Helping you detect metals and other also valuable things

Best Metal Detector Reviews and Buying Guide

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So you want to get into metal detecting? It is a fun hobby, and for some it is a profitable business. As with all things, the results you have are intrinsically linked to the products you use. The higher the quality of the metal detector you have, the better the end results you will see.

You should settle for nothing less than the best metal detector available. You can find it by reading metal detector reviews, as well as looking at some of the specifications metal detectors offer. My goal with this review is to give you the basic information you will need to make a conscientious decision and buy the most suiting metal detector for you.

Our Top Best Leak Detectors Comparison Chart

Metal Detector UnitCetegoryReview
Bounty Hunter TIMERANGER
Bounty Hunter TIMERANGER Professional Series Radar Detector
Best ValueOur Review
Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal Detector
Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal Detector
Entry LevelOur Review
National Geographic PRO Series Metal Detector
National Geographic PRO Series Metal Detector
Entry LevelOur Review
Garrett Ace 250 Metal Detector
Garrett Ace 250 Metal Detector
IntermediateOur Review
Minelab GO-FIND 60
Minelab GO-FIND 60
IntermediateOur Review

How Do Metal Detectors Work?

Picture of the Bounty Hunter QSI Metal DetectorWhen looking for the best metal detector for the money, the more you know about how metal detectors work, the better equipped you will be to make a conscientious buying decision.

Simple metal detectors have a coil of wire that is located at the end of the handle. This is called the transmitter coil.

Electricity passes through the transmitter coil, and it builds a magnetic field. When you move your metal detector over the ground, that magnetic field moves over the ground as well. When the magnetic field passes over a metallic object, it changes the way the atoms inside that metal object work.

The magnetic field creates or induces electric activity in the metal. The interesting thing is that if electricity is moving through the piece of metal you are detecting, then that metal will also create magnetism.

Your metal detector has a second coil that is known as the receiver coil. It detects the magnetic field produced by the piece of metal you are detecting. This magnetic field flows back through the receiver coil, which in turn causes the loudspeaker to either click or beep.

The closer you move to the piece of metal you are detecting, the stronger the magnetic field is, the more electrical current flows to your loudspeaker, and the louder the noise your metal detector produces.

What Makes the Best Metal Detector?

When someone asks me what the top metal detector is, I like to ask them whether this is their first detector or not. Are they looking for something simple? Do they want something top-of-the-line? And how much money are they willing to spend?

A general-purpose coin, jewelry, or relic detector will come with sensitivity control and discrimination adjustment. Some models may have meter displays, ground balancing adjustments, and notch adjustments. Some detectors even have microprocessor controls.

Some metal detectors are designed to work on the water, and others are used for extreme depth situations. The best metal detectors are the ones that will work the best in the circumstances you want to use them in.

Best Metal Detector for the Money

1. Bounty Hunter TIMERANGER

Bounty Hunter Timeranger Metal Detector

 

Pros:
  • Efficient. Metal detector hunters who use this unit are able to set it to detect a specific type of metal. They can set a range of sensitivity from 1 to 299, which will determine how specific they want the metal they are searching for to be. In addition to the audio confirmation that they have found the metal they’re looking for, they will also see a display on the LCD screen. The unit is designed to prevent metal detection hunters from wasting their time.
  • Accurate. The LCD screen has multiple calibrations for the depth and type of metal you are searching for. This is the most recommended metal detector for people who want to know what to expect and how much metal to expect before they start to dig.
  • Long Battery Life. With just two 9 V regular alkaline batteries, the device will function for more than 20 hours. You do not have to worry about your battery giving out on you during a hunting escapade.
Cons:
  • Difficult Learning Curve. According to some of the top metal detector reviews, this device can be slightly difficult to learn. Once you understand the basics, then it is easy to operate.
Review:

This is the type of machine that you want to use if you are a pro treasure hunter or you feel that you’re going to be spending a lot of time treasure hunting.

