A metal detector is not something that you go on and buy every day. It is a one-time investment, and it does cost a fortune to land on a good metal detector. Perhaps, you will not find one opinion when it comes to choosing “the best metal detector.” If you surf the internet, you are going to find several opinions on this. Every person has their own experiences and preferences.
While buying a product like this, it is always better to look into the features and select the one which has got all the best features for you. According to my experience, the choice always matters to the goal of the person who is buying it. If you are buying a metal detector just to have a stroll on the beach and use it as a hobby, then you will be comfortable with Garrett or Fisher metal detectors. Typically, the hobbyist tends to stink with one brand name throughout their life. But if you want to do some severe metal detection, you must be aware of the new technologies being introduced in the market. Every day the technology is enhancing, and products are becoming artificially smart. If you want to achieve more in less time, it is better to step up the game and put your hands on the latest product available in the market.
As the technology used for metal detection varies, so does the prices. If you are doing it just as a hobby, there is no need to spend thousands of dollars on it. You can buy a decent metal detector at just under $1000. But these metal detectors will only be adaptive to certain kinds of sand. These are ideal for beaches, but when you are serious about using a metal detector to find gold and other precious metal in the high mineralized area, you need to spend more money.
The important thing is that the metal detector should be waterproof as well as it should be compatible with harsh land and atmosphere. You will find the best professional metal detector under $10,000.
Before digging into features of the products and further details, it is essential that one thing is made clear. Spending more money does not mean you have got the best metal detector. What matters the most is the features and how they help you according to your conditions.
Below here is the list of the best metal detectors of 2020 for all uses. We have divided this guide into different sections of your interest. With each product, all the features are mentioned in detail. If you want to land on the most well-suited product, it is recommended to go through the details thoroughly.
Best Metal Detector Beginners / Entry Level Metal Detector in 2020
Following is the list of top best Metal detectors for beginners in 2020.
1) Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal Detector
Undoubtedly, investing in an expensive, full-fledged metal detector might come across as scary, especially when you are an amateur. You might face several questions about the equipment and its use. Therefore, it is always best to opt for a metal detector designed for beginners. One such famous metal detector is Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal Detector. There are several features of the equipment that makes it an ideal choice. Some of them have been mentioned below,
Best Features
Since most beginners have little or no idea about the types of grounds that should be searched for valuable metals, the metal detector they are choosing must be compatible with different types of grounds. Bounty Hunter TK4 has this feature. It is a suitable option for extreme conditions. So, whether you perform metal detection in your garden or at your trek, it is going to give you satisfactory results everywhere. Not only this, its preset ground balance has the option to neutralize all the responses to the regular mineral content in the ground. This means it won’t start beeping for things that are unimportant for your search.
Bounty Hunter TK4 has three distinct modes to distinguish between different metals. This includes the discrimination mode, motion all-metal mode, and two-tone audio mode. Depending on the characteristic of the object detected, you will hear a different sound. These different modes enable users to identify the different sizes of objects, up to 3 feet.
Since the product has been designed by keeping amateur users in mind, it has a user-friendly interface that can be navigated using a knob. It has been kept simple to facilitate users with varied experience in metal detection. Operating on a frequency of 6.7 kHz, the detector is ideal for all kinds of metals, especially gold, iron relics, silver, and other valuables. Also, it comes with other effective features such as frustration-free packaging, which causes less trouble for amateur explorers.
- Light-weighted as compared to other such products in the market.
- It comes with warranty and user support in case of any problem.
- The sensitivity and discrimination can be adjusted as per need.
- Easy to control interface to make changes in the metal detection process.
- 8-inch wide search coil that can also be used in a liquid medium.
- The stem can be adjusted to change the height of the detector.
- It comes with a ¼-inch headphone jack.
- It has excellent reviews from users who have found a metal detector as a fantastic hobby because of it.
- Although the coil is waterproof, the rest of the device is not suitable to be used in water.
2) Fisher F22 Weatherproof Metal Detector with Submersible Search Coil
The next in the list of metal detectors for beginners is Fisher F22. It is a product that has been winning its customers for quite some time. With over 90 years of experience in the industry, the brand is known for building supreme-quality and long-last metal detectors. A German immigrant, Dr. G. Fisher, founded Fisher Research Lab back in 1931, and today, it is one of the oldest companies producing metal detectors.
Best Features
When it comes to features, Fisher F22 has some of the most spectacular features in the market. Starting from its weight, it is one of the lightest weighted equipment of its kind. It weighs around 2.3lbs, whereas the other products in its competition weigh almost its double. A metal detector that doesn’t weigh much is more comfortable to navigate, which is what beginners desire.
For an amateur, a significant challenge is to be able to distinguish between junk and valuables. Fisher F22 helps in this regard by allowing users to adjust the volume of useless objects in comparison to useful objects. This not only saves your time and energy but also spares you from the unwanted frustration of digging for hours to find a bottle cap.
