5 Best Metal Detectors for Beginners
The treasure hunting world can be an exciting hobby with the idea of discovering potential riches. Aside from this, they can be used at the job site to gather screws, nails, and other supplies that might have accidentally gotten buried during work.
The bundle of excitement and adventure that comes with metal detecting is second to none especially when you’re new to this hobby. However, there are a lot of things to take into consideration when deciding on the right metal detector for you.
As a beginner, it might get very frustrating deciding on which metal detector will be right for you from the numerous options available.
You don’t have to worry anymore. You’re at the right place. This article was specifically put together for you.
It covers everything you need to know before choosing a metal detector as a beginner and comes with a review of the best metal detectors to consider. Let’s get started !
Guidelines for Choosing the Best Metal Detector for Beginners
Frequency
The frequency of a metal detector determines the device’s ability to penetrate deep layers of the soil and signal targets. This is the number of electric waves that the device emits. It is important to note as a beginner that, all metal detectors are classified by frequency:
Frequency- Up to 2.5 kHz. They are able to detect objects which are not that deep underground as such, they are the least effective.
Frequency – Up to 7 kHz. They can recognize objects up to 3ft underground. They do not have that high sensitivity. For those who have chosen metal detecting as a hobby, this is ideal for them.
Frequency- Up to 20 kHz. They are able to recognize non-ferrous metals and are ideal for semi-professional use.
Multifrequency. They come with many settings and features and are generally used by professionals.
Discrimination
This is a very important feature every beginner should take note of. Considering or going in for a metal detector that has maximum depth of signal penetration is good but that alone will not be enough as you may end up finding an aluminum can at a depth of 10ft.
With discrimination, objects are distinguished based on the materials they are made of. This excludes objects that are undesirable for detection based on their electric conductivity. For example, with discrimination as a feature, ferrous metals can be distinguished from non-ferrous metals thereby saving the user the time and effort to only concentrate on desire bake objects and ignore the non-desirable ones.
VDI
Also known as Target ID, The VDI value is what shows exactly what kind of metal you have found. This is how it works. You first look at the discriminator then the VDI value. After, you can then decide whether to dig or just ignore the signal
Size and Shape of a Search Coils
Different metal detectors come with different coils. They are suitable for different purposes and places. For example a large couple will be very effective in an area with a lot of metal trash so, a smaller coil will be more convenient.
Pinpoint Mode or Static Search Mode
The pinpoint mode is what determines the precise location of an object. This feature ensures that you do not waste a lot of time using a shovel or even damaging it. It simplifies the process of extracting a found object from the ground. Thanks to it, you can stand digging up the target in the right place.
Audio Mode
Every metal detector comes with a circuit of identification by sound although it may be arranged differently from one metal detector to the other. In metal detecting, the sound is very important as you first hear it and then look at the display for more information.
Ground Balance
Ground balance settings reduce the problem of ground mineralization. Ground mineralization is when your metal detector goes off regularly while masking targets as it detects small traces of metal in the soil. This can become your worst enemy when metal detecting
Water Resistance
Waterproofing and Weatherproofing help to protect the metal detector from rain and wet and also make it possible to conduct searches in small bodies of water and coastline.
Dimensions and Weight
Another important factor you need to pay attention to is the dimension and weight of the Metal Detector you want to buy. You will be carrying the metal detector for long hours therefore the whole experience should be fun and not painful. It should be comfortable to hold and carry around.
Review Of The Best Metal Detectors For Beginners.
1. Garrett ACE 300
When it comes to a brand that gives an ultimate performance at competitive prices then, Garrett is the brand to look for.
The ACE 300 comes at a relatively affordable price that has enough features for the beginner.
The Garrett ACE 300 comes with some upgraded features the older models do not offer. An example of such an upgrade is the enhanced iron resolution.
PROS
- Comes with 5 detection modes
- Waterproof
- Improved iron resolution
- Features a digital Target ID
- 2 years warranty
CONS
- Factory-set ground balance
2. Nokta Makro Simplex
The Nokta Simplex is a very good metal detector for both beginner and intermediate users.
This Nokta Simplex metal detector is submersible and can be used under water to a maximum of 10 feet and to make it very effective under water, Nokta Simplex comes with an LED flashlight to act as a visual aid, a vibration feature which helps while being underwater or for users with hearing impairment and a backlit graphic display.
When it comes to discrimination, the Nokta Simplex has 20 notch segments within the Target ID scale. This is what allows you to tailor make your hunt.
The Nokta Simplex is a very good metal detector for both beginner and intermediate users.
This Nokta Simplex metal detector is submersible and can be used under water to a maximum of 10 feet and to make it very effective under water, Nokta Simplex comes with an LED flashlight to act as a visual aid, a vibration feature which helps while being underwater or for users with hearing impairment and a backlit graphic display.
When it comes to discrimination, the Nokta Simplex has 20 notch segments within the Target ID scale. This is what allows you to tailor make your hunt.
PROS
- Adjustable and lightweight
- Comes with 4 search modes
- Submersible
- Manual and auto ground balance
- Discrimination
CONS
- Poor battery life
3. Bounty Hunter Land Ranger Pro
The Bounty Hunter Land Ranger Pro comes with tons of features you won’t find on a budget detector.
