choice. It is user-friendly and packed with features to compete with other metal detectors well above its price range. A must-have in the best metal detector for gold department. Also, highly entertaining for the entire family. 

2 Fisher F22 Weatherproof Metal Detector

The Fisher F22 is a waterproof and weatherproof metal detector designed to withstand all weather conditions. It comes with discrimination profiles for coins, jewelry, and artifacts that make it easy to use out of the box and on the go, making it one of the best metal detectors on this list. Moreover, the submersible coil is a nice touch in case you want to go treasure hunting on the beach during a rainy fall day. As probably the best metal detector for beginners on this list – although you will find others too – this product is a must-have. 

BEST FOR All weather conditions
Use Detecting coins, jewelry, artifacts, gold
Item Weight 3 pounds
Item Size 22 x 8 x 5 inches
What it does Detects metals up to 9 inches deep
Coil Size 9-Inch Triangulated Concentric Elliptical Waterproof Search coil
Frequency 7.69kHz
Fun Value Very High
Special Features
  • 10 adjustable sensitivity levels
  • Weather-resistant
  • Fe-Tone adjustable iron audio and identifier icon
  • 9-segment visual and Numerical Target-ID
  • 4 Modes of operation: Jewelry, Coin, Artefact, Custom
  • Large 2-Digit Numeric Target-ID Numbers, 1-99
  • Memory Save settings
  • 4 tone audio ID
  • Static pinpoint
Warranty 5 years

Why choose the Fisher F22 Weatherproof Metal Detector?

You will find many Fisher metal detectors on this list, but we chose the F22 first because it does indeed rises up to the expectations.

The Fisher F22 is the best metal detector for bad weather. The weatherproof design and the submersible search coil mean it can tough out any environment. The four discrimination modes with pre-sets for coins, jewelry, and artifacts allow it to adapt to find you different kinds of treasure. Since it is waterproof, it also makes it one of the best beach metal detector choices on the list. 

Other things you should know

  • Operates on two AA batteries
  • 25-30 H battery life
  • Headphone jack
Pros
Weatherproof with submersible coil
Excellent price and warranty
Breaks down to fit in bag
Turn on and go settings
Cons
Display is not scratch-resistant

Verdict

The Fisher F22 metal detector is a completely weatherproof model that can battle the worst of conditions. If you are a year-round treasure hunter and not just a sunny beach explorer, then this is definitely worth investing in. Moreover, given its price and tech specs, you can also consider it one of the best all-round metal detector choices for endless family fun and outdoor explorations without boundaries.

3 Teknetics Delta 4000 Metal Detector

Next up on our list of best metal detector reviews is the Teknetics Delta 4000, which is a sturdy and reliable metal detector that won’t let you down. It has an 8-inch waterproof search coil that can find coins and jewelry up to 9-inch inches deep in any environment. It competes fiercely in the best metal detector for coins category with other products you will see on this list. 

BEST FOR Comfortable treasure hunting
Use Coins, gold, jewelry
Item Weight 3.5 pounds
Item Size 11.2 x 6.5 x 40 inches
What it does Detects metals up to 9 inches deep
Coil Size The 8-inch waterproof open surface search coil
Frequency 7.8 kHz
Fun Value Very High
Special features
  • A large, easy-to-read LCD display with a 2-digit numerical target ID system
  • Running depth indicator identifies target depths from 0 to 8 inches
  • Discrimination and All Metals modes
  • 3-tone audio discrimination
  • Pinpoint function
  • Adjustable sensitivity
  • Depth display
  • Overload alarm
  • Padded armrest
  • Comfort handgrip
  • Made in the USA
Warranty 5 years

Why choose the Teknetics Delta 4000 Metal Detector?

The Delta 4000s’ LCD display is one of its most useful features; it not only gives the target an ID number but will also tell you what item it is. This means you can easily familiarize yourself with ID numbers. It also has 3-tone audio discrimination to alert you to different metals without needing to look at the screen. As comfort goes, the padding and the handgrip makes it treasure hunting a breeze for those adamant to find some precious relics.

Other things to know about this metal detector:

  • Operates on two 9V batteries (not included)
  • 20 H battery life
  • Headphone jack
  • Adjustable stem
Pros
Great price for its tech specs
Best metal detector for comfortable prolonged use
Intuitive LCD display
Cons
No ground balancing

Verdict

Considering its tech specs, price, and features, the Teknetics Delta 4000 is one of the best metal detectors money can buy. If you and your family or friends plan to spend hours looking for treasure, you will come to appreciate the comfort this product brings.