Moreover, as the name suggests, Fisher F22 is a waterproof metal detector. So, whether you want to metal hunt at a beach or a rainy environment, it is no more an issue. When it comes to its operation, that too is pretty simple. You are not required to spend hours to configure it. Instead, turn it on, and it’s ready to go. With precise resolution, high sensitivity, and notch and pinpoint features, it is an excellent choice to go for jewelry, coin, or artifact hunting. With 4-tone audio ID-system, it enables users to set their tones.
- It has four search modes that high improve your search experience.
- It is quite simple to use, which is an additional benefit for amateurs.
- It has a long-lasting memory in terms of the settings you feed into it.
- Fisher F22 also has a separate iron identification icon to make it easier for users to carry out an iron search.
- Because of its higher sensitivity, it can detect up to 9 inches deep.
- It is super light weighted which makes it easier to navigate.
- It comes with a 5 years warranty, which means you are covered for a long time.
- If you compare it to the later versions of Fisher products, it might seem to lack more advanced features.
- It doesn’t prove a manual ground balance setting that you might need when you become professional at metal detection.
3) Minelab X-TERRA 305 Metal Detector
The third on the list of best entry-level metal detector is Minelab X-TERRA 305 Metal Detector. Many people have only heard of their high-quality and expensive metal detectors, but not everyone knows that the company also produces beginner-level metal detectors. These detectors are not low in quality but are easier to operate as compared to advanced detectors for full-fledged expeditions.
Best Features
While most beginner metal detectors operate on a signal frequency, Minelab X-TERRA 305 provides its users with an additional frequency. This means users can switch between 7 kHz and 18.75 kHz by changing the coil. This further adds to its frequency and makes it better at differentiating iron from the rest of valuables.
Minelab X-TERRA 305 also comes with a manual ground balance adjustment. This is particularly useful if you are metal detecting in a highly mineralized area. It sets the high mineral level of the ground as normal, which doesn’t give you false hope for junk. Trust me, and it can be quite demotivating to spend hours on a useless object.
The metal detector also comes with a noise cancel function. Using the three mutual settings, users can pick the channel with the least noise for detection. Other features of the device include its all-metal mode, threshold adjustment, two in-built search patterns, and three-tone IDs.
- The manufacturers are known for the best quality metal detectors.
- It is reasonably light weighted and is quite easy to navigate.
- Minelab X-TERRA 305 is quite an experiment when it comes to coin detection.
- The device is a bit expensive than other beginner-level metal detectors in the market.
- The coil that allows you to search on one more frequency needs to be purchased separately.
4) Garrett ACE 300 Metal Detector
Another popular choice among newbies is Garrette ACE 300, and they have good reasons to opt for it. The device is not only light on price but also efficient in terms of its performance. With dimensions of 10x7x51, the device is ideal for detecting coins as well as jewelry.
Best Features
Garrette ACE 300 comes with a wide range of features that are particularly helpful to those who haven’t yet adequately mastered the art of metal detection. Along with adjustable notch discrimination and numerical target ID, it also displays coin depth in order to make your detection experience smoother.
Since it comes with four pre-set modes for detecting relics, coins, and jewelry, four iron segments, and a pinpointing mode, it is quite a choice for coin shooting and a quick hunt at the beach. Moreover, in order to counter the noise due to nearby electromagnetic interference, it comes with an additional option of frequency adjustment. This means you don’t need to stick to a specific wavelength. Instead, you can tune a bit to improve visibility.
Its affordable price is a deal-breaker. Not many metal detectors for beginners fall in this price range, which is quite disappointing for new learners. However, Garrette ACE 300 can help you in that domain.
- Compared to other metal detectors for amateurs, Garrette ACE 300 is quite easy to use.
- Although the entire body is not waterproof, the search coil of the detector is submersible.
- It comes with three entirely free accessories.
- It also comes with a cover to protect the device when not being used.
- It has great reviews on Amazon.
- It is not as advanced as other metal detectors in the market, but for beginners, it is okay, to begin with, basics.
- It does not have iron audio.
5) Garrett ACE 400 Metal Detector
As we already mentioned, Garrette ACE 300 is incredible in terms of its price and performance. It must be a great choice if you have just started metal hunting. However, if you have been on the field for quite a while, then you desire for a device that offers more. In that case, Garrette ACE 400 is an ideal choice. It won’t be wrong to say that Garrette ACE 400 is a nice upgrade to Garrette ACE 300, thus an update from level-1 metal detection to level-2.
Best features
When it comes to features, it is obvious that Garrette ACE 400 has all the features that 300 has, but in addition to them, there are more. It comes with a full DD coil—around 8.5” x 11”. With a broader surface area, your hunt rate increases incredibly. Moreover, it also operates on high frequencies, such as 10 kHz, which can penetrate deeper into the ground and get back clearer signals. This also improves the sensitivity as well as the resolution of the device. The decision is its capacity to sense target separated by short distances.
