Best Metal Detectors Reviews 2019

While metal detecting has always been around, it has been slow to catch-up, and this can be blamed on the fact that most of the available resources with regards to this hobby have plenty of jargons that tend to scare most of the potential newbie to join. However, if you have been looking for a place where you can get to read metal detector reviews before you’re able to buy your own the best metal detector without feeling useless and not understanding the terms, then you have just found the place. So that you’re not lost somewhere in the middle, it is ideal to address some of the most commonly used jargons that are used so that when they are mentioned, you can be able to wrap your head around it.

Metal Detector Accessories and Parts

Stabilizer

This is usually an arm brace that is incorporated in a comfortable position of the metal detector and is tasked with keeping the unit steady as you hoover over the ground and sweep it back and forth or side to side. This helps to ensure that you’re able to keep constant control of the machine and at the same time, it makes it easy to use.

Control Box

This is perhaps one of the most important parts of the metal detectors. In most cases, this is located along the stem of the metal sensor just past or before the arm brace. It contains among other things the controls, batteries, the microprocessor and also the speaker. If the detectors come with a pair of headphones, the jack is also located here.

Shaft

This is a stem that appears after the control box and connects this to the search coil (which will be covered next). In most cases, this is adjustable to allow for better use and also to allow the machine to be able to accommodate varying heights as you may prefer.

Search Coil

This is a circular part that is located at the end of the metal radar that is used to do the actual detecting. There is a variety of designs and features that may be used for this but its primary use remains the same, and the additions only make it more functional and able to distinguish the various metals.

Discrimination

While this is not a part of the machine, it is a term that you will come across frequently and as such is worth mentioning. This refers to the ability of some of the metal radars to prioritize the signal when certain metals are detected over others. This helps the user to make sure that they can dig out only what matters instead of having to dig out everything. The discrimination can be based on the size of the findings or the nature of the material.

After understanding the most common terms in the metal detecting industry, it is also important that you also understand the types of metal detectors that are available and how they function. That way when you decide to make a purchase, you have a clear idea of what you would like to buy and what it is capable of.

Types of Metal Detectors

Transmitter-Receivers

These are considered the earliest technology in the world of metal detecting. They came with a variety of features that included being able to differentiate between ferrous and non-ferrous objects. However, this had a real problem with depth especially when it came to mineralized soils and had since become obsolete and is not available anymore.

Beat Frequency Oscillator

They make use of the Induction Balance principle, and while they are the cheapest and easiest to make, they do have their share of problems that include the inability to distinguish the types of metals. However, this technology is still used in other cheap hand held devices and is yet to become obsolete. Hence, if you’re looking for something super cheap without any specification whatsoever, then this is the type of metal locator that you should be opting for.

Very Low Frequency

These are the most common type of metal radars. They are very useful and have a high ability to distinguish a variety of metals. If you’re looking for something like silver and copper, the best of the VLF detectors would be those that are in the 4 kHz range. However, these are not sensitive to gold, and you would have to get something with a higher frequency to be able to detect this.

VLF/TR Metal Detectors

These are a combination of the Very Low-Frequency Technology and the Transmitter/Receiver technology. These are well known for their ability to be able to control trash as well as mineralization of the soil at the same time.

Pulse Induction Metal Detectors

These are amongst the more common types of metal detectors and perhaps also the top rated metal detector type. However, they also come with their share of concerns as the inability to differentiate between types of metal. However, they do particularly well in salt water and highly mineralized soils where the other types of metal radars may find it hard to operate.All that is left is for you to understand now what you need to consider when buying the hand held metal detector so that you’re able to know the type and model that is best suited for you.

How To Choose a Metal Detector?

Metal Detecting Locations

One of the most significant things that you should consider when buying the great metal detector is the field that you will be working in. This is because different types of metal detectors can work best in different areas. This will help you know the type that is best suited for you and your needs and that might be able to work with your budget.

How To Use a Metal Detector

The amount of time that you intend to spend on the metal radar another factor that can be pivotal in making sure that you’re able to buy the metal detector. If you intend to use this on a daily basis, then it will need to have quite a variety of electronic and technology features, so that it can fit into your needs and work better and it should also have a longer life battery. If you intend to use it occasionally, then you can settle for one that is not that advanced.

Metal Detector Prices

While buying a handheld metal detector, you should be able to buy the metal detector that is within your budget. Compare the quality and the features being offered before you settle on one then you can use the price as a determining factor. That way you’re able to get something that is most reasonably priced.

