A metal detector is a machine that can detect various types and grades of metals. Typically, it notifies the user that metal has been found via a series of beeping noises.
Such devices are used by a wide array of professionals: security personnel, construction workers or by everyday people who enjoy looking for metal as a hobby.
Metal detecting can be a lot of fun. It may, sometimes, become a very lucrative adventure. You may end up finding anything from jewelry and coins to historic items.
While the art of metal-detecting can take some patience and skill, it is a great way to get exercise and maybe find a special hidden treasure.
Metal detectors come in different varieties and complications. Some are easy to handle and can be used by everyone and others have more features and buttons thus suitable for advanced users. The best metal detector is the one that suits the users’ needs.
If you’re in market looking for a perfect model that suits your needs, you are at right place. In this article we will go through various brands and models that are tailored various types of users.
Let’s get straight into it!
The Best All Round Metal Detectors Reviewed
| Editor’s Award | Brand |
| Our Top Pick | Garrett AT Pro Metal Detector |
| Alternative Top Pick | Garrett Ace 400 Metal Detector |
| Best Value | Fisher F75 Metal Detector |
| Best Budget Option | Teknetics T2 Classic Metal Detector |
| Best Option for Kids | NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PRO Series Metal Detector |
Our Top Pick: Garrett AT Pro Metal Detector
Our Top Pick
Garrett AT Pro is the best metal detector if you are looking for a higher end model. Its electrics and machinery are second to none. Also, it is very easy to use!
Garrett has been around for years. And this model is one of the top-rated metal detectors on the market.
It offers manual and automatic ground balancing which is very important. It also features coin depth detection, high res iron-detecting, mid-range adjustable frequency, and super-fast recovery time.
If you want the best metal detector for the money – you can’t go wrong with this classic metal detector. It is a sturdy, reliable buy that won’t let you down or embarrass you.
What We Like:
- Use in water | This model is safer to use in water. Hence, it can be seamlessly used despite of the surrounding environment. Waterproof to 10 feet or 3 meters. Ideal for use in both fresh and salt water.
- Headphones-free | The metal detector comes with a loud speaker for headphone-free use.
- High-pitch sound | The product emits distinctive high-pitch tone. Makes the detection of metal very effective and efficient.
- High-res | This product offers high resolution iron discrimination. So, you won’t waste your time on junk.
Things to Consider:
- Price | The metal detector by Garrett is not a very cheap option. It is a bit on an expensive side.
- Water-proof headphones | Water-proof headphones are not included with the standard package. You will need to purchase them separately.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Alternative Top Pick: Garrett Ace 400 Metal Detector
Alternative Top Pick
Garrett Ace 400 Metal Detector
Garrett is a brand well known in the metal detector industry. Their new Ace 400 Metal Detector is also a pretty decent choice. The 400 is an upgrade on the wonderful model ACE 350 which is now discontinued.
The ACE 400 features five discrimination modes to help search for the metal you actually want. It offers electronic pinpointing, enabling you to dig only once – no more repeated guessing.
The metal detector features sensitivity adjustment with ‘frequency adjust’ that toggles through small frequency changes to eliminate interference. It also includes high-res iron discrimination.
This model includes higher 10kHz frequency that helps the users to find low conductivity targets such as gold.
It really shouldn’t matter, but the ACE400 is not only a splendid metal detecting device, but also a great looking machine in Garrett’s traditional yellow and black.
The ACE400 by Garrett is an all-round detector you’ll love to play with.
What We Like:
- Water-proof | The metal detector can be used in watery environment without any worry. It features waterproof coil.
- Electronic pinpointing | This metal detector offers electronic pinpointing. It can efficiently locate the metal. It avoids misguiding the users. Saves time and energy.
- Adjustable frequency | This model offers fully adjustable frequency. The user has a wider range to work with. Features 5 search modes.
- High-res | This product offers high resolution iron discrimination. So, you won’t waste your time on junk.
- Lightweight | This device only weights 2.9 ponds. Hence, it is very comfortable to work with for longer periods of times.
- Warranty | This model by Garrett comes with a 2-year warranty.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Best Value: Fisher F75 Metal Detector
Best Value
The Fisher F75 Metal Detector offer the best value for the amount it costs. It is a great device with its pre-set programs and simple mode choices.
You’ve got the default, bottle cap, jewelry, and ploughed field. Ploughed field mode is a maximum setting that offer much more depth sensing.
The device offers automatic ground balancing and a numeric display which informs the user about type of metal found. It’s a pleasure to use Fisher F75. The pre-set search modes save lots of time.
This a very decent choice for purchasing a metal detector. If you’re willing to put in the time to understand it’s specific relic hunting functions – you may find astonishing objects!
It’ll search out all types of metal from rusty nails to gold.
What We Like:
- Lightweight | This metal detector is weighs less. It can be comfortably used for extended periods of time. Makes transportation and storage very convenient.
- Waterproof | This model offers DD waterproof coil. It can seamlessly be used in watery environment.
- Low operating cost | This metal detector offers 40+ hours with 4AAA batteries
- Relic hunting | This model is ideal for relic hunting.
- LCD | This metal detector offers large LCD screen with target identification display.
