Best Metal Detectors

Has the world of metal detecting seemed like somewhere you would love to visit? Hunting for treasure and lost items with a metal detector is a wildly popular hobby, but it’s something that not a lot of everyday people know much about.

Even if you have been interested in trying to go hunting yourself, you may not have the slightest clue which metal detector to start with. Fortunately, we have gathered together and reviewed the best metal detector options.

These options are particularly aimed at those with limited to beginner level experience in metal detecting. They have all the gadgets you need to find cool stuff without overwhelming your budget. Let’s get straight into the reviews!

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Best Metal Detector Reviews

1. Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal Detector

Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal Detector has been a long-time favorite among entry-level metal detectors because of its amazing out-of-the-box usage capabilities.

Product Highlights

Bounty Hunter is a well-known and reputable metal detector company. In addition to entry-level machines like this one, they make a vast range of popular models including those for kids, teenagers, advanced hunters, and even for scientists.

Bounty Hunter’s parent company, First Texas Products, is well-known for their practical applications of science and technology, and this detector doesn’t fall far from that methodology.

The TK4 Tracker IV is a trendy model for many reasons, but the main one is that it can be used right out of the box. While you could always buy more accessories, you do not need anything but the Tracker IV (and maybe its handy manual) to get started.

There are three main knobs on this model that you will need to learn how to adjust. The three knobs control the sensitivity, discrimination, and power.

The metal detector also comes equipped with three preset modes that can help you search an area without needing to figure out the perfect level of each knob for hours beforehand.

The Bounty Hunter Tracker IV is a very low frequency (VLF) metal detector. It has a reading of 6.4 Hz. This is great for hunting jewelry, coins, and similar objects.

When searching for these small objects, they can be detected at up to eight inches. Larger objects can be seen all the way up until one foot, but it is unlikely to see such readings.

The Good

The best thing about this beginner-friendly model is the plug-and-play setup that it has. Even if you’ve never used a metal detector before, just a few minutes with the detailed manual will help you get going.

Additionally, the model has preset ground control so that you can minimize interference without needing to learn how to ground your own metal detector just yet.

The Bad

The biggest problem that you will likely encounter with this model is that there is no pinpoint search coil or LCD screen to help you more closely identify and discover the things that you find until you manage to dig them up. Still, it has plenty of features to balance out that problem.

Pros:

• Included headphone jack
• Preset modes include ground control functionality
• Easy to control knobs
• Lightweight
• Adjustable height
• Great for beginners and intermediate users

Cons:

• No LCD screen
• Limited two-tone audio feedback system

2. RM RICOMAX High Accuracy Metal Detector

RM RICOMAX has created their High Accuracy Metal Detector complete with a lifetime warranty, LCD screen, accurate depth predictions, and many other high-end features at an affordable price.

Product Highlights

The RC RICOMAX High Accuracy Metal Detector is a VLF (very low frequency), 10” coil metal detector. This detector has been optimized to not only locate iron, gold, silver, and other metals but also to identify what type of coins you find when you scan over them.

This quick insight is great for knowing what you want to dig up. The predictions given are also very accurate.

While this is a starter metal detector that is priced very reasonably, it is outfitted with an LCD screen which gives you precision, power, sensitivity, mode, depth, and all of the other controls right on the screen.

The metal detector can also be easily assembled and disassembled, which makes it convenient for traveling purposes. Once assembled, the detector can be resized so that it has a comfortable length for easy searching and hunting.

The 10” coil on this metal detector is waterproof, but like many other entry-level models, the control panel and other components are not. This means that while you can submerge the coil in the water, you must still be careful about doing this and should do so only with great caution.

The Good

The pinpointing feature is one of the most standout features of this metal detector. Once the detector locates some type of metal, you can press the red button to activate this features which will then help you to more accurately find where it is, how deep it is, and what it is. It works very well.

