Metal detectors are devices that are used to sense the presence of deeply buried metals. Different versions of metal detectors are available in the market from simple to complex ones. Metal detecting has become a popular hobby nowadays. Beginners don’t have much knowledge about metal detectors and they end up wasting their money.
Some of the metal detectors are designed to detect all types of metals. This can be a big disadvantage if you are looking for a specific metal. On the other hand, there are some metal detectors that are specially designed to detect some particular metals. Therefore, you should have a clear idea before buying a metal detector for yourself. Metal detectors are designed to be easy, portable, lightweight and accurate.
Top 5 Metal Detectors Comparison
Metal Detector Reviews
1. Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal Detector
There are so many expensive metal detectors available in the market. Therefore, it is the ideal choice for budget minded people. Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal Detector can detect all sorts of metals. Some of the examples are brass, aluminum, gold, silver, etc. It is ideal for detecting treasure even in extreme weather conditions. It is the no.1 bestseller metal detector on Amazon.
Product Highlights
Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal Detector has three modes to detect the presence of metals- All metal mode, discrimination mode, and 2-tone audio mode.
Generally, people use their metal detectors in a pure metal mode as it helps to find deeper targets. Discrimination mode is used when you want to target a specific metal. It uses various filtering methods in order to separate the desired metal from the junk. 2-tone audio mode is mostly used by the detectorists in Europe for searching the medieval sites which contain no modern junk.
It is capable of detecting targets up to eight inches deep. It comes with a knob interface which makes the depth detection process facile. It has an operating frequency of 6.7 KHz. You just need to press the button to switch between different modes. It is reliable for those people who have just started their metal detection journey.
What’s to like about the Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal Detector
The knob interface makes it reliable for beginners. You need not to understand any complex settings. You can adjust the metal detector to different modes by just pressing a button. You can make the detection more precise by turning on the discrimination mode.
What’s Not to Like About the Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal Detector
The only issue with this metal detector is that it lacks pin pointers. It’s hard to find out the exact location of the metal. You need to move the coil several times over a particular location in order to get the precise reading.
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2. Fisher F22 Metal Detector
Fisher F22 is a fully weatherproof metal detector which means you can use it in any kind of harsh weather conditions. It is easy to use turn on and go metal detector which makes it reliable for the beginners. It provides a great search option for items like jewelry, coins, and other lost artifacts. It can detect objects up to nine inches deep. It offers an idea of how deep the metal is present so that the user has an idea of how deep he needs to dig.
Product Highlights
Fisher F22 metal detector consists of 4 modes of operation. The nine-segment visual and numerical ID feature helps the user to have an idea of what is present beneath the ground. An ID is a simple number that reflects the object’s conductivity on the scale of 1-99. The four-mode system helps the user to differentiate between the objects.
Fe- tone adjustable iron audio allows the user to set the volume of ferrous metals lower than the non-ferrous ones. It enhances the clarity of desirable objects. It has notch discrimination system that allows the user to exclude the valuable metals from the trash. Discrimination settings can be adjusted to a particular threshold value depending on what type of object you are in search of.
It consists of static pin pointers which help the user to find out the exact location where the metal is present beneath the ground. You need not to move your coil multiple times over a particular area.
What’s to Like About Fisher F22 Metal Detector
It is an ultra-lightweight and easy to use a metal detector. It consists of various features- discrimination, notch, sensitivity, pinpointers, 4 tone audio-ID, etc. which make the detection process more precise and easy. It has an operating frequency of 7.69 kHz.
What’s not Like About Fisher F22 Metal Detector
Although Fisher F22 is a weatherproof metal detector it can’t be completely submerged in the water. This means you can use it near beaches to detect metals as it can handle the small concentration of water. But it can’t be used underwater. This is the only con of Fisher F22 metal detector.
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3. The Garrett AT Pro Metal detector
It is the best waterproof metal detector available in the market. It is designed to be used in wet, humid and dusty weather conditions. It is perfect for hunting jewelry, coins, relics on land and beaches.
Product Highlights
Some of the highlights of the Garrett AT Pro metal detector are.
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Pro Mode Audio
Proportional audio and tone roll audio. It allows the user to hear the audio signals clearly without any interference.
