Metal detecting is the merger of outdoor exploration with the thrill of treasure hunting. But before you can embark on your adventure, there’s one crucial decision to make: selecting the right metal detector.
I was lucky in that I borrowed my first detector from my son. It allowed me to test drive a “beginner” machine without spending hundreds.
Now after more than 10 years of swinging and digging, I can share my thoughts and hopefully point you to a good choice.
I’ve listed three metal detectors below with specifications to provide a comparison.
From $100 to $300
Nokta Simplex+
- 4 modes and 12 kHz frequency
- 100% waterproof durability
- Backlighting on display/buttons
- Wireless headphones
- Intuitive menu with updates
- Fantastic Value
From $300 to $750
Nokta Legend
- Amazing Multi-Frequency
- 100% Waterproof to 3M
- Trash filtering with advanced discrimination
- More value than any detector in this price range
From $750 and UP
Minelab Nox 900
- 6 Frequencies for all soil mineralization
- 100% IP68 waterproof to 5M
- Advanced targeting for accurate identification (dig less + find more)
- Never buy another detector after this one.
Setting Your Budget
As with any hobby, your budget plays a significant role. Metal detectors can range from under a hundred bucks to several thousand, each with different features and capabilities. It’s essential to define your budget before diving into the options to avoid overspending.
Metal Detecting Tip: I can almost guarantee that you’ll be upset and discouraged getting a no-name brand metal detector from an online retailer. If you’re looking for a specific item that you lost (like your wedding ring) Go to a service like The Ring Finders, someone can come over and search with some great equipment for cheap.
From my experience, you can break down the cost into 3 ranges:
$150 to $300 – These will be the beginner models. Popular brands are: Bounty Hunter, Nokta, Garrett and Minelab. These machines are usually VLF and have limited discrimination and sensitivity settings.
$300 to $750 – In this price range you can get what I would call a “forever detector”. Meaning you can get a good machine and never need to buy another one.
These detectors will come with rechargeable batteries, wireless headphones, ground balance, refined discrimination, and sensitivity. You’ll also have options for different coil designs and sizes. You may find multi-frequency detectors that are able to process multiple frequencies at one time. (different metals react to certain frequencies better than others)
$750 and UP – The sky is the limit in terms of capabilities. In this price range you can get a detector that truly specializes in a type of searching. Do you love beach sweeping? How about gold? Relics and historic items?
Proven manufacturers in this price range are Minelab particularly the Equinox 800 and 900 and the Garrett AT MAX.
Types of Metal Detectors
Very Low Frequency (VLF) Detectors
VLF detectors are the most common and work by creating a magnetic field from an electrical current produced by the control box. This field detects metal objects in the ground through a process involving ‘eddy currents’.
The frequency of a VLF detector matters: lower frequencies reach deeper but are less sensitive to small or low-conducting targets, while higher frequencies are better at detecting small items.
The conductivity of a metallic object affects the response you get from the detector. Good conductors, like silver or copper, facilitate eddy currents better and usually signal a ‘high tone’, while low conductors like iron and lead do the opposite.
Pulse Induction (PI) Detectors
PI detectors work by sending timed pulses of high currents into the ground and then switching to a receiving mode to detect the returning signals. These signals are generated when the current flows into a metallic object due to the magnetic field produced by the coil.
PI machines, though not ideal for coin hunting due to their lack of discrimination, are suitable for relic hunting in low trash areas, gold prospecting in mineralized soils, and beach hunting due to their resistance to high mineral and salinity levels.
Full Band Spectrum or Multi-Frequency Detectors
Multi-frequency detectors simultaneously operate on multiple frequencies, enabling them to process both ferrous and non-ferrous properties of a target at once. This feature allows for accurate target information and discrimination.
Although these detectors require slower swinging due to increased data processing, they’re almost like having multiple detectors in one. The versatility of multi-frequency detectors can significantly outweigh the slightly slower operation speed. Some newer models even let users select the operating frequencies, which is advantageous in high trash areas where recovery speed is vital.