The Bad

One potential issue with this detector is, unfortunately, the build quality. Some of the bolts used are little more than a piece of plastic. Thankfully, these can easily be replaced with a cheap nylon bolt from your local hardware store.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Simple to put together
• Includes a guide book
• Adjustable height to match your height
• Includes multiple search modes as well as a pinpoint mode
• Finds bronze, iron, silver, gold, and more
• Preset grounding

Cons:

• Build-quality issues
• Not so popular brand

3. Fisher F22 Weatherproof Metal Detector

For many years, the Fisher F2 was the best metal detector. The Fisher F22 is the modern, updated version of that iconic detector, but is it as good as the F2?

Product Highlights

The Fisher F22 is a starter metal detector with many advanced features. Though it is considered to be in the entry-level price range, many beginners will be surprised at its price point. Once you look more closely at the incredible features it offers, though, you will no longer be surprised.

This model is a very low frequency detector that has a 9” elliptical search coil. This coil allows for better targeting and pinpointing of located items and also enables you to fit in unique spaces that a standard circular coil might not fit into very well.

Fisher has outfitted the F22 with one of the most impressive LCD screens around. The screen is packed full of useful intel, and it is quick to learn how to use even if you are a beginner.

The entirety of this metal detector is weatherproof. Don’t confuse that with waterproof! While the coil itself can be submerged in water without any ill effects, the control box and other components are only water resistant, not waterproof.

Finally, this model also has customizable tones. You can change what audio will play for different types of finds so that you can more quickly identify what it is that’s hidden under the surface.

The Good

The most iconic part of this metal detector is the category ID system on the enhanced LCD screen. In addition to giving you a single digit number which identifies what type of metal you have found, this device also gives you a two-digit code which can be used to more specific estimate what it is that is hiding beneath the surface. This is incredible for new beginners to learn from.

The Bad

One big drawback of this model is that there are some depth-of-target issues in some models. For some, this was easy to adjust by changing the modes or notches. Others found this to be an on-going issue. Thankfully, Fisher is willing to help if you do have this issue.

Pros:

• Nine indicators on the LCD screen
• Adjustable volume
• Four different search modes (including one customizable mode)
• Update to an old classic
• Reliable hardware
• Can change out the search coil for other ones from the Fisher line

Cons:

• Depth issues
• Not waterproof

4. Garrett ACE 200 Metal Detector with Waterproof Search Coil

The Garrett ACE 200 Metal Detector is an all-in-one package for beginners, but is this package a smart choice for everyone?

Product Highlights

The ACE 200 metal detector from Garrett is a reliable, starter metal detector that comes with many features that can help any beginner quickly and effectively improve their hunting experiences.

This is a VLF (very low frequency) model that runs at 6.5 Hz, which makes it an ideal choice to use for coin, relic, and jewelry hunting in certain situations. Since this model runs at such a low frequency, it isn’t an excellent choice for wet sand, salt water, or any area with high levels of mineralization. The low-frequency function will not be able to pick up as many readings as another model would.

This model has a complete LCD screen that has been simplified to help every user make the most of their hunting experience. When you locate an item, a Digital ID will come up that should help you to find out what the item is before you even bring it out of the ground. A full list of what the codes ranging from 0 to 99 mean can be found in the user manual.

In addition to the user manual, this metal detector comes with batteries, a two-year warranty, and Garrett Treasure Hunting Headphones. With all of these accessories, you’ll feel like a pro when hunting for your next big booty in no time.

The Good

This is a really great value pack for all beginners. Rather than feeling like you need to get accessories to accompany your detector, everything that you need comes with this package.

Plus, the included Garrett headphones will help you to recognize better and learn the three tones this detector uses to identify different types of metal as they are located.

The Bad

This model does not have more than four different options to control the sensitivity of its readings. While four might seem like enough at first, you’ll find in some areas that you wish you could tune the sensitivity a bit more finely. Still, you can work around this with the pre-programmed modes.

Pros:

• Single frequency model
• Can adjust depth and sensitivity to a degree
• Value pack good investment for beginners
• Expandable height
• Waterproof search coil
• Low battery indicator

Cons:

• No auto-off feature
• Limited sensitivity control
• Not great for intermediate users

5. Canway GC-1028 Metal Detector

The Canway GC-1028 is the final model in today’s lineup, and it is known to be a family-friendly starter detector. Does this metal detector really work for all ages?

