Best Metal Detector for Beginners 2020- Ultimate Guide

best metal detector for beginners
The metal detector industry offers so many options for metal detectors. To buy the best one, it will depend on what you intend to use it for.

If you are just starting in the metal detecting world, there are several affordable options that you can consider buying. As a beginner, you don’t need all the bells and whistles some of the high-end metal detectors come with. But you will want a model that detects well and leads you to treasure.

With the many options flooded in the market, choosing the best metal detector for beginners can be a daunting task. For this reason, we review the best metal detectors for beginners that you can buy to kick start your metal detecting adventure. Here are our 5 best metal detectors for beginners.

Best Metal Detector for Beginners

Best Overall: Fisher F22 Wea therproof
Best Value: Garrett ACE 300
Most Popular: Bounty Hunter Land Ranger Pro

Fisher F22 Weatherproof Metal Detector

The Fisher F22 Wea therproof Metal Detector is easy to use, turn-on-and-go metal detector making it perfect for beginners. It features a 9-inch search coil that is waterproof and super-fast retune speed. If you are looking for a beginner detector that will deliver you excellent performance without breaking your bank, this F22 from the Fisher brand may end your search.

The F22 is equipped with a numeric target ID scale that will allow you to know the detected target’s conductivity