The LCD display is also among the best features of this metal detector. With easy to read visuals, you can get an overview of everything you need to know to find that treasure.

We would normally recommend you to buy full science kits for kids that have both an educational and entertainment value. But, if you want to surprise a teenager with a well-thought gift, get this metal detector and the best magnifying glass for coins and turn everything into an exceptional set that sparks curiosity, promotes adventure, and generates an undying love for research and science! 

4 National Geographic Pro Metal Detector

The National Geographic metal detector is the ideal companion for any young treasure hunter. It comes with the full functionality and tech specs of higher-end items, able to rival even the best metal detector for pros. With a lightweight and compact design that can fit in most backpacks and a waterproof coil, it can go anywhere, helping kids and teens to understand scientific concepts, explore a hobby, and have lots of fun. As usual, you can trust National Geographic to deliver some of the best science kits for kids and some of the best tools and accessories for all of us to learn science the fun way!

BEST FOR Beginners
Use Coins and jewelry
Item Weight 2.3 pounds
Item Size 7.5 x 4.5 x 22.5 inches
What it does Searches and identifies item up to 12 inches deep
Coil Size 10-inch waterproof coil
Frequency 7.8 kHz
Fun Value Very High
Special Features
  • Collapsible
  • 3 detection modes
  • 4 sensitivity levels
  • Pinpoint function
  • Audio alert detection with volume adjustment and headphone jack.
  • LCD display
  • Turn-on-and-go functionality
Warranty 2 years

Why choose the National Geographic Pro Metal Detector?

The National Geographic metal detector is certainly not a toy detector. It is probably the best metal detector for beginners and the best metal detector for kids on this list.

The LCD display and simple interface make it easy to use. It comes with three detection modes and 4 sensitivity levels to filter out unwanted items and identify metals. The pinpoint function is a great feature to help with honing in on the object.

It comes with a turn-on-and-go feature that means that it is ready to go out of the box so that the adventure can begin straight away.

Other things to know about this metal detector:

  • Operates on AA batteries (not included)
  • Up to 20H battery life
  • Comes with an easy to read the instructional booklet
  • Adjustable length
Pros
Probably the best metal detector for beginners
Excellent price
Lightweight and portable design
Turn-on-and-go feature
Cons
No backlight on screen

Verdict

The National Geographic metal detector is ideal for any younger treasure hunter out there. Packed with amazing features and easy to use, this item is the best metal detector for kids and beginners alike. The metal detector comes with an excellent price, good warranty, and incredible entertainment and educational value.

5 Ricomax Metal Detector

The RICOMAX is a great starter detector that packs a serious punch. It is the best metal detector for beginners who do not want to sacrifice functionality for the budget. The LCD display gives an easy readout of all the important information and settings and the simple interface makes it a breeze to set up and get started. In our top five metal detectors, as cheap metal detectors go, this is the best budget metal detector on the list.

BEST FOR Beginner all metals hunting
Use All metals
Item Weight 2.31 pounds
Item Size 48 x 10 x 10 inches
What it does Detects coin-sized objects up to 8 inches deep and items up to 24 inches large
Coil Size 10-inch waterproof coil
Frequency 7 kHz
Fun Value Very High
Special Features
  • Discrimination control to either include or exclude chosen metals
  • Waterproof up to 2 feet deep
  • LCD display
  • Pinpoint function for higher accuracy
  • Distinctive audio tones for different metals
  • 3 operational modes.
  • Adjustable sensitivity level and volume
Warranty Lifetime Guarantee with free replacement policy

Why choose the RICOMAX Metal Detector?

This is a great addition to any treasure hunter’s arsenal, but it is a great jumping-off point for anyone who wants a starter kit with full versatility. The LCD display gives an easy overview of detection mode, sensitivity level, battery charge, volume, object detection, and target depth.

It comes with a large 10-inch waterproof search coil, which gives a higher sensitivity when searching for objects. The pinpoint mode makes it easier to accurately find where to dig. It is the best metal detector for the money among our top five choices in metal detectors. The lifetime guarantee is a huge plus as well.