It is created by a company that has a stellar reputation, and it offers features that are not disappointing. The D–Tech feature of the coil makes it submersible as well as interchangeable.

There are coils that allow you to sweep the water and coils that allow you to search for gold nuggets, each with their own sensitivity.

You’re able to discriminate for different levels of iron in the soil and use the large LCD touchpad to control what details are displayed, including depth and sensitivity.

Features:

  • Four Mode Professional Operation
  • Programmable Notching System
  • The Blanker System Allows You to Exclude the Surface While You Search Deeper Underground
  • Produces Different Sounds for Different Metals
  • Five Year Limited Warranty

This product is priced under $200 and offers more bells and whistles than more expensive models. Since it allows you to select what metals you’re looking for, it takes away a lot of the guesswork and allows you to search for what you want without wasting time. Unquestionably, this is the most recommended metal detector in this price range.

How We Chose These Models

When selecting the models for our metal detectors reviews, we looked for balanced units that would provide value for you, even if you are just starting out as a beginner hobbyist.

The first factor we looked at was budget. When you look at some of the top notch metal detector reviews out there, you’ll see that a lot of these metal detectors cost thousands upon thousands of dollars.

And we realize that most beginners are not going to want to spend that type of money on a hobby they are not sure they are going to stick with. So we looked for something that was of high quality but not at a price point that is going to break the bank.

Then, before we decided to do a metal detector review, we looked at the features that the products offered. There are some metal detectors that offer a lot exciting features, but they are features that you are not going to use or need.

We looked at units that have the features that most treasure hunters need when they first start out, and then we looked at units that had a few extra bells and whistles that were not only eye-catching but were practical as well.

Finally, we asked ourselves, how easy is it to use the unit? Nothing can be more discouraging than using a metal detector for the first time and being so overwhelmed by its complexity that you decide to put it away and never take it out again.

We made this metal detectors review to highlight units that will provide a lot of value for any beginner hobbyist.

Top 10 Best Metal Detector Reviews

Top 5 Best Beginner Metal Detectors

1. Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal DetectorBounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal Detector

 

Pros:
  • Simple to Use
  • Not Expensive
  • Good Starting Tool for Children
  • Lightweight
  • User-Friendly
Cons:
  • Not Exceptionally Powerful
Review:

The Bounty Hunter TK Four Tracker is considered by many to be the best metal detector for beginners. What makes it the best beginner metal detector is its price. You can pick one of these units up for under $100, and yet you will get a solid feel for what it is like to go metal detecting.

After using the unit, you can decide if metal detecting is right for you or if you want to upgrade to a more powerful unit. Or if it’s not for you, you can walk away and will not have lost a huge investment.

The unit itself is very nicely designed. You will not be embarrassed walking in the park or down the beach with it. It is user-friendly and has an automatic ground track feature. Many parents use this device as a way to get their children into this enjoyable hobby.

Features:

  • Five Year Warranty
  • Rugged Design
  • Two-Tone Audio Mode
  • Adjustable Height Design
  • Padded Armrest
  • Detector Stand

Conclusion

This unit is by no means the top metal detector on the market, but as many metal detector reviews attest, this is the best beginner metal detector you can find in this price range. It has a sturdy design, it is attractive, and it offers enough features to give you a good idea of what metal detecting is all about. You will not feel as if you’ve wasted your money when you purchase this unit.

2. National Geographic PRO Series Metal DetectorNational Geographic PRO Series Metal Detector

 

Pros:
  • No Assembly Required
  • Adjustable Height Positions
  • Clear Instructions for Calibration and Techniques
  • The Ability to Adjust Sensitivity
Cons:
  • Although the product has the National Geographic name, it is designed specifically for children.
  • The plastic design is prone to break.
Review:

While this unit is far from being a professional metal detector, it is a good metal detector for parents who want to get their children into the hobby. It is a compact unit that is made from plastic. It is extremely light, which will allow your children to use it for an extended period of time without getting tired.