In the event that you don’t really know where to begin, but are ready to make a purchase, perhaps a quick review of some of the leading metal locators in the industry currently will be of great help in pointing you in the right direction, or even ensuring that you have a starting point in your search.

With that said, let us have a look at some of the entry level but still professional metal sensors that there are.

Metal Detectors Reviews

ModelFeaturesSearch ModesPowerWeight, lbWarrantyPrice
Garrett AT Pro


Get Cheap Garrett AT Pro Metal Detector
- Pro Mode Audio
- High-Res Iron Discrimination
one of 40 levels for precise ability to separate good targets from trash.
- Fast Recovery Speed
- Waterproof
- 15 kHz frequency
- Automatic and manually adjustable ground balance
- Graphic Target Analyzer
- Depth Indicator
- Shows battery life
All Metal
Coins
Jewelry
Gold
Pinpoint

4xAA32 years$$$$
Bounty Hunter Discovery 3300


Get Discounted Bounty Hunter Discovery 3300 Metal Detector
- Depth Indicator
- Accept/Reject discrimination patterns
- Digital 11-segment target ID identifies a wide range of targets
All Metal
Coins
Gold
2x9v2.65 years$$$
Garrett Ace 350


Get Cheap Garrett Ace 350 Metal Detector
- Accept/Reject discrimination patterns
- Excellent depth detection and performance coverage
- Improved ability to detect both small and large targets
- Electronic Pinpointing
- Five Search Modes
- Depth Indicator
- Shows battery life
- 3-piece Travel/Storage: disassembles to 24"
- Headphone Jack
All Metal
Jewelry
Custom
Relics
Coins
Pinpoint
4xAA2.82 years$$$$
Garrett Ace 250


Get Cheap Garrett Ace 250 Metal Detector
- Electronic Pinpointing
- Accept/Reject discrimination patterns
- Five Search Modes
- Depth Indicator
- Shows battery life
- Large LCD screen
- Pushbutton Controls
- 3-piece Travel/Storage: disassembles to 24"
- Headphone Jack
All Metal
Jewelry
Custom
Relics
Coins
Pinpoint
4xAA2.72 years$$$
Bounty Hunter Discovery 1100


Get Discounted Bounty Hunter Discovery 1100 Metal Detector
- Accept/Reject discrimination patterns
- 3 Tone audio feedback
- 3-Segment digital target identification
- Easy to read LCD display
All Metal
Coins
Relics
2x9v2.55 years$$
Garrett Ace 150


Get Cheap Garrett Ace 150 Metal Detector
- Depth Indicator
- Low Battery Indicator
- Headphone Jack
- Large LCD Screen
- Push button Controls
- 3-piece Travel/Storage: disassembles to 24"
- Adjustable Arm Cuff
All Metal
Jewelry
Coins
4xAA2.72 years$$
Bounty Hunter Tracker 4


Get Reduced Price of Bounty Hunter Tracker 4 Metal Detector
- Rugged metal detector
- Accept/Reject discrimination patterns
- 2-Tone audio mode
All Metal
Coins
Relic
Jewelry
2x9v2.85 years$
Ground EFX MC1


Get Cheap Ground EFX MC1 Metal Detector
- Detect coins up to 5" deep, larger metal up to 24"
- 6.5" circular coil submersible up to 24"
- Volume varies depending on signal strength
- Unit length adjustable from 26" to 36"
- Designed to withstand the rigors of child use
All Metal
Coins
2x9v21 year$
Bounty Hunter Gold Digger


Get Discounted Bounty Hunter Gold Digger Metal Detector
- Accept/Reject discrimination patterns
- Headphones included
All Metal
Iron
Relics
Gold
Coins
2x9v2.61 year$
Bounty Hunter Sharpshooter 2


Get Discounted Bounty Hunter Sharpshooter 2 Metal Detector
- Metal detector with extensive features is a great purchase for advanced users
- Visual reference of metals
- Easy-to-read LCD with touchpad
All Metal
Coins
Gold
Silver
Bronze
Iron
Aluminum
2x9v35 years$$
Ground Swarm Series MX200


