New brands of metal detectors become available literally twice a year, as leading manufacturers compete for the attention of potential customers. Every company claims they propose the best metal detectors and accessories. However, the competition is so high that it is impossible to find the best metal detector for yourself without researching the market. There are so many different options that the buyers feel lost without comprehensive information from reliable parties. That is why it makes sense to check out metal detectors reviews by other users.
Each treasure hunter wants the best metal detector for the money they can afford, not for all the money of the world, and this is reasonable, since every detectorist has specific experience, preferences, skills, and budget. To choose the best metal detectors for sale that are expected to be in trend in 2019, check out detailed metal detector reviews and ratings on each top design below.
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This post is a set of metal detectors reviews; all items discussed are expected to be in top trend in year 2019. All reviews are honest and objective, based on the opinion of real and experienced treasure hunters who are able to tell decent machine from a crappy one. The top ten machines discussed already have earned a positive reputation around the world, and their popularity in 2019 is only expected to rise.
This review post is super useful for each person looking forward to buying a high quality metal detecting equipment. Instead of visiting the website of each developer reading how exceptionally awesome they are, one is able to find out real feedback and assessment of each machine. Check out the reviews and ratings for the top ten metal detecting equipments in 2019.
How We Rate Metal Detectors
The major demand that the best 2019 metal detector has to meet is universal performance. Universal means, firstly, watertight – the user has to be able to search under rain, in wet weather, on wet soils, and underwater. Secondly, the equipment should propose several frequencies for finding targets of different size and kind. Thirdly, the machine should provide the user with an extended range of settings, including ground balance, frequency shift to avoid noise, etc. Although such a wide functionality may seem complicated to newbie users, eventually, it means the machine is worth the money it costs.
To provide an adequate review and assessment of each machine, we use a system of ratings. The principal criteria include:
Technical Specifications
principal Features
Usability
Quality
Price
If the machine is included into our set of reviews, it means the matching of these specifications is optimal for the user, on the part what the user has to invest into working with the equipment, and on the part what the user gets from the equipment.
This equipment is the first one in our rating of metal detectors. Currently, it suggests the best matching of the price, quality, and technical specifications, among the items available on the market. It employs the newest technological innovations, being the item released in 2018. Already in 2018 and the beginning of 2019, this item became one of the most frequently bought metal detectors.
The first cool feature is multifrequency – the treasure hunter can choose from five options, 5, 10, 15, 20, 40 kHz + Multi Mode custom option. The next feature is outstanding discrimination combined with depth of search. The equipment is literally watertight IP68, the available depth is up to 9 ft. As it is obvious by now, this metal detecting equipment is perfect for any situations, but it shows especially good results when looking for coins, relics, or searching on the seashores.
Except the opportunities already discussed, there are other advantages: the item is not heavy, has eight search modes, convenient control panel, and suggests a decent package when purchasing.
The people who already purchased the item and have used it for a certain time, are totally happy with this metal detector. It is durable, reliable, adjustable, and displays seamless performance. So, if you consider buying this equipment, you will definitely be satisfied with all the opportunities it suggests. The best thing is that it has already been tested in field many times by different people, and keeps its brilliant reputation since it has been released to the market.
Garrett AT MAX is one of the best equipments proposed by the Garrett company. It is a reliable and high-quality metal detector that has already earned a positive reputation among the users. It is functional on all terrains, the depth reaches up to 9 ft, which makes it perfect for quest in various situations.
The principal features of the Garrett AT MAX are as follows:
watertight, the depth of underwater search is up to 9 ft
suggests quality discrimination, enables to ignore worthless targets
LCD display with tap light allows to search in the darkness
3-tone response signal is combines with the feature of volume control
Generally, this is professional level item that is good for quest in any situations, but it shows especially fruitful performance when searching for coins and relics, and it also performs outstandingly well on the seashore.
There are, however, two disadvantages that put Garrett AT MAX on the second place in our review. The first disadvantage is only one frequency available. Of course, the 13,6 kHz is a universal frequency that works good for the majority of target kinds, but a professional equipment should have proposed more than that.
