Gold and silver from scrap: October 2020

Thursday, October 1, 2020

Bounty Hunter Metal Detector

If you are a beginner and looking for a metal detector with remarkable performance and going for a reasonable price, Bounty Hunter Track IV metal detector is the machine for you. And well, it is so easy to use, just like a beginner metal detector should be; you turn on and start. It is ideal for hunting jewelry and relics hunting and coin shooting.

Pros/features of Bounty Hunter Track IV metal detector

Automatic ground balance

Bounty hunter metal detector Display Bounty hunter metal detector Bounty Hunter TK4 has an inbuilt automatic ground balance that prevents the machine from giving signals as a result of ground mineralization. It is easier to operate a detector with automatic ground balance than with one whose ground balance is manually adjusted from one location to another.

All terrain

Bounty Hunter Track IV metal detector is rugged, making it ideal for treasure hunt in all terrains; dry ground, saltwater beaches, etc.

8” waterproof search coil

It has 8” waterproof search coil, hence it can be used for treasure hunting in shallow and muddy waters. The machine is however not submersible.

With a relatively large search coil, the search coverage is quite big within a single swing. It is important to make a swing carefully as being so fast may lead to the machine missing on some targets.

2 search modes

It has Motion All-Metal mode and Discrimination mode. Motion all-Metal mode does not discriminate but detects all metals whereas Discrimination mode detects only the targets of interests. Normally, iron/steel targets are discriminated as they are of low value.

Tone audio mode

It has 2 tone audio mode for distinguishing between targets. Low tone for targets like iron/steel objects and high tone for targets like gold, silver and copper.

Disc/notch controls

It has Disc/notch controls that distinguish between wanted and unwanted targets

Adjustable sensitivity

It allows for change in sensitivity levels when the user changes the location of hunt. Metal detectors work best with different sensitivities in different locations as different locations have different levels of ground mineralization.

Adjustable stem and padded armrest

It has an adjustable stem, making it possible for short and tall people and even kids use it comfortably.

Affordable

Despite being a good performing metal detector, it goes for modest price for its quality, usually not more than 100 bucks.

Easy to use

This is a turn-on and start detector. You only need to set the sensitivity and the search mode you prefer then you are ready to go.

Bounty Hunter TK4 comes with a detailed but easy to understand and follow manual, making use even easier.

It weighs 2.9 pounds hence easy to carry around while working.

It requires two 9v alkaline batteries, and being quite low on power consumption, you can use it for quite some time without running low on battery.

Cons of Bounty Hunter TK4 metal detector

It does not have an inbuilt pin pointer meaning one has to buy one separately. A pin pointer locates the precise location of the target, making it easier to dig it up.

Bounty hunter TK4 metal detector has an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon! That speaks volumes about it performance.

whites dfx metal detector

Despite being one of Whites’ older models of metal detectors, its game is amazingly, high placing it in a position to comfortably compete with newer metal detectors in the market. It uses high microprocessor technology. It can be used for finding gold nuggets, jewelry, cannon balls, relics and other treasures. Quite pricey, but all worth it. It retails for at least 400 bucks.

Features/pros of Whites DFX metal detector

Multiple frequency features

Whites DFX Metal Detector

Whites DFX metal detector has multiple frequency features that enables it to pick and send two different frequencies simultaneously and independently. It works with frequencies of 3 KHz and 15 kHz. Whenever a signal is detected, 3 KHz frequency interprets it and 15 kHz frequency processes it.

Uses microprocessor technology

After a frequency from a target is picked, interpreted and processed by the Whites DFX metal detector’s multiple frequency features, the microprocessor displays the results of the frequency with the strongest signal. It changes the frequencies in to units that can be understood and are displayed on the LCD.

Excellent discrimination

Whites DFX Metal Detector has very high discrimination power. It can discriminate up to 191 elements! This is possible due to its highly advanced microprocessor.

2 search modes

It has Motion All-Metal mode and Discrimination mode. With motion all-metal mode, it detects all targets while in discrimination mode it only detects targets of interest as per the discrimination settings of the user.

Gives target information

This metal detector can tell the depth and size of the target detected.

Pin pointer

Whites DFX Metal Detector pin points the exact location of the target detected, making it easier to get the target.

