Beaches are one of the best grounds to metal detect owing to their popularity all year round. Beachgoers lose all manner of items as they stroll or play along the beach. Besides, other things wash up on the shore. As such, beaches are widely notorious for fresh drops.
Just imagine a beach filled with hundreds of people every day being tossed back and forth by waves and slathering themselves in sunscreen. It provides a perfect place for finding precious items such as coins, gold and diamond chains, and other types of treasures.
As such, you have decided to take a trip to the beach. What better thing to bring to the beach than the best metal detector for the beach? More often than not, the beach is the first place most people think when it comes to metal detecting.
With this in mind, we will review the 10 best metal detectors for beach detecting. We will also discuss what to consider when choosing your best metal detector for beach treasure hunting. So, let’s get started!
IN THIS POST
- 1 Best Metal Detector for Beach
- 1.1 1. XP ORX Metal Detector
- 1.2 2. Minelab 3720-0002 Equinox 800 Metal Detector
- 1.3 3. White’s Spectra V3i HP Metal Detector
- 1.4 4. Garrett AT MAX Waterproof Metal Detector
- 1.5 5. White’s TDI BeachHunter Extreme PI
- 1.6 6. Sakobs High Accuracy Waterproof Metal Detectors
- 1.7 7. RM RICOMAX GC-1037
- 1.8 8. Nokta Makro Anfibio
- 1.9 9. Garrett Sea HunterMark II
- 1.10 10. Minelab Excalibur II 1000 Underwater Metal Detector
- 2 What to Look for When Buying the Beach Metal Detector
- 3 FAQs for Beach Metal Detectors
- 4 Conclusion
Best Metal Detector for Beach
1. XP ORX Metal Detector
This detector is fitted with a 9.5-inch searchcoil that is waterproof. As a single frequency detector, only the search coil does all the detecting and relays the information to the control box through the digital radio link. It is designed to operate with three individual frequencies of 15, 30, and 80 kHz. These are high frequencies that make the detector perfect for small and low-conductive targets.
Even though this unit is essentially not for beach detection, it comes with auto and manual ground balance with a dedicated Salt Mode. This mode allows you to seamlessly hunt in the salty beach sand, wet sand and enable you to ground balance between a range of 0-30.
This detector has an adjustable threshold that will enable you to change the amount of ‘hum’ you hear from detected items. More specifically, you can detect the faint and weak signals from small and deep buried targets that you could miss out on without the threshold. With the adjustable threshold, you can differentiate between iron and non-iron items by generating a nulling effect over the iron items.
However, this metal detector lacks an expert mode that enables enthusiastic detectorists to make fine adjustments necessary to improve the performance and beach hunting experience. Moreover, you won’t grow with this detector as you will need a more advanced one for expert or professional beach detecting adventure.
Manufacturer Specifications
- Searchcoil: 9.5-inch search coil
- Waterproof: Search coil only
- Operating Frequency: 21 frequencies between 13 – 81 kHz
- Battery: 1x Lithium-Ion
- Weight: 5.89 Pounds
What We Like
- Auto and manual ground balance
- Wireless components
- High-frequency operation
- Selectable frequency
What We Don’t Like
- Not submersible
2. Minelab 3720-0002 Equinox 800 Metal Detector
With the Multi-IQ, a multi-frequency technology, you will have the ability to compensate for salt interference and detect treasured items while discriminating trash and iron objects. It features 5 detecting frequencies that include 5, 10, 15, 20, and 40 kHz. The best thing is that you can use these frequencies simultaneously to get the best performance and use them individually.
It comes with 50 Notch discrimination segments that allow you to have the best performance in high mineralized ground and trash areas. So the trashy beaches, iron-rich sands, saltwater, and wet sand along the beach won’t give you problems with your detector. Moreover, you won’t be digging up every find before knowing its exact position.
Since the Equinox 800 is more of a high-end detector, it comes with extra features that will deliver expert performance. Among the features are auto-tracking, manual ground balance, adjustable recovery speed and threshold, auto and manual noise cancel. Better yet, you can do exceptional fine-tune to this metal detector for the best professional detecting experience.
The detector is waterproof up to 10 feet underwater, thus not a diving detector if you find yourself persuaded to dive. However, it will allow you to go past the shoreline and into the water without worry. When it comes to value for money, we bet the Equinox 800 is worth every penny.
