The answer to the question of how to choose a metal detector for a beginner can be difficult. There are many different brands and models with no less number of options for functions, options and prices. Reading ads in specialized magazines doesn’t help much, especially if high-tech terminology and jargon are unfamiliar. In addition, each manufacturer considers its detector ideal. Following the advice of "knowledgeable" friends, relatives or team members is not much better, since they are probably familiar with only a few models.
So, how to choose a metal detector and be confident in the decision? How to distinguish facts from advertising tricks and practical advice from useless ones? What can be done to make the choice based on knowledge and sound judgment, and not on a momentary impulse or blind faith? To answer the question about which metal detector to choose for the search and how much money to spend on its purchase, it is necessary to establish principles that will allow avoiding costly mistakes in the decision-making process.
Purpose of use
The search for metals is multifaceted and provides many opportunities. According to the reviews of the owners, before choosing a metal detector, you should decide on the areas of its application. Then you need to arrange them in order of importance depending on the amount of time that will be given to each of them. It is necessary to determine whether the interest of the future owner is connected with the search for relics on the battlefields, hiding places, gold nuggets, hunting for valuable things in shallow water or deep under water.
After identifying your interests, you can begin to compare them with various detectors, since models are produced that are much better at certain tasks. Special metal detectors should be given priority if a certain type of detection prevails over others. This is especially true if you plan to spend a lot of money on trips. For example, do not think about the question of how to choose a metal detector for gold, if it takes one day to search for it.
Several models of detectors are available that will perfectly cope with the detection of nuggets, and upon returning from the expedition they will find coins and jewelry. However, if the purpose of the expedition is to hunt for gold, then a conventional metal detector is best put aside. In this case, you cannot compromise. It would be foolish to spend a lot of money on the trip, remaining poorly equipped. This is similar to moose hunting with a small-bore rifle. The right decision would be to purchase a specialized detector, such as the Minelab SDC 2300, Minelab GPX 5000, Garrett ATX, etc.
Search Place
To answer the question of how to choose a good metal detector, the determination of its configuration will also help. Will there be a control panel on the bar or will it be attached to the belt to simplify control? How easily does a device transform from one configuration to another? Will the detector work continuously or only during short stops? Will it be used in competitions?
These are important issues, since the weight and convertibility of the metal detector can be the main determining factors in making a decision. It is also necessary to take into account the operating conditions: in dry and dusty or in wet? Will the search be carried out in well-equipped residential areas or a remote area, in a dense shrub, on an open sandy beach or in a rocky area?
For those who decide which metal detector to choose, the condition of the ground is another critical consideration. Are you planning to study the sea beach or highly mineralized soil? Are searches planned in similar areas or radically different? Different applications and conditions require the use of different types of detectors and tools, which may not always provide the same performance. Thus, before choosing a metal detector, you need to determine the places of its application so that it can cope with the worst-case scenario.
Right tool
When deciding on which metal detector is better to choose, it is equally important to know the limits of its capabilities. A detector that does not cope with certain conditions is not necessarily bad, since the need to conduct a search in such places may not arise. However, it is unfair to subject the device to tests for which it is not designed, and to expect that it will work with maximum efficiency. Despite the fact that many metal detectors will work well in most situations, they simply cannot compare with modern specialized detectors designed to perform a certain type of detection tasks. They were designed to provide the operator with the capabilities necessary in a unique environment, and to satisfy certain operational needs.
Before choosing a metal detector, it is necessary to personally check whether it is capable of performing the type of work in which the user is interested, and not ask about it. And only then you can ask if it is suitable for less important tasks.
Assessment of their knowledge
Before going further in the selection process, you need to objectively assess the level of your knowledge and experience. Even an experienced user will benefit if, before investing in a new tool, he conducts additional research. Detector technology is constantly changing, and even the most modern models become virtual “dinosaurs” in a few years. You must be able to determine which models are truly new and improved, and which are simply repackaged obsolete designs that only look relevant.