It uses a 9 V battery as a power source, and it does not require any assembly.

It has an adjustable sensitivity indicator knob and can be used over a wide range of areas. It is not waterproof, and so it should not be submersed in water. This is the most recommended metal detector for parents who want to do some serious metal detecting on their own and give their children something to keep them occupied while having a good time.National Geographic PRO Series Metal Detector Full Packaging Kit

Features:

  • Two Year Warranty
  • It Is Collapsible
  • Weighs 2.3 Pounds
  • LED Indicator Display
  • Adjustable Volume

Conclusion

If you’re looking at going out and having a good time with your children, then at under $200, this would be the perfect tool for you. It is not designed to be a complicated and expensive professional tool, but it is a good way to get your children started doing something that they will love.

3. Fisher F22 Metal DetectorFisher F22 Metal Detector

 

Pros:
  • Weatherproof
  • Iron Audio
  • Fast Processing Speed
  • Light
  • Simple to Use
Cons:
  • It Has No Manual Ground Balance
Review:

Metal detector reviews have been raving about the Fisher F-22 metal detector. It is the talk of the entry level detector world. Since its release in late 2015, it has boasted many advances, including a redesigned coil, additional search modes, and iron audio. All of these features are compiled in a smaller, more compact box that can resist the weather.

The device is designed to be easy to use. You turn it on and you go. This is among the best rated metal detectors for individuals looking to get a start with things like jewelry, coins, or relic hunting.

Its redesigned search coil is smaller and allows you to pick out real treasures from unwanted pieces of iron. It is maneuverable, and it is easy to get around tight spaces. It is also fully submersible in shallow water. As long as you do not get the control box wet, you should be okay.

Features:

  • Search Coil Is Smaller and More Powerful
  • Two Year Warranty
  • Various Modes for Searching for Coins, Jewelry, Artifacts, or Custom Searches
  • LCD Target Screen with Multiple Indicators
  • Iron Audio Allows You to Amplify Iron Signals so You Don’t Dig for Unwanted Targets

Conclusion

Coming in at just over $220, this unit is the perfect metal detector for someone not looking to spend a lot of money and yet still get some decent features. It is not going to give you some of the flexibility you will find in professional models, but it is a good way to get started, have some fun, and find a few treasures of your own.

4. Bounty Hunter Discovery 3300 Metal Detector

Bounty Hunter Discovery 3300 Metal Detector

 

Pros:
  • Lightweight at 2.6 Pounds
  • Functions on Multiple Terrains
  • User-Friendly
  • Ergonomic Design
  • Pinpoint Mode Allowing for Precise Detection and Location
  • Easy-To-Use LCD Display
Cons:
  • With So Many Controls, Some Have Found This Device Complicated to Operate
Review:

This device has multiple features that make it perfect for use by beginners as well as intermediate users. It’s very light, and it has a solidly constructed coil that is waterproof.

It has a large LCD display that makes interference less likely. You will be able to find a lot of treasure in a short amount of time.

A nice feature is the zap mode. It will let you get rid of materials you don’t want, so you don’t find junk when you are looking for gold.

The coin detector will let you know if the coin is just beneath the surface or if it is up to 8 inches down. The Bounty Hunter Discovery 3300 comes equipped with an interchangeable coil system that allows you to use coils that range from 4 inches up to 10 inches.

Features:

  • Four Tone Audio Feedback
  • Pinpoint for Deep Seeking Detection
  • One Touch Zap to Get Rid of Unwanted Finds
  • Adjustable Armrest and Stem That Are Padded
  • Headphone Jack
  • Five Year Warranty

Conclusion

This unit is a good buy for the money. It has all of the features you’d expect from a product in this price range and then a few more. If this is the first metal detector you are going to purchase, you have to be ready for a steeper than average learning curve because of all of the features. However, once you’ve mastered the controls, you will be happy with the product.