The second disadvantage is that this item is generally just an enhanced version of the Garrett AT Pro, and actually the company could invest more into it and make it better than just an update with a new name. So, if you consider buying Garrett AT MAX, keep these peculiarities in mind.
This is an interesting item to discuss. XP Deus was released in 2009, which means the design is ten years old already, and yet, it is extremely popular until today. This is possible due to the fact that this machine is high quality and employs all the classic technologies that are always handy. The best thing is that even a newbie can use it and get a lot of finds without additional efforts. So XP Deus is definitely a equipment to consider.
multiple frequencies, including 4 kHz / 8 kHz / 12 kHz / 18 kHz and frequency shifts to avoid noise
all accessories are wireless, including the coil, control unit, and headphones.
the equipment software is updated on a regular basis, so each user can get their machine enhanced when necessary.
thousands of happy users all over the world are satisfied with the machine’s performance
the buyer can choose different accessories for the kit during the purchase
all accumulators are charged via USB cables and power banks
the equipment performs perfectly in any weather situations (except underwater)
shows high results when searching for coins, relics, and on the seashore.
high quality discrimination combined with depth of reach
These features explain why the item is still on the peak of its popularity, despite the fact the design is ten years old. It suggests almost unique user experience due to smart kit and updates.
However, it still takes the third place in our review, because of two principal reasons. Reason number one is the machine is not watertight, the user can submerge it only to the level of the control unit. Reason number two is new technologies are invented each year, and the design simply becomes outdated, even if it functions smoothly.
While Minelab Equinox 800 takes the first place in the list, its younger brother takes only the fourth one. The reason why includes the following differences:
three frequencies and Multi-frequency mode (the 800 mark suggests five)
These are the differences. Whatever they are, if not comparing the two machines, Minelab Equinox 600 is a very decent option.
It is watertight and the depth can reach up to 9 ft. It works smoothly in any weather situations and generally quest locations. The discrimination and depth of reach are decent and provide reliable performance. The item is especially efficient for seashore search, and finding coins and relics.
The best thing that can be said about this item is that it is reliable, proposed by a reputable company, generally universal, and will suit the majority of treasure hunters. Perhaps it does not propose anything special, but the machine is easy to set, easy to use, it has all the most necessary functions and enhanced features, and at the same time, the price is very reasonable. So, if you are looking for a good option, this is a good option.
Nokta Anfibio Multi is a new model released by the Turkish manufacturer Nokta. Nokta is a reputable company that is known for some really good products, the principal disadvantage for the majority of buyers is that it is Turkish and sometimes users lack information on it.
Anyways, one of the principal reasons why this item takes the fifth place in the review is that it is comparatively young, and there are not much feedback on it yet. Therefore, it is yet impossible to form an adequate opinion based on the data. However, it must be said that the feedback available is very positive. Perhaps with time, after the item is tested by a larger number of detectorists all over the world, it can rise to top three suggests in 2019. It has potential due to the features it suggests to the users.
The principal features of the equipment include as follows:
impressive testing results
decent discrimination combined with depth of target reach
multifrequency is available, but the user can also choose single-frequency version which is a good choice
the item is watertight, the depth is standard, up to 9 feet
shows perfect performance in any situations, in different weather, on various locations and types of soils
especially efficient when searching on the seashores, or searching for coins and relics
As it can be seen, the equipment is very promising, so you can consider buying it and test it yourself.
It should be said immediately that Fisher F75 is a very high quality and reliable metal detector you can trust your finds to. It is super versatile, shows steady performance in different situations, and can manage almost any unusual situation you can face. The design of the equipment provides good balance and reasonable weight, so that the treasure hunter could work for several hours without pause. What is also important is the ability to discriminate well in trashy areas.
The principal advantage of the design is cool technical specifications that provide all necessary features, and yet it is pretty simple to use, and even a newbie can manage it. The item enjoys high popularity and extremely positive feedback from detectorists all over the world. It finds coins and relics best, and indicates targets at considerable depth.
