Are you new to treasure hunting and want to learn the ultimate tips and tricks for metal detecting? The first move will be getting the best metal detector for beginners. The process can be a hassle since many in the market offer different specifications.
However, you don't have to worry, as we have selected some options to make your choice simpler. We have also put key factors to consider to help make your shopping easier and help you choose what you want. Let's get started!
Our Top Picks-5 Best Beginner Metal Detectors
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1. Bounty Hunter Metal Detector
- Rugged metal detector ideal for detecting treasure in extreme ground conditions
- Motion All-Metal mode, Discrimination mode, and 2-Tone audio mode
- Preset ground balance neutralizes response to mineral content in the ground
- Disc/notch control distinguishes between targets and unwanted metals
- Rugged metal detector ideal for detecting treasure in extreme ground conditions
Bounty Hunter Lone Star is the best metal detector for beginners who would love to hunt in less time. We noticed it lacked some key features that its competitors had but still functioned well. It had an operating frequency of 6.8kHz, making it operate like an all-purpose machine. We were impressed with its LCD screen, which allowed us to adjust its sensitivity to fit various situations.
Image Credits: amazon.com
For instance, when we were in high trash areas, we turned down the sensitivity and turned it up on wide open areas. It was user-friendly and effective. We also used its discrimination settings since they were adjustable, allowing us to pick out different types of metals. We could also turn off the ferrous signals so they did not pick up the metals.
It came with an 8-inch coil suitable for beginners and the best for treasure hunting. The search coil was waterproof, but the control box wasn't, so you could use it in shallow water. It was easy to carry around since it weighed only 3.5 pounds. It was also affordable compared to other metal detectors of its class.
Apart from its weight, its ergonomics and its comfort were a steal. It had an S-rod handle and a padded grip to make metal hunting more comfortable.
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2. Garrett Ace 300 Metal Detector
- Garrett ACE 300 Metal Detector with submersible Searchcoil
- Includes 3 FREE Accessories:
- Volume control Garrett ClearSound Easy Stow headphones
- ACE Environmental Coverup
- 7" x 10" Searchcoil Cover
If you are looking for an intermediate-level metal detector suitable for beginners, we recommend you try Garrett ACE 300 Metal Detector. We were impressed with its five search modes: no discrimination, Jewelry, custom, relics, and coins. It allowed us to customize what we wanted by helping us narrow our search to focusing on specific materials.
Image Credits: amazon.com
In addition, it offered a numerical Digit Target ID system with high conductivity to metals. It provided higher readings and low conductivity metals that indicated lower readings. It operated at an 8(kHz) frequency, slightly higher than other entry-level models on the market. It also allowed for minor frequency adjustments.
The Garrett ACE 300 Metal Detector weighed 2.8 pounds which is lightweight enough for younger users or people with mobility issues. Its adjustable length ranged from 40 to 53 inches, making it a good choice for tall and short users.
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3. Fisher F22 Weatherproof Metal Detector
- ALL PURPOSE METAL DETECTOR: Weatherproof metal detector that can detect Jewelry, Coins, and Artifacts on land and shallow water. Finds metal targets on the surface and buried up to nine inches deep.
- TREASURE HUNT IN ANY CONDITION: This metal detector is weatherproof for use in the harshest weather and environments. Rain or shine, this metal detector can find treasure.
- JUST TURN-ON-AND-GO: A metal detector made for adults but easy enough for a child to operate. Easy-to-use features like discrimination, sensitivity, notch, and pinpoint make finding treasures buried deep underground a breeze.
- ACCURATE ALL METAL DETECTORS: This underground detector distinguishes between valuable targets and unwanted metals. Quickly identify all types of buried targets by Target Categories and a 0-99 numeric Target-ID, enhanced with a 4-Tone Audio-ID System.
- LIGHTWEIGHT ERGONOMIC & COMFORTABLE: This well-balanced weatherproof metal detector weighs approximately 2 pounds and has a padded hand grip and arm cup for comfortable treasure hunting.
If you are looking for a weatherproof beginner metal detector, you can get the Fisher F22 metal detector. It was not rated for underwater use but was sealed and weatherproof. We could use it in wet, windy, and dusty conditions. Its coil was waterproof, but the body wasn't. We'd advise not submerging the whole body into water as you can ruin some parts.