Get Cheap Ground Swarm Series MX200 Metal Detector
- Large, simple-to-use digital backlit interface
- Accept/Reject discrimination patterns
- Strength and depth indicators in pinpoint mode
- GEO-X GPS Technology for location
- Fiberglass, polycarbonate construction
- 8 metal categories
- Adjustable discrimination
- 4 elimination modes
All Metal
Coins
Jewelry
Custom
8xAA4.81 year$$
Bounty Hunter Quick Draw 2


Get Reduced Price of Bounty Hunter Quick Draw 2 Metal Detector
- Automated to eliminate false signals
- Adjustable sensitivity to more deeply buried targets
- 8-inch interchangeable waterproof coil with sensitivity and discrimination controls
All Metal
Jewelry
Coins
2x9v3.55 years$$
Fisher F2


Get Discounted Fisher F2 Metal Detector
- 8-Segment visual Target Identification and 4-tone audio ID
- Fast, sensitive target response
- 2-digit numeric target value
- One-touch pinpoint with numeric depth readout
- Depth Indicator
- 8” concentric searchcoil
- Ergonomic S-Handle design
- Accept/Reject discrimination patterns
All Metal
Coins
Relics
2x9v2.65 years$$
Bounty Hunter Time Ranger


Get Discounted Bounty Hunter TimeRanger Metal Detector
- Professional, 4-Mode Operation
- Programmable Notching System
- Ground-Balance Monitor System
- Blanker System To Eliminate Surface
2x9v2.145 years$$
Bounty Hunter Quick Silver


Get Reduced Price of Bounty Hunter QuickSilver Metal Detecto r
- Automatic ground balance with squelch-tech eliminates false signals
- Accept/Reject discrimination patterns
- Digital target identification display with 3-tone audio feedback
- Large LCD display
All Metal2x9v2.85 years$$
Bounty Hunter Lone Star


Get Discounted Bounty Hunter LoneStar Metal Detector
- Touch pad selection along with variable discrimination controls
- Five segment digital target identification and 3-tone audio feedback
- Automatic elimination of undesireable objects
- 3 operating modes for flexibility in different types of hunting
All Metal
Coins
3x9v3.55 years$$

Garrett Ace 150

Garrett Ace 150 Metal Detector

The Ace 150 is part of the new Garrett Metal Detector ACE series that features a new way of thinking and is not just an ordinary metal locator. They have taken the industry by surprise with their well-planned and thought of features that give them a rugged yet very aggressive look. These detectors that are stealing the attention of everyone who comes across them are sending many companies back to the drawing board. They feature custom notch discrimination, adjustable sensitivity, depth setting and pinpointing.

PROS:

  • It is sensitive
  • Light
  • Easy to use

CONS:

  • Its power is very low given that it runs on battery

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Garrett Ace 250

Garrett Ace 250 Metal Detector

This is another product from the head turning, state of the art Garrett Ace series of Garrett metal detectors. The device has a large scan area that allows you to scan a large surface accurately. This is ideal for those who are in a rush. It also features a depth gauge, pinpoints as well as a 12 element notch discrimination that increases the accuracy. For use in crowded areas, it has a headphone jack that you can be used with headphones to increase your concentration.

PROS:

  • Intuitive
  • Easy to use
  • Accurate

CONS:

  • Might give false signals

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Garrett Ace 350 Treasure Hunter Package

Garrett Ace 350 Metal Detector Treasure Hunter Package

This is perhaps the most common type of metal locator. And rightly so, it features a power of an 8.5” x 11” DD search coil that is highly advanced. It also provides you with greater depth, better separation of the target, enhanced and increased iron separation, a big scan area, and technology that help minimize the effects of heavy minerals as well as the interference of the salt water. Its increased depth makes it easier to find relics, jewelry, and coins.

As if that is not all, it comes with headphones, digging tools, training DVD, a manual and 4 A batteries.

PROS:

  • Has a two-year warranty
  • Easy to use
  • Light weight

CONS:

  • Not cost-effective

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Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV

Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal Detector

Tracking treasure in ground conditions that are not conducive has never been easier from beaches with salt water, to inland sites that have heavy metals. The Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal Detector is very efficient and extremely user-friendly. It maintains its sensitivity without the need of any adjustments to its circuitryRunning on 9v alkaline batteries, the tracker features three detecting modes which you can toggle between using a switch. The three detection modes make it easier for you to eliminate targets that you do not want to find. Also, it has two tones to help you distinguish between undesirable items and valuable items.