So why it takes only sixth place in our list of the best metal detectors in year 2019? Well, the technical reason is that the item is not totally watertight; it can be submerged only to the level of the control panel. The general reason is that the design is pretty old by now; it was released to the market in 2009-2010, and the mere technologies it uses slowly become outdated.
However, it is not a relic itself yet. So if you need a reliable, on budget, and what is more important, heavily tested machine, Fisher F75 is definitely what you need. Being on the market for such a long time, it proves reliability and efficiency, and thousands of users enjoy working with it, for years.
The item was presented to the market in 2016. What it means is that it was developed and created with the usage of truly modern technologies and some unique inventions. It has been created specifically with the aim to make it modern in the first place. New technologies are proposed on a regular basis, so it makes little sense ignoring them. Whites MX Sport is a good example of innovative steps in the industry.
This is an interesting equipment with its own unique design. Its weight is considerably reduced, which adds a lot to user experience, and more people actually get the ability to try detecting, which often believed to be physically exhausting. With a lighter equipment, this hobby becomes accessible to women and teenagers.
Another really outstanding feature of this machine is its being totally watertight, and we mean it. For those treasure hunters who works mostly in wet situations and underwater, it is the best choice currently.
Well, you may think, if it is so perfect, why only seventh place? The equipment does not have any tangible technical disadvantages. One of the cons is its single frequency. However, the principal problem is, despite the fact it performs well in any situations, it is still more suitable for seashore and underwater search. This narrows the suitable audience for the equipment, obviously. With this being said, it is still one of the cool options among recent brands.
Garrett AT Pro has already been outmatched by the AT MAX, but due to its super user-friendly matching of price and quality, and because of a huge number of positive feedbacks from happy users, this brand is still on the market and therefore, we could not ignore it in out review.
This item is reliable and high quality; while it suggests a bunch of handy features and settings, it is easy to set and adjust for custom use in different situations. Even a newbie detectorist is able to cope with it, since the learning curve is not very steep.
One of the best things about this equipment is that it is universal and can be used for quest in various situations. It is also watertight, reaching the depth of up to 9 feet, plus highly efficient discrimination and depth of reach on different soils.
To cut the long story short, the Garrett AT Pro grandpa is still cool and rolling. The majority of treasure hunters will find it handy, convenient, easy to cope with, and reasonable priced. However, it is still on the eighth place in our list because of the two principal cons. Firstly, it suggests only one 13,6 kHz frequency, which is not an option for many users anymore. And secondly, its technological solutions slowly become outdated purely because the time goes by, and new brands propose more advanced approaches.
The ninth place in our list is occupied by the Garrett ACE 400, a decent and reliable machine. According to numerous opinions, it is simple to set and easy to use. Due to simplicity of usage and matching of a bunch of cool features, it will be suitable both for a total noob and for an experienced seeker.
One of the cool features is actually the equipment’s price; you do not overpay, and yet the machine is worth the money it costs. It is universal, and shows stable performance in different situations. It can actually be compared to Garrett AT Pro, the differences are the depth of reach, and also isolation.
This item boasts decent discrimination, enabling the user to soft off worthless targets. The efficiency is the highest for coins and relics, but generally it performs well for other kinds of objects. With enough skills in setting it, the detectorist will be satisfied with the finds even on littered locations.
The reason why it occupies only the ninth place is the fact that this equipment is created rather for newbies than experienced users. While it is cool in terms of practical application, this model definitely lacks some settings and the ability to customize it for particular situation.
Another drawback is that this model is not totally watertight; you can submerge it only to the level of control unit.
Generally, this is a fine metal detector which newbies will find very handy.
We have to inform you right away that this item is basically an enhanced version of the Garrett ACE 350, and currently it has all the same features that Garrett ACE 400 has. The problem is that Garrett ACE 400 is more well-known and popular, because it is also an enhanced version of the Garrett ACE 350. The prototype of these two enhanced items, Garrett ACE 350, was the top item in the niche for years, and it enjoyed positive feedback from thousands of happy buyers. In addition, Garrett ACE 400 has a more attractive price.
