Bounty Hunter TK4 (Tracker IV) Review

Bounty Hunter Tracker 4
9/10
Very Good
Metal Detector
  • Country USA
  • Released -
  • Warranty 5 years
  • Additional
    coils
  • Headphones included

Best for

  • Coins
  • Relics
  • Kids
  • Beginners

bounty hunter tk4 preview

This detector has been one of the best metal detectors for kids and beginners for many years already. It is so simple to master and use that it almost does not need a manual or Bounty Hunter Tracker IV review (or course it does, but still).

Bounty Hunter Tracker IV metal detector has very few settings to tune, and all the bare necessities for effective search.  It is the switch-on-and-go type, and it will make entry to the hobby easy even for a child.

Rating Explanations
All Purpose
8
Key Features
7
Easy to Use
10
Durability
10
Price
10
9/10
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Reviewed by
Michael Moore
Pros
  • affordable price
  • user-friendly, beginner-friendly metal detector
  • 5 years warranty
  • sturdy and durable
Cons
  • only 1 operating frequency
  • only the search coil is waterproof
  • no VDI
  • software cannot be updated
  • no Pinpoint mode
  • Technology: VLF Single Frequency
  • Number of frequencies: 1
  • Frequencies: 6.6 kHz
  • Search Coil: 8"
  • Search Coil Type: Concentric
  • Waterproof: Coil only
  • Updatable Software: No
  • VDI (Target ID): No
  • Search Modes: 3
  • Search Mode Types: All Metal / Discrimination
  • Ground Balance: Automatic Ground Tracking
  • Pinpoint Mode: No
  • Audio Tones: 2
  • Batteries: 2 9V PP3
  • Length (min-max): 45"-53"
  • Weight:4.2 lb
  • Warranty: 5 years

Bounty Hunter TK4 Key Features

Concentric Coil

Demanding a bit more overlapping due to cone-shaped search pattern, this coil accurately pinpoints objects underground.

Fixed Ground Balance

Handy feature for beginner detectorists who prefers automatic settings for better depth.

Waterproof Coil

Nice feature increasing the range of locations available to a beginner metal detectorist.

Bounty Hunter TK4 Overview

bounty hunter tk4 overview

Bounty Hunter TK4 (Tracker IV) metal detector is one of the cheapest and the most popular metal detectors for beginners. This Bounty Hunter metal detector is perfect for children, women, and generally people of smaller height because the machine is very lightweight. Also, Bounty Hunter Tracker IV will be suitable for newbie hunters, due to the limited amount of Bounty Hunter Tracker IV settings. Or, to be more correct, Bounty Hunter Tracker 4 does not require manual setting at all; one should only turn it on and can start digging.

Bounty Hunter Tracker 4 metal detector has a convenient and well-balanced design, which is especially important if it is used by women or children. There are very few operating knobs on the control panel, making it extremely easy to learn all the control and master them in no time. Tuning is almost not needed, since this is a switch-on-and-go machine. Ground Balancing, one of the most complicated features to set correctly, is also eliminated in this model, making the learning curve super easy. With this machine, entry to the hobby is made as easy as possible.

Control Box

bounty hunter tk4 control box

The control panel is extremely simple and comprehensive, created literally simple enough for a child to manage. There is no LCD display for additional indicators, and it is not needed. There are two knobs on the panel – one switches the power on and off, and defines the level of sensitivity. The other knob is for Discrimination tuning. There is also a search mode switch for All Metal mode and for Discrimination mode, and a plug for wired headphones. The target indicator scale shows the segments for different targets, plus low battery indicator switches on when the battery is low (but you can’t see the exact level before it is low enough). This is basically all you need to know about the Bounty Hunter Tracker metal detector control box, besides the fact that it is not water-isolated.

Bounty Hunter TK4 Features

This metal detector was made to serve children or total newbies who enter the hobby of metal detecting and only make their first steps. As a result, you won’t find any fancy features in this metal detector. The list of features includes:

Bounty Hunter TK4 Search Coils

The default search coil that goes with this metal detector is concentric waterproof 8 inches coil. There are also two other compatible coils available. The bigger one is 10 inches Magnum coil for covering wider areas faster. The smaller and even more focused one is the 4 inches Gold Nugget search coil that shows nice performance with small and shallow targets.