Garrette ACE 300 doesn’t have an Iron Audio. However, the company has introduced this feature in the upgrade. If you have the 300 models and want to add the iron audio, all you need to do is to change the coil for the device. Other features of the instrument include Digital Target ID, adjustable notch discrimination, the target depth, and battery condition indicator, and more.
- Its delivery package comes with Stow headphones, coil and ACE cover, and a detailed user manual.
- It has five different search modes, plus the pinpoint. It improves your search experience.
- It also has 2 years warranty in case something goes wrong with it.
- It is upgraded to the previous version of Garrette ACE, so once you have learned how to operate Garrette ACE 300, you wouldn’t need a lot of time to learn how to use it.
- On Amazon, you can see that customers absolutely love it, and there it has great reviews.
- As compared to its predecessor, you have to pay a high price, but it is justified for the upgraded features.
Best Metal Detector for Saltwater/beach hunting
We all know that the water from rivers and the sea are not soft. Rather they have higher salt and mineral quantity. It makes it difficult to search for objects. For using metal detectors in such environments, the metal detector which you are using must be compatible enough to cope up with it.
1) Garrett ATX Deepseeker
Garrett ATX Deepseeker is a durable design that meets military specifications. When it comes to Garrett ATX Deepseeker, it has the whole package for you. Not only it is waterproof up to 10 feet, but it is also extremely durable as well. Usually, metal detectors are made from metal, when it is in water for a long period, the metal corrosion can take place. But while making this product, it has been specifically kept in mind to make sure that it is durable. It is designed for harsh environment.
To improve performance, two modes are used. The first one is known as a standard package with 12” coil. This has been specifically designed to work in harsh environments. It is able to detect the maximum target, no matter what environment and condition are provided. In the previous editions, mode changes were required to target the maximum areas. While switching modes, there were great chances of missing one type of target while focusing on others.
The second mode is known as a deep seeker package with 12” and 20” coils. If you want to go for a treasure hunt in the more bottomless sea, this one is the right option for you. It has been explicitly designed to deal with harsh and unexpected waves. It also comes with 20” deep seeker mono search coil, which helps in spotting the treasures buried deep down.
Another important thing is that a metal detector should be easy to carry. You will have to carry it around with you, and it weighs more than you can easily carry when you are in hot waters. During the production of Garrett ATX Deepseeker, it has been kept in mind, which is why it only weighs around 5 pounds and about 68X4 inches. You can easily say that it is one of the most convenient Saltwater/beach hunting metal detectors.
To improve the performance and results, you can switch it to motion and motionless modes. It helps in hitting the target and detecting the deepest buried treasures. This device is fully collapsible, meaning you can use it in any configuration that you want.
Since it is a big investment and metal detector is not something that you can buy any day. It is important that everything is taken care of. Which is why it comes with military – Garrett Hardcase. It has separate portions available to protect every component completely.
Some metal detectors have a static stem, due to which it becomes hard to mold the length according to the requirements. Garrett ATX provides a flexible stem, which allows the comfort of using the machine when it is fully extended, in between, or fully collapsed.
Let’s be honest while using a metal detector, and you might not always be in the position to charge it, which is why it is important that it has powerful 8AA batteries. When fully charged, this device will be able to perform up to 10 hours.
It has several modes. You can use each one according to your requirements and needs. In total, it has almost 25 modes, which are supported by 13 sensitivity settings for those who focus on specific targets.
Garrett ATX Deepseekers comes with 2 years warranty. So, what are you waiting for? Grab this metal detector today and start your adventure. But before you start, there is one thing that you need to know. It has a limited warranty for specific parts, which is why you should read the terms and conditions carefully.
The only problem with this metal detector is that it is a little bit expensive as compared to the other options available in the market. But nonetheless, it is still the best Saltwater/beach hunting metal detector you can get your hands on.
2) Tesoro Sand Shark
A metal detector is not something that you go on and buy any other day. When you are investing in this, you need to look into facts and figures to make a firm decision. Every company has a specialty. When metal detectors are the question, Tesoro metal detectors are the answer. They have been known for producing the best quality metal detectors. It is not just about the quality of their products, and they are also best when it comes to performance. Each metal detector produced by this company is excellent and has cutting edge technology. The best part is that you can use it wherever you want. It is equally good when used in sand and water.
Tesoro Sand Shark comes with the most advanced digital pulse induction metal technology. This is the most advanced microprocessor technology. Even if you are using it in a place where there are high salt deposits, it will be able to differentiate minerals from metal. There is no denying the fact that new technology is pretty amazing, and the methods being used are extremely complicated. But there is no need to worry about it. They have made the operating system simple — all you need to do it to press a button to change the model according to your requirements. There are many options available, and you can switch to them according to the environment and condition available. All you need to do is to learn which option is the most well suited.
