10Best.Guide

Metal Detector

Top Picks

Last Updated: April, 2023
Pros
  • Easy to operate
  • Sensitive and accurate
  • Good customer service
  • Finds targets at greater depth
  • Quick delivery
Cons
  • Battery drains quickly
  • Battery included was dead
Bottom Line
The Garrett Pro-Pointer AT is a sensitive and accurate pinpointer that is easy to operate. However, it is expensive and has some issues with battery life and false triggers. The customer service is good and the delivery is quick.
Pros
  • Accurate on depth and target identification.
  • Great range underground.
  • Nice LED display with numerical reference.
  • Pinpoint feature.
  • Ergonomic design.
Cons
  • Volume is loud and not adjustable.
  • Pulls a little downward on the wrist.
Bottom Line
The Garrett Ace 300 is a great metal detector for beginners or those returning to the hobby. It has accurate depth and target identification, a nice LED display, and a pinpoint feature. However, it has some design flaws and durability issues that may affect its performance.
Pros
  • Works great on the beach, in the water, in the park, and in your yard.
  • Multi-IQ technology is effective.
  • Ground balancing is automatic.
  • Easy to use control panel.
  • Discriminator helps identify targets before digging.
Cons
  • Missing hardware and accessories in some cases.
  • Quality control issues.
Bottom Line
The Minelab Vanquish 540 is a good metal detector for the price, with effective multi-IQ technology, automatic ground balancing, and easy-to-use controls. However, some quality control issues and missing hardware have been reported, and the lack of a manual or instructions may be a challenge for beginners.
Pros
  • Color changing LED for proximity to target
  • Accurate readings
  • Light and easy to transport
  • Saves time and money
  • Great upgrade to DR.ÖTEK line of detectors
Cons
  • Malfunctioning detector
  • Not very accurate
Bottom Line
The DR.ÖTEK MT-XR and MT-XE are accurate, easy to use, and light metal detectors that come with great accessories. However, some customers have experienced malfunctions and inconsistent readings. Overall, it is a good option for beginners and those looking for a budget-friendly metal detector.
Pros
  • High quality package
  • Lightweight and comfortable grip
  • Excellent detection for all types of metal
  • Easy to assemble and use
  • Great price for beginners
Cons
  • Some customers received used products
  • False readings and difficulty finding objects
Bottom Line
The Dr. Otek MT-XR metal detector is a great value for beginners with its high quality package, lightweight design, and excellent detection capabilities. However, some customers have received used products and there are issues with false readings and difficulty finding objects. The battery compartment and handle segments are also hard to open/insert and the instructions are small. Overall, it is a good value for the money and a nice, high quality product.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Metal Detectors: Find the Best One for Your Treasure Hunting Needs

Overview

Metal detecting is a fun and exciting hobby that can lead to some amazing discoveries. Whether you're looking for coins, relics, or even gold, a metal detector can help you find it. But with so many options on the market, it can be tough to know where to start. That's why we've put together this comprehensive buying guide to help you find the perfect metal detector for your needs.

Types

There are several types of metal detectors available, each with its own unique features and capabilities. Here are the most common types:

1. All-Purpose Metal Detectors: These detectors are designed to be versatile and can be used for a variety of treasure hunting activities, including coin shooting, relic hunting, and gold prospecting.

2. Beach Metal Detectors: These detectors are designed specifically for use on the beach and can handle saltwater and wet sand conditions.

3. Gold Metal Detectors: These detectors are designed specifically for gold prospecting and are highly sensitive to small gold nuggets.

4. Underwater Metal Detectors: These detectors are designed for use in shallow water and can be used for both freshwater and saltwater detecting.

Key Considerations

When choosing a metal detector, there are several key considerations to keep in mind. Here are the most important factors to consider:

1. Discrimination: This feature allows you to discriminate between different types of metals, so you can focus on finding the types of items you're interested in.