Manufacturer Specifications
- Searchcoil: Interchangeable searchcoil
- Waterproof: Yes
- Operating frequency: Multi, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 40 kHz
- Battery: In-built Rechargeable Lithium-Ion
- Weight: 2.9 Pounds
What We Like
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Accurate at finding items
- Waterproof and submersible
- Multi-IQ
- discrimination
What We Don’t Like
- Short battery life
3. White’s Spectra V3i HP Metal Detector
It comes with a waterproof searchcoil and shaft to enable you to detect in the shallow shoreline waters. However, you cannot submerge should you want to hunt below the water. Nonetheless, as a land-based metal detector, you can detect on any terrain and guarantee maximum performance and experience.
It features an HD color display that has charts and other features to maximize your treasure hunting. With 9 preset search modes, and one of them being the Salt Beach mode, you will seamlessly detect through any beach ground.
This metal detector has auto-tracking and manual ground balance that allows you to better control the detection on mineralized sandy beaches. The Ground Probe feature provides signal strength, phase, and phase strength at every primary frequency.
With the adjustable settings in this metal detector, you will appreciate the experience you will have with it. You can adjust noise cancel, audio tones, sensitivity, and threshold. The Spectra V3i is designed for experts and intermediate users. Newbies will have a long learning curve has it has several new features. But once you get a hold of it, you will be able to interpret the color display and make the most out of your hunt!
Manufacturer Specifications
- Searchcoil: 10-Inch DD Searchcoil
- Waterproof: Non-Waterproof
- Operating Frequency: 2.5, 7.5, 22.5 kHz
- Battery: 8 AA NiMH Batteries
- Weight: 4.5 Pounds
What We Like
- Multi-frequency
- Full-Color HD Display
- Adjustable settings
- Auto tracking and manual ground balance
What We Don’t Like
- Not for beginners
4. Garrett AT MAX Waterproof Metal Detector
First forward, the AT MAX is a fully waterproof metal detector up to 10 feet, thus it is submersible. The searchcoil, shaft, and control box are all waterproof and submersible. However, the included MS-3 Z-Lynk headphones are not waterproof. So with the waterproof pair of headphones – bought separately, you can comfortably dive underwater.
The AT MAX comes with 4 detection modes. These are All Metal, Zero, Custom, and Coins modes. Nonetheless, it doesn’t have the binary system that offers the Standard Mode. Also, it comes with 3 discrimination modes that include Coins, Custom, and Zero modes to reduce interference from trash items. These discrimination modes will allow you to take advantage of the Ton ID, which provides extra information about the metal target through the tone pitch.
To ensure AT MAX detects to the deepest level, it operates at a low kHz frequency of the AT series of 13.6 kHz and with the 4 adjustable settings. With these, you can detect up to 12 to 18 –inches deep into the ground to hunt for deeply located high conductive targets. Make use of the All Metal Mode to increase the detection depth and sensitivity.
The AT MAX features a back-lit display that comes in handy, especially when hunting in the dark lit areas, and improves visibility when in low-light and bright conditions. The LCD screen back-lit isn’t adjustable but has an on/off function with a simple press of a button.
Manufacturer Specifications
- Searchcoil: 8.5×11-Inch PROformance DD searchcoil
- Waterproof: Yes
- Operating Frequency: 13.6 kHz
- Battery: 9-V Alkaline Battery
- Weight: 3.4 Pounds
What We Like
- Ground balance to saltwater
- Multiple searchcoils available
- Delivers maximum depth detection
- Wireless technology
- Submersible
What We Don’t Like
- Not specifically for use in saltwater
5. White’s TDI BeachHunter Extreme PI
The detector operates at a low frequency of 2-3 kHz. This enables it to detect to maximum depth to pick out even the deep hidden treasures. Moreover, when combined with the pulse induction function, you won’t have doubts fishing out that golden jewelry or coins are hidden deep in the beach sand.
The detector comes with a patented 12-inch Dual-Field searchcoil, which is a two in the coil. The small inner coil features high sensitivity to detect small targets, while the larger outer one is for bunching deep into the mineralized beach sand and detecting larger objects. Since the search coil is hard-wired, it will provide you with improved sensitivity and stability than the TDI SL model.
The detector weighs 5.2 pounds and ready for action. With this weight, it is a bit heavy compared to its rivals. However, it is fitted with a hip and chest mount to allow you to customize it to your comfortable hunting style.
It runs on a Heavy-Duty NiMH rechargeable battery. The battery has an extended run-time of up to 6 hours on a single charge. Moreover, you can back it up with an 8 AA battery pack should you extend your hunt for relics, silver, or gold on the beach for more than 6 hours.