Other things to know about this metal detector:

  • Operates with two 9V alkaline batteries (not included)
  • Headphone jack
  • Adjustable stem
Pros
Easy to use interface for beginners
Best metal detector for the money in the top 5
Best metal detector for all metals hunting
Excellent warranty
Cons
Screen can be dull

Verdict

The RICOMAX metal detector is a great all-rounder that is budget and user friendly. Waterproof up to 2 feet, it is perfect for the beach or toughing out bad weather. It has a lifetime guarantee with a free replacement policy so you know that the manufacturer is confident of the product and for good reason.

It is probably the best metal detector for the money when it comes to beginners and even teenagers, as it will serve you for a long time. Or, at least, up until you decide to up your ante and pick a pro metal detector.

6 Fisher 1280X-8 Underwater Metal Detector

If you are a serious beach treasure hunter, then you are probably looking for a more robust detector or you are considering venturing out into the deep blue sea. If you were looking for the best underwater metal detector, then look no further, as you found it.

The Fisher 1280X-8 is perfect for not only beach treasure hunting, but also for scuba diving treasure hunts. It is the best waterproof metal detector for the beach or below the sea level explorations on this list and the price fully reflects its capabilities.

BEST FOR Underwater treasure hunting up to 250 feet depth
Use Coins, other metal objects
Item Weight 6.6 pounds
Item Size 12 x 6 x 21 inches
What it does Detects coins and metal items up to 11 inches deep in freshwater and saltwater
Coil Size 2 coil size options (8 inches and 10 inches)
Frequency 2.4kHz
Fun Value Very High
Special Features
  • Submersible to 250 feet
  • Full range target discrimination
  • Automatic turn-on-and-go operation
  • It automatically fine-tunes itself to changing conditions
  • Adjustable safety, discrimination, and volume
  • Audio and visual target response
  • Battery test mode
  • Fully collapsible pole assembly
  • Removable control housing with belt-mount attachment
  • No ground balancing adjustments
Warranty Upon manufacturer request

Why choose the Fisher 1280X-8 Metal Detector?

The Fisher 1280X-8 is a solid model, ideal for the more adventurous treasure hunters who want the best metal detector for the beach, surfing, diving, and more. Withstanding 250m of ocean depths and coming with the choice of chest or hip mounting, it is the top pick for any diving expeditions. The “turn-on and go” feature is a welcome one for all adventurers out there.

Some more things to know about this metal detector:

  • Up to 75 hours of battery life
  • Headphones and arm strap are included
  • Operates with 8x AA batteries
Pros
Best underwater metal detector
Excellent tech specs
Turn-on-and-go feature
Hip or chest mounting with optional harnesses
Great battery life
Cons
Very expensive

Verdict

This is the best underwater metal detector on the list, able to accompany you to the beach or diving in the sea. It is a sturdy unit that will allow you to venture further than other metal detectors in the same price range. While not a budget product, it does come with impeccable customers’ reviews. In other words, if you are more adventurous and you plan to follow your underwater treasure-hunting hobby for years to come, it is well worth the investment. If Nessie was real and made of metal, this would be the tool to finally find it! 

7 Bounty Hunter TK4 Metal Detector

The Bounty Hunter TK4 is ideal for those on a tight budget. It is one of the most affordable metal detectors on this list and an Amazon best seller to boot. Its simple design is sure to not overwhelm any beginners or younger hobbyists. Packed with pre-programmed features such as ground balance and notch discrimination, it makes it easy for you to just go out and find your treasure without playing around with functions.

BEST FOR Budget deep ground metal detecting
Use Coins, jewelry, survey markers
Item Weight 3.7 pounds
Item Size 28.2 x 10 x 6.2 inches
What it does Detects coin-sized targets up to 8 inches deep; larger targets up to 2 feet deep
Coil Size 8-inch waterproof coil
Frequency 6.7 kHz
Fun Value Very High
Special Features
  • 3 modes of operation: all metals, full metal discrimination and tone discrimination
  • 2 tone audio discrimination
  • Motion all-metal mode
  • 3-position mode switch
  • Target strength meter
  • Discrimination control
  • Automatic ground balance
  • Sensitivity control
  • Waterproof and submersible
Warranty 5-years limited warranty against defects in workmanship and materials

Why choose the Bounty Hunter TK4 Metal Detector?

This metal detector is perfect if you want a big name for a low price. It is waterproof and submersible, so it can handle most ground conditions.  It has three adjustable settings: discrimination, sensitivity, and search modes. Other settings come pre-programmed into it, making it a great beginner’s model, especially if you don’t want to invest in a high-end device straight away.