Efficient factory settings

This metal detector comes with EEPROM factory settings, which are efficient and sufficient in metal detecting, especially with amateurs in use of this detector. As the user learns this machine more, they can customize the settings to their preference. You can save the EEPROM program together with your custom settings and use either.

Auto ground balance

It has automatic ground balance with Autotrac, making operation so much easier.

Hot rock rejection features

This machine can work on hot rocks and maintain its level of performance comfortably. It has high efficient temperature adjust allowing it to work in harsh conditions like on hot rocks.

LCD screen

It has a LCD screen that allows for complete visual display. It displays large and bold VDI number readout alongside target icons.

9” waterproof search coil

With a waterproof search coils, it can be used in shallow waters for treasure hunt but should not be submerged.

Has a relatively large lateral coverage within a single swing due to the large search coil.

Sweep speed adjust

It has a sweep speed adjust features that enables the user make swings at the most suitable speed. Inappropriate sweep speed leads to the detector missing out on detecting some targets.

10 basic adjustments and 34 pro options

This basic adjustments make it easy to use the detector. It has a detailed but not complex manual guide on how to use the adjustments.

Slide –in NiCad battery system

It can operate for up to 15 hours with a single round of battery charging.

Cons of whites DFX metal detector

Some users complain that’s this detector has too many settings which can be confusing. However, the manufacturer’s manual comes a long way in making one understand the settings.

With all these strong features, it is undeniable that Whites DFX metal detector is one of the best detectors out there. With some money and a desire for a good high performance detector, here is what you should purchase.

Best Gold Metal Detector Review

Gold mining must have been a nightmare in the 1800’s, where people panned for gold for months only to find small flakes of gold or give up before finding any. In this age of advanced technology, gold prospecting technologies using gold metal detectors have come a long way in ensuring that before embarking on mining, gold miners know exactly the amount of gold they will get.

A gold metal detector is specifically made for gold prospection. They are exclusive to gold detecting and do not pick signals for other metals, unlike regular metal detectors. The standard gold metal detector uses Very Low Frequency (VLF) or Pulse Inductioncircuits to detect gold and filter out all the other metals in its magnetic field.

The major investment you make in gold prospecting is purchasing a quality gold metal detector. Having a good gold metal detector is a great stride towards success. There a variety of gold metal detectors and some review of those detectors will have you well informed before purchasing one.

Types of gold metal detectors

They are generally two types of gold metal detectors, based on their mechanism for detecting gold;

Very Low Frequency (VLF) gold metal detectors

Pulse Induction (PI)gold metal detectors

Very Low Frequency fold metal detectors

As the name suggests, these detectors use very low frequency circuits to detect gold nuggets. Some of the popular models in this category are

Fisher Gold Bug Pro

Fisher Gold Bug 2

White’s GoldMaster GMT

Garret AT Gold

Tesoro LoboSuperTra

Minelab Eureka Gold

VLF gold metal detectors greatly pride in their ability to detect very minute nuggets of gold. In hands of an experienced user, these detectors beat their Pulse Induction counterparts in detecting small sized nuggets.

VLF gold metal detectors are quite affordable compared to pulse induction detectors. It is possible to find a new VLF detector for less than $ 1000, or even a second hand but in-shape detector for a few hundred bucks.

They are relatively light, which makes carrying them around less of a hard task.

On the other hand, VLF gold metal detectors have their shortcomings, the main of them being their inability to detect gold nuggets lying deep. They can only detect gold nuggets at a maximum depth of 12”, a factor that greatly cripples their success if the nuggets are lying deeper than that.

VLF gold metal detectors cannot detect nuggets in highly mineralized ground and very hot rocks, the common surrounding of gold nuggets. This problem is solved by proper tuning, reducing sensitivity to a point it can only detect a very limited depth.

Here is a quick review of each of the VLF gold metal detectors;

Fisher Gold Bug 2metal detector

This gold metal detector exhibits excellent sensitivity, ultra-high frequency (highest in the marker), and dust and moisture resistance, incredible iron discrimination ability making it suitable for highly mineralized soils. It has an audio- boost that ensures signals for small and deep seated nuggets are heard.

It has 3-level mineralization switch, to ensure perfect ground balance is achieved.

It operates at 71 kHz, for extreme sensitivity to small gold nuggets. It operates on an iron diskmode which bears its high iron discrimination ability.