The TDI BeachHunter is specially-designed for both beach and goldfields. It is designed to deliver extreme depth performance on land and sea. With the waterproof capability of up to 25 feet, this detector allows you to not only hunt along the beach, goldfields, or in water.
The adjustable Pulse Delay will allow you to set the detector for maximum sensitivity to pick gold, small nuggets, jewelry, and hammered coins at depth. All you need to is adjust the ground balance, adjust gain, and start hunting. The dual-tone audio allows quickly learning and differentiating the sounds. You can control the volume and threshold for different hunting preferences.
Manufacturer Specifications
- Searchcoil: 12-inch Dual-Field searchcoil
- Waterproof: Yes
- Operating Frequency: 2-3 kHz
- Battery: Heavy-Duty NiMH Rechargeable or 8 AA
- Weight: 5.2 Pounds
What We Like
- Waterproof up to 25 feet
- Hip and chest mount pouch
- Adjustable pulse delay
- 12-Inch Dual-Field seachcoil
What We Don’t Like
- Short battery life
6. Sakobs High Accuracy Waterproof Metal Detectors
This detector is waterproof from the search coil to the shaft, but the control box is not waterproof. You can only explore the beach and in the shallow waters without a hassle. The waterproofness makes it one of the most practical and exciting metal detector for beach detecting activities.
This detector comes with All Metal and Disc Modes to improve your detecting experience along the beach. All-Metal mode identifies detects different types of metal such as jewelry, relics, coins, silver, copper, and gold, among others. The DISC mode will help you discriminate the specific metal that you want to hunt. With a beep, you will know the metal is nearby. The closer you get, the higher the beep sound will be.
It has an LCD screen that is more intuitive and convenient. You can see the current settings such as detection mode, battery level, volume, and sensitivity level. The LED lights allow you to hunt in the dark and poorly lit areas.
The detector is user-friendly and weighs only 2.5 pounds making it lightweight for a long period of hunting. You can adjust its telescopic shaft from 38 to 45 inches to fit your height for a comfortable hunting position. Moreover, it has a padded and ergonomic design for intuitive control over your hunting.
Manufacturer Specifications
- Searchcoil: 8.6-Inch Waterproof Search coil
- Waterproof: Yes
- Operating Frequency: Not available
- Battery: 2x Lithium Rechargeable Battery
- Weight: 2.5 Pounds
What We Like
- Easy to use and accurate
- Lightweight and adjustable shaft
- Intuitive LCD screen
- 2 Switchable modes
- Waterproof – searchcoil and the shaft only
What We Don’t Like
- Not technologically advanced
7. RM RICOMAX GC-1037
It features a hyper-digital display that is larger and comes in handy in finding the hidden treasures along the beach. The screen has nine brightness adjustment settings that will allow you to utilize the various brightness in different situations. However, you will need two 9V batteries that you can buy separately to run this metal detector.
This metal detector is easy to maintain. It comes with an IP68 waterproof unit with a 10-Inch search coil with a plastic shield. The stem connecting the searchcoil is aluminum that is also waterproof to give you the confidence to hunt in the shallow waters along the beach without any worry.
With the 3.5mm headset jack, you can use any conventional headsets to maximize your comfort and freedom. You can comfortably adjust the volume so that you can differentiate the various sound produced by different metals. The low battery indicator will alert you whenever you are running low on battery.
Manufacturer Specifications
- Searchcoil: 10- Inch Waterproof Search Coil
- Waterproof: Yes
- Operating Frequency: 0-99 kHz
- Battery: 2x 9V Lithium-Ion Battery (Buy separately)
- Weight: 2.31 Pounds
What We Like
- Deeper depth detection
- Adjustable sensitivity and volume
- LCD screen
- Low battery indicator
What We Don’t Like
- Not for beginners
8. Nokta Makro Anfibio
This metal detector comes with a selectable frequency that allows you to change the frequency to maximize your metal detecting experience, especially with changing ground conditions and the types of items you may detect.
The operating frequencies of this detector include 5, 14, and 20 kHz. The 5 kHz frequency is the lowest, and it offers the best detection for coins and excellent ground penetration. The 20kHz is for small and low conductive targets, while 14kHz provides detection for middle ground conditions.
The detector comes with 9 search modes including Gen Delta, 2 Tone, 3 Tone, 4 Tone, 5 Tone, 99 Tone, Beach, Deep, and Cache. Each of these modes is selectable via the directional buttons located on the control unit. Besides the preset notch discrimination settings for each search mode, you can also adjust, accept, or reject Target IDs and types of metals. However, when using the General Delta mode, discrimination will be disabled.