Top 5 Best Professional Metal Detectors

1. Garrett AT Pro All TerrainGarrett AT Pro Metal Detector

 

Pros:
  • Works on All Terrains
  • Can Be Submerged up to 10 Feet
  • Good for Advanced Users and Beginners
  • Has a Digital Target Identification Scale
  • Manual and Automatic Ground Balancing Feature
Cons:
  • Does Not Have a Pinpointer
Review:

This is a unit you’re going to enjoy using every single day from the first time you get it out of the box. Many refer to this as their go-to metal detector. It is arguably the best metal detector for coins in this price range.

As the ‘Jack of All Trades’ of metal detectors, it will work on any terrain while at the same time giving you constant results.

One of the things you’re going to love about this device is the display interface. It has been designed to be simple to use and intuitive. All the information that you need is going to be displayed in front of you without you needing to search for it.

A nice feature is the digital target ID, which allows you to pinpoint the metal you are looking for with an accuracy from 0 to 99. It makes it a lot easier to determine what metals you should go after and what pieces of metal are junk.

Features:

  • Two Year Warranty
  • Standard Search Coil of 8.5 x 11”
  • Digital Target ID
  • Cam Locks
  • Extendable Arm

Conclusion

This is not the cheapest metal detector out there, with the price starting at around $600. If you are new to metal detecting, this might be more of an investment than you are willing to make. However, for individuals who are serious about the hobby or who foresee the hobby being something they will do for a long time, this detector is right for them.

It has a lot of features and is durably designed. It is unquestionably one of the best metal detectors for the money.

2. Garrett Ace 250 Metal DetectorPhoto of the Ace 250 Metal Detector

 

Pros:
  • Lightweight
  • User-Friendly
  • You Can Pick It Up and Start Detecting Metal Immediately
Cons:
  • Since it does not have manual ground balancing, you will need to constantly adjust the sensitivity in certain areas. This can lead to compromised depth perception.
Review:

When you look online for articles on how to buy a metal detector, they will tell you to look for accuracy, ease-of-use, and comfortability. On all of these marks, the Garrett Ace 250 stands out above the rest. It is definitely one of the best metal detectors for beginners that you are going to be able to find.

It has an elliptical coil, which does not have the same power or precision as a DD style coil, but it still gives you a lot of bang for your buck.

The search coil that comes standard with the Garrett Ace 250 is 9 inches. It has a thin profile that makes it easy to go from one area to another. It is possible to buy the DD style coil to replace the standard elliptical coil that comes with this product, but truthfully most beginners are going to be happy with what the standard coil can deliver.

Features:

  • Bell Tone
  • Eight Levels of Sensitivity
  • Five Discrimination Patterns
  • Fully Customized Notching
  • Light Weight at 2.7 Pounds
  • 30 Hour Battery Life
  • Two Year Limited Warranty

Conclusion

Garrett Ace metal detectors are some of the best on the market. At around $200, this is a professional model that has an entry-level price. It has enough features and enough power to allow you to get the most out of your treasure hunts, yet it is at a price that will not break the bank.

3. Minelab GO-FIND 60

Picture of the Minelab GO-FIND 60 Metal Detector

 

Pros:
  • Collapsible
  • Easy to Transport
  • Intuitive
  • Easy to Use
  • Pinpoint Function
Cons:
  • Produces False Readings and Missed Finds
Review:

Minelab has been producing metal detectors since the mid-1980’s. The Go Find 60 is the perfect model for someone who is new to metal detecting but wants to have a professional like experience.

The first thing you’re going to notice about this device is that it is completely collapsible. Most metal detectors do not have this feature. This unit can be easily strapped onto a backpack and taken with you wherever you need to go.

The unit has multiple detection modes, depth indication levels, and sensitivity levels. While it does not have the power of other high end professional detectors, it is still powerful enough to find a lot of buried items.

The pinpoint mode and depth indicator are great at not only for finding treasure but also in helping you see how far down you will need to dig until you uncover it.