Last but not the least, it has a ¼ inch jack that is compatible with most headphones, an indicator for low battery, and searches for treasures up to 8” below the ground for those that are the size of a coin and 3’ for those that are significantly large.

PROS:

  • Waterproof stem and coil
  • Sensitive
  • Easy to us
  • Light weight

CONS:

  • State that it does not work on iron, but it works

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Bounty Hunter Time Ranger

Bounty Hunter TIMERANGER Time Ranger Metal Detector

This is one of the products in the top of the state line of metal locators, which have been creating excitement for many people all over. It has exhaustive features that make it suitable for treasure hunters. It has an interchangeable coil, is fully submersible and a ground Trac. It also has an LCD readout that comes with controls, and that displays the sensitivity level, depth, target ID, discrimination level for iron and a ground balance monitor.

It also features a 4-mode operation making it very professional and a programmable notching system.

PROS:

  • Easy to operate

CONS:

  • May be faulty and detect rocks

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Bounty Hunter Gold Digger

Bounty Hunter Gold Digger Metal Detector

This is one of the stylish gold metal detectors that there is. It can detect treasures of all kind ranging from coins, iron relics and precious metals such as gold and silver. Also, if you are looking to get more privacy during the hunt, you will be glad to know that they have a 1/8’ jack for headphones.

It can identify objects the size of a coin that are up to 6” under the ground and larger items up to 2’ below the ground. It features a treasure meter as well as sensitivity control that helps you to zero in on the metals.

PROS:

  • Waterproof
  • Easy to use

CONS:

  • Does not come with the alkaline batteries

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Garrett AT Pro

Garrett AT Pro Metal Detector

Regardless of whether you are a newbie treasure hunter or have been doing it for some time, the AT Pro will help you get all the treasure wherever you go. It is termed as an entry level metal sensor. However, regardless of this fact, it has state of the art features to make treasure hunting even more fun.

It features and LCD screen, a 4-tone audio ID, a two-digit numbered display that help you distinguish between nickel, foil, iron and other metals, a waterproof frame and many more features.

PROS:

  • Waterproof
  • Has headphones to enhance concentration
  • Lightweight
  • Comes in attractive colors

CONS:

  • It can be hard to use
  • May not work in sand

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Ground EFX MC1 Kids Metal Detector

Ground EFX Swarm Series Digital GPS Metal Detector

The Ground EFX MC1 Youth Metal Radar features a design that is highly durable. It also has an eliminator control that helps to eliminate an unwanted item from detection. It can detect treasure that is buried down up to 5” deep and can identify large metals up to a depth of 24”. Its volume level, however, varies on the strength of the signal and is adjustable from 26” all the way to 36”.

PROS:

  • Metal detectors for kids
  • One-year standard of warranty

CONS:

  • The hooks meant to maintain the length may break easily.

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Ground EFX Swarm Series With Digital GPS

Ground EFX MC1 Youth Metal Detector

If you are looking for a lightweight metal locator, then this is the one for you. It is made out of polycarbonate that makes it very durable and light weight. It has a large and easy to use interface. It also features four modes of elimination and individual HD audio tones.

And as if that is not enough, it also features a GEO X GPS technology in which you can save 10 locations.

PROS:

  • Easy to use
  • Cost effective

CONS:

  • May give false detection
  • The depth depends on the condition of the ground


 

Fisher F2

Fisher F2 Metal DetectorAre you a beachcomber? Are you a professional relic hunter? Whichever the case, the entry level Fisher F2 metal detecting device will work wonders for you. It will search for treasure everywhere that you go to whatever time, from the beach to the lawn to the football field. Regardless of it being a beginner device, it has all the features that you would expect to find in a professional device. It features a visual display that is easy to read, has large push buttons that make it easy to operate, a visually targeted display and a coin depth display.

PROS:

  • All-purpose
  • Lightweight
  • Waterproof
  • Has plug-in headphones

CONS:

  • May not work in the sand regardless of the settings

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Bounty Hunter Discovery 3300

Bounty Hunter Discovery 3300 Metal Detector

If you are looking to look for lost household items, property markers or coins, this is the device for you. It has four modes in which it operates. These modes help you to eliminate the iron automatically as well as other products that you do not want to detect. The Bounty Hunter Discovery 3300 metal sensor runs on 9-volt alkaline batteries.

In addition, it has a target ID which allows it to identify a wide range of products. And as if that is not enough, it has a pre-set ground balance that enables it to neutralize the mineral content in the earth.