It features a 10” elliptical search coil and is convertible to hip mount or chest mount. It weighs 2.9 lbs.

Fisher Gold Bug Pro metal detector

This metal detector was released in 2010, its digital and is made to find very small amount of gold.

It features digitalized ground balancing, static pinpoint with depth indicator, V.C.O audio in all Metal and Discrimination mode, computerized ground grab TM and 5” search coil.

It also has independent control over threshold and gain, continuous ground readouts and ground phase value that indicates the amount of mineralization.

It is a lightweight machine weighing at 2.5 lbs.

White’s GoldMaster GMTmetal detector

This is a tough machine meant for gold mining in harsh environments. It features 48 kHz frequency ,6×9” waterproof elleptical search coil and a digital microprocessor software that automatically eliminate ground mineralization

It has long life batteries lasting for 30-35 hours after recharging, a grab push pad for setting ground balance, automatic ground balace and Follow the Paystreakfeature that displays the amount of magnetic minerals in the soil.

Garret AT Goldmetal detector

It is an all-terrain machine, with excellent depth detection. It operates at a frequency of 18 kHz which makes detection of small nuggets of gold possible. It has a digital target ID which makes it easy to distinguish target from other metal.

It features high resolution iron discrimination, with 40 points of iron resolution. It has adjustable threshold that allows the user to adjust audio threshold to hear targets better.

It has a manual ground balance, allowing the detector to preset the machine for suitability of the location of gold prospecting. It also features an electronic pinpoint that helps with telling the precise location of the gold nuggets detected

Tesoro Lobo SuperTraqmetal detector

Tesoro Lobo SuperTraqmetal detector Tesoro Lobo SuperTraqmetal detector largeThis machine has a computerized ground tracking system with three modes; normal, alkali and black sand. It has adjustable threshold control, operates excellently in mineralized soils due to good ground balancing and has maximum boost sensitivity.

It can detect small nuggets of gold at quite some depth. It is lightweight and has a body mountable design.

Minelab Eureka Gold metal detector

Minelab Eureka Gold metal detector Minelab Eureka Gold metal detector largeIt has triple frequency of 6.4, 20 and 60 kHz, giving a broader operation range for different soils. It has an automatic ground balancing system and has variable discrimination control with high iron discrimination in each level.

It features 5×10” elliptical search coil and it shows the depth and size of the gold, through change in the reading at the elliptical coil.

It has an easy mount system, with a single button push firmly mounting the control box to the stem. It also has easy to access rechargeable batteries, making recharging them easy.

It is a lightweight weighing 2.6 lbs.

Pulse Induction gold metal detectors

Some of the common PI gold metal detectors are

Minelab GP and SD metal detector models

White’ TDI Pro

White’s TDI

Pulse induction gold metal detectors are considered superior to VLF detectors, due to their ability to detect gold nuggets at great depths. They can detect small to medium sized nuggets but not small flakes.

They are also able to detect gold nuggets on hot rocks; hot rocks do not tamper with their efficiency.

Pulse induction detectors have superior ability to ignore conductive and non-conductive ground mineralization and still maintain high sensitivity to target metal/metals and in this case gold.

Gold metal detectors in this category are quite pricey, going for well over $5000, which most likely screams quality.

Minelab GP and SD metal detector models

Minelab GPX 5000 metal detectors

It is the latest release from Minelab and it is the beast in gold prospecting. It is the deepest detecting machine in the market.

It uses Minelab’s patented technologies; MPS, SETA and DVT. MPS technology establishes the amount of ground mineralization, which help the machine achieve better ground balancing.

DVT technology involves transmission of two voltages giving better sensitivity to small targets at deeper depths. It has audio indications of the size and depth of the god nugget.

SETA keeps all the timings perfectly aligned improving depth, sensitivity and stability of the GP detector.

It applies the Minelab’s Bi-level technology that gives more target information, discriminating iron and other non- target metals.

GPX 5000 has 8 timings, with each of the timing changing the way the machine works. The preference of timing is informed by your target size and level of mineralization of the soil.

It has 11” DD coil that discriminate iron and other non-ferrous materials.