There are many good metal detectors available, but there are very few, which offer a warranty. I have come across the first metal detector, which actually offers a lifetime warranty. Sure, the warranty applies only to the specific parts. You need to read about the term and conditions before using them carefully. Usually, metal detectors start to crude away, as soon as they are used in saltwater. Most of them are designed to be used underwater, but even those are not durable when it comes to saltwater. But when we are talking about Tesoro Sand Shark, everything has got to be excellent. It has waterproof hosing, which makes it perfect for a wet environment. Even if it is pouring rain, you can use it without any worry, and the performance will amaze you.
For me, the perfect metal detector is the one where you can use it in the first go. The beginner should be able to use it easily as the advanced ones. There are many features mentioned about this product that one can easily get worried about how to handle it. The truth is that the designers have kept in mind to keep the manual extremely simple. You only need to go through it once, and you will be good to go.
Using a metal detector can be the choice of any person of any age. It is essential that every person should be able to carry it around. It weighs less than 4.5lbs. It also has a side/belly mount option, which you will find interesting. You can easily mount it whenever you want. For attaching it, you do not need extra tools to attach it.
The best feature of this metal detector is that it is an all-purpose metal detector. A metal detector is something that should be able to provide you with all-purpose, no matter what the environment it. It is able to produce excellent results on the sand as well as in water. Not to mention that it is waterproof. Be free to use it while you are out in wet areas for hunting or roaming around on a beach to get a tan. This detector is so versatile that it can detect Gold, Silver, Coins, jewelry, etc.
If we talk more about the features, it has two operational modes. Normal Mode and VCO Mode. In normal mode, as it appears from the name, it generates a single tone, which is helpful during beachcombing and other protracted explorations. But in VCO Mode threshold will generate a louder tone when the target is near. The most crucial part is that it has an in-built microprocessor that takes things to the next level. While using this technology, you can easily customize the metal detectors. Not only that, it is available in 8.5-inch and 10.5-inch Search Coil Versions, to make the performance even better.
3) XP Deus
A metal detector needs to be used in several places. Sometimes the situation can get quite tough. XP Deus is one of the best options available for challenging environments like saltwater beaches or gold prospecting. The best part about this product is that you can use it in several places. It is not just specifically designed for beaches or hunting. It is equally for both purposes. Most people buy it for its hunting purpose.
According to the reviews, it is the all-rounder metal detector. It is able to handle shallow saltwater detecting but is also suitable for parks, woodland, or other common hunting grounds. Because of this versatile nature, it is being known as the metal detector of the next generation.
Every product has its own specialty, XP Deus is best known for its wireless technology. You will not have any problem while operating it. All the operations are performed by using a headset. It does not require any remote wireless display; every operation can be managed from the headset. Whether it is ground balance or frequency, you just have got to press the button from the headset, and the task will be done. What I find amazing is that it has rechargeable batteries. Before going on an adventure, just plug the batteries for 3 to 4 hours, and it will last for the whole day.
Metal detectors are something that you have got to carry around by yourself. It is essential that it should be extremely lightweight to save you from all the fatigue. XP Deus is extremely handy when it comes to that. It only weighs 1 pound 15 ounces. It does not have the digital display screen, which makes it the lightest metal detector to date. If you are going on a long and hectic adventure, there is no need to take the digital display screen with you, just leave it at home. You can perform all the necessary operations through the headset.
XP Deus is all about saving you from unnecessary fatigue. It does not have extra wires. The coil is also wireless. You do not have to take care of several wires and make connections whenever you are in the wild.
It offers multiple frequency technology. Multiple frequencies mean that you will be able to spot treasures in wider areas and more depth. According to the experiments performed using this technology, it has proven to be perfect for gold prospecting, jewelry hunting, relic or coin hunting, and more. Not only that, you can use this metal detector for searching several types of soil, including beach sand.
Just because it does not have a separate digital display unit, it does not mean that the visuals are not clear. It offers one of the finest audios and visual quality. The remote unit has a clear and easy to read display, and the audio tones are individual to their reason. Even after just one use, you will be able to differentiate between several types of audio sounds and what their meanings are. When it comes to metal detecting, it needs the combination of the best device and skill of the person using it. You need to understand what each sound means and how they are helping you in detecting the metals. It will be highly unprofessional to look at the screen every time you need to know something. So, it is always better to know what each sound means.
This metal detector is the first preference of many users. Mostly because it is a one-time investment, and you can use it for the rest of your life. You do not have to purchase a new detector every few years. Most people complain that their devices become obsolete as new technology is taking over at an extremely fast rate. With XP Deus, you will never have this complaint. The software is updated every year. Each update consists of the latest features. There is nothing worse than getting used to something and then having to buy something new and learn all over again. But when you have XP Deus, you can get attached without any worry.
Even though this machine is pretty expensive as compared to the other options available. But in my opinion, it is a wise decision to invest in this device. Firstly, it is a one-time investment. You just have got to spend money this one time and enjoy the fruit for the rest of your life. Secondly, it is extremely handy and lightweight. It is the only metal detector that is wireless, making it one of its kind. Up till now, this machine has no bad reviews. Every person who has got their hands on this have come to know that it is a pretty fantastic investment.