So, while it is generally not clear why one should buy one enhanced version of the Garrett ACE 350 over the other, it will be honest to underline that Fisher 44 is generally a decent metal detecting equipment. It is universal, accurate in targeting the objects, has all the necessary functions, and will suit both novice and experienced detectorists.
Of course, it has some disadvantages, for example:
it is single frequency, and the frequency is not a universal 7.69 kHz
its being watertight is somewhat doubtful
this particular brand has a very unreliable plastic armrest that breaks easily
The unique advantages include:
affordable price
small weight
easy to cope with
big and convenient display
The machine is fine for newbies who want to try the hobby, but are not ready to invest much in it yet.
Conclusion
Minelab Equinox 800, XP Deus и Garrett AT Max are currently the best items you can buy. Equinox 800 deserves high five due to the multi-frequency mode, while Minelab attracts with its fresh approach to technical solutions. However, they all have several decent competitors, Nokta Anfibio Multi in particular.
This review of the top ten metal detecting equipments that will continue to be popular, or that are expected to enjoy increased popularity in year 2019, will enable you to choose a machine that will totally suit your needs. You can pick the top ones to advanced search, medium ones to improve the user experience or to get access to a specific feature your current machine does not provide, or the last ones in the list to get a cheap and decent machine. The best things about this review is honest and objective assessment of each model available on the market.
18 Experts Reveal The Best Metal Detector
What is the best metal detector? Well, I have had the same question so I went out to the experts to see what they have to say. My question posed to these 18 treasure hunting experts was simple…
What is your favorite metal detector
What is your #1 tip for someone just starting out treasure hunting
Their wisdom certainly helped me and I hope this resource will help others!
Big Thank You!
I would like to extend a HUGE thank you to everyone who contributed! This has been a fun project contacting all of you and getting your tips. If you have anything to add please comment at the bottom.
So, what is the best metal detector?
Tony Hunt / Detectorbits
There is only one answer as far as I am concerned, the CTX. I have had all the Explorers from day one and loved them all, I tried the Quattro and Sovereigns along the way but never felt really comfortable that they did the same business. I had the Deus for a year and also the Fisher F75 special and T2 but none of them squared up with the returns that my Minelabs gave. I loved the ETrac also and the CTX is basically a better more refined version of that with extra Bells and Whistles. I love the ability with the CTX to be able to sit in the comfort of my home, link with Exchange 2 and work out the screens I want to use and the tone sounds I personally like. I love and make use of the GPS out in the field to take me back to findspots again and again. I could go on and on. The only way Minelab will improve the CTX is to make it lighter maybe than the competition. It has the best of everything else already.
My number one tip for anybody starting out in metal detecting is go for the best detector from day one that you can afford. Buy a second hand top of the range rather than a cheapie thats going to be lacking in everything you need. Next step is to learn it thoroughly, read all the books and do your research on the Web. Most newcomers first mistake is to fire it up and go out in the field without even reading the basics. They want to get rich quick and that is rarely going to happen best of times. Talk to others with the same detector If possible and learn the wrinkles and try and gain from their experiences.
John Winter
Unfortunately, I am now old and decrepit and don’t get out detecting. I have NEVER regarded myself a ‘treasure hunter’ and abhor the term. We are metal detectorists.
I have little advice for those setting out and don’t regard myself as an expert. My advice is to join a good forum and ask that same question. There are so many improbables – like price and whether you intend sticking to beach detecting, etcetera.
Tim / Anacondatreasure
Garrett AT Gold because it’s a really good all-around machine. It’s lightweight, waterproof, (no rain jacket needed!), has a great recovery time, and is relatively easy to use. It comes with some preset coin searching modes, and can switch frequencies so 4 of them can be used in the same vicinity.
If you are just starting out, my number one tip is PATIENCE. Without it, you will get frustrated. I often compare metal detecting to playing a musical instrument. It takes practice. Nobody sounds like Eddie Van Halen the first time they pick up a guitar.
Bart Davis / Bigboyhobbies
I cant choose just 1. I use the Minelab CTX 3030 and the XP DEUS exclusively.
Be prepared to dig lots of trash. If you aren’t digging the trash you will miss the good ones.