More importantly, it can detect metal items deep in the ground and find not only treasures but also items of great importance. It is the best budget metal detector coming with a solid reputation and excellent customer reviews on our list. 

Here are some other things to know about this metal detector:

  • Operates with two 9V alkaline batteries
  • Adjustable height
  • Built-in speakers
Pros
Great first metal detectors for beginners
One of the best metal detectors for deep ground searching
Unbeatable price for the tech specs
Versatile and easy to use
Cons
Some complain about the discrimination capabilities

Verdict

This is the most affordable metal detector that you will find from Bounty Hunter and on this list as well and is well worth the money. For any novice who doesn’t want to break the bank but only test the waters, this is definitely a top choice. It is by far the best metal detector for the money among all ten products we listed here and one reliable companion for those looking for more than just coins and jewelry.

8 Bounty Hunter PL Metal Detector

The Bounty Hunter PL Time Ranger is the best all-rounder for metal detecting enthusiasts. It comes with an 8-inch waterproof coil and an additional 4-inch coil specifically for gold. While most metal detectors can pick up a range of metal, the Time Ranger has been specifically designed to detect all metal types.

This means that it needs some powerful settings behind it so that you aren’t getting readings from everywhere, and it does it well. This metal detector has a multitude of functions and settings that you can use to filter down your results and has a “sniffer mode” for quick on the go settings.

BEST FOR Integrated Sniff mode
Use All metals
Item Weight 4 pounds
Item Size 28.5 x 10 x 6.2 inches
What it does Detects any metal up to 11 inches deep
Coil Size 8-inch waterproof open-face search coil & 4-inch gold nugget auxiliary open-face search coil
Frequency 6.6 kHz
Fun Value Very High
Special Features
  • Fully programmable with 4 operating modes
  • Programmable notching system
  • Ground-balance monitoring system
  • Blanker system to eliminate surface while searching deeper
  • Sniff mode to quickly adjust your detector – eliminating or accepting one target ID.
  • 3-Tone audio discrimination gives a unique tone for different kinds of metal
  • 4-level iron discrimination
  • Ground-Trac monitors ground mineralization for efficient operation
  • Target-ID and depth readout
  • Treasure Identification
  • LCD readout
  • Adjustable aluminum stem
  • Programmable touchpad
Warranty 5 years

Why choose the Bounty Hunter PL Metal Detector?

The Bounty Hunter PL Time Ranger is a great metal detector with superior detection settings. Sniff mode allows you to quickly filter out the trash, identify targeted metals, and learn how deep the object is.

The 3-tone audio discrimination will give an audible alert to identify different metal types, while the LCD will display all vital information and settings (target ID, depth, and sensitivity level).

It is the best metal detector for all metals and makes a valuable long-term investment, especially since it comes with a fair price for its specs.

Other things to know about this metal detector:

  • Up to 20 H battery life
  • Built-in speaker headphone jack
Pros
• Sniff mode and audio discrimination
Great price for the specs
High accuracy
Additional search coil for nugget detecting
Cons
No volume controls

Verdict

This is a features-packed metal detector suited to a more seasoned enthusiast. If you have some experience, this is definitely worth checking out. The sniffer mode and the 3 audio tones are among the most useful features to quickly find and identify your targets. It works well with solid ground and beach sand comes with a great price and will last for years. You can consider this one the best entry-level metal detector for people who understand the concepts and even worked with such a device before. 

9 Fisher Gold Bug Metal Detector

As its name would suggest, the Fisher Gold Bug Pro is the best metal detector for gold in the high-end price range. It has a 5-inch waterproof coil and features real-time ground balancing and V Break to pinpoint any gold in the area. It also detects silver, so you can start packing for your next treasure hunt! Generally speaking, when you are looking for the best metal detectors, you will stumble upon Fisher’s name a lot. For instance, the Fisher F75 is one of the best mid-level metal detectors on the market, the Gold Bug is the best metal detector for gold, and the Fisher 1280-X Aquanaut is also among the best underwater metal detectors coming from this brand. In other words, it is hard to go wrong with Fisher metal detectors for all ages and level groups.