Best Metal Detector for Finding Gold in 2020
1) Garrett AT Gold
An average metal detector can spot several things, like iron, nickel, copper, brass, aluminum, tin, lead, gold, silver, and bronze. Anything from jewelry to coins, which is buried. But if you are going on a gold hunt, a metal detector with specific features is required. This is when Garrett AT Gold steps in to save the day. It has got all the features that make it pro at detecting gold. It provides numerical target ID, excellent sensitivity, manual ground balance adjustment, and is waterproof to a depth of 10 feet.
For detecting more gold, it is essential that it has a higher frequency. It has 18 kHz frequency to detect the smallest gold nuggets. In the previous versions of metal detectors, the frequency was low. Due to which they were not able to identify the smaller objects. Detectors that have had frequency lower than 15khz are recommended for generalized metal hunting. Still, if you want to spot small metal nuggets, it is recommended to use a metal detector with a frequency higher than at least 18khz. This frequency is also ideal for spotting smaller objects like buttons and bullets.
Like most metal detectors, it has a display screen. It is used for controlling as well as you can look for details. The display is amazingly clear and vivid, and it will not be a problem to look at in the daylight. But if you like to work in a low-lit environment. You will not be able to have a clear view. It does not have a screen backlight option. For, me it was a huge drawback. A device should be able to perform perfectly in every environment. Using the screen, you will be able to control the Mode, Target ID, Depth Indicator, Sensitivity, and Battery Level. All the options are pretty much available clearly on the screen. You will not have any problem finding anything.
There are several modes available, and you can change the modes according to the requirement for better results. They are available on the left side of the screen. You just have got to press the mode button; several options will appear on the screen. Choose the best-suited option. The best option is that it has the option of a target ID. Meaning you can enter the numerical target ID depending on metal conductivity. This is displayed as both a large Target ID in the center of the screen and as a segment with an estimate of the type of metal.
For detecting more gold in less time, it must have a depth indicator. Garrett AT Gold a coin depth indicator with a maximum of 10”. For improving the results¸, it is essential to adjust the sensitivity manually. A sensitivity option is also available on the screen. You can change it according to your requirement by just one click. The most vital thing here is that you need to learn the sensitivity setting according to the environmental situation. Usually, the sensitivity option is available at the bottom of the screen. It won’t be a problem to find it. It has plus and minus buttons as well to increase or decrease the sensitivity levels.
When you are on the gold hunt, it is going to be a challenge to differentiate the false alarms. Thankfully, to solve this problem, they have installed a threshold function, which allows you to adjust the audio, so targets are more comfortable to hear. To save you from wasting your time digging unwanted things, it has a detector’s display shows a number between 0 and 99 — the more conductivity present in the area, the better chances of spotting the gold. The best way to find more gold in less time is by entering the target value. As soon as the target is spotted, it will be displayed on the screen as well as you will hear a specific sound in your headphones. This is a standard feature which is available in most of the metal detector. You can say it is the most effective way of doing more work in less time.
To maximize detection depth and sensitivity, a true-all metal mode. All these features are enough in order to perform efficiently. But when we are talking about Garrett AT Gold, there has got to be something extremely special. The most amazing feature is the electric pinpointing mode. It helps in getting the work done more brilliant way. This feature is not offered by many metal detectors as most of the users do not prefer this option. A separate pinpointer is a common preference for most of them. But in my opinion, it does not hurt to have a useful feature on board.
As far as the ground balance is concerned, it has both manual and automatic ground balance. You can use either according to the number of minerals in the ground. Whenever you are buying a metal detector specifically for gold detection, make sure that it has manual ground balance. This feature comes in handy when you are working in tough environments. It has got 40 levels of iron discrimination, which are great for the area where gold is hidden in a lot of trash like bottle caps. You can easily use this to detect more gold and focus solely on the target. Garrett’s trademarked “Iron Audio” system it helps in saving you more time by audibly picking out the trash.
- Excellent specifically for gold hunting
- Suitable for Underwater Hunting
- Iron Audio for picking out the trash and focusing more on the target
- Both manual and automatic ground balance is available
- Target ID option is available to focus solely on the target
- Manually adjustable Sensitivity
- The LED display is available for control options.
- There are none.
2) Fisher Gold Bug Pro
When you are going on a gold hunt, the most important that the metal detector you are using has the compatibility to be used in harsh environments. Normally, gold is not found in plains; the rocks and mountains are rough, and not all metal detectors are able to cope up with it. Fisher Gold Bug Pro is the enhanced form of the original product, which was launched a while ago. It has more enhanced features like Computerized Ground Balancing, Breakpoint tone discrimination system, Discrimination Mode, Continuous Ground Condition Readouts, Ground Phase value, and Static Pinpoint with depth indicator.