Updating older models is often achieved by adding microprocessors, LCDs, or displays. Each of these elements adds little to the actual capabilities of the tool. Searchers often tend to remain loyal to a particular brand. However, this can be a serious mistake if another manufacturer offers better performance. New technologies quickly surpass experience, so do not be fooled into believing that you don't need to know anything new. Knowledge is the best substitute for experience.
What does the user pay for?
Before choosing a metal detector to search for gold, coins, etc., you need to gain confidence in your intention. Buying on the recommendation of others, if it is not based on direct experience or knowledge, may disappoint. The purchase of an expensive detector is not a guarantee - the owner risks not getting the best performance, but only gadgets and marketing innovations. At first they seem simple, but learning how to use them correctly and understanding the information they provide is sometimes difficult, which can lead to the loss of finds. What looks beautiful in appearance is often inappropriate. According to the owners, a graphic display or detailed readings are not signs of the functionality of the device, nor do they talk about the capabilities of the circuit.
For example, a device can give different interpretations of a signal, offering a lot of information about a likely target due to the large number of digital segments. Or it can be inexpensive with few target analysis segments. It is difficult to evaluate the quality of a component, the capabilities of a circuit, or the complexity of a program without testing or talking to someone who has already done this. But too profitable a deal can be fatal. It is necessary to find out whether this product is produced, or its release has already been discontinued. It is necessary to check the manufacturer's reputation and warranty. Service availability also plays an important role.
Brand selection
The release of metal detectors involved in many. According to owners, the best manufacturers today are Garrett, Bounty Hunter, Barska, Minelab, Treasure Cove, New Home Innovations, etc. Moreover, each company considers its device to be the best. Each brand is distinguished by the concept and philosophy of engineering design. It is difficult to understand and understand them all. It is necessary to show patience and, if possible, test the metal detector on the test site with real hidden goals. In fact, you should verify the declared functionality and make sure that the device works as the manufacturer claims.
Detector Types
Which metal detector is better to choose to search for certain objects? In order to properly qualify detectors and their compliance with the requirements, it is necessary to understand their various types and how they can be used to satisfy one or another owner’s needs. You should study the terms and definitions and use them to your advantage.
Several types of detectors are currently being produced. And if one of them is very popular, this does not mean that it will meet specific needs. In the course of the study, you can understand that some models are simply unsuitable for their intended use.
For modern types of metal detectors, you can usually hear terms such as VLF (or VLF / TR), PI or RF. The designations TR, VLF, and VLF / TR may be confusing at first. All of them relate to the transmitter-receiver system. Different designations provide an easy way to indicate the difference between them.
Low frequency detectors
In electronics, the abbreviation VLF stands for a very low frequency (3-30 kHz), but in the case of metal detectors, the term is used to indicate the search mode of all metals excluding minerals. TR indicates discrimination mode without movement. VLF / TR combines these values. Higher frequency transceivers do not compete with VLF / TR because they cannot deal with the problems caused by soil mineralization. And VLF tools perfectly compensate for the impact of the soil. TRs are usually limited to use on non-mineralized sea beaches and for diving, as they can ignore the effects of conductive salts. Since TR cannot compensate for salinization of the soil, they are not able to provide the depth reached by instruments of the VLF type, being limited to searching for shallow objects at a shallow depth in mineralized areas. The new VLF / TR detectors compensate for soil, providing a long detection distance during mineralization.
This type of metal detector includes models such as Garrett AT Pro, Garret ACE 300, Fisher F22, Teknetics T2 and many others. User reviews highlight the professional Garret AT Pro metal detector, which is waterproof (up to 3 m), the presence of a manual and automatic soil adjustment mode, several sound notification options, 40 levels of iron discrimination, 99 target identifiers, improved detection of small objects, an indicator of the depth and conductivity goals.
RF metal detectors
These are very specialized detectors that can respond to bulk metal objects at great depths. Treasure hunters sometimes find them useful, since the purpose of their search is in the VLF / TR range, and they are equipped with large diameter coils. Radio frequency metal detectors are used by geologists who are looking for massive mineral deposits, as well as in various industries. However, they do not respond to objects the size of a coin and therefore are limited to the search for deep-lying volumetric objects.