Considering Your Experience Level
Your experience level is another crucial factor to consider. If you’re a novice, look for a metal detector designed with beginners in mind – one that is user-friendly and easy to operate. However, as your experience grows, you might want to upgrade to a more sophisticated model with advanced features.
An important consideration is the USER EXPERIENCE. Each manufacturer adopts a menu method that can make it for you to adjust to. A perfect example was switching from how Garrett machines operate over to Nokta Makro. I’ve become so use to the Nokta system, I’m not sure I would move away from it.
What do You Need For Beach Metal Detecting?
I’m going to provide an ESSENTIAL beach gear list. Everyone wants to enjoy beach time and dragging a pile of gear to the beach sucks.
- A great multi-frequency metal detector. Different metals react to different frequencies. Having a machine that utilizes multiple frequencies at the same time will greatly improve finding gold and coins. The Best Value is the Nokta Makro Legend check prices and reviews on Amazon with this shortcut link -> Nokta Makro Legend
- A great pinpointer, I’m an absolute believer in wireless tech. For years I would get tangled in my headphone wires. GO WIRELESS the Nokta PulseDive links to the Legend’s wireless headphones. Since it’s built for diving, it’s Heavy Duty. Short cut link to Amazon – Nokta Makro PulseDive
- Get a heavy duty sand scoop, I’ve bought the cheap plastic and metal scoops – NOT GOOD. They usually break within a day. 2+ years later I’m still hammering on my CKG Metal Detecting Sand Scoop <- Link to Amazon
The Type of Metal Detecting You’ll Do
The type of metal detecting you intend to do will guide your choice. Coin hunting requires a different kind of metal detector compared to relic hunting or jewelry searching. Understanding your interest will help you narrow down the appropriate models.
Examples of What Metal Detector to Pick
Saltwater beaches – look for a fully waterproof pulse induction (PI) machine with good ground-balancing capabilities.
Budget General Use – a VLF machine is great for old homesteads and freshwater beaches.
Coin Shooting – A mid-price VLF machine with a fast response time. Searching for coins is a numbers game, the more you can dig the better your chances.
Semi-Serious Searching at Parks and Freshwater Beaches – A waterproof multi-frequency machine with wireless headphones.
Metal Detecting Brands
Get a known brand name in the industry. Even if you don’t fall in love with this activity, you can find a willing buyer for selling your used machine.
Garrett
One of the most well-known brands in the industry, Garrett offers a wide range of metal detectors suitable for different levels of experience and types of hunting. I started my metal detecting passion with a Garrett ACE 250. The Ace series and AT Pro are among its most popular models.
Minelab
Recognized for its innovative technology, Minelab offers high-quality metal detectors for different uses, including gold prospecting, coin and treasure hunting, and relic hunting. The Equinox 800 and 900 are among their well-known models.
Nokta Makro
Known for its innovative and high-quality metal detectors. Founded in 2001, the company has rapidly become one of the most respected names in the metal detecting industry.
One popular series from Nokta Makro is the Simplex series, which offers models that are both affordable and easy-to-use, making them perfect for beginners, yet still packed with advanced features that satisfy experienced detectorists.
The Nokta Legend Metal Detector is a high-quality, sturdy device, effective in finding deep-buried items. It offers great value, especially in the Pro Pack edition. New users may consider starting with the simpler Simplex model before upgrading to The Legend.
Fisher Labs
Established in 1931, Fisher Labs is the world’s oldest metal detector company. They offer a broad spectrum of models for hobbyists, relic hunters, and gold prospectors. The Fisher F75 and F22 are popular models.
Bounty Hunter
Bounty Hunter metal detectors are known for being user-friendly and affordable, making them a great choice for beginners. The Bounty Hunter Tracker IV is a best-seller.
Teknetics
Teknetics metal detectors are known for their balance and ergonomic design. The Teknetics T2 is a favorite among many detectorists.
Where are you Going to Search?
Consider the environments where you’ll conduct your searches. If you plan to explore a wide range of soil types, you’ll need a versatile metal detector that can handle various conditions. Consider multi-frequency detectors with good ground balancing.
Personally I love running over to the local beach on Monday morning. Wandering on the beach with my sandals swinging for coins and rings is a perfect morning activity.
