How to Choose A Metal Detector?
If you are a complete beginner in the field of metal detectors and are befuddled about the sheer number of metal detectors available and what metal detector to buy, then look no further.
We will share our experience with you to make your journey of metal detecting easier by giving you some key points showing you how to choose a metal detector according to your budget and needs.
To choose a metal detector, remember these points. They will help you find the best option for your needs and save time and money. Carefully go through all the points and it will guide you in making the best decision.
This article aims to get you a detector that suits your needs, gives accurate results, and is user-friendly. So let’s find out how to choose a metal detector.
How to Choose A Metal Detector
Things you should consider while choosing a metal detector
While searching for a metal detector you must consider these important factors in your mind.
- Decide The Target Object You Want to Detect
The first thing you need to decide about is what type of metal you want to detect or what kind of metals are present in or around your area.
- Coins
Coins are flat, circular metallic objects and can be made of any metal, i.e. precious or non-precious metal. These coins may have historic value or metallic value only. Its value depends upon how long they were buried in the soil.
There are some best metal detectors for coins available in the market. These detectors are considered best to detect coins only. Their frequency is optimized to detect coins.
- Relics
These devices are specialized for big-sized target objects in comparison to the coins. They can find coins, but they are better at finding bigger objects like jewelry and weapons. They search relatively deep because big-sized objects are usually buried deeper in the ground.
- Treasures
Treasures are bigger than relics and are found way deeper underground. Treasures include a treasure chest which may have a collection of coins or jewelry.
Such devices are designed to detect larger objects in the deeper ground, so they are not able to detect small objects such as coins.
If you enjoy treasure hunting, then the best treasure hunting metal detector is great, but it can’t find small coins or objects.
- Gold Nuggets
Gold nuggets are naturally existing gold particles and are very small in size. It is a raw form of gold and is usually present in areas near water bodies and rocky mountainous places.
These are highly sensitive devices and do not miss any smallest particle. Such devices have very high sensitivity but their depth is very low. So if you are planning to seek gold nuggets then these metal detectors are a good option.
- Take An Account of The Type of Your Ground
The type of ground that you want to search has a great impact on the type of metal detectors you are using. To analyze the ground conditions, check if the soil is soft and lacks minerals. If so, any device, including beginner-level ones, will be suitable.
But if you plan to search rocky terrain or the soil is mineralized, in that case, you need advanced metal detectors.
Such devices have the option of ground balance to neutralize the effects of mineralization. Entry-level devices are loud and produce distortion because of minerals in the soil. As a result, they won’t provide accurate results.
Some other landscapes to be considered are beaches, deserts, or pink salt terrain. Advanced devices have pre-set modes like beach mode and salt mode for complex terrains.
These modes change settings based on the ground type, making metal seeking easier and improving performance.
- Level of Discrimination Required
Certain places, like neighborhoods and building sites, can be very messy. That’s why you need a tool with discrimination options.
There is a lot of trash on and under the ground in these areas, like wrappers and soda cans. A device that filters iron or has a notch filter is useful.
You can use a notch filter to sort out metals like iron, brass, and foil. This stops the machine from constantly looking for unwanted metals. So select a device according to the discrimination level required.
- Output Required
Another point that you need to consider before choosing a metal detector is what kind of output you want from your device.
- Analog Output
Some devices offer analog output. Upon detecting the target metal your device will give an audio output. In these devices, you will get an idea about the discrimination by the different sound pitches.
- Digital Output
On the other hand, modern devices come with a digital display. It shows a proper target’s ID on the screen. You can select different modes through the LCD on these devices.
- 3D Devices
The most advanced option available in metal detectors is a 3D display which has a colored display. It shows you a graphical representation of the metal found. Whether the metal is ferrous or non-ferrous, sometimes the metal’s composition along with the depth of the object.
- Headphones’ Availability
Some devices come without any option for headphones while others are offering headphones slots.
With some devices, headphones are provided as a whole package. Some modern devices offer wireless headphones as well.
The usage of headphones is your choice. If your area is less populated and there is no privacy issue and you are not disturbing anyone then you can use a device without headphones. Some people avoid having so many wires around so they prefer devices without headphones.
- Budget Allocation
If we talk about budget, a beginner-level device is less expensive. Such devices are basic-level devices and don’t offer many functions.
But if you decide to buy a device that is a one-time buy, a device with all the modern functions. These devices come in expensive ranges. However, they offer good functionality and user-friendly modes.
If you want to pursue this hobby professionally then you need a professional device. These devices offer a plethora of options and modes for users but are exceptionally expensive.
- Country of Origin
You have to decide the device that you need comes from which country of origin. There are many devices available in the market ranging from Turkish, German, Canadian, and Australian brands, etc.
- Models
After deciding which options are important, you should choose models that have all those options. Make a list and look for the pros and cons of these models.
- Check Reviews Online
Social media platforms review the devices on their handles. So check the reviews of your selected models. Have a good and detailed look at the pros and cons of the devices before making any decision.
You can see the working, testing, and discrimination of these devices online. You can also compare the performance of different devices and see which one suits you more.
- Get Recommendations from Experts
If you have a circle of people who are already in the metal detecting field, they have a lot of data about metal detectors.
They can give you some better suggestions that can help you in buying a better detector. The place from where you buy a detector also has some data that matches your geographical needs and may also help you in making the right decision.
Learn some tips on metal detecting and common mistakes to avoid here.
- Compare Warranty, Spare Parts, Prices, And Value for Money
Before buying, always check the warranty. Some companies offer a 2-year warranty and others may offer 5 years or more warranty.
Also, make sure of the availability of spare parts in your area. Compare the price of the devices with the functions that they offer. Make sure your device is offering value for money.
- Buy from Authorized Distributor
Always buy from an authorized distributor to cut the chances of fraudulent and counterfeit products.
Go to the website of the brand for the information or visit the office of a nearby distributor. This will make sure that you are not buying counterfeit products.
If you are new to metal detecting then check out this article about How to use a metal detector.
Conclusion – How to Choose A Metal Detector
We hope you now understand that there are many factors to consider before choosing a metal detector. The most important ones for now are your budget and target object.
When buying a metal detector, choose a device from a trusted brand that is durable and works well on tough terrain.
We are positive that by following this guide and doing the appropriate researching before buying a metal detector, you’ll make the best choice.