Allyson / Detectingdiva
If I could only use one of my metal detectors it would be the Minelab E-trac. It was my third machine, and I haven’t used anything else since the day I got it.
I’m also a firm believer that the more you know your machine, the more success you will have in the field. I’ve seen some people switching back and forth, or buying machine after machine, hoping to have better luck, but that can be confusing and affect the learning curve.
My number one tip for someone starting out is patience. Did I say patience? Yup, patience. Occasionally treasure will just jump out at you, but for the most part, you search.
Dick Stout / Stoutstandards
Well, it would have to be the White’s MXT Pro. I love it. It’s got great depth, is easy to understand and I’ve gotten used to all its various audio responses. I also love the LCD readout.I also own a White’s 6000di Series 2, hipmount, A Garrett Groundhog VLF/TR, a Garrett Freedom III and a White’s Liberty.
No need to spend a lot of money when starting out. A detector in the $200 to $400 category will do a good job. Be patient, learn you machine and most important, RESEARCH because if you aren’t hunting in the right place it won’t matter how much you paid for your detector.
David Villanueva / Metaldetectingworld
If I could only use one of my detectors it would have to be the Detech EDS as this is my main detector anyway. The Detech EDS performs extremely well on inland sites and although it is not the best wet beach detector, it does work reasonably well on salt wet beaches, albeit rather noisily.
My number one beginner’s tip is: Get out and search regularly. That way you’ll learn your detector, stay in tune with it and keep bringing home the finds. You have to be in it to win it as they say!
John / Mrmetaldetector
I love my Garrett AT Pro, I find that it is the perfect all round machine that is really simple to use and feature rich enough to keep even seasoned treasure hunters interested.
Get to know someone else who enjoys the hobby or join a club that goes treasure hunting. If you are a part of a bigger group you will be far more likely to learn from some of the guys that have been doing it for a while, and you can ask around for good spots to go detecting.
John Volek / Theringfinders
The machine I use varies from job to job and depends on what and where the search is being done. I favor my Minelab CTX3030, but the price point is beyond most peoples budget. I think most people who are just venturing into metal detecting as a hobby are not looking to spend 2000.00 dollars on a detector, but the upside, it’s a great machine. I now personally use three different machine, the CTX3030 for most of my general metal detecting, Minelab Excalibur II for underwater work, and the Fisher Gold Bug 2 for very small gold items that most other machines will not detect.
Don’t by cheap, I don’t own one, but I hear the Garrett AT Pro is an exceptional machine for both professional and hobbyist. After deciding on you machine, build a test bed of the items you will be searching for most frequently (coins, jewelry, relics). Learn the machine on your known items, and the rest should be pretty easy after that. I guess that’s actually two tips and not one.
Ben / Blog Benhere
Right now, if I only could have one detector, it would be the XP Deus. It is small and compact and light weight, which makes it great for traveling. It is so fast at processing signals, you can swing the coil very fast. Pinpointing targets is also very fast. For coin shooting at parks or schools it is a great machine. If I lived near the beach or did much water hunting, then I would have to say the Minelab CTX-3030. It is water proof to 9 feet and provides more information on the target than any other detector. I guess that is why I have both.
Always be a good representative of the metal detecting community. Always have permission before you hunt. Leave the area you hunt better than you found it. Carefully repair your holes and carry out the garbage. If you are looking to get rich, you should find another hobby. Do it because you love history or love the excitement of never knowing what is going to come out of the ground.
Mark Ellis / emds.ca
If I could choose any metal detector to use right now, it would be my Tesoro Cibola. Anything by Tesoro is great.
As far as any tips for the beginner, I would ignore any detector’s screen and just dig everything that beeps. Learn to use your ears, not an LCD panel. Also, fill all of your dig holes in and carry out the trash you’ve dug. Always, always leave a site better looking than you found it. Take pride in what you do and you will be rewarded over and over again.