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High-Resolution Iron Discrimination
This feature helps the user to separate the valuable metals from the trash. You can set different volumes for the ferrous and non-ferrous metals to make the detection process easy. Setting the discrimination at one of the 40 levels can help in more precise detection of metals.
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Digital Target ID
The ID is just a simple number which determines the conductivity of the metal beneath the surface. Setting it on a 0-99 scale enhances the ability to differentiate the conductivity of metals.
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Fast Track Ground Balance
Different soils have different levels of mineralization. This mineralization can set off your metal detector, causing it to produce audio signals. So, to overcome this, the metal detectors have this feature called ground balancing. Some of the metal detectors have an automatic ground balance feature whereas some have the manual as well. This feature takes into account the level of mineralization in the soil and filters it out. Manual ground balancing is better than the automatic one as it provides you more control over your metal detector.
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Frequency
It has a frequency of 15khz which enhances its ability to detect even small metals like gold nuggets.
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Search Coil
It consists of exclusive Garrett DD search coil specially designed for mineralized soil.
What’s to Like About the Garrett AT Pro Metal Detector
Garrett AT Pro metal detector has really advanced features as compared to the basic version of the Garrett metal detector. It can be used effectively to detect metals on land as well as underwater.
What’s Not to Like About the Garrett AT Pro Metal Detector
The advanced features of the Garrett AT pro make it complex and pricey. It is more reliable for professionals who have a precise understanding of all the features.
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It is the best metal detector for beginners. INTEY classic metal detector can be used on land, beaches and even underwater. It is designed to find coins, jewelry, gold, and other metals. It can work effectively in all the weather conditions.
Product Highlights
INTEY Classic Metal Detector has two modes.
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All Metal Mode
This feature allows the user to detect pure metal objects.
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Discrimination Mode
It allows the user to separate certain metals from the trash. Discrimination mode is specially used for finding a particular metal.
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Sensitivity
This metal detector’s sensitivity level is really high which makes the hunting process really easy. It also consists of pin pointers which allow the user to find out the exact location of the metal. So, you need not to move the search coil over a particular area multiple times.
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Waterproof
It is completely waterproof which means it can be submerged in the water to detect the metals. But, you need to plug in your headphones to hear the audio signals clearly.
What’s to Like About the INTEY Classic Metal Detector
It consists of all the basic features that one needs to start the metal detection process. It is reliable for beginners. It is cost effective. The pinpoint function is a great addition as it helps to find out the exact location of the metal.
What’s not to Like About the INTEY Classic Metal Detector
The features are really the basic ones. Therefore, it can’t be used by professionals. Also, it is not capable of providing precise readings. So, you won’t determine whether you are collecting metal or trash.
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5. Tesoro Silver uMax Metal Detector
It is the best quality metal detector made in the USA. The quality is superior to most of the metal detectors available in the same price range. It is lightweight and contains an eight-inch long search coil.
Product Highlights
Tesoro Silver uMax Metal Detector contains one drop-in 9-volt battery. It can last for a long period of time. Sometimes, the time span can vary depending on the use and type of metals being detected. It comes with an eight-inch long search coil which makes it more adequate to detect the deeper hidden metals. It has two modes of operation- silent search discrimination mode and a silent search all metal mode.
What’s to Like About Tesoro Silver uMax Metal Detector
It is advertised as “Strong, simple, silent”. Microprocessor technology makes it more efficient. It uses low noise circuitry which works at VLF 10 kHz frequency. It has a built-in mineral rejection system. It is pack with features and its efficient design makes it worth it.
What’s Not to Like About Tesoro Silver uMax Metal Detector
There are not too many cons of this metal detector. The only con of this metal detector is that it comes with a built-in mineral rejection system. This means you don’t have much control over your metal detector. Manual mineral rejection works better.
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Metal Detectors Buyer’s Guide
Here are a few things that you need to check before buying a metal detector for yourself.
Detection Depth
The detection depth is basically how deep a metal detector can detect the metals. The coins and other relics can be easily detected by most of the metal detectors. But if you are in search of gold or any other rare metal then, you need to buy a 2-box metal detector. The ground 2-box metal detector uses special search coils that can penetrate deep into the ground.
Type
There is a wide range of metal detectors available in the market today. Some of them are specially designed for the beginners like Bounty Hunter TK4 tracker, Fisher 22 metal detector, etc. Whereas there are some metal detectors designed for the professionals.