The EUD function on this detect will enable you to swing through highly mineralized ground conditions along the beach to find gold jewelry. With the feature, you will maintain maximum depth penetration to locate those targets that often go undetected with standard metal detectors.
Manufacturer Specifications
- Searchcoil: 11-Inch Waterproof DD Search Coil
- Waterproof: Yes
- Operating Frequency: 5, 14, and 20 kHz
- Battery: 1 Lithium Polymer Batteries
- Weight: 3.7 Pounds
What We Like
- Single Menu display
- Selective frequency
- EUD Function
- 9 Search modes
What We Don’t Like
- Not multi-frequency
9. Garrett Sea HunterMark II
This metal detector features a Discrete Trash Elimination mode that is very effective in beach areas with excessive trash. With this feature, you will discriminate more accurately against unwanted targets minus affecting detection response against wanted targets like golden jewelry. This is a dynamic mode that requires you to be in motion to get a response.
It is a multiple frequency metal detector with 22 adjustable frequencies. It operates at 7.5 kHz, which is equivalent to 750 pulses per second. With all the 22 manually adjustable frequencies, you can easily fine-tune your detector to deliver maximum depth and sensitivity trade-offs on the beach.
The Sea HunterMark II is a versatile metal detector that features an adjustable shaft length from 28 to 52 inches. As such, you can assemble your metal detector in either full length, long, short, or hip mount configurations. This kind of versatility means you can configure it to the right weight and comfort for treasure hunting along the beach or in water for hours.
This metal detector is doesn’t feature a display screen to help you interpret information gathered. However, you will have to rely on the audio tones to decode the treasure you find. As such, it might be a bit difficult for beginners to use this detector as they start their metal detecting hobby.
Manufacturer Specification
- Searchcoil: 8-Inch PROformance search coil
- Waterproof: Yes
- Operating Frequency: 22 Frequencies
- Battery: 8 AA Batteries
- Weight: 5.1 Pounds
What We Like
- Pulse induction
- Trash elimination mode
- Adjustable length from 28 – 52 inches
- Adjustable audio threshold
What We Don’t Like
- Short warranty – 1 year
10. Minelab Excalibur II 1000 Underwater Metal Detector
With its unique BBs multiple frequency technologies, you can be sure of exceptional detecting performance on the sandy beaches, wet sandy beaches, and the shallow waters along the shoreline. The ergonomic design allows you to effectively detect on the beach even for longer treasure hunting hours.
The detector utilizes a multi-frequency technology with automatic ground rejection. This feature makes this detector ideal to detect in harsh beach, land, or underwater conditions. With the advanced technological features, you will experience a seamless transition from dry to wet sand along the beach.
The detector has 17 operating frequencies that will allow you to detect and pick up coins, gold jewelry, rings, and valuable treasure buried deep in the ground than ever. With a simple-to-use analog interface, you will have a much easier time learning and using it. However, you have to bear with the fact that this detector doesn’t come with audio signals.
Manufacturer Specifications
- Searchcoil: 10-Inch Search Coil
- Waterproof: Yes
- Operating Frequency: 17 frequencies (1.5 – 25.5 kHz)
- Battery: 8 AA Batteries
- Weight: 5.1 Pounds
What We Like
- Multi-frequency technology
- Auto ground rejection
- 17 operating frequencies
What We Don’t Like
- Not as durable
What to Look for When Buying the Beach Metal Detector
Metal detectors designed for beach detecting come with features the help determine where on the beach they work and what performance expectations they can deliver. There are two types of environment that you must consider; the dry beach and the wet beach. Let’s see what each of these mean.
1. Dry and Wet Beach
Nearly every land-based detector works on any dry sand. However, there are other features that you must consider trash concentration in the area, depth, and sensitivity to various types of target. A metal detector might be designed for beach detection but only deliver exceptional performance on dry sand.
Wet sand, on the other hand, is close to the ocean saltwater. Saltwater causes the metal detector to behave erratically. You can know this from the excessive noise or constant false signals from salt or black sand – iron. In wet beach sand, detectorists with the ability to ground balance to saltwater will reduce sensitivity to reduce the chatter. But this will only compromise the detection of valuable targets that may be small-sized, buried deep into the ground, or have low-conductivity.