Things to Consider:
- Gold prospecting | This model does not offer gold prospecting.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Best Budget Option: Teknetics T2 Classic Metal Detector
Best Budget Option
Teknetics T2 Classic Metal Detector
The Aquanique Pond Skin Liner is a PVC based liner that is thinner than most of the pond liners crafted from PVC or EPDM.
This product is super flexible making it one of the easier liners to handle. It has a very durable mesh weave that aids in its resistance to punctures and tears.
This liner is eco-friendly and can be used for pond projects that will include fish and plant life. This liner has been crafted with flora and fauna in mind. The pond liner texture promotes friendly bacterial & algae growth.
What We Like:
- Low price | This metal detector has a lower price compared to others on the list.
- LCD | This model offers a large LCD screen.
- Expanded iron range | This metal detector features an extended range to detect iron.
- Gold prospecting | This model offers gold prospecting.
Things to Consider:
- No backlight | As it is a cheaper option, it does not come with a backlight feature.
- DD coils | This model only comes with DD coils.
- Doesn’t save settings| When turned off, the recent settings are not saved in device memory.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Best Option for Kids: NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PRO Series Metal Detector
Best Option for Kids
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PRO Series Metal Detector
National Geographic Pro is manufactured by Minelab, which is a top-quality brand. Hence, it’s not the cheapest kids’ detector, but ones that are really inexpensive are just a waste of money. They pick up everything including cans, nails and bottle tops.
This model has depth indication, discrimination control and a battery warning light all displayed on the LCD display.
Any child that can operate an iPad will have this detector tamed in no time. In terms of size, this machine is smaller than an adult’s version and lighter at 2.3 pounds. It’s telescopic to grow with them and has a child-sized arm strap to help with the weight.
This is the best metal detector for young budding treasure hunters, and it’s one of the top-rated metal detectors for children.
What We Like:
- Easy to use | This metal detector offers high-quality performance & simple operation
- LCD | This model offers a large easy to understand LCD screen.
- Waterproof | This metal detector features a 10” waterproof detection coil.
- Detection modes| This model offers 3 detection modes to filter out “garbage” metals.
Things to Consider:
- Price | It is not very cheap option. Even though it’s targeted at beginners’ use, it offer premium build quality and features.
- Doesn’t save settings | When turned off, the recent settings are not saved in device.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep can metal detectors detect?
There are many factors affecting the depth of detection, like type of soil, minerals in soil, size of metal, type of metal, slope of ground, size of coil etc.
Also, the capability of the metal detectors to reach certain detection depth depend on the type of device you are using. Hence, there is not a fixed answer to this question. It has numerous variables involved in it.
What are false signals?
False signals are also called “phantom” signals. They mostly occur when your detector responds to metal when there is actually no metal there.
False signals are usually caused by naturally occurring iron oxides in the ground. If your detector offers a manual ground-balance adjustment feature, you can tune out false signals.
Also, you may be required to ground tune frequently if the mineralization of the soil changes drastically as you move from one place to another. If ground mineralization is very high, turning down your detector’s sensitivity may be the only solution.
Why do serious metal detectorists use headphones?
The headphones which come with the metal detectors can greatly reduce outside noise (wind, waves, traffic, etc.). They also help to enhance the audio target signal. It plays a pivotal role in determining which targets to dig and which targets to ignore.
A good set of headphones will enhance the efficiency of the metal detecting procedure and greatly reduce the time you spend digging trash.
Headphones also reduce distractions, extend battery life and keep you from attracting unwanted attention from nearby people due to the beeping sound of the meat detector itself.
What is the sensitivity control and how is it used?
The sensitivity control on metal detectors is probably the most misunderstood control on the instrument. Sensitivity is usually set to its maximum level and ignored. This does not always allow for maximum operation of the detector.
You ought to adjust your sensitivity control for varying conditions. Heavy ground mineralization, nearby power transformers, and nearby radio stations are all reasons to lower your sensitivity.
Does coil size of metal detectors matter?
Well, it depends on the person looking for it and the job for which the device will be used for. It can matter, but not much for a beginner. Coils are generally available from 6 inches to 14 inches.
Small coils are those measuring 6 -8 inches. They are better at pinpointing and discriminating between metals. A picnic area that’s full of trash is best searched with a smaller coil.
Medium coils are mostly standard 8-inch coils. They are all-purpose coils that performs well across the board and are best for a beginner. They cover more ground than smaller ones.
10-inch coils are considered large. Such coils are best suited for deeply buried objects. They tend to cover a greater ground surface. However, they are much heavier which makes a big difference for long sessions and water work.
Other Worthy Mentions
These are ones that didn’t quite make the cut as one of the top picks, but are still interesting enough to take a look at.
Bounty Hunter Land Ranger Pro Metal Detector
It is a perfect model and lies somewhere between beginner models and professional grade devices.
Key Features:
- 11-inch waterproof coil
- Adjustable height for comfort
- Reliable depth estimates
White’s Spectra V3i HP Metal Detector
It is a professional-grade metal detector that’s fully customizable. It comes with nine presets. it’s a fine choice for beginners as well.
Key Features:
- Includes wireless headphones
- Crisp full-color display
- Backed by a 2-year warranty
This metal detector is a decent choice if you’re in market for an all-round option. It gives you a depth readout.
Key Features:
- Intuitive control panel
- Adjustable sensitivity levels
- Not effective for finding gold
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