Minelab SDC 2300 metal detector

It is compact, waterproof and a tough machine for harsh gold prospecting conditions. It is a high performance mid-range gold detector, excellent for detecting minute nuggets of gold on water and soil.

It is a military grade machine with automatic ground tracking, 9 audio levels, 8 step sensitivity adjustment and a weight of 5.3 lbs.

It is submersible hence can be used for gold prospecting in water bodies.

White’s TDI

It detects gold nuggets at great depths, has high sensitivity and automatic ground balance that filters out iron mineralization.

It has 12” spider search coil or 7.5” optical search coil, is waterproof and weighs 3.5 pounds.

It has variable audio select, volume control, threshold control, pulse delay control, frequency control and 3 way target conductivity selector. It can detect small deep-seated gold nuggets.

White TDI Pro

It is a lightweight machine that provides great stability and sensitivity, elimination effects of heavy ground mineralization. It can detect small sizes of gold at great depths using pulse induction power.

It has a NHIM rechargeable battery that lasts up to hours, with a backup alkaline AA battery to ensure all day prospecting.

Garret ACE 350 Metal Detector Review

Garret ACE 350 metal detector is the latest model in the Garret ACE metal detectors series; it is simply an improvement of the ACE 150 and 250 detectors. Like the 150 and 250 ACE metal detectors, it is black and yellow in color. They is actually no noticeable physical difference between any of the three ACE metal detecting machines.

The machine can be used to find virtually every treasure, from coins, relics, jewelry and even gold nuggets.

Important features of Garret ACE 350 metal detector

Garret ACE 350 Metal Detector

The level of efficiency of any metal detector, or even any machine out there, is determined by the presence/absence of some features. Here are some of the important features that make Garret ACE 350;

Target ID

Garret ACE 350 metal detector has 12 target identification segments, making it really efficient at identifying targets.

High resolution Iron discrimination

It has 4 iron discrimination segments which, making it iron-blind and hence its efficiency is not lowered by heavy ground mineralization.

Frequency

Garret ACE 350 metal detector has a frequency of 8.25 kHz, enabling it detect very small sized targets like gold nuggets, even when they are seated deep. It is an improvement of ACE 250 which has a frequency of 6.5 kHz.

In- built search modes

This metal detector has 5 in built search modes:

Coins

Relics

All metal

Jewelry

Custom, which allows one to configure the device however they want.

LCD display

Garret Ace LCD display

It has LCD display screen that shows the following:

Sensitivity indicator

Detecting mode

Target ID

Coin depth indicator

Battery level indicator

Garret ACE 350 metal detector is in a better position to detect low conductive targets like gold compared to ACE 250, hence has a larger target display area compared to its predecessors.

This LCD screens makes operation of the machine easier than if it were being operated using knobs, especially for beginners.

Coin depth indicator

It has a coin depth indicator on the LCD display hence tells one the depth of the target discovered.

Double-D search coil

It has 11” DD PROformance search coil which increase depth and lateral detection ability, as the coil passes over a large surface area with each swing.

The DD search coil enables the machine get better target separation. You can discriminate targets through eliminating them on the search coil. You move the cursor above a particular target, press the eliminate button and it becomes discriminated. You can also undo that by adding the target on back.

Electronic pinpoint

Pinpointing ensures on knows the precise location of the target detected. This come a long way in easing digging up for the target as the exact location is made known. The point where the strongest tone is heard is the precise location of the target.

Garret ACE 350 metal detector is a lightweight machine and also easy to use as it digitalized.

Cons of Garret ACE 350 metal detector

It is not waterproof, hence not submersible and can only be used for treasure hunting in dry environments.

There is no volume control, something some people find frustrating.

Exhibiting high efficiency and incredible ease in using, this machine is worth its price. If you are thinking of adding a metal detector in your collection or even purchasing the first one, think Garret ACE 350.

Garrett AT Pro Metal Detector Review

Garrett AT Pro AT Metal detector is an advanced digital metal detecting machine from garret. This machine works excellently on all terrains meaning it can be used for treasure hunting on dry land and in water bodies like oceans and lakes. It is used to find relics, coins, cache, jewelry and for prospecting of gold nuggets.

Garret AT Pro metal detector is built using Garret’s finest technology incorporating superior features that make it one of the best metal detectors if not the best. It can be used for hobby treasure hunting and professional treasure hunting.