According to the reviews, it has been perfect for detecting small gold nuggets. It has a Fast Retune Speeds system, which makes it even more efficient when it comes to spotting gold nuggets. Basically, it uses a biaxial search coil. This technique is used for detecting two items at a time, with immense depth. One can easily say that with Fisher Gold Bug Pro, more work is done in less time. To improve efficiency, a new feature has been introduced, which is known as V-Break. This mode is a variable breakpoint tone discrimination system, which enables the user to adjust the multi-tone audio ID system. Previously, this technique has not been used in any kind of metal detector, so it makes Fisher Gold Bug Pro one of its kind. In the previous editions, most of the time was wasted in discriminating between several iron objects. But the coils used in Fisher Gold Bug Pro will make things even easier for you. Each iron object resonates with a specific audio ID, which then enables you to identify what metal it’s made of. The basic technique is that when low pitched sound is produced, it means that it is metal like iron, etc. In case, the high pitched sound is produced, it means gold is detected.
In the metal detectors, the biggest problem is that it is not easy to discriminate between several sounds. If you are working in a high mineralized area, this is going to be extremely hard to guess which sound is produced when gold is detected, and which is a false alarm. Most of the metal detectors only use sound like the only source, but Fisher Gold Bug Pro also provides visual aid. Now, you can differentiate using visual ID’s as well. If you prefer an audio detector, you can use it too. The visual aid is just there to help you with the process. Thus, any gold prospectors can use the tool to help find gold or other metals without digging up the wrong type.
You can also expand the iron ID. If you are searching for a specific size, you can just alter the iron ID size. By expanding the point iron ID, you’ll have an easier time discriminating against larger iron objects versus other smaller types of iron. This technique is basically helpful when you are short in time and do not want to waste your time digging up the wrong iron. Sometimes, you can dig up for hours and only end up with just nails and coins.
Another amazing feature is the Real-Time Display and Fe3O4 Meter. Normally, the metal detector does not offer this feature. Basically, this feature helps in detecting the type of soil. If the type of soil is changing, you will be notified. If there are different black sand concentrations, wet areas, or high mineral content, you will know based on the readings displayed on the metal detector. Again, this feature is designed to help you in saving time. Gold is found in such types of soils, which is why, if the type is changing, there are chances you are not going to find any gold in it. So, instead of wasting time, you can search it in the soil where there are higher chances of gold deposits.
The last, yet an important feature is Ground Balance System Handles. This might be the first time you hear about this feature. This is because Fisher Gold Bug Pro is the first metal detector that has such precise features. The handles are designed to provide enough support when walking on bad ground conditions. It has this inbuilt feature so that you do not have to look for a separate metal detector for ground balance. When you are on the gold hunt, there are higher chances that you will have to search in rough areas, which is why this feature is essential. Not only does the system work for gold, but it can also detect salt, coins, relics, and more.
- V-Break technology which helps in detecting more gold in less time
- Multi-tone audio ID system
- Expanded 40-Point Iron ID
- Real-Time Display and Fe3O4 Meter
- Ground Balance System Handles
- It can find even the smallest gold nuggets
- Perfect for mineralized environments
- It has limitations at depth.
- It is a sensitive detector that can also make it extremely difficult to operate in certain situations.
Best Metal Detector for Kids
1) NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Junior Metal Detector
Metal detecting hobbies are not restricted to a specific age group. Since the kids are showing great interest, national geographic stepped in to level up the game. This product is specifically designed by national geographic to provide the ultimate experience while keeping your child safe. It is intended to be extremely portable and easy to use. While designing this product, this has been kept in mind that children will not be able to carry around the metal detector by themselves if the product is heavy.
This metal detector is produced by a company named Minelab, and they have been known for producing the best quality products. Not only that, they are excellent when it comes to budget. You will only be paying for the features you are enjoying. Metals produced by Minelab are considered to be highly professional. It has lots of good reviews, at average 4.5 stars on Amazon.com. So, without wasting our time, let’s dig deep into the feature to know more about this product.
Since we all know that the kids can be ruthless at times, so, it is essential that the product is made from excellent quality to last longer. This Junior Metal Detector is extremely portable with a durable yet very lightweight build at only 1.4 lb (0.6kg). It is not only useful for kids, but if you are a newbie and want to try your luck¸ you can definitely use this one. It has a thorough design. The prices are surprisingly low if we look at the designs. It has a rugged arm strap and handles for support and comfort.
Even though this product is designed for kids, it works perfectly for detecting metal. Do not think of this as a dummy device that you can give to your kids to play around with. It is excellent when it comes to detecting buried treasure. It has a 7.5” dual coil. The coil is adjustable as well, and you can change the length according to your kids’ requirements and height. The coil is waterproof as well. So, that you can enjoy using it in both sand and water, to improve the meta detection results, the sensitivity can be increased or decreased according to the requirement. When the level of mineralization in the ground is higher, there are great chances that there would be false alarms. In such cases, you can manually decrease the sensitivity level. This way, it will only make an alert when metal is detected. This device is designed to be compatible with the professional level of metal detectors. If you are not getting desired results, there are chances that the sensitivity levels are not adjusted according to the environment.