Using the app and your smartphone allows you to use additional features, such as Google maps. You can also take pictures and store notes about your find. While the app is not necessary to enjoy the product, it does add an extra level of fun.

Features:

  • 10 Inch Monoloop Coil
  • Backlit Monitor
  • Two Year Warranty
  • Smart Phone Pro
  • Four Audio Tones
  • Five Levels of Sensitivity

Conclusion

Coming in at around $300, this is a nice unit for newcomers and intermediate treasure hunters. It has enough battery power, features, and detection ability to keep you busy the entire day. The smartphone app adds another level of fun to your treasure hunting, making this unit of decent value for the money.

4. Garrett ACE 400 Bundle

Garrett ACE 400 Waterproof Metal Detector

 

Pros:
  • Extremely Sensitive
  • Great Distinguishing between Iron Objects and Non-Iron Objects
  • Speedy Recovery Time
  • Lightweight
  • Multiple Attachments
Cons:
  • Volume Can Only Be Adjusted on the Machine, Not on the Headphones
  • Not As Reliable on Highly Mineralized Soil
Review:

All of the best metal detector reviews included the Garrett ACE 400 as one of the top metal detectors you can buy in this price range. When you open up the package, you will have three separate parts. These are the coil, the straight shaft, and the S shaft. All the tools you need to put the unit together are there for you in the box.

This is a lightweight unit, and you’re not going to get tired of carrying it around. It is perfect for anyone looking to spend a considerable amount of time searching for treasure.

The LED display provides all of the information that you need, including a mode indicator, a target ID legend, and a depth indicator. The device is easy to power on, and it is easy to understand the different modes that it has.

Features:

  • Iron Audio
  • Digital Target ID with a Scale of 0 to 99
  • 10 KHz Frequency Allows You to Detect Objects like Gold
  • Coin Depth Indicator
  • Two Year Warranty

Conclusion

At just a little over $500, this is one of the more expensive units in our metal detector reviews. What is nice is that it comes not only with the metal detector but with a wide range of attachments. When all combined, it adds up to 400 different advanced features that allow you to find more treasure and less trash. This is perfect for intermediate treasure hunters and is definitely a good buy for the money.

5. Fisher F75 Metal Detector

Fisher F75 Metal Detector Photograph

 

Pros:
  • Unbelievably Great Depth Performance
  • Fast Seeking
  • Easy to Use Intuitive Ground Balance Features
  • Intuitive Menu Interface
Cons:
  • Needs to Be Carefully Adjusted in Order to Produce the Best Results
  • Can Be Affected by EMI or RFI
Review:

This is a high-end metal detector that is going to leave you impressed with its depth performance. It has the ability to reach up to one foot underground. It has amazing recovery speed. This means that as you walk, no target goes unnoticed.

Even working on difficult ground conditions is no problem for this unit. It has a well-designed balance phase readout, which leaves you with all of the critical information you need, including ground mineral levels. Since the interface is intuitive, you will be able to make many adjustments on the fly.

The backlit LCD screen makes it easy for you to read all of the information that is provided. There are very few negative things that can be said about this unit since it has performed outstandingly in a variety of conditions.

Features:

  • Zero – 99 Numeric Target Identification Display
  • Double Filter Discrimination
  • Double D Waterproof Search Coil
  • Large LCD Screen with Target Identification Display
  • Two Year Warranty

Conclusion

This is a pricey unit, with some places offering it for more than $1,000. However, this is a top-of-the-line unit for someone who is serious about metal detecting. It offers enough features to keep you learning, and it is sensitive enough to allow you to differentiate between a potential treasure and something that is for sure trash. Purchasing the unit will require an investment on your part, but if you’re looking at spending some time metal detecting, either for a hobby or as a side business, this unit is more than worth the investment.

