If you have ever dreamed of discovering buried treasures, metal detecting is an exciting and rewarding hobby to pursue. Whether you are searching for coins, jewelry, or artifacts, a good metal detector can make all the difference. In this article, we will explore five of the best metal detectors specifically designed for beginners, ensuring that you get the most out of your detecting experience without breaking the bank.
1. Bounty Hunter TK4: Top Pick for Beginners
The Bounty Hunter TK4 is a top choice for novice treasure hunters. Its simplicity, combined with excellent performance, makes it the most popular metal detector for beginners. The device features a basic screen that displays signal strength and a low battery indicator. With two 9-volt alkaline batteries, you can easily power the Bounty Hunter TK4.
The detector’s two knobs and a switch offer important control options. The left knob allows you to adjust sensitivity and power the device on or off, while the right knob is for adjusting the discrimination level. The switch lets you choose between three discrimination modes: all metal, discrimination, and tone mode. Don’t worry if these terms sound unfamiliar; we’ll explain them in an easy-to-understand way later in the article.
The Bounty Hunter TK4 also comes with a built-in loudspeaker, but you can enhance your experience by using ΒΌ headphones, which extend battery life. If you prefer to use your standard earbuds with a 1/8-inch connector, you’ll need an adapter. The device can produce two tones, a low and a high one, which help you distinguish different targets.
With its adjustable stem’s length and search coil angle, you can customize the detector to suit your comfort. The armrest and handgrip are cushioned for extra comfort during long hunts. The detector even has a stand, allowing you to place it on the ground while you dig up your finds. The search coil is waterproof, making the Bounty Hunter TK4 suitable for shallow water use, though not for underwater hunting.
The detection depth of the Bounty Hunter TK4 depends on the size of the target. It can detect a coin-sized object up to 8 inches deep, while larger objects can be detected up to two feet underground. The device is a reliable companion for finding keys, pipes, property pins, coins, and more. Overall, the Bounty Hunter TK4 is an affordable, user-friendly, and efficient metal detector, making it the best bang for your buck.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Affordable
- Good performance
- Adjustable stem
Cons:
- No LCD screen
2. Fisher F22: Versatile and Weatherproof
The Fisher F22 is another excellent choice for beginners. This versatile device is suitable for detecting jewelry, coins, artifacts, and more. It features a pinpoint button, similar to the popular Garrett ACE 300 (which we’ll discuss later). The Fisher F22 comes with a 9-inch waterproof search coil, allowing you to use it in wet conditions. However, please note that the control box is only weatherproof, not waterproof.
The device’s screen displays a target ID, a number indicating the buried metal’s conductivity on a scale from 0 to 99. Additionally, the screen has nine segments divided into three parts, helping you identify the metal’s nature. The left part represents iron, the second part (from 2 to 5) represents gold, and the third part (from 6 to 9) represents silver.
Be aware that some objects may have similar conductivities. For example, a target within the second part (gold) doesn’t necessarily mean it’s gold; it could be pull-tabs or other metallic items. However, the Fisher F22 offers four tones to assist you in identifying buried metals based on the audio signal.
The device operates on two AA batteries, providing approximately 25 to 30 hours of detecting time. It features adjustable volume settings, allowing you to set tones for ferrous and nonferrous targets at different levels. The sensitivity, like in other detectors, is also adjustable.
The Fisher F22’s shaft is adjustable, and the control box is more compact compared to the ACE 300. The screen provides an estimated depth of the buried metal, although it’s calibrated based on coin-sized objects and might not always be accurate. With its lightweight design, weighing only 2.3 lbs, the Fisher F22 offers comfortable detecting experiences.
The device comes with three preset discrimination modes: jewelry, coins, and artifact, along with a custom mode for your personalized settings. While it might not be the most advanced metal detector, the Fisher F22 is a reliable companion for beginners, especially those living in rainy areas.
Pros:
- LCD screen
- Weatherproof control box
- Adjustable volume
- Compact housing
- Built-in pinpointer
Cons:
- User’s manual not clear
3. White’s Coinmaster: Decent Yet Outdated
The White’s Coinmaster is a decent entry-level metal detector, although its screen might appear outdated. It displays the sensitivity level, which you can adjust using the SENS button. The DISC button allows you to discriminate certain targets by showing a speaker symbol with a line through it under undesired metals. You have five levels of discrimination to choose from.