Whenever metal is detected, a clear sound will be produced. Sometimes you might hear tones with different frequencies, and it does not mean that metal is detected. Sometimes it could be a false alarm. You need to learn the difference between several tones. Apart from that, an LED flashlight will be turned on when metal is detected. The results are pretty amazing when it comes to detecting metal objects buried deep in the sand. It has a detecting depth of up to 6 inches deep for small coins and more than 1 foot deep for larger metal objects. So, what are you waiting for? Now is the right time to get your hands on this metal detector today and start exploring. Even though it has strong 3 AA batteries, they can last for many hunts. But it recommended always to have a spare set of batteries, in case these run out of energy.
Metal detecting can be a very healthy activity. It can help train your children and to help them in building the habit of playing outside. But it has to be made sure that they enjoy this whole experience, which is why the device is made adjustable. It has a padded arm strap and comfort grip. It also has a telescoping arm; with this feature, you can change the length. With the coil folded and arm support removed, it measures just 24 inches. It extends up to 39 inches long.
To develop interest among the children. The designers have tried to make things as simple as possible. But still, it is a metal detector and requires you to learn some basic things in order to get things running smoothly. Everything which you might need to know is provided in written form. When you open the packaging, you will find booklets and pamphlets. As per kids are not able to understand complicated things; they have color-coded everything. So, assembling and connecting wires should not be a problem at all. If you are interested in knowing the history of metal detectors and how they work, you can get a detailed description of it as well.
As per this product is produced by National Geographic itself, you can easily consider that there are going to be no compromises when it comes to the quality and performance of the above-mentioned product. They have the reputation of producing the finest quality products. Previously, they have produced the highest quality STEM toys. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Junior Metal Detector comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
- Easy to use
- Perfect for a budding detectorist.
- Cost-effective
- 7.5” waterproof dual coil
- Adjustable sensitivity
- length adjustment and comfortable grip
- lightweight and portable
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
- full-color learning guide
- Not suitable for professional military level metal hunting.
- Best For Jewelry and Coins
Best Metal Detector for Coins and Jewelry
1) Garrett Ace 400 Metal Detector
If you have been searching for a metal detector for a while, then you must have seen the name “Garrett.” Garrett is one of the leading names when it comes to the production of excellent metal detectors. If we talk specifically about the Garrett Ace 400 Metal Detector, it has been able to make an uproar in the market ever since its release. It is being known for the top-notch features. Any amazing feature, you just name it, is present in this product.
The main features include digital target ID, Iron Audio, notch discrimination, and lightweight design. Normally, a metal detector with such huge features is extremely expensive. But Garrett made sure that it is not too heavy on your pocket. If you are familiar with the previous addition ACE 350, then you must be aware of the performance rate. You can say that Garrett Ace 400 Metal Detector is a refined form of ACE 350.
In the new version, the main focus is on improving performance. It is done by increasing the frequency. The ACE 400 is a VLF metal detector with an operating frequency of 10kHz. It means that it is more sensitive to smaller objects like coins and jewelry. It can even detect the objects which have low metal conductivity. It’s also a great frequency for balancing depth with sensitivity when coin and relic hunting.
When you are on jewelry or coin hunting, it could take you hours to find something finally. The first thing is that they are really small, and sometimes they are buried so deep inside the sand that the metal detector is unable to spot them. You will have to swing the metal detector for hours. In such cases, it is important that the metal detector is lightweight. Garrett Ace 400 Metal Detector is extremely handy, and it is extremely lightweight as well as it is handy. It weighs only 2.9lbs (1.3kgs). You will not even feel tired after long hours of searching.
In the long search for the best metal detector, there is one feature that I have learned is extremely important; that is, the adjustable stem. Not every person has the same height. If you have a small height and the stem is long, you will not be able to carry it around with you easily. Similarly, if the stem is way too small, it is also going to be aa problem. So, it is always better to adjust the stem according to your own desire. It also has an adjustable stem, that ranges between 40” to 53”, and cam locks to provide extra stability while hunting. There are not many people out there who really care about the appearance of their metal detectors, but for those who actually care, it has a bright yellow color scheme. It is designed to be spotted from a distance.
While designing this product, it was kept in mind that you are going to be in the search field for long hours. Before going on the hunt, make sure that the batteries are fully charged. Even though it has powerful batteries, it is better to keep the battery indicator is check. It’s powered by four AA batteries, which provide around 25-hours of search time. The battery indicator is displayed on the screen. For a better experience, it is recommended to have a fully charged battery when you are on the ground.