Garret AT Pro Metal Detector Review Garret AT Pro Metal Detector

Features of Garret AT Pro AT Meat detector

Digital track ID: it has 0-99 target identification scale which makes it easy to distinguish one metal from the other.

Manual/automatic ground balance: Ground balancing is important to reduce the effect of ground mineralization on the detector, which is giving false signals.

Manual ground balancing allows one to stabilize the machine before treasure hunting to prevent it from giving signals for trash like foils and old nails, and also signals due to ground mineralization.

The automatic ground balance is Fast Track meaning it happens so fast.

Frequency and depth: It has a high frequency of 15 kHz which enables the Garret AT Pro metal detector detect even small sized targets. It can only detect targets 9-8 inches deep

Electronic pinpointing: This features enables the machine to detect the precise location of the target detected.

Waterproof: This features enables it to be an all-terrain metal detector. It can be immersed for up to 10” deep.

Iron Audio identification: This features helps with discrimination of iron and other ferrous materials in the ground. The tone for iron is kept silence and hence does not send an audio signal.

High resolution iron discrimination: It has 40 levels of iron discrimination setting. Discrimination level is set by use of the touchpads at one of the 40 levels. You adjust the elimination on the LCD screen, either increasing or reducing it.

You can also elevate the discrimination of the machine by moving your search coil to targets you are not interested in then press the elimination button.

Professional and standard audio modes: Professionals with enough experience with the machine can use the Pro mode, which has advanced settings that can tell the size, shape and depth of the target through audio signals. For those who are new to the machine, it is advisable to use the standard mode, understand the detector being advancing to Pro mode.

Fast recovery speed: The Pro Mode Audio enables the machine to pick signals for multiple targets within a short period of time.

Pro mode audio: This enables one to identify the characteristics of the target; depth and size. The standard mode gives a consistentbeep no matter the target type and depth, but the Pro mode gives more detail about the target.

Using the Pro mode audio however requires expertise as the settings are more advanced those of the standard mode audio.

DD search coil: Has a standard 8.5’’×11” submersible search coil, but is also compatible with a number of other search coils. It is compatible with the following coils

9”× 12” PROformance DD search coil

5”× 9” PROformance concentric search coil

5”×11” ACE PROformance DD search coil

5”×8” PROformance DD submersible search coil

5” super sniper search coil

Detection modes: It comes with 6 detection modes; 3 standard modes and 3 Pro modes. Each mode has 3 discrimination to choose from custom, coins and zero.

Battery condition indicator: This metal indicator runs on 4 AA batteries and have an accurate battery monitor and indicator.

LCD screen: The LCD screen makes it easier to operate the detector; easier that using knobs

Standard land headphones: Garret AT Pro metal detector comes with dry environment headphones which aid one in better getting audio signals. There is available waterproof headphones for use in water.

LCD screen: The LCD screen makes it easier to operate the detector; easier that using knobs

waterproof headphones Non waterproof headphone Shortcomings of Garret AT Pro metal detector

Depth

Garret AT Pro metal detector can only detect targets at a very limited depth of 8-9”. If the target is deeper, one has to look for other alternatives.

Noises

When using the Pro Audio mode, they tend to produce some noise, but this shouldn’t naturally occur. The noise is associated with hitting the ground when swinging the coil.

Difficulty in operating the LCD under intense sun light

Like with most digital screens, it becomes dark and invisible under direct sunlight.

All said and done, Garret AT Pro metal detector a high quality metal detector, highly efficient and also sells at a reasonable price. It is also so light (3.03 lbs.) making it easy to carry it around.

Things you should know about metal detectors

In this computer era when children are so much into passive leisure activities like playing video games, being on social media and watching, metal detecting comes in handy. Metal detecting involves searching for metallic items beneath the ground like coins, jewelry, and civil war relics among other valuables. A good, quality metal detector will be needed to make the activity fun.

Metal detecting instills creativity, discipline, perseverance, patience, imagination and problem solving skills in children, which are important in their daily lives. The kids can sell the valuables or make their collection of valuables, something they sure will take pride in.

There is no better way of bringing back childhood memories than carrying out treasure hunt through metal detecting. Metal detecting is also a great way to explore a place with some history that interests you. The treasures carry with them a rich and interesting history. Metal detecting can actually be used as an excursion study for history classes, making learning interesting.