This means more value for your money however, it should be noted that it comes with no accessories and this because, the entire cost of the metal detector goes directly into quality and nothing else.
Bounty Hunter Land Ranger Pro features the Target ID which is used to determine the type of metal that has been detected.
This target ID is rated for positive detection to a depth of at least 10 inches. Depending on how you set your Target ID scale settings, the enhanced V-Break will provide tones to work along those settings.
This helps to customize the signals you want to hear with different tones on specific targets.
This Bounty Hunter Land Ranger Pro metal detector features 7 Detection Modes. These consist of 3 audio tone modes, an all-metal mode and 3 discrimination programs.
Bounty Hunter Land Ranger Pro also comes with sensitivity, auto, and manual ground balance and this is because it comes with adjustable user settings.
Although the Bounty Hunter Land Ranger Pro is specifically designed as a coin shooting metal detector, it can be used for finding all types of targets because it has exceptional specs and features that allow it to be that effective.
You will grow with it as a beginner and even get to appreciate it more as an intermediate or an expert.
PROS
- Suitable for beginners
- 7 Detection Modes
- Adjustable settings
- Enhanced V-Break
CONS
- Accessories not included
4. Fisher F22 Metal Detector
The Fisher F22 metal detector comes with preset features to enable beginners to easily start metal detecting without any hassle.
With this metal detector, a beginner can easily start metal detecting by just turning it on.
This Fisher F22 metal detector mode is the improved version of the popular F2 and if you’re looking for a high-performance metal detector at a good price point, then this is the metal detector you’ve been waiting for.
To provide the user with an idea of what the target’ s conductivity is, this metal detector features a huge Eric Target ID scale and comes with a frequency of 7.69 kHz.
Fisher F22 metal detector is known on the market as an incredible coin shooter as the Target ID scale is able to indicate the type of coin found.
With this metal detector, you can easily adjust the volume of the signal of iron targets without having to notch them out completely as it features an iron audio.
This Fisher F22 metal detector helps to ensure that at every time, without the discrimination at work, this detector is working at a maximum speed and performance.
The Fisher detector is well built to enter into tight spaces especially rocky terrain and also help with target separation.
Fisher F22 metal detector comes with a 9 Inch Waterproof Search Coil that can be used in shallow water and can be very effective in revealing hidden objects.
Although this Fisher F22 metal detector metal detector comes with only preset ground balance, which means you don’t have to worry about doing this yourself, the downside to this feature is, it prevents the user from adjusting the metal detector when ground conditions become noisy with concentrated quantities of minerals.
PROS
- Ideal for beginners
- Ultra-lightweight
- Target ID
- Waterproof
- Iron audio
CONS
- Preset Ground Balance
5. Preset Ground Balance
This Rico Max GC-1037 metal detector has adjustable settings, digital technology and all the difficult stuff completely taken care of.
Although the strength of this metal detector lies with coins, it is an entry-level detector made for all round detecting.
When it comes to its Target ID scale , the Rico Max GC-1037 ranges from 0 to 99 which means the user will be able to detect metals of all types and will quickly learn how it works.
The Rico Max GC-1037 metal detector comes with an easy to read display and this is because it has a large size display unit and the backlight can easily be adjusted to any desired brightness level.
In terms of search modes, it features the pinpoint, all metal and discrimination search modes. For example, the as a beginner, you won’t have to worry about purchasing a different pin pointer after purchasing this metal detector.
The Rico Max GC-1037 will struggle to perform very well where there are high quantities of minerals in the ground and as such you will either have to move to a quieter ground or turn off its sensitivity and this is because the metal detector doesn’t have an adjustable ground balance.
You can use this Rico Max GC-1037 metal detector in shallow waters a it is completely waterproof. As a beginner, you won’t find it difficult operating this metal detector as you can start metal detecting as soon as you get your hands on it.
PROS
- Adjustable settings
- Pinpoint
- 3 search modes
- Target ID
- Waterproof
- Backlight
CONS
- No adjustable Ground balance
Conclusion
Metal detecting can be financially rewarding aside from the exercise and fun it promotes. The learning curve is very steep for a beginner but with time and consideration of constant practice, you could metal detect from being just a hobby into experiencing the final rewards it comes with. Most of the metal detectors on this list come with preset features to reduce the hardships that come from manual adjustments and this is very good for you as a beginner and they are generally budget friendly at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need a Permit for Metal Detecting?
It depends on a lot of factors. You must always check with the local officials of the area you intend to go on metal detecting whether you will require a permit or not. In some areas you don’t need a permit, in other areas, a permit may be required, other times, a permit may not be required but just a compliance code of ethics.
Is it Worth Buying a Metal Detector?
They are very affordable and as such, are worth it even if for just recreational purposes. You must always ask yourself how much time you have to put in as a purchase is only worth it if you’re ready to out in the time and improve your skills.
Do metal detectors detect diamonds?
No. Metal detectors do not detect non metal objects such as pearls, gemstones and diamonds.
Is metal detecting a career?
This will depend on how you go about metal detecting. That is, in order to make a living from it, you have to be ready to do more than just using your coil over a few rings or coins. The trust is just solely metal detecting will not provide a living for many people.