The target ID on the screen helps identify the buried metal before you dig it up. The cursor under the target’s icon in the legend above the screen indicates the target’s nature. Unfortunately, the Coinmaster lacks a notching feature, which is present only in the pro version.
The device features a depth indicator and a low battery indicator. Like the Garrett ACE 300, it also includes a pinpoint button. When you detect a target, you can press and hold the button while sweeping the coil slowly to pinpoint the exact location of the buried object.
The adjustable shaft and armrest provide comfortable detecting sessions, but the volume cannot be adjusted. The Coinmaster operates on a pair of 9V batteries, offering approximately 20 hours of use. The detector emits a beep when it detects a metal object and can be used with 1/4-inch headphones. The 9-inch waterproof search coil is another convenient feature.
The White’s Coinmaster is designed for detecting coins and jewelry. It has a preset ground balance, and the frequency is not adjustable (it operates at 8 kHz). The detector weighs 2.5 pounds with the stock coil, making it suitable for prolonged detecting sessions without causing fatigue. However, if you decide to hunt in trashy areas, you can upgrade to a smaller coil later on, though the stock coil is adequate for beginners.
In conclusion, the White’s Coinmaster is a decent entry-level metal detector, but it might not offer all the features that other models in its price range provide. If you’re looking for a more advanced and feature-rich detector, consider exploring other options. However, as a beginner’s device, it can still provide you with an exciting introduction to the world of metal detecting.
Pros:
- Screen
- Built-in pinpointer
- Water-resistant control box
Cons:
- Outdated screen
- No notching feature
4. Teknetics Delta 4000: Lightweight and User-Friendly
The Teknetics Delta 4000 is a user-friendly and lightweight metal detector, weighing about 2.6 pounds. It comes with an 8-inch concentric search coil that, like the others discussed, is waterproof. The adjustable length of the shaft, along with the padded armrest and cushioned handgrip, ensures comfortable detecting experiences.
The device runs on a single 9V battery, providing up to 25 hours of detecting time. The operating frequency is 7.8 kHz, and the Teknetics Delta 4000 includes an LCD screen, displaying valuable information to aid your treasure hunting. The target ID on the screen helps you identify the buried object, given that you understand what the numbers mean.
Moreover, the screen features icons that indicate the target’s nature, such as iron, foil, or aluminum. With the cursor scale under the legend displaying the strength of the signal, you can determine how close the target is to your search coil. The maximum signal strength is achieved when the center of the coil is directly above the target.
The Teknetics Delta 4000 also has a built-in pinpointer, allowing you to accurately locate the target once you’ve detected it. Using the MODE, MENU, (+), and (-) buttons, you can adjust the sensitivity, discrimination, volume, and notch some undesired targets. Keep in mind that your settings will be saved only when using the custom mode.
With its 6 buttons, the Teknetics Delta 4000 offers a range of control options, making it easy to use even for beginners. The discrimination modes, such as coins, relics, jewelry, and zero-disc, allow you to focus on specific types of metal objects. If you’re primarily searching for gold, you can select the jewelry mode to ignore other non-precious metals.
In summary, the Teknetics Delta 4000 is a reliable and user-friendly metal detector, suitable for beginners and intermediate treasure hunters alike. Its lightweight design and adjustable features make it comfortable to use for extended periods. While it may not be the most advanced device, it is more than capable of assisting you in finding hidden treasures.
Pros:
- Useful screen
- Compact control box
- Built-in pinpointer
- Adjustable volume
Cons:
- None reported
5. Garrett Ace 300: Advanced Features for Enthusiasts
The Garrett Ace 300 is a step up from the previously discussed models, offering more advanced features for enthusiasts willing to invest a bit more. The device boasts a larger and more sophisticated screen, displaying a wealth of useful information to aid in your metal detecting adventures.
The Ace 300 provides depth information on buried metals, allowing you to determine the depth of the target before you start digging. The screen also shows the battery status, which is an improvement over the simple low battery indicator found in other devices. The Legend on the screen contains two sections: the ACE 300 and the Garrett ACE 250, which are quite similar.
In the lower part of the Legend, you’ll find ranges of conductivity, while the upper part displays icons representing common objects found underground. The cursor under the Legend indicates the target’s probable nature based on the device’s readings. For example, if the cursor is under the iron region, the buried metal is likely a nail or another iron object.