Product Highlights

The Canway GC-1028 is another VLF (very low frequency) metal detector that is perfect for searching for jewelry, coins, and other small knick-knacks. Using this device on dry land, dry sand, and in freshwater is okay. You can even submerge the coil in the water as it is waterproof, but be careful not to get the control box wet.

The GC-1028 is known to be a kid-friendly metal detector because of its adjustable height. The height can be adjusted from 41” up to 47”, so you might be able to use it with your teens or pre-teens depending on how tall and strong they are. It is very lightweight, so there isn’t a huge concern about whether or not they will be able to hold it up.

The device has a backlit LCD screen which displays all of the indicators that you will need to use to control it. You can adjust the mode of detection, sensitivity, power, and check on the battery life on this menu. It is easy to learn and understand the menu because it is set up straightforwardly and intuitively that makes sense for even the newest hunters.

The Good

The simplicity of this model is what makes it such an appealing choice for beginners and kids alike. There is no learning curve; everything is laid out in a way that makes it almost too easy to use. The two different detection modes and sensitivity options do the locating work for you so that you can have fun digging up your newfound treasures.

The Bad

If you are not a beginner, you will not want to invest in this detector. Even though it has some admirable features that work wonders for kids and those inexperienced in detecting, anyone with some metal detector experience may find the adjustments, menus, and other features to be a bit too simple for their needs.

Pros:

• Good value pack with bonus accessories
• Offers two modes of detection
• Backlit LCD screen for nighttime use
• Can be used by both adults and children
• Very lightweight
• Beginner-friendly
• Adjustable

Cons:

• Too basic for anyone but beginners
• May still be too tall for younger kids

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Buyer’s Guide

Finding a metal detector that works for your experience level, budget, and goals can be hard. Here is what you should be focusing on in your search:

1. Frequency – Most users will want to look for a single-frequency model, also known as a very low frequency detector. VLF detectors are the best choice for those seeking coins, jewelry, and other small items.
2. LCD Screen – Having an LCD screen which displays the indicators is handy for both learning and locating. If you choose a model without a screen, make sure it has some type of depth indicator.
3. Adjustability – If you plan to use this metal detector with anyone else, choosing an adjustable model will be the best choice so that you can all use the detector at a comfortable height.
4. Pinpointing – Some models have an advanced feature called pinpointing. When turned on, this heightens the sensitivity so that you can exactly locate where to dig for your newfound treasure.
5. Search modes – There are a few different types of preset search modes that you could find on a budget metal detector. The most common type of mode that you will want to look for is called a discrimination or notch mode. This mode helps to eliminate trash metal from being located while you are searching for more valuable items.

FAQs

1. What Is a Metal Detector?

A metal detector is a piece of machinery which uses the power of a magnetic field to find buried metal objects. Depending on the composition of the ground and the power of the detector, they can be used to find objects located three or more feet underground with fantastic accuracy.

2. Can Metal Detectors Find Gold?

Generally speaking, yes. Metal detectors can find any type of metal with varying degrees of accuracy. Different types of metal detectors will have different levels of success when searching for real gold nuggets or grains.

Gold jewelry can be found with any basic detector while real metal needs a higher powered multiple-frequency or PI device.

3. How Do I Use My Metal Detector?

To learn how to use your metal detector correctly, check out this video for a great introduction. Then, get practicing! This video can help.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sEHhS9aQqE

Conclusion

Among all of these options for the best metal detector, there was one detector that stood out as a high-quality choice than the rest of them.

While the Fisher F22 Weatherproof Metal Detector carries one of the higher price tags on this list, it is also a detector that has features you can use successfully at any experience level. As you develop your skills, this detector will work with you. For that reason, we believe it is the best value.

As an alternative, if you’re a beginner who is searching for a budget-friendly starter model to try your hands at this fascinating hobby, the best option is going to be the Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal Detector which lacks an LCD screen but has amazing accuracy anyways.