Pulse induction
Great progress has been made with pulse induction (PI) metal detectors. Examples of this type of detector are Tesoro Sand Shark and Fisher CZ-21. Once they were used only for underwater search, but some manufacturers have made great technological advances that have made this type of detector popular among fans of combing the sea beaches. PI is the only detector capable of detecting any metals, its popularity has increased in areas with a small amount of debris and on black sand beaches, since it is able to simultaneously detach from conductive salts and soil mineralization.
Recent developments have led to such innovative achievements as eliminating the annoying threshold sound signal and developing new types of search coils that allowed finding jewelry made of gold and gold nuggets in alkaline soils and extremely hot rocks, which is too complicated for VLF / TR tools. Their coils have become interchangeable. Although PI detectors provide excellent detection depth on sandy sea beaches, it is reduced in the case of hard, dry soil. For this reason, pulse metal detectors are used as secondary special tools.
Another type of metal detector is the BFO (beat frequency generator). Previously popular, they are no longer produced by professional manufacturers. BFOs are still in use, but are limited to cheap toy models.
How to choose a metal detector to search for coins?
Given all these factors, most users choose the VLF / TR discriminator. It can simultaneously filter out debris and mineralization. For the detector to work, it is necessary to move the coil relative to the desired object. But it is no longer necessary to swing or “beat” it quickly. Very little movement is enough. The best models allow you to instantly switch from motion mode to stationary.
Some innovations deserve special mention. Surface mount technology has opened the door to miniaturization, making it extremely compact. Hybrid PCB detectors are now available, allowing complex circuits to be placed in small enclosures. This significantly reduced the weight and bulkiness of the devices without sacrificing performance. New features include target depth indication, its identification and filter discrimination. It is important to carefully study the additional functionality, since high-tech solutions can be very expensive and often redundant.
An example of a metal detector that does a great job of detecting coins, as well as gold rings, silver bracelets and buckles, is the Garrett Ace 250. It features a robust assembly, a convenient boom, a clear LCD screen that displays a wide range of options and data. Combines a pointer to the depth of detection, precise search mode, as well as 5 discrimination modes.
A good metal detector, according to user reviews, is the Bounty Hunter Tracker IV. After the Garrett Ace 250, it is best suited to search underwater and among metal debris. The device offers 4 customizable modes, which are enough for any type of detection.
Cost and features
The issue of price should be approached on the basis of the required performance, and not the availability of additional features. Based on the type of discovery required, you should select the features that best suit your needs. Which metal detector is better to choose for coins? The one that best deals with discrimination. To search for treasures, a large detection depth and large coils are needed. If the main interest lies in the field of geology, then it is necessary to be able to rebuild the soil. In addition, stationary mode with quick filtering or automatic tuning is a must.
After carefully identifying your needs, you need to compare the prices of suitable models, dividing them according to function, performance and warranty. It turns out that some manufacturers offer much more than others for the same money.
An example of a budget model that has, according to user reviews, a stylish appearance and excellent functionality, is Bounty Hunter Gold Digger. With a search for valuable objects, the metal detector almost always does. The garbage discrimination system and sensitivity scale work well. In addition, the device comes with headphones.
What to look for?
When checking the warranty, you should clarify the cost of repairs that it does not cover, the price of replacing the printed circuit board, search coil, the availability of after-sales service. Independent dealers can provide invaluable assistance. They are better informed and genuinely interested in making this acquisition a hobby rather than a regular purchase.A competent dealer is ready to take the time to explain how to choose a metal detector that meets the user's requirements. However, there are sellers who are trying to market obsolete, defective, or discontinued models.
Finally
You should not expect instant success after buying a new detector. Regardless of the type, brand or model chosen, to fully understand what the new metal detector is trying to say and to reach its potential will take time, practice and great perseverance. User reviews recommend that, regardless of the experience with the detectors, study the attached manual before using them. When everything finally clears up, the result will be worth the effort.