To further identify the target, you can listen to the audio signal. A bell-tone audio signal indicates high conductivity, implying a digital ID greater than 75. If you hear a medium-pitched tone, the target’s digital ID falls between 33 and 75. The device’s digital ID scale ranges from 0 to 99, based on the object’s conductivity.
The Garrett Ace 300 comes with four preset discrimination modes: coins, relics, jewelry, and zero-disc, along with a custom mode for personalized settings. The custom mode allows you to focus on a specific type of metal, ensuring that the detector only emits a beep when detecting valuable targets like coins and jewelry.
Using the six buttons on the device, you can easily adjust settings, such as sensitivity, discrimination, and frequency. The frequency adjustment is particularly useful for reducing interference from electromagnetic fields. The Ace 300 also includes a pinpoint button, aiding in precise target location.
The device operates on four AA batteries, providing ample detecting time. The grip of the Ace 300 is padded, and the armrest features an arm strap to keep the detector securely in place. The 1/4-inch headphones jack at the back of the control housing allows you to connect compatible headphones.
The search coil is waterproof, but the control housing is not, so be cautious around water. Overall, the Garrett Ace 300 is a versatile and feature-rich metal detector, suitable for enthusiasts who are willing to invest in a more advanced device without the complexity of professional-level detectors.
Pros:
- LCD screen
- Adjustable frequency
- Built-in pinpointer
Cons:
- No volume adjustment
Terminology Explained
Throughout this article, you may have come across some terms related to metal detecting that are unfamiliar. Let’s take a moment to explain them in an easy-to-understand way:
- Ground Balance: The soil is not uniform and contains various materials, such as minerals, that can interfere with metal detectors, resulting in false signals. Ground balancing is a feature that allows the detector to ignore these unwanted signals and provide more accurate readings.
- Discrimination and Notch: Metal detectors emit audio signals when they detect metal objects within their range. Discrimination and notch features enable you to ignore certain types of metals while detecting, allowing you to focus only on valuable targets like coins and jewelry.
- Sensitivity: Metal detectors use electromagnetic fields to detect buried metals. Adjusting the sensitivity helps the detector filter out interference from other sources like mobile phones or power lines, reducing false signals.
- Pinpoint Mode: When a metal detector detects a target, the pinpoint mode allows you to precisely locate the buried object before you start digging. It indicates the depth and location of the target under the search coil.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the world of metal detecting offers exciting opportunities for beginners to explore and discover hidden treasures. As you embark on this adventure, it’s essential to choose the right metal detector that suits your needs and preferences.
For beginners seeking an affordable and easy-to-use option, the Bounty Hunter TK4 is a top recommendation. Its simplicity, functionality, and affordability make it a great choice to start your treasure hunting journey.
If you’re willing to invest a bit more for added versatility and features, the Fisher F22 is a solid option. It provides a nice balance of user-friendly functions and performance, making it suitable for both beginners and intermediate users.
For those enthusiasts looking for a lightweight and user-friendly device, the Teknetics Delta 4000 is a great pick. Its comfortable design and useful features make it an enjoyable detector to use on extended hunts.
Finally, if you have more budget to spare and desire a metal detector with advanced features, the Garrett ACE 300 is a worthy investment. Its comprehensive screen and various customization options offer a higher level of performance without overwhelming complexity.
Remember, no matter which metal detector you choose, metal detecting is a rewarding hobby that can lead you to fascinating discoveries. Always respect local laws and regulations while detecting, and happy hunting!
FAQs
Metal detecting is generally legal on public land and private property with permission. However, laws and regulations can vary depending on your location, so it’s essential to check local rules before detecting.
Yes, entry-level metal detectors can detect valuable items like coins, jewelry, and relics. While they may not have all the advanced features of high-end detectors, they can still provide exciting finds.
Absolutely! Metal detecting is an excellent activity for families to enjoy together. It’s a great way to spend time outdoors, bond, and create lasting memories while discovering hidden treasures.
Yes, many metal detectors, including the ones mentioned in this article, are suitable for beach detecting. However, be sure to choose models with waterproof search coils to handle sandy and wet environments.
If you find something valuable or historically significant, it’s essential to follow the laws and regulations regarding lost and found items in your area. Consider reporting your discovery to local authorities or relevant organizations if necessary.
Remember, metal detecting is not just about finding valuable items; it’s also about the thrill of the hunt and the joy of exploring the past through buried artifacts. Happy detecting!