Expert Tier Metal Detector

1. Garrett GTI 2500 Pro Package

Product Photo of the Garrett GTI 2500 Pro Package Metal Detector

 

Pros:
  • Large Display
  • Images Show the Size and Depth of Target
  • Hip Mount Battery Pack for Less Weight
Cons:
  • Relatively Heavy Unit
  • Lacks Some Performance Features of Other High-End Units
Review:

Treasure hunters are always asking, how much is a good metal detector? Well, if you’re looking for one that is going to help you find coins, one that is powerful, one that will set up out-of-the-box and be ready to go, and one that includes an instruction video, you will want to consider the Garrett GTI 2500 Pro Package, which you can find for around $1,000.

This device is not the most stylish metal detector you’re going to find, but it is designed to be comfortable and powerful. The armrest has padding that you will appreciate as you are out on a long day’s hunt. All the buttons are easy to use and clearly marked.

The display is large, so you will not to need to squint to see what’s going on. The LCD screen provides a perfect visual indication of the object you are tracking, and it works well even when the sun is out.

Features:

  • Soft case
  • Headphones
  • 12.5 Inch Search Coil
  • Weather Resistant Cover
  • Target Size Data
  • 24 Level Discrimination
  • Automatic Ground Balance
  • Battery Indicator
  • Two Year Warranty

Conclusion

This unit is not cheap. However, if you are looking to spend around $1,000, we feel that you will be happy with this metal detector. The display is easy to use, it has the ability to reach a depth of around a foot, and it doesn’t have too many flaws outside of its weight.

There are some features we would like to see on this unit that other units in the same price range have, but not having these features does not detract from the overall functionality of the GTI 2500.

Best Small Metal Detector for Kids

1. Bounty Hunter BHJS Junior Metal Detector

Photo of the Bounty Hunter BHJS Junior Metal Detector

 

Pros:
  • Very Light
  • Ergonomically Designed
  • Can Discriminate or Leave out Iron and Other Unwanted Objects
  • Preset Ground Balance for Use on Soils with High Mineral Content
  • Designed to Put up with the Abuse That Comes from Being Played with by a Child
Cons:
  • Not Designed for Professional Treasure Hunters
Review:

This detector is perfect for children and amateurs who are just looking to find coins that are not too far underneath the surface. The device is easy to set up and can be quickly used out-of-the-box.

The unit is made from lightweight material and uses 9 V batteries. It is convenient to carry around. It makes finding simple metal materials easy and fun.

The unit is affordable and comes with a headset and your first set of batteries. It has a target detector that measures material strength. The closer you get to your target, the stronger the volume becomes.

Features:

  • Single Mode Beeping Sound
  • Metal Detection Discrimination Control
  • Depth Detection with the Ability to Find Small Objects at 5 Inches Deep and Larger Objects up to 3 Feet Deep

Conclusion

Parents who are looking to get their children into metal detecting are going to love this product. At under 50 bucks, the product is so inexpensive that it does not require a large investment on the part of parents looking to see if treasure hunting is something that their children will enjoy. It has a sturdy construction and is designed to stand up to the abuse that children throw at it.

Reasons To Get A Metal Detector

Some people may wonder, is it really worth it to spend hundreds of dollars on a metal detector? What if I don’t find anything that’s worth the price I paid for the metal detector? Is it still worth it?

For me, the answer is a resounding yes. Think about it like this. You could spend $500 on a snowboard, $500 on a paintball set, or $500 on a pair of ice skates. And still you have to pay to maintain that hobby.

Metal detecting is the only hobby which is not only free to do after you buy the equipment, but it might actually make you money. Even if you are not one of those guys who are lucky enough to find a fortune their first time out with a metal detector, it is likely that you will find something of financial or sentimental value.

Metal detecting allows you to get exercise, it can be a social hobby, it’s a great hobby to include your children in, and it is thrilling. It’s exciting not knowing if that next beep is a penny or a 24 karat gold coin.

Metal detecting is a thrilling hobby that can bring you years of enjoyment.