If you want to purchase a metal detector for hunting on the wet or dry beach, the following are some of the things to consider:
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- Ability to ground balance to saltwater and salty sand
- Waterproofness
- Ability to discriminate iron, especially on the beaches with black sands
2. VLF, Multi-Frequency, or Pulse Induction
VLF single frequency detectors work better on the dry, white sand. Although you can reduce sensitivity for better hunting on the beach, you will have to compromise depth ad Target ID. Target ID and depth will be inaccurate. However, these are the most affordable kinds of metal detectors you can find on the market and provide dependable discrimination for iron and trash targets. But when should you choose the VLF detector?
- When on a tight budget
- When planning to detect in dry, white sand
- When intending to use it as an all-purpose detector for areas other than the beach
- When you want to discriminate between iron and trash for less digging
Multi-frequency metal detectors come at a higher price point than the VLFs. However, they offer multiple frequencies that work simultaneously. You will be able to detect different kinds of targets at different depths and penetrate mineralized ground better. Target ID and Discrimination can provide accuracy. So, when should you choose a multi-frequency metal detector?
- When your budget is not limited
- When you intend to detect wet, dry, and black sand
- When you want to use the detector for all-purpose detection
- Want to discriminate between iron and trash so that you can dig less
The Pulse Induction metal detectors are said to be specialty detectors as they provide excellent depth detection and immune to different kinds of ground minerals. However, you have to put up with the high price point and have little or no discrimination benefits. It can be difficult to work with, especially when hunting in black or iron-rich sand or beaches with plenty of trash. So when should you choose the Pulse Induction metal detector?
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- When detecting in dry, wet, white sand
- When specializing in beach or gold prospecting use
- If you own another detector for other uses
- When you want excellent performance in high-mineralized areas
- When detecting on saltwater and for deep detection
3. Budget
If you are on a tight budget and want metal detecting for the beach, then VLF provides the best price point. But you will be limited to use only on dry areas of the beach. As such, it is wise to start with a high-end detector in the upper entry-level price point of $400. Considering an automatic and (or) manual ground balancing and iron audio or improved discrimination will provide you more experience.
Nonetheless, the best beach detectors come at around $700 onwards up to about $1500. But you may pay more to get a specialty metal detector or one with the expert features to offer the best performance in detecting different kinds of metals beyond the beach.
FAQs for Beach Metal Detectors
Q: Can all beach detectors be used underwater?
A: No. Beach metal detectors are quite different from underwater metal detectors. Underwater metal detectors can be submerged to a particular depth as rated by the manufacturer. They are fully waterproof and may not feature an LCD, potentiometers, and LED indicators for visual purposes. The underwater metal detectors do not often handle mineralized soils like the beach detectors handle saltwater and black sand. They detect better in freshwater, but not at the same level of performance as the beach or even on land.
Beach metal detectors may not detect better on dry sand. However, once you detect beyond the towel line, the performance is compromised. However, this doesn’t mean it is not any good, but it cannot only handle these conditions. As such, you need to consider the kind of technology before you take your detecting skills to this turf.
When a beach detector is said to be waterproof, it might only mean that only the searchcoil and the stem can only be submerged underwater and not the entire metal detector. So, if you want to use your beach detector underwater, make sure to look whether your beach detector is fully waterproof.
Q: Can I use any metal detector on the beach?
A: Yes. You can use any metal detector for beach detecting, but the performance will be based on the detecting technology and extra features your metal detector has. Most metal detectors will deliver accurate detection on dry sand.
However, the enthusiastic treasure hunters know the best finds are often close to or in the shallow waters close to the beach. Therefore, it is vital to have the best metal detector designed for beach detecting with relevant features to provide the best performance.
Q: Is it legal to metal detect on the beach?
A: Largely, yes. However, each state has its own rules and regulations concerning beach detecting. Therefore, you must do research first before going to the beach with your metal detector to hunt for treasure. On some beaches, you may require a permit from the beach office before doing your metal detecting. Other authorities may require you to detect on the dry beach sand and not in water.
Others may have restrictions in areas on the beach such as lookout points, cave and cliff areas. Be sure to consider private or leased properties near the beach where treasure hunting may not be permitted.
Conclusion
Treasure hunting on the beach can be a fulfilling pass-away time outdoor activity or a day-to-day hobby. But you must have the best metal detector for the beach to make all the difference. If you have been wondering which is the best detector for the beach or how to find one for your beach hunting adventure, well, we hope your worries are clear now.
By picking any of the metal detectors we reviewed above, you can be sure to get the best performance and overall experience whenever you hit the beach for a treasure hunting adventure. Which one would you pick?