BEST FOR Detecting small gold nuggets in high mineralized soil
Use Precious metals
Item Weight 2.5 pounds
Item Size 10.2 x 6.2 x 28.5 inches
What it does Detects gold and other metals up to 5 feet deep
Coil Size 5-inch DD round closed waterproof search coil
Frequency 19 kHz
Fun Value Very High
Special Features
  • V Break variable tone breaking point discrimination
  • Computerized ground balancing with manual adjustment
  • Discrimination mode
  • Continuous ground condition readouts
  • No motion pinpointing and depth indicator
  • Threshold and gain adjustment
  • Signal strength indicator
  • Target ID and 2 one audio that includes VCO
  • Higher sensitivity
Warranty 5 years

Why choose the Fisher Gold Bug Metal Detector?

The Fisher Gold Bug Pro is not only designed to find even the smallest of gold nuggets in highly mineralized soil, but it also identifies the ground conditions with its real-time computerized ground balance. This allows the user to observe changes in the soil and identify areas where gold is likely to be.

Other things to know about this metal detector:

  • Operates on one 9V battery
  • 15 – 20 H battery life
  • Dual headphone jack
Pros
Best metal detector for finding precious metals
Works well in highly mineralized soils
Identifies ground mineralization conditions
No motion pinpointing
Cons
Very expensive

Verdict

This is the best metal detector that you will find if you are looking to strike it rich in gold. It is chock-full of features to make finding the tiniest of gold nuggets effortless. While very expensive, it is worth the investment if precious metals are the droids you were looking for during your treasure hunting adventures. The warranty and the tech specs speak for themselves when it comes to the reliability of this product. 

10 Bounty Hunter LSTAR Metal Detector

Our last item on our list of best metal detectors is another Bounty Hunter item. The Bounty Hunter LSTAR is perfect if you want a no-fuss but features-packed metal detector. It can identify metals and coin types on a simple display and has 4 modes to fine-tune its response. It comes with a waterproof coil so you can explore anywhere and in any weather. It can find gold, but it can find silver better. You can also use it for beach and saltwater exploration.

BEST FOR  All Coin Types
Use Coins, silver, gold, zinc, iron
Item Weight 2 pounds
Item Size 28.5 x 10.2 x 6.2 inches
What it does Detects objects up to 10 inches deep
Coil size Fully submersible 8-inch search coil
Frequency 6.6kHz
Fun Value Very High
Special Features
  • Professional 4-Mode Operations – All metal, Disc, Notch, Auto notch
  • 4-level iron discrimination
  • 8-inch interchangeable, waterproof search coil
  • LCD with target id & depth indication
  • Detects coin-size objects up to 10″ deep
  • No motion mode
  • Auto-notch discrimination allows turn-on-and-hunt discrimination
  • Ground Trac to automatically balance the machine to the soil
  • Intuitive touchpad control
  • Built-in speakers
  • Headphones jack
Warranty 5 years

Why choose the Bounty Hunter LSTAR Metal Detector?

The Bounty Hunter LSTAR has an easy to use interface that anyone can use. There is no need to read target ID numbers because they are displayed by a handy little arrow that points to different coin and metal types appearing along the top.

There are 4 detection modes allowing you to customize the feedback you receive from targets. The auto-notch setting means that the detector will do all the work for you and the no motion function means that you don’t even need to move the detector to get a reading.

Other things to know about this metal detector:

  • Operates with two 9V alkaline batteries (not included)
  • Battery Life up to 10 hours
Pros
No motion mode
Fully programmable
Easy and fun to use
Turn-on-and-go automatic notch discrimination
Cons
May perform poorly when in full metal mode

Verdict

The Bounty Hunter LSTAR’s interface makes it the best metal detector for coins. With an easy to read target ID and depth, it makes it perfect for any newcomer who wants to get full control of their hunts without it getting overwhelming. For the price range and tech specs, you should really look into this product.

How to Buy The Best Metal Detector: A Short Guide

What is the best metal detector and how should it work? This really depends on what type of metal you are looking for and what the environmental conditions in the area are. There are many different factors that can influence metal detectors’ ability and therefore your selection.

The main things to consider are how confident you are in controlling the settings, the ground conditions, and what you are looking to find during your treasure hunts.

The Basics of Metal Detectors: Tech Specs

1. Target Identification

The Target Identification is a numerical value assigned to identify different metals. Each model has a different system and you would need to adjust to this with each new purchase.

2. Discrimination

The discrimination settings allow you to control what metals will be acknowledged and what will be ignored. You have many kinds of discrimination modes that you can pre-set into the metal detector to make it easier to find certain items such as coins, jewels, or relics. Most discrimination modes work by rejecting readings below a certain target ID.