2. Sensitivity: A more sensitive detector will be able to detect smaller or deeper targets.

3. Depth: The depth a detector can reach will vary depending on the model.

4. Target ID: This feature allows you to identify the type of metal you've detected.

5. Waterproof: If you plan on using your detector in wet conditions, look for a waterproof model.

6. Coil size: The size of the coil can impact the detector's sensitivity and ability to detect certain types of metals.

Features

In addition to the key considerations listed above, there are several other features to look for when choosing a metal detector. Here are some of the most important features to consider:

1. Battery life: Look for a detector with a long battery life, so you can spend more time detecting and less time charging.

2. Headphones: Using headphones can help you hear faint signals and can also make detecting more comfortable.

3. Lightweight: A lightweight detector is easier to carry and can be used for longer periods of time without causing fatigue.

Prices

Metal detectors can range in price from under $100 to over $1,000. The price will vary depending on the type of detector and the features it offers. All-purpose detectors are generally the most affordable, while specialized detectors like those designed for gold prospecting or underwater detecting will be more expensive.

Tips

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when choosing a metal detector:

1. Read reviews from other users to get an idea of how well a detector performs in real-world conditions.

2. Consider purchasing a used detector to save money.

3. Look for a detector with a good warranty, so you can have peace of mind knowing it's protected.

FAQs

Q: Can metal detectors find gold?

A: Yes, but you'll need a specialized gold detector that is highly sensitive to small gold nuggets.

Q: How deep can a metal detector detect?

A: The depth will vary depending on the model, but most detectors can detect targets several inches deep.

Q: Can metal detectors be used in saltwater?

A: Yes, but you'll need a detector specifically designed for use in saltwater conditions.

Q: Are metal detectors difficult to use?

A: Most metal detectors are fairly easy to use, but it can take some practice to get the hang of it.

Conclusion:

Choosing the right metal detector can make all the difference when it comes to finding treasure. By considering the key factors listed above and looking for the right features, you can find the perfect detector for your needs. Happy hunting!

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • Easy to use for beginners
  • Lightweight and accurate
  • Comes with carrying case, shovel, and headphones
  • Pinpoints coins and metals with precise accuracy
  • Good value and quality
Cons
  • Battery compartment is too small
  • Need more info in operator's manual
Bottom Line
This metal detector is a great choice for beginners who want a lightweight and accurate device that comes with useful accessories. However, it has some minor issues with the battery compartment, operator's manual, and handle length.
Pros
  • Lightweight and easy to assemble
  • Ideal for beginners
  • Comes with extras in the box
  • Good customer support
  • Can find coins, nails, and other metal objects
Cons
  • Unstable and has quality control issues
  • False indications and a learning curve
Bottom Line
This metal detector is a good choice for beginners who want to try treasure hunting without spending a lot of money. However, it may require some adjustments and has some quality control issues. The customer support is good and it can find coins and other metal objects, but it may have difficulty with deeper targets and pinpointing accurately.
Pros
  • Easy to assemble and use
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Good value for the price
  • Accurate in detecting metals
  • Comes with a carrying case and shovel
Cons
  • Poor recovery rate and false signals
  • No backlight or illumination button
Bottom Line
This metal detector is a good choice for beginners and amateur searching for small metal objects like rings or property line pins. It is lightweight, easy to use, and comes with a carrying case and shovel. However, it may have poor recovery rate and false signals, and is not suitable for finding heavier objects like handguns.
Pros
  • Easy to assemble and use
  • Comes with batteries, headphones, and shovel
  • Good for finding lost items
  • Includes a storage bag
  • Good for beginners
Cons
  • False hits in wet areas
  • Confusing instructions
Bottom Line
This metal detector is a good choice for beginners and those looking to find lost items. It comes with everything needed to start treasure hunting and is easy to assemble and use. However, it may have issues with false hits in wet areas and can detect everything, including junk.
Pros
  • Solid and rugged
  • Comes with a holster
  • More sensitive and accurate than some more expensive models
  • Excellent battery life
  • Works well at pinpointing objects
Cons
  • Some units may have issues with battery life
  • Not practical for law enforcement or security work
Bottom Line
The GP pinpointer is a great value for the price and works well for hobbyist metal detecting. It is accurate, sensitive, and easy to use, but may not be practical for professional use or detecting very small objects at a distance.
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