Ray Burr / Loveyourrv
When I decided to go full time in the RV I had to choose which detector to pack with me in our travels. I chose the Garrett ACE 250, I find it a good all around unit, small and lightweight, great battery life, easy to pack and store in the RV. Also because it is fairly inexpensive I’m not as worried about thief or damage so I take it everywhere with me when I travelling. Never know when a good area presents itself for a hunt.
My #1 tip to folks new to the hobby is to turn off your discrimination, put the unit in all metal mode for a while and dig everything, pay close attention to the sounds different items make and how they react to the sweeps of the coil and pinpointing. After you have developed a good understanding of the target types and get a feel for how the sound then start to use the discrimination features.
James Oliver / Detectingblackpool
My Minelab Explorer SE Pro. I’m a Minelab fan and I know this machine “inside and out”, I feel completely comfortable with it! Everything about minelab speaks quality and sophistication,I feel they are one of the best machines on the market, with multiple functions of the highest standard.
Don’t be discouraged by the amount of time the learning curve takes to complete. Get to know your machine intimately, until it becomes an extension of yourself and everything about it like the sounds, tones, how the machine behaves to different metals etc. all become second nature to you. It is a great advantage for one to be able to recognize the different responses from ones machine and feel totally at ease with them, a great comfort to feel a reassuring confidence in what one is doing. Build that confidence with lots and lots of practice!
DJ Yost / Dj Digs
Right now my go-to machine is my MXT all pro with the 10″ D2 coil.
My number one tip is to have patience, stick with it, and most importantly -learn your machine.
Evan Granger / Gonehuntingforhistory
I would say, because of my location I coin hunt a lot. So the Minelab CTX3030 is to me, one of the better machines at target Identification. It’s not the deepest nor is it the fastest. The main reason of choosing the CTX is I don’t get to hunt much, so when I do, I want to spend the least amount of time guessing what I am digging. Of course silver is in the cross hairs when I am coin hunting. The FBS technology seems to really zero in on those higher conductive targets. It seems after griding a property with the CTX there doesn’t seem to much left on return trips. Now coming back with a different frequency or quicker machine might yield some missed targets, but it isn’t usually coins, more relics. I think the fbs id’s the more perfect pure signal targets,(copper, brass, silver) than the odd or mixed alloy relics and tokens. Just an opinion, but seems to be the most accurate the way and area I hunt.
Number one tip? Research not only the area’s you will hunt, but your machine. When I started there wasn’t Google or YouTube. It can make a newbie really be successful in a much shorter amount of time. If you have a specific name brand machine there is probably a video showing its use somewhere on the net. Now with the research portion, most of my time was spent in the library. Fast forward to today’s “internet has everything society”, there is usually some kind of good information out there about the area you live or want to hunt. Usually, the state’s university websites will have a historical record that is a wealth of knowledge. The local historical societies and museums can also help.
Rob Hill / Floridarob
My detector of choice is the White’s V3i. It tells me more about the target in the ground than any other machine. Great depth and White’s service is second to none.
My number one tip for a newbie is to start out with a middle of the road detector. Do not buy the cheapest one available as that can discourage you very quickly. Start out detecting in your yard first and then expand with permission to other yards, school yards, parks etc. Dig every target while watching and listening to your detector with every dig. It can take 100 hours to really get a feel for your machine. If you are very observant to what your machine is telling you by sound and by visual from digging all those targets you will enjoy the hobby much more. You will feel confident that you are not missing good targets by skipping over those readings that you have come to know. When you are able to skip over known trash you will dig more quality targets and that is very rewarding.
Jess / Noreasters
Thanks but I will hold off in answering about the best metal detector. But as a tip for a beginner use more than less descrimination as it will deter you from digging a lot of trash and cause you to loose faith in your detector. Once you have mastered and have confidence In your detector then start with medium descrimination and go from there.
Carl Fismer / The Treasure Experience
My favorite machine is the J.W. Fisher Pulse 8X. I do most of my recovery work underwater, and the Pulse 8X has a sensitive meter as well as a bone phone. I believe using the meter helps me keep my concentration on what I’m doing plus I set it a little on the high side. This causes a few false hits, but a quick check will confirm or deny. I use the same machine on the beach as it disassembles for easy beach use. I have recovered thousands of coins with this machine.