Treasures that a metal detector can find

They are various treasures that can be found through metal detecting, they locate basically every metallic object. Objects that are made of; gold, copper, brass, nickel, iron, silver, aluminum, bronze, lead and tin are detected. Some of the objects that people who are into metal detecting find pride in finding are hidden coins, jewelry, watches and civil war relics like colonial buckles, buttons, swords, musket balls, arrowheads and knives.

How does a metal detector operate?

The three main players in metal detecting are sensitivity, discrimination and ground balancing.

Discrimination is the distinguishing between metals. The higher the discrimination of a metal detector, the more likely it is to leave many items undiscovered, and the vice versa. It is important to have the right discrimination level to avoid detecting everything including items like foils in trash due to low discrimination, or leaving out valuables due to very high discrimination.

Sensitivity is the degree to which a metal detector reacts to objects in its magnetic field. Very high sensitivity makes the detector respond to all mineralization in the ground, while very low sensitivity leaves some objects undiscovered.

Ground balancing majorly deals with soil mineralization. Ground balancing filters out the mineralization in the soil preventing the detector from stuttering erratically. Some metal detectors have automatic ground balancing while others have manual.

Important tips on metal detecting

It is not reasonable to expect to go metal detecting and be a professional on the first trial. Practice leads to mastery but there are some basic tips that will help you big time in the exercise.

Use the right metal detector. Using the right metal detector is paramount. Different detectors are best suited for different uses and persons. For instance, beginners metal detectors, gold metal detectors, etc.
Have knowledge on your detector. Using a metal detector that you have no knowledge on will end up frustrating you. Understanding the proper settings, capabilities and the mechanism technology is key. You can read the manuals that come with the detector, use the internet to get more ideas or YouTube for additional guidelines.
Know your location of metal detecting. Having some background information about the place you intend to go for metal detecting plays a big role in delivery of success. High activity areas like parks, schools, beaches, fairgrounds and sport fields are some of the best areas to go for metal detecting as items are likely to be lost in those places. Old grounds are also important sites.
Know the local laws and regulations on metal detecting. Laws and regulations on metal detecting are mainly localized to a place. Before going for metal detecting on private property, ensure to acquire a written permission from the owner. Metal detecting on a private property without permission is regarded as trespassing, which is a law tort or crime.

Metal detecting in national and state parks maybe illegal, depending on the local laws. When found treasure hunting in those parks, one is fined and their metal detector confiscated. Other places like schools may also prohibit metal detecting. It is important to know every law and regulation relating to metal detecting to keep off trouble.

Have reasonable expectations. Having unreasonable expectations will get you frustrated with metal detecting. You will not always get the oldest or most precious treasures. Some hard work like digging up trash in order to reach the treasures will also be involved.
Choose a testing location. You will use this location to test the efficiency of your metal detector. Playing with the controls like discrimination, sensitivity and ground balance will help you determine the optimum working settings for your detector. You test by burying items at various depths. Mark the location of your items during the efficiency tests to avoid losing them.
Scan a specific location more than once. If you found an item at a specific location, fetch the item and rescan. Some locations have multiple items.
Always be safe. Go metal detecting in safe places and in safe hours. Avoid unfamiliar places at night or when alone. Never attempt to show anyone your finds. Beware of people who try to trick you in to surrendering your treasures by claiming they lost them. You can avoid by not letting anyone know whatever you found.
Maintain your metal detector. For your metal detector to serve you the best way and last longer, take care of it. Keep the wires lubricated, brush off the soil and dust out of the joints, always use clean fresh water.

Types of the best metal detectors

Using the best metal detectors available plays a big role in making your treasure hunt fun. Metal detectors are categorized in to the following;

Beginner Metal Detectors

As the name suggest, beginner metal detectors are used by beginners in metal detecting. They are quite easy to use. Some of the beginner metal detectors available are;

Bounty Hunter Tracker IV

Bounty Hunter Tracker IV metal detector

It is ridiculously easy to use. It has automatic ground balancing, so all you have to do is set the sensitivity and discrimination and you are ready to go. The manual guide from the manufacturer will adequately guide you in using this metal detector.