Image Credits: amazon.com
The Fisher F22 was easy to set up, as we only had to turn it on and use it. It was preset for standard ground conditions so beginners could easily learn the controls to detect the specific terrain they were handling. It had a precise target identification system that displayed between 1 and 99.
It allowed us to discover iron, foil, nickels, gold, and other metals quickly. In addition, we were impressed with its four-tone ID system that let us know what we were uncovering without looking at its screen.
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4. Nokta Makro Simplex Metal Detector
- IP68 - Fully submersible up to 3 meters (10 ft) and protected from total dust ingress.
- Iron Volume - Turns off or adjusts the volume of the low iron tone.
- Notch Discrimination - Discriminates Target IDs of unwanted metals.
- Search Modes - All Metal / Field / Park / Beach
- Fabulous Lighting for Night & Underwater Use - SIMPLEX+ has it all - LCD Backlight, Keypad Backlight and LED Flashlight.
If you are looking for a metal detector with professional perks but for an entry-level price, go for Nokta Makro Simplex+ Metal Detector. We were impressed with its user-friendly interface, which was intuitive and easy to use. It had an 11-inch waterproof search coil with different search modes on its easy-to-read display screen.
Image Credits: amazon.com
It had a waterproof rating of IP68, which was suitable for use in depths of up to 10 feet. We recommend it as the best detector for beginners since it protects from sandy and dusty conditions.
The model was easy to use since it included LED lights that illuminated the surrounding area when we searched underwater or in low-light conditions. We could adjust its length from 25 to 52 inches, making it suitable for tall and short users.
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5. Minelab Go Find 11
- COMPACT & PORTABLE: The entire detector collapses and conveniently folds to fit into luggage or backpacks.
- ULTRA LIGHT DESIGN: At just 2.2 lbs. (1.00 kg), the GO-FIND 11 provides instant excitement for every camping trip or outdoor outing.
- PRESET FIND MODES: With 2 find modes and 3 levels of sensitivity, accurate detecting couldn’t be easier.
- SIMPLE DISPLAY: Large intuitive icons convey battery life, signal strength and type of items being detected.
If you are looking for an affordable metal detector that will be easy to operate, go for Minelab Go-Find 11. Alternatively, you can look for the best metal detector under $100 if you are on a tight budget. We were impressed with its weighed since it was only 2.2 pounds making it compact and easy to travel. Its weight made it the best choice for kids, women, and elderly hobbyists who got tired quickly during metal hunting endeavors.
Image Credits: minelab.com
It was easy to operate, making it a better choice for us since we were looking for a simple and fun metal detector to operate. It had two search modes that provided a simple way to get hunting quickly.
When we detect a target, it releases audio tones and displays one of four find icons: nail, foil, ring, or coin. We recommend this metal detector for children since it makes metal detecting a fun and exciting activity.
The Minelab's Easy -Trak had an additional feature that reduced ground interference and made the detector pick sharper signals. We adjusted its sensitivity to three different levels to suit different scenarios.
It also had fewer options and buttons, making it an excellent design for a simple and beginner-friendly metal detector. The only downside we experienced was that it needed to be waterproof, but its search coil allowed us to metal hunt in shallow waters.
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Factors To Consider When Purchasing The Best Metal Detectors For Beginners
If you are new to treasure hunting, you might get confused while picking the best metal detectors for beginners since they all seem good. Many factors come into play when handling such machines, which can vary depending on your goal. Luckily, we have outlined a few to help you choose the best metal detector for all targets.
1. Weight
The weight of a metal detector is often overlooked, but it affects your experience of metal hunting. If you go for a heavier one, you will have difficulty swinging it and eventually get tired before finding the treasure. Moreover, heavy metal detectors may be tiresome if you don’t have the strength to swing them.
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For a better experience, ensure you pick one that weighs at least 2 to 4 pounds. The heavier ones have advanced features but with a higher price tag. On average, a metal detectorist should be able to swing a 2-to-4-pound metal detector.
2. Operating Frequency
Handling operating frequencies can be hard if you are new to metal detecting, but in a real sense, the frequencies are fairly simple. The basic knowledge is that when the metal detector has a higher operating frequency, it will be more sensitive, which means it can detect smaller objects easily.