Types of Metal Detectors

Logo clipart of a magnetMetal detectors have been around since the early 1880’s. With more than 13 decades of history behind them, it is surprising how little cheap but good metal detectors have changed over the decades.

The basic principle behind how a metal detector creates a magnetic field and uses that to identify the magnetic fields created in metal objects is still what is used today.

Over the past 13 decades, improvements in technology has refined the way that metal detectors work and has led to the creation of different styles of metal detectors. We will discuss some of the styles as well as what you want to look for when looking for a good metal detector.

Beat Frequency Oscillation

These are metal detectors at their most basic form. At most, they have the ability to locate objects that are two feet below the ground.

They are equipped with a coil of copper that is wrapped around a ring of steel or iron. There is a large ring at the base and a smaller ring that is a little bit higher up.

The coils connect to an oscillator that produces a frequency. Since the coils function at a different frequency, this difference is what is detected by the speakers on the metal detector. The audible humming sound or beeping sound indicates that a metal object is nearby.

Very Low Frequency Detectors

This is one of the most popular styles of metal detectors that are currently used. It is a good beginner metal detector.

This device has a pair of coils that work together. The first coil is the transmitter, and the second is the receiver.

The transmitter loops a magnetic field above and below the ground. When the field comes into contact with a piece of metal, the metal develops a magnetic current of its own.

The magnetic current created by the metal interferes with the magnetic loop that the metal detector is creating. The second coil detects this interference and magnifies it into the audio system of the metal detector.

The closer you are to the metal object, the stronger the interference becomes, and the louder the audio produced by the metal detector becomes.

One of the nice things about this style of detector is that different metals generate different frequencies, so it’s easy to know what type of treasure you are coming up on.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Metal Detector

When looking for cheap but good metal detectors, it is wise to investigate different brands and to ask specific questions, such as:

  • How Often Will I Use the Detector?
    If you’re only going to use it once or twice at the lake or the beach, then you may not want to spend a lot of money on a device that has a ton of features. You want a simple yet reliable unit.
  • Where Will I Use the Detector?
    If you are in an area that is known for having gold, for having relics of a particular material, or for having specific coins, you will want to purchase a detector that has a mode that is designed to find the specific type of metal you are looking for. Another factor to consider is ease of travel. How easy will it be to take the detector to the area you plan to use it in?
  • Am I the Only One Using It?
    It is important that the size of the detector you purchase is right for the individuals using it. You will want one that has an adjustable pole that can fit everyone who will use it.

As you can see, there are a lot of factors to consider when purchasing a metal detector. Finding the right one will increase your enjoyment of the hobby and your ability to find the treasures you are seeking.

Top 3 Tips For Treasure Hunters

  • Tip One: Do Your Research

Photograph of a kid with binoculars

Beginner treasure hunters mistakenly believe that they will be able to go out, randomly pick a spot, and start finding treasure. Successful treasure hunting is due in large part to research.

You will want to learn about the area you’re going to search. Use Internet chat forums, online articles, and word-of-mouth experience to find out about the types of metals that might be found in a particular region.

  • Tip Two: Understand Your Detector inside and out

You could have the best metal detector in the world, but if you do not understand its features, you might find yourself walking right over your fortune. Bench test your detector to become familiar with what it is capable of. This will make it easier for you to find treasures when you are in the field.

  • Tip Three: Learn Proper Search Techniques

Is it better to scan in a straight line, or is it better to scan in a wide arch? How can you locate an object without making large, difficult to fill holes that could potentially destroy your target? These are the types of questions you should learn the answer to before you go out on your first hunt.

If you’re interested in learning more tips, we invite you to look at our Professional Treasure Hunters page that has the 10 best tips for aspiring treasure hunters.

Can I Use My Metal Detector Underwater?

As you’ve noticed, many of the budget model metal detectors that we have reviewed are not designed to be used underwater. Some can be submerged a few inches in the water, but that’s about it. Many of the units that we reviewed have warranties that are immediately voided if you submerge your metal detector completely underwater.