Garret Ace 150 250

Garret Ace 150 & 250 metal detector

It is exactly what a beginner needs, simple to use and highly efficient. It has LCD screen, easy to programme discrimination and a single touch sensitivity adjustment. To use it only requires pressing the power button, adjusting sensitivity to desired level using the sensitivity button and choose desired discrimination using the mode button. Its precision is its most important feature. It has coin depth indicator and target ID legend. The coin depth indicator tells you the exact depth of the item while the target ID legend tells you what item it is! Imagine no worry of digging up feet only to find an item you don’t like.

Tesoro Compadre

Tesoro Compadre metal detector

It is one of the easiest to use metal detectors. The operation involves only turning the dial. Continued turning however discriminates more items. It is extremely easy to use by simply using manufacturers manual.

Fisher F2

Fisher F2 metal detector

It is great for beginners, with features of Garret Ace 150 & 250, more features that enhance its efficiency. It has a list of targets at the top of the LCD screen, which you can click the plus sign on the right side to discriminate.

Beach Metal Detectors

Beach metal is quite popular due to the ease that comes with metal detecting there. Here are a number of metal detectors used for beach metal detecting.

Garett ATX

Garett ATX metal detector

Garett ATX is an ‘all terrain’ metal detector, making it suitable for beach metal detecting. It has an automatic ground balance and despite being a pulse induction metal detector which are known for their inability to discriminate iron, it has a special iron check, giving it iron discrimination capability.

It is great for all types of metal detecting, making it applicable in gold prospection and relic detecting. It has features that deal with heavy mineralization of iron rich soil and saltwater, making it a good choice of metal detector for beach hunt.

Tesoro sand shark

Tesoro sand shark metal detector

It is a pulse induction machine and makes only tone when the target is found. It lacks target identification, but gives depth of the item discovered.

Garret AT Pro

Garret AT Pro metal detector

Like other Garret metal detectors, it uses a LCD screen rather than knobs making it more user friendly. It is an all-terrain machine. The only problem with this machine is changing of ground balance when moving from dry sand to water.

Garret Infinium LS

Garret Infinium LS metal detector

It is the deepest and most sensitive machine but with a steep learning curve. It is a pulse induction machine and is used in water and dry land (sand). It is highly sensitive to even small amounts of gold hence used in gold prospection too. It takes some time to learn this machine.

Fisher CZ21

Fisher CZ21 metal detector

It is water metal detector which like Garret Infinium LS detects very minute amounts of gold hence doubles up a gold metal detector.

Minelab Excalibur 11

Minelab Excalibur 11 metal detector

This metal detector uses the Broad Band Spectrum (BBS) technology which transmits and receives multiple frequencies at the same time, which makes it possible to analyze and provide much information about the target and the ground. Requires some time to learn and its success depends mainly on expertise.

Gold Metal Detectors

There are a number of metal detectors, made specifically for gold. Gold is usually seated in highly mineralized soils with a lot of iron, which makes normal detectors give fake target, commonly known as hot rock. Special meal detectors have been made to deal with that problem when prospecting for gold using metal detectors.

Garret AT Gold

Garret AT Gold metal detector

It shows the depth and size of the gold, through change in the reading at the elliptical coil.

Minelab GPX 5000

Minelab GPX 5000 metal detector

Requires high professional knowledge. It is mainly used for commercial gold prospection in Arizona and Australia gold fields.

Relic Metal Detectors

Tesoro Cibola Metal Detector

Tesoro Cibola Metal Detector

It is suitable for dry hunting places like the parks, dry sand beaches among others. It is easy to use

Fisher F75 Metal Detector

Fisher F75 Metal Detector

It is light with LCD screen with buttons interface and not knobs, giving better configuration as the presets depends on what you want to detect.

Minelab X-Terra series

Minelab X-Terra series

It has customizable controls such as ground balance adjustment, sensitivity and discrimination.

Minela E-trac

Minela E-trac

It can be customized for any terrain and location. It has specific modes, universal settings and preferences. The modes are used to change the configuration of the machine depending on the location.

Garret AT Pro

It is an all-terrain machine that is widely used in relic metal detecting.

Metal detectors for kids

Elenco Metal Detector

It has easy setup, perfect machine for kids.

Bounty Hunter Junior

Very easy to use. Can be used be used by kids as young as 8 years.