However, if your search is limited to a specific environment, a detector designed for that particular setting will suffice. A perfect example would be gold detecting. I’ve got an article that goes into this more VLF Metal Detectors for Gold
Once you’ve taken these factors into account, you’re ready to begin shopping. With so many brands and models, it’s crucial to research and read reviews before finalizing a purchase.
Additional Factors to Keep in Mind
Here are a few more parameters that can influence your decision:
- Frequency: The frequency of a metal detector determines its detection depth. High-frequency detectors are excellent for detecting smaller objects, but at a shorter range. Conversely, low-frequency detectors offer a longer range but might struggle to pick up small objects.
- Sensitivity: The sensitivity of a metal detector reflects its responsiveness to metal objects. Higher sensitivity means detecting more objects, but it might also lead to more false signals.
- Discrimination: This feature helps distinguish between different types of metal, which is useful for avoiding unnecessary detections, such as nails or bottle caps.
- Weight: Metal detecting can involve long hours of exploration, so a lightweight and comfortable detector can make a big difference. The majority of metal detectors designed for hobbyists tend to fall in the 2 to 4 pounds (0.9 to 1.8 kg) range.
- Software Updates: Many of the newer machines offer software updates. Having a company provide ongoing support via updates is a sign of quality at any price point.
- Warranty: Some metal detectors come with a warranty – a valuable asset in case of unexpected breakdowns.
Product Recommendations
Providing a recommendation is easy for me. If you believe in something, confidently telling others is easy. I would remember three factors from this article.
1. Seriously think about how much you’ll use your metal detector. If occasionally, like 3-4 times a year, get the Nokta Simplex+
2. Set your budget. You can get a really good machine for around $300. You’ll also need a good pin pointer and something to dig with.
3. Get a KNOWN Brand. The major players have better customer support (free software updates) and warranties you can trust.
Nokta Simplex+
Awesome Value
The perfect beginner machine or for a 3-5 times /year use. A favorite for family camping trips with a real opportunity to find treasure.
- 4 modes and 12 kHz frequency
- 100% waterproof durability
- Backlighting on display/buttons
- Wireless headphones
- Intuitive menu with updates
- Fantastic Value
Nokta Legend
Avid enthusiast
The Legend is a extremely capable and powerful machine. If you are the type to schedule a day of hunting you won’t be disappointed.
- Amazing Multi-Frequency
- 100% Waterproof to 3M
- Trash filtering with advanced discrimination
- More value than any detector in this price range
Minelab Nox 900
Serious Detectorist
For the serious detectorist that spends weekends in the woods and fields. Then hits the beach first thing Monday morning for coins and rings.
- 6 Frequencies for all soil mineralization
- 100% IP68 waterproof to 5M
- Advanced targeting for accurate identification (dig less + find more)
- Never buy another detector after this one.
Community
Consider joining a metal detecting club and attending the meetings and outings. I promise in 3 hours with other detectorists you’ll learn more than a year of internet searches. These communities can provide valuable advice, help newcomers to the hobby get started, and even let you borrow a machine.
Looking for some “How To” metal detecting articles? I’ve got you covered
- Metal Detecting Digging Tools – Tells you all about shovels, scoops and how to dig a plug.
- Where are the Best Places for a Beginner to Metal Detect? – Just like the title says, this article points the beginner to the highest probability places.
- Can You Metal Detect on BLM Land? – So many people have asked me about BLM detecting I had to write this article.
One More Swing with Your New Metal Detector
Selecting the right metal detector can seem overwhelming with so many factors to consider. I’m hoping I was narrow down your search and possibly save you some $$. By understanding your needs, setting a budget, and researching your options, you can find the perfect machine for your metal detecting adventures.
Remember, the journey to uncover hidden treasures begins with a single step – choosing the right tool.
David Humphries, Writer and Creator of METAL DETECTING TIPS. After borrowing my son’s detector and finding $.25. I felt like a treasure hunter. FREE MONEY! I was seriously bitten by the metal detecting bug.
Read about David -> HERE
Want to send me a question – contact