That being said, some of the top of the line units that we reviewed, such as the Garrett AT Pro, work absolutely fine underwater. If you are thinking about doing underwater metal detecting, make sure that the metal detector you have is up to the task.

I Want To Go Treasure Hunting. What Do I Need?

After reading a few of the reviews, are you excited about getting into treasure hunting? If so, you are joining a large club of dedicated and interesting people. While your metal detector is the primary tool you’re going to need, there are some other tools that are going to make searching for treasure a lot easier.

1. Lesche Digging Tool

Photo of the Standard Lesche Digging Tool
This is the ultimate digging tool. It’s perfect for landscaping and metal detecting. It has a strong blade that is 7 inches long and 1 ¾ of an inch. It comes with a useful belt holder and is made in the United States.

This is a double edged digger. On the one side, you have a sawtooth edge. On the other side, you have a beveled blade. The saw side is perfect for cutting roots, and the blade side will cut through grass and dirt.

Its comfortable rubber grip and hand guard plate make digging a lot easier.

2. Mardingtop Military Grade Backpack

Photo of the Mardingtop Tactical Backpack
This military grade backpack is made from water resistant 600 D polyester. It has the ability to hold 35 L. It is equipped with Velcro tape and flag patches.

Since it is a military style backpack, it has the ability to hold small items, and it has areas where you can attach additional pouches or gear. It has adjustable bottom straps, allowing you to hang your sleeping bag or tent.

Thanks to its 90 day warranty, if you don’t like the backpack, you can return it for a full refund. Its huge and expandable main compartment and front zipped pockets make this the perfect complement for any treasure hunt.

3. SE Plastic Sand Scoop

Photo of SE GP3-SS20 Green Plastic Sand Scoop for Treasure Hunting
Made from sturdy plastic and formed to have 5 inch holes, this sand scoop has a capacity of over 3 quarts. It is lightweight and easy to use when separating sand from treasure. It’s easy to find the treasure because the plastic does not interfere with your metal detector.

This is a must-have for any treasure hunter who is looking for metal on dry land or on sandy beaches. SE is committed to providing a high quality product at a reasonable price. This sand scoop is functional, useful, and of high quality.

4. Metal Detecting: A Beginner’s Guide by Mark Smith

Cover of the Book Metal Detecting A Beginner's Guide to Mastering the Greatest Hobby In the World
This book is invaluable for the first time treasure hunter. In fact, individuals who have been searching for metal for years are still able to learn new tricks from this book.

This guide is jam-packed with more than 200 pages of invaluable metal detecting information. Its goal is to get you finding treasure the very first time you go out. After reading the book, you will realize how simple it is to find treasure using a metal detector and to do it right.

Some of its features include learning how a metal detector works, metal detecting etiquette, and how to identify your finds.

Making The Decision

Photograph of a treasure hunter on the beach

Photo credit: Ryan Vaarsi via Visualhunt.com / CC BY

The time has come for you to make your decision. In this review I have tried to give you an overview of what to expect from different metal detectors at different price ranges. Obviously, the more money you pay for a metal detector, the more features you are going to get.

That being said, the best metal detector is not always the most expensive one. Some of the budget units we have reviewed will still allow you to find a wide range of metals in different terrains.

Before deciding on which model to purchase, we encourage you to continue to do your due diligence. Look at more metal detector reviews and then pull the trigger.

You can purchase a metal detector from brick-and-mortar stores. There’s nothing wrong with that. But when you buy a metal detector from a site like Amazon.com or another online retailer, you get the benefit of being able to read the reviews that other people have left about the product.

You are able to examine the product and compare it with others without having the pressure of the salesperson over you trying to get you to buy the most expensive model out there.

Now the ball is in your court. There are treasures out there to be found. You can find them. But first you need to buy yourself the best metal detector on the market.

Happy treasure hunting! And may the (magnetic) force be with you.