Image Credits: treasuresinamerica.com
It may also mean that it has a decreased depth. On the other hand, a machine with a low operating frequency has less sensitivity to smaller objects and a high detection depth. You need to know how deep metal detectors detect to help you choose the right frequency for each metal.
Luckily, some machines may allow you to adjust the frequencies but for a higher price in the market. Most beginner metal detectors are designed to be excellent for all-purpose metal detecting, so you are sure to take advantage of them.
3. Ground Balance
The key feature of the best metal detector for beginners is having a fixed ground balance or an automatic ground balance. This feature is built to prevent beginners from learning about ground balancing. However, we recommend that any metal detectorist have at least some background knowledge of how a metal detector works before operating it.
One of the best entry-level ones that offer this feature is the Nokta Makro Simplex; it allows you to switch to either automatic or manual, depending on your ground balancing skills.
Image Credits: thenewyorktimes.com
It is best to choose entry-level metal detectors that can allow you to hunt in mineralized ground conditions. You can switch to manual ground balancing for less signal interference and deeper detection depths.
However, if you are a beginner, ground-balancing features should less concern you since you will probably start hunting in places like yards, fields, parks, or beaches. These places have highly mineralized soil, so round balancing will only affect you a little.
4. Discrimination Features
The best metal detectors in the market have some iron discrimination in them to help detectorists evade digging up nails or other iron scarps. Each has a variable degree of how it can discriminate.
Image Credits: metaldetectingtips.com
For instance, some have a few notches of iron discrimination, while advanced ones have a lot of different target signals. The best metal detector should least be able to discriminate against iron since most human settlements have iron scraps that are of no value to beginner metal detectorists.
Metal detectorists find it a nuisance when they keep digging nails, wire, and iron. Luckily, most beginner metal detectors offer iron discrimination levels and other metal discrimination functions.
5. Search Modes
Search modes may not be important features in metal detectors, but they make metal detection easier for beginners. In other words, search modes are always preset to have the previous settings of your metal detector to help it function in a specific mode. It makes metal detection easier, as when you turn it on, all you have to do is to select the search mode you prefer.
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You will find these search mode features in almost all metal detectors, but in a beginner metal detector, you may only find ” all metal” or ” no discrimination” options. These modes mean that every metal detected will come with clear signals.
Of course, there are other search modes, such as coins, relics, beach, custom, and more, but they correspond to sensitivity, discrimination, or audio signals. Once you click on the search mode you want, it is time to enjoy treasure hunting.
6. Weatherproof and Waterproof
If you want to make the best use of your metal detector, ensure it is weatherproof or waterproof. Weatherproof means it can withstand all climatic conditions, such as rain, wind, hail, or snow. Alternatively, waterproof means that your metal detector can withstand water for a long time without deterioration.
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When deciding on these features, you must remember the kind of metal treasure you are hunting. For instance, if you search for relics or precious metals near water bodies, go for the ones that can be used on land and water. However, if you will not be hunting near water bodies, your metal detector should at least be weatherproof.
7. Simple Controls
If you are a beginner in metal detecting and want your experience to be smoother, go for a metal detector with simple controls.
Image Credits: newyorktimes.com
They have straightforward solutions and are easy to maneuver during learning and prospecting. If you get those with hard-to-control buttons, you will waste a lot of time fine-tuning or figuring out what to press for it to work. Go for a machine that has every instruction visible and understandable on sight.
Frequently Asked Questions On The Best Metal Detectors For Beginners
1. Which is the best brand for metal detectors?
There are many brands in the market that sell beginner metal detectors. Each brand has distinctive features that set it apart from the others. All the brands we have discussed above are top-quality metal detectors for beginners, so you do not have to worry during your purchase.
However, it would help to choose a brand that offers the most features you like. We have reviewed these brands extensively to develop the best metal detectors in the market, so we know you will take advantage of them. Our comprehensive guide shows the best brands that detect different types of metals so you can choose what you like according to your preference.
2. Which is the easiest metal detector to use?
Basic metal detectors are the easiest to operate. Our article has listed some of the easy-to-use detectors. These models have preset search modes that make your treasure-hunting experience easy.
The most popular easy-to-use metal detectors come from brands such as Nokta Makro Simplex, Fisher F series, and Garrett Ace. If you are a beginner, you can try out the advanced features of these models; they are easy to learn, and with no time, you will be a pro in metal hunting.
Featured Image Credits: outinthenature.com