  • There is another discrimination feature known as “notching”, which allows you to specify another range you want to exclude. The notching system is just another layer of discrimination.

For example, I am metal detecting in the park, and I am getting a lot of reading for pull-tabs or rusty nails. I can use the discrimination mode to eliminate all readings below silver, this way I will only get feedback from items with a target ID above that of silver. If I want to target only silver, I can use the notching system to eliminate all readings above it.

You can use such features in a combination of ways to customize the detector to pinpoint what you are looking for.

3. Ground Balance

Soil naturally has small quantities of metal mixed into it and they can interfere with the metal detectors readings. The ground balance allows the device to ignore this interference and focus on finding objects made of metal.

There are different degrees of control on each detector model. Some models will adjust the ground balance automatically for you, others come pre-set into the device, some require manual programming with each hunt, and others have a mixture of all of them.

4. Operating Frequency

If you ever wondered what makes a good metal detector, then the frequency is a good answer to start. The frequency of metal detectors relates to how many times the signal is given out and fed back each second. The frequency impacts how deep the detector can search.

  • Higher frequencies are better for finding smaller objects but they can’t penetrate as deep.
  • Alternatively, lower frequencies are better at finding objects buried deep but can miss smaller objects.

The frequency you need depends on what kinds of treasures you are looking for. For instance, 20 kHz or higher frequency means your metal detector is great for gold. 

5. Sensitivity

As its name suggests, the sensitivity is how responsive the detector is to feedback from metal.

  • If the sensitivity level is high, it will allow the detector to pick up on smaller items but can get interference from background levels.
  • If the sensitivity level is low, it reduces the responsiveness but increases the likelihood of getting feedback from desired items.  

6. Search Depth

The search depth is how deep into the ground the metal detector can penetrate to find treasure. Search-depth can be affected by the soil type and the coil size.

Types of Metal Detectors’ Coils

1. Size & Shape

It is important to pick the right size and shape of the coil to use, as it can change the way the detector interacts with the environment.

  • As mentioned above, the size of the coil determines how deep the device can detect objects and the shape of the coil can influence where you are able to use it.

Most often, the coils are round or elliptical. Round coils are better at detecting deep down and have more sensitivity, whereas elliptical is better for having a wider detection field due to their elongated length.

2. Configuration

There are two main configurations of a coil: concentric and Double-D (DD). They change how sensitive the detector is to mineralization in the ground.

  • Concentric coils are best for non-mineralized soils, as they are more sensitive to the mineral content of the soil. This would mean that there would be a lot of static interference while you are detecting.
  • DD coils are the opposite; they are best suited to high mineralization. They have lower ground interference and sensitivity, so they are better for reducing unwanted feedback.

What Else You Should Know Before You Buy one of the Best Metal Detectors from Our List?

Make sure you do thorough research before you purchase the best metal detector on the market. Allow us to give you some pointers!

  • Research what ground conditions and likely targets you are likely to find in your area.
  • Consider what items you are looking to find.
  • Do some homework to find out what best suits your needs and how much control over each set you will need.
  • If you want to try out metal detecting for the first time to see if it is the right fit for you, we would recommend buying a budget model with some pre-set modes or easy configuration. However, if you are new to metal detecting and want to invest in a long-term hobby, we would suggest going for the mid-range products that have some pre-sets and some custom controls to allow you to ease into fully controlling the settings.

Best Metal Detectors on the Market: A Short Rundown

Now that we saw how to buy a metal detector and what features to consider in your purchase decision, allow us to offer you the shortlist of the best metal detectors we reviewed on this list. Remember that an underwater metal detector can be the best metal detector for silver, so things tend to mix at some point. It all depends on each product’s tech specs and features. However, for the sake of categorization, here are some of the most interesting of choices:

Bottom Line

Whether you are a newbie or a pro, choosing the best metal detector is no easy feat. There are so many different things to account for and some of them come down to personal preference. We hope that we have made it an easier journey to find the best metal detector and get out there hunting for that treasure! If you want more metal detector reviews for specific products you consider purchasing, let us know in the comment section below and we will do our best to include your suggestions in an upgraded version of this guide!

If you have already ventured out and found your loot, why not let us know what your best find was or what your favorite metal detector is? We can’t wait to hear more about peoples’ experiences with metal detectors!

Want more science now?

Check out our news page where we post interesting studies and discussions (sometimes mocking them mercilessly) for more.

Pin It on Pinterest

Shares
Share This