My number one tip is, if your going to buy a machine, use it. You will go through stages where you wonder if it working, or has a problem, you feel like quitting, but the truth is the more you use it the better you become with it. I also tell people about the healthy thing. You won’t be sitting too much on the couch, you will be outside, and moving a lot, bending over, digging. I believe using a metal detector could add time to your life. Quality Time.
5 Basic Metal Detecting Tips
One of the best place to go and look for tips is specialized forums where a lot of noobs and experts alike spend time sharing the info. If you are lucky enough and also attentive enough, you will even notice someone telling occasionally where they have found a rare coin or jewerly piece. Actually, it is good to go to such forums even before you buy your first machine. With the wisdom of the previous generations in mind, you can start with the hobby.
Treasure hunting is an exciting and educational activity. Once you find a fruitful spot, you can uncover valuables all day long. Riches may not come in the form of money and wealth, but in historical worth. And yet, whatever you bump into, you definitely don’t want it to be problems with your equipment.
You want a device you can hold comfortably. Metal detectors come in different weights. When you purchase a hand-held metal detecting equipment, you must be able to carry it around all day without discomfort. At the same time, you want it to distinguish a bottle cap from a golden ring.
Whatever tips you find on whatever resource, you should always do your own additional research and see what other people say. Only constant learning and updating the information will make you successful in your hobby.
Below are just a few tips my friends gave me when I was searching for my first metal detecting equipment.
Reliability and durability (You won’t believe what I’ve put it through)
A good warranty (Because of what I have put mine through)
Lightweight/or light enough for you to carry comfortably (I’m not a weightlifter)
High quality headphones (You want to block out background noise, yet still be able to hear when your partner shouts “SNAKE!”)
A bright, lucid display (If you can’t read the display, then what’s the point?)
FAQ
Of course, modern metal detecting equipment with a lot of additional customizable settings is more costly than a simpler equipment. However, if you are a newbie and will search for treasures only several days a year, buying an expensive toy makes no sense. It is not only the price that matters; more expensive items have tons of additional settings, so, instead of enjoying your hunt, you will be busy making head or tail out of the settings.
One of the principal criteria people look at is depth of reach, and in this term, tolls that cost alike show similar characteristics. However, depth of reach is not the only criterion, and in terms of other features, the equipments can differ greatly.
High quality and expensive metal detecting equipment is only 50% of success, because the success also depends on skills of the detectorist and particular situations of the search. Also, some places simply have less targets to propose.
Generally, newer equipments propose better accuracy and identification of the targets. They have deeper reach and filter the noises better. However, today the market is full of various machines that will suit any need.
The best metal detector is the one which enables you to get the most finds. The choice depends on your own skills, the locations you are more likely to search on, and the targets you are more likely expected to find. If you manage to combine those three criteria when choosing a machine, you will buy the best one specifically for yourself.
There is only one answer as far as I am concerned, the CTX. I have had all the Explorers from day one and loved them all, I tried the Quattro and Sovereigns along the way but never felt really comfortable that they did the same business. I had the Deus for a year and also the Fisher F75 special and T2 but none of them squared up with the returns that my Minelabs gave. I loved the ETrac also and the CTX is basically a better more refined version of that with extra Bells and Whistles. I love the ability with the CTX to be able to sit in the comfort of my home, link with Exchange 2 and work out the screens I want to use and the tone sounds I personally like. I love and make use of the GPS out in the field to take me back to findspots again and again. I could go on and on. The only way Minelab will improve the CTX is to make it lighter maybe than the competition. It has the best of everything else already.
Unfortunately, I am now old and decrepit and don’t get out detecting. I have NEVER regarded myself a ‘treasure hunter’ and abhor the term. We are metal detectorists.
Garrett AT Gold because it’s a really good all-around machine. It’s lightweight, waterproof, (no rain jacket needed!), has a great recovery time, and is relatively easy to use. It comes with some preset coin searching modes, and can switch frequencies so 4 of them can be used in the same vicinity.