PROS:

  • Very high quality
  • Easy to use
  • Has good depth
  • Discriminates the metals efficiently

CONS:

  • Only the search coil is water resistan

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Bounty Hunter DISC11 Discovery 1100

Bounty Hunter DISC11 Discovery 1100 Metal Detector

This is an easy hand held metal detector that has been ergonomically designed from the highly advanced material, and that has discrimination features. It is best for finding relics, coins, and other treasures. With the discrimination feature, you are sure to find just the treasure that you are looking for. It has three tone audio for target identification, 3-segment target and depth indicators that let you know just how deep the target is buried.

The automatic ground balance and the digital controls make this device a very easy one to use and operate. Last but not the least, it has an interchangeable coil system as well as an aluminum stem that can be adjusted according to the need.

PROS:

  • Highly sensitive
  • Easy to use

CONS:

  • The headphones may be too loud for your ears
  • May give back false hits when on grounds with heavy metals

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Bounty Hunter SS2 Sharpshooter II

Bounty Hunter SS2 Sharpshooter II Metal Detector

This is a metal sensor that has been created and designed with specifications that are meant to meet your needs. It has an LCD touchpad that is easy to read and makes the controlling of the device far much easier. The visual reference gives you the ability to determine whether you have found gold, silver, iron or any other metal.

It runs on 2 alkaline batteries that are each 9V.

PROS:

  • Is sensitive
  • Easy to setup

CONS:

  • Comes with a battery

Overall descent cheap gold metal detector.

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Bounty Hunter QD2GWP Quick Draw II

Bounty Hunter QD2GWP Quick Draw II Metal Detector with Pin Pointer and Carry Bag

Prospectors, relic hunters, beach combers, you will surely love the Bounty Hunter QD2GWP Quick Draw II Metal Detector with Pin Pointer and Carry Bag for its sensitivity, comfort, discrimination control, ease of use and digital readout.

This is a one of a kind precision device that can come in pretty handy while searching for coins, bullets, jewelry and other artifacts that are buried 3’ deep. It features an 8” coil that is waterproof and interchangeable that has discrimination controls a visual detector, LCD and a one-touch depth control adjustments. Like most metal sensors, they run on 9-volt alkaline batteries.

PROS:

  • Easy to use

CONS:

  • Many give false positives

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Bounty Hunter QSIGWP Quick Silver

Bounty Hunter QSIGWP Quick Silver Metal Detector with Pin Pointer

This is one of the few hand held metal detectors in its price range that comes equipped with pre-set ground balance, which helps it to neutralize the response to the mineral content on the ground. Jumping right into its features, it employs squelch-Tech which helps the detector to eliminate false signals thereby saving you the treasure hunter precious time. The pin pointer will enable you to locate the exact location of the objects buried underground. Also, it has an LCD with a 4-segment target identification that is digital and a 3-tone audio to help you distinguish between the types of treasure found accurately.

PROS:

  • Easy to use
  • Lightweight

CONS:

  • May not come with the 9v batteries

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Bounty Hunter LONEGWP Lone Star

Bounty Hunter LONEGWP Lone Star Metal Detector with Pin Pointer

Talk about simple. The Bounty Hunter LONEGWP Lone Star Metal Detector with Pin Pointer can be used to define the term. However, with its simplicity, it gets the job done with a 5-segment target identification, (digital), a 3-toned feedback, variable discrimination and a touch pad, and 3-modes of operation to enhance flexibility in different conditions.

PROS:

  • Easy to use
  • Highly adjustable
  • Easy to understand controls

CONS:

  • Maybe erratic

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Bounty Hunter QSI Quick Silver

Bounty Hunter QSI Quick Silver Metal Detector

If you are new to treasure hunting and are looking for an easy ad at the same time versatile equipment, then the Bounty Hunter QSI Quick Silver Metal Detector is the best for you. Running on two 9V batteries, the metal sensor has four modes of operation, mono-tone, a pre-set ground balance, an LCD and the ability to detect objects the size of a coin 8 inches under 3 feet for anything larger.

PROS:

  • Easy to use

CONS:

  • Does not work in salty water

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A very insightful metal detector reviews and buying guide, wouldn’t you agree?

Best Metal Detector

From my experience with many different metal detectors for sale right now I think For the price and value Garrett ACE 250 is my top choice when it comes to buy metal detector either for beginners or for advance users.

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