For example, Garrett AT Pro, Fisher F2, Ace 350 Garrett metal detector, etc. So, you have to choose which one is suitable for you. This is one aspect of selecting a metal detector. The other aspect is what type of metal you are looking for. If you are in search of gold then there are some metal detectors designed for gold hunting like Fisher Gold Bug, Garrett AT Gold and Garrett ATX.
Selecting a metal detector based on the requirements makes the detection process much easier.
Battery
Almost every metal detector is charged with battery. You need to buy a pack of rechargeable batteries before going for the detection process.
Signal Frequency
In the case of metal detecting, the signal frequency is termed as the number of electronic waves sent in the ground per unit time. The frequency of various metal detectors can vary from 3 KHz to 100 KHz.
Generally, low frequency has a longer wavelength and can penetrate deep into the ground. Low-frequency metal detectors are best for detecting metals which have high conductivity like silver. On the other hand, high frequency comes with a short wavelength. Therefore, the metal detectors that have high frequency are best for detecting low conductive metals like gold nuggets.
Gross Weight
You need to consider the weight of the metal detector as you have to roam around in various locations while holding it. The metal detectors that are designed for adults are around two pounds. On the other hand, there are some hand-held metal detectors used for security purposes. They are of one pound or less. So, now you have to decide whether you want functionality or portability.
Metal Detectors FAQs
You might have some questions regarding metal detectors. Here are the most asked questions for you.
What is a Metal Detector?
A metal detector is a fascinating electronic device that can detect the presence of metals buried into the ground. The search coil of the metal detector is moved slowly over the ground without touching it. When the sensor comes near a metal an audio signal is produced which can be heard in the headphones. There are a variety of metal detectors available from beginner to advanced level.
How do Metal Detectors Work?
The working of metal detectors is based on the principle of electromagnetic induction. When the metal detector is turned on, current is passed through the search coil. This current produces its own magnetic field around the search coil of a metal detector. Then, the search coil is moved over the ground slowly without touching it. When this magnetic field comes in contact with the metal, it induces the current in it.
This current is called an eddy current. This eddy current generates its own magnetic field in the metal. Due to this magnetic field, the reverse current is passed through the search coil. The audio signal is received which can be heard in the headphones that come with the metal detector. In this way, the presence of any metal is detected by the metal detector.
How Deep Can Metal Detectors Detect?
A number of factors affect the depth detection of a metal detector. The length of the search coil can affect how deeply a metal detector can sense the presence of a metal. Metal detectors come with different lengths of search coils.
Operating Frequency is another factor that can affect depth detection. The metal detectors which have low frequency can detect the deeply buried metals. Whereas, the metal detectors which have high frequency can detect the metals up to few inches.
What Type of Metals Can A Metal Detector Detect?
The metal detectors can detect almost all types of metals like coins, jewellery and other relics like brass and lead. There are some metal detectors which are specially designed for hunting small gold nuggets. The metal detector can easily sense the fine iron particles on the ground. So, always adjust the settings in order to get rid of the unwanted signals.
What is A Good Metal Detector?
A good metal detector is the one which can work efficiently in all the harsh weather conditions. There are some metal detectors which can work only on land. There are some that can work accurately on both land and water. So, you need to pick the one which is user-friendly, accurate, portable and waterproof.
What are False Signals?
False signals are basically those which are generated from trash and other fine iron particles. These false signals can be an interference in the metal detecting process. So, to avoid these false signals the users use the ground balance feature of metal detectors. The ground balance feature filters out all the false signals hence making the detection process more accurate.
How does Discrimination Work?
Mostly all the metal detectors have the discrimination mode. Discrimination mode is used to eliminate all the junk and iron particles from the metals. This mode is turned on when the user is looking for a specific metal.
Final Verdict
So, there is a wide range of metals detectors that you can choose from. You need to select the one which is perfect for you according to your requirements. The best product from all the metal detectors mentioned in the above list is the Garrett AT Pro metal detector. The primary reason for selecting this one is that it is waterproof. You can go hunting on beaches and in any wet area. It can withstand all the extreme conditions as well. It is perfect for detecting old coins, jewelry, relics and other artifacts. This metal detector offers you pro audio mode with fast track ground balance.
If you are looking for an all-rounder metal detector then, this is the best pick for you.