Bounty Hunter TK4 Settings

The settings in Bounty Hunter Tracker IV metal detector are so simple and comprehensive that nobody is likely to have issues with tuning them right. Bounty Hunter has removed one of the most complicated tuning nuances from their machine – Ground Balance. With Auto Ground Control, the metal detector will  detect all types of targets through almost all types of soils, regardless of the level of mineralization. No specific setting is needed.

Bounty Hunter TK4 Depth Tests

According to the field tests, Tracker IV detects small items on the depth of up to 6 inches, while larger objects can be detected on the depth of up to 2 feet. However, due to very primitive settings, the Bounty Hunter Tracker IV depth of reach is not very stable, since the user cannot tune the Ground Balance more accurately depending on the mineralization.

Bounty Hunter TK4 Problems

Tracker IV is so simple that online software update was not even an option for it from the very beginning. However, today, when online software updates seem to be almost a must-have for any metal detector, this became a problem.

Moreover, one of the biggest issues is that Tracker IV is too primitive. It was created for children, or for complete newbies. However, due to a limited set of features, this metal detector does not allow its user to grow and develop their skills as their experience enhances. Software update could solve this issue and prolong this metal detector’s applicability, but this is impossible.

Tips & Tricks for Bounty Hunter TK4 Users

Bounty Hunter Tracker IV can sometimes make erratic and chaotic signals when you are out in the field. One of the reasons may be electromagnetic interference from power lines, or other metal detectors around. Sometimes, false signals are caused by some rusty metals under your search coil. In any case, whatever is the source of the erratic signal, try decreasing the level of Sensitivity.

Bounty Hunter TK4 Accessories

bounty hunter tk4 accessories

You can get a bunch of different accessories, from carry bags, T-shirts, hats, and finds bags, to digging tools and scoops. However, there are two accessories you may indeed want to purchase to make your detecting more productive. These accessories are:

Bounty Hunter TK4 Kit

The basic package offered by the manufacturer is indeed very humble. In includes nothing but bare minimum:

If you would like to get a more attractive package, check out your local dealers, or international platforms, for their own bundles and kits. They usually have some attractive offers, even with discounts.

Bounty Hunter TK4 Manual

If you want to make sure that this metal detector fits your requirements and will be able to meet your metal detecting needs in the field, there is no better way to double-check that than to read the user’s Bounty Hunter Tracker IV manual in the first place. You can find a full manual here, and make sure you know all the theory before you apply the machine practically.

Download Bounty Hunter Tracker IV Manual

FAQ

How to use Tracker IV in the water?

Bounty Hunter Tracker 4 can be used for shallow water search only. The search coil is isolated, and you can search with it in wet grass, on wet dirt, or wet sand. However, the control box is not protected, so it can be damaged even with heavy to moderate rain. Also, make sure you do not drop your metal detector during the shallow water search. If you purchase this metal detector for your child, watch out for the child to use it correctly and in a safe way. In all other aspects, metal detecting with Tracker IV in the water is no different than detecting on land.

Conclusion

Bounty Hunter is famous for its beginner-friendly, easy to use metal detectors in the first place. Tracker IV is one of the most noob-friendly machines on the market, a switch-on-and-go machine, fit even for children. This is a good option to start with; in case you need better quality and yet for reasonable price, check out Garrett Ace 200 and Fisher F11 metal detectors.

9/10
Bounty Hunter Tracker 4

Bounty Hunter Tracker IV The cheapest metal detector that works fine

3 Main Competitors

Garrett ACE 300 Best middle-price metal detector

Fisher F11 Budget-friendly detector for kids and beginners

Minelab Vanquish 340

Minelab Vanquish 340 Perfect for beginners and teens for a good price

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Author

Michael Moore

Hi detectorists! I’m Michael Moore, founder of this website, and a dedicated treasure hunter since 2013. If you want to be posted about the most recent news and updates in metal detecting, releases, and trends, subscribe!

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