If you go hunting in the form of groups, the detection can become difficult. The frequencies from different detectors can collide, making it harder for your detector actually to spot coins and jewelry. Which is why it has a frequency adjustment option available. You can lower the frequency level if another metal detector is around.
In all the top-notch metal detectors, separate modes are used for getting the best results. In the Garrett Ace 400 Metal Detector, there are 12 notches used for discrimination. You can find them on the lower end of the screen. There is also a legend showing which metal an item in each segment is likely to be. By adjusting these segments, you can fine-tune which items are detected and which are ignored. It has Zero-Disc, Jewelry, Relics, Coins, and Custom. Since you are specifically looking for coins and jewelry, we are only going to discuss these two in detail.
The jewelry mode is designed to specifically target the jewelry items like bracelets, locket, and rings buried underneath. The majority of iron trash is ignored in order to save you from false alarms. The coin mode is designed to ignore pull tabs, foil, and other common trash items. This way, you will be able to spot more coins. But the medium-sized jewelry items might get ignored.
- Amazing ground balance
- Adjustable frequency
- Separate modes for spotting more coins and jewelry
- Three-tone audio system
- It’s great for regions with low iron trash density
- Digital Target ID
- Waterproof Searchcoil
- User-friendly Control Panel and Display
- Highly sensitive
- Expensive
2) Garrett AT PRO Metal Detector
If you are in budget and still want an extraordinary metal detector, Garrett AT PRO Metal Detector is here to save the day for you. It is available at extremely reasonable prices. The number of features provided is amazing as well. When it comes to Garrett metal detectors, they never disappoint. They have been known for producing the best quality products which deliver amazing performance as well. This product is designed to find every metal, but since you are looking for a metal detector specifically for jewelry and coins, we are only going to talk about those features.
It is able to detect coins buried deep in the soil and jewelry, which has been lost in the deep waters for ages. It has an 8.5 by 11-inch DD search coil that’s fully waterproof. Even though it is an all-rounder metal detector, but ever since its release, it is being known for ‘the best metal detector for coins.’ As it has a great size that covers plenty of terrains but still alerts you to coins that have become buried over the years.
While choosing a metal detector for searching coins and jewelry, make sure that it has good ground balance because these things are buried deep under the surface. There is such a specific place where they re supposed to be found. People drop them in a number of places, which is why it has automatic or manual settings and a continuous coin depth indicator telling you how far to dig down. A target scale is also available. You can enter the value from 0 to 99. Based on this range provided by you, the metal detector is going to look for the depth of the target product. For coins and jewelry, it is recommended to look choose the middle range.
It has a frequency of 15kHz frequency; we all know the higher the frequency is, the better the results are. It is a mid-range enough to find coins, and the audio that alerts you is of standard Garrett excellence. When you are on the metal detection hunt, a lot of time is wasted. Normally, the detectors are unable to differentiate between the target product and trash. And let’s bet honest here, there are more trash inland and rivers, then there is gold and treasure. To avoid this situation, they have installed the feature known as “high-resolution iron discrimination.” This feature allows you to choose from up to 40 levels for more precise trash separation.
It also has a screen that displays a 2-digit target ID scale. Another interesting feature is the T Pro’s “professional” audio mode. If you are using this device for the first time, it is recommended to go for the standard model. It is much easier to use. The operations are pretty simple. If you still need some guidance. You can always go through the manual, which is provided in the package. But obviously, the pro settings are more suitable if you want more precise results. The pro set provides an audible target ID that allows you to judge the shape, depth, and size of the object. It also has an additional feature of Iron Audio identification, and it helps you in discriminating between the false alarms.
Normally, metal detectors designed for coins and jewelry are not suitable for underwater. Garrett AT PRO Metal Detector offers something unique by being waterproof. You can even use it under saltwater. It can be used at depths of up to 10 feet. The only problem you are going to face is that the headphones are not waterproof, which might be a hurdle in providing you the ultimate underwater experience. There’s also no backlight on the LED screen, which can make it less convenient to use in darker conditions.
- Best for searching coins and jewelry
- Waterproof up to 10 feet
- LED display
- Separate audio modes for a professional and standard experience
- Can be used under saltwater
- 15kHz frequency
- Inexpensive
- Headphones are not waterproof
- No LED backlight.
Conclusion
Metal detection is a healthy outdoor activity, which most people are reluctant to appreciate. For what I have observed, most people are interested in the findings but there is more to enjoy. The fresh air, the exercise, the mindful relaxing sweep of the machine, and the never-ending tease of what might be just a few steps ahead. If you stumble on something precious, that is cherry on top.
Just because you have got your hands on a metal detector, it does not mean that you will be playing in gold coins for the rest of your life. It takes time before you can master this art. Read the manual carefully. Learn what different beep sounds mean. Check different sensitivity levels and how they affect the whole process.
Do not try to learn everything in just one day, you are going to make yourself restless, and that might lead you to lose interest. Try to enjoy your journey from a newbie to an expert. Give yourself time to learn and experiment.