I cant choose just 1. I use the Minelab CTX 3030 and the XP DEUS exclusively.
If I could only use one of my metal detectors it would be the Minelab E-trac. It was my third machine, and I haven’t used anything else since the day I got it.
Well, it would have to be the White’s MXT Pro. I love it. It’s got great depth, is easy to understand and I’ve gotten used to all its various audio responses. I also love the LCD readout.I also own a White’s 6000di Series 2, hipmount, A Garrett Groundhog VLF/TR, a Garrett Freedom III and a White’s Liberty.
If I could only use one of my detectors it would have to be the Detech EDS as this is my main detector anyway. The Detech EDS performs extremely well on inland sites and although it is not the best wet beach detector, it does work reasonably well on salt wet beaches, albeit rather noisily.
I love my Garrett AT Pro, I find that it is the perfect all round machine that is really simple to use and feature rich enough to keep even seasoned treasure hunters interested.
The machine I use varies from job to job and depends on what and where the search is being done. I favor my Minelab CTX3030, but the price point is beyond most peoples budget. I think most people who are just venturing into metal detecting as a hobby are not looking to spend 2000.00 dollars on a detector, but the upside, it’s a great machine. I now personally use three different machine, the CTX3030 for most of my general metal detecting, Minelab Excalibur II for underwater work, and the Fisher Gold Bug 2 for very small gold items that most other machines will not detect.
Right now, if I only could have one detector, it would be the XP Deus. It is small and compact and light weight, which makes it great for traveling. It is so fast at processing signals, you can swing the coil very fast. Pinpointing targets is also very fast. For coin shooting at parks or schools it is a great machine. If I lived near the beach or did much water hunting, then I would have to say the Minelab CTX-3030. It is water proof to 9 feet and provides more information on the target than any other detector. I guess that is why I have both.
If I could choose any metal detector to use right now, it would be my Tesoro Cibola. Anything by Tesoro is great.
When I decided to go full time in the RV I had to choose which detector to pack with me in our travels. I chose the Garrett ACE 250, I find it a good all around unit, small and lightweight, great battery life, easy to pack and store in the RV. Also because it is fairly inexpensive I’m not as worried about thief or damage so I take it everywhere with me when I travelling. Never know when a good area presents itself for a hunt.
My Minelab Explorer SE Pro. I’m a Minelab fan and I know this machine “inside and out”, I feel completely comfortable with it! Everything about minelab speaks quality and sophistication,I feel they are one of the best machines on the market, with multiple functions of the highest standard.
Right now my go-to machine is my MXT all pro with the 10″ D2 coil.
I would say, because of my location I coin hunt a lot. So the Minelab CTX3030 is to me, one of the better machines at target Identification. It’s not the deepest nor is it the fastest. The main reason of choosing the CTX is I don’t get to hunt much, so when I do, I want to spend the least amount of time guessing what I am digging. Of course silver is in the cross hairs when I am coin hunting. The FBS technology seems to really zero in on those higher conductive targets. It seems after griding a property with the CTX there doesn’t seem to much left on return trips. Now coming back with a different frequency or quicker machine might yield some missed targets, but it isn’t usually coins, more relics. I think the fbs id’s the more perfect pure signal targets,(copper, brass, silver) than the odd or mixed alloy relics and tokens. Just an opinion, but seems to be the most accurate the way and area I hunt.
My detector of choice is the White’s V3i. It tells me more about the target in the ground than any other machine. Great depth and White’s service is second to none.
Thanks but I will hold off in answering about the best metal detector. But as a tip for a beginner use more than less descrimination as it will deter you from digging a lot of trash and cause you to loose faith in your detector. Once you have mastered and have confidence In your detector then start with medium descrimination and go from there.
My favorite machine is the J.W. Fisher Pulse 8X. I do most of my recovery work underwater, and the Pulse 8X has a sensitive meter as well as a bone phone. I believe using the meter helps me keep my concentration on what I’m doing plus I set it a little on the high side. This causes a few false hits, but a quick check will confirm or deny. I use the same machine on the beach as it disassembles for easy beach use. I have recovered thousands of coins with this machine.
