Important Metal Detector Information You Should Know
As we all know, metal detectors are getting popular and this hobby is spreading all over the world. People buy these devices for professional purposes, and some use them as a hobby.
There are many questions regarding metal detectors. What should be the qualities of a good metal detector? How can a layman find a good metal detector? What are the pros and cons?
When you buy something, you research it before making a purchase. Before buying a metal detector, gather information about them.
This way, you won’t waste your time and investment, and you’ll be able to find a good device within your budget and requirements.
We have shared some important metal detector information in this article that explains everything you need to know before purchasing a metal detector.
Metal Detector Information
Exterior
The exterior refers to the feel, finishing, weight, and design of the detector. When you hold a detector in your hands, you get an idea about its weight and feel.
Is it worth the money? Does it give you a premium feeling or does it look cheap? The exterior of the device should match its value.
You don’t want to pay extra money for a cheap plastic-looking metal detector. The price and exterior should align with each other.
If you have multiple options, choose a better-looking product that is also user-friendly and easy to carry.
Display
There are two display options:
Analog display: This type of device has a moving needle that indicates the presence of metal. These devices are based on old technology, so they have fewer functions and features compared to modern devices.
Digital display: Digital display devices offer many options and features. You can enable different modes on the digital display.
You can see target identification (I’D) on the screen, and it can indicate different metals like silver, copper, and gold. Premium devices often have a backlit display, allowing you to see the screen even in darkness.
Modes
Different devices have different modes for various areas. Some devices have a beach mode, some have a park mode, and some have modes for salt mines or highly mineralized soil.
The number of modes a device has indicates its versatility and ability to explore different places and environments.
For beginners, selecting modes according to the soil and environment can be difficult and confusing. It’s important to learn and understand all the modes available on your device for your comfort.
Waterproofing
Check if your device is waterproof. Is it partially waterproof or is the coil attached to the device waterproof? Is the control unit of the device resistant to water? A completely waterproof metal detector will be more expensive than a partially waterproof one. Partially waterproof devices can still function well and resist water to some extent.
Frequency
Devices can have either a single-frequency or multi-frequency capability.
Single-frequency devices operate on only one frequency.
Multi-frequency devices have different frequencies and can perform the work of three devices. If you switch from a single-frequency device to a multi-frequency one, it can be very useful.
Some best multi-frequency detectors have many different functions. You can attach different coils with different frequencies to achieve your desired results. By attaching a coil for gold nuggets, your device will become a gold nugget detector.
Similarly, if you want to use it for treasure or relic detection, you can attach a coil for treasure and relics.
Coil Size
The depth of detection depends on the coil size. Larger coils can be detected at greater depths. If you want to upgrade the coil of your device, check how much support your device can provide for the new coil. Also, consider the depth potential of the coil before making a purchase.
Coil Shape
Certain devices have basic electrical coils or mono coils. Other devices have DD coils that can differentiate between ferrous and non-ferrous items.
We suggest buying devices with DD coils to enjoy top-notch discrimination features. If you value depth more than discrimination, you can buy different types of metal detector sensors/coils to achieve your goal
Technology
Technology is crucial in metal detectors. Before making a purchase, check the technology used in the device.
VLF (Very Low Frequency) technology provides less depth potential but good accuracy. If you are looking for a VLF device, here are some best VLF metal detectors you should check.
Pulse Induction technology increases the depth potential but may ignore small objects. Study the technology, and then decide which device is suitable for your requirements.
Learn in detail about Pulse Induction vs. VLF to select the best technology according to your requirements.
Reviews
Check the reviews of the device you are considering buying. Many online sites provide honest reviews. You can also find YouTube channels that demonstrate how the device works and whether it’s worth buying or not.
Warrant
Discuss the warranty of the device before purchasing it. Certain devices, especially ones from China, may not have a warranty. These devices are usually fake or replicas.
Be cautious of such products. We recommend buying branded and original products to avoid wasting your time and investment.
Headphones Support
Headphone support is an important feature. Sometimes you don’t want to draw the attention of other people toward yourself while metal detection and headphones can be very helpful in this regard.
With headphones, only you can hear the signal beep when the device detects something. Most devices come with headphone support.
Battery
Check the battery timing of the device and whether it has any additional battery support. Determine if it has a built-in rechargeable battery or uses disposable batteries. Both options have pros and cons.
Disposable batteries provide increased backup, and you don’t need to contact the manufacturers if there is any issue. However, built-in rechargeable batteries lack backup options. If the battery malfunctions, you must reach out to the manufacturers.
Coil Options
Some devices come with different coil options, which is a positive aspect if you plan to upgrade your coil. To protect the coil, there are covers available to prevent scratches. The coil is the main hardware component, and if it gets damaged, it won’t be possible to detect signals underground with the metal detector.
After-Sales Support
You can buy devices from manufacturers and authorized dealers. Make sure they provide after-sales support.
Spare Parts
Some products are discontinued and don’t have spare parts available. Choose devices that are currently in production and have readily available spare parts. Confirm with your dealer that the device you are buying has spare parts in the market.
Update
Check if the device comes with regular software updates, allowing you to access the latest options and features. This will save you time and money.
Resale
Ensure that the device you buy has resale value in the market. If you plan to sell it later or want to upgrade to a new device, you can get some value from the old device after resale.
Conclusion
This article provides comprehensive metal detector information. Before buying a metal detector, collect all the necessary information and knowledge about the device.
Metal detectors can be quite expensive, and you don’t want to waste your time and investment on a cheap imitation or counterfeit product.
Before you make a purchase, consider the device’s appearance, screen, functions, water resistance, and frequency of use.
Also, think about the coil size and shape, technology, user reviews, warranty, headphone compatibility, battery life, coil options, spare parts, upgradability, and potential resale value. By considering all these factors, you will be able to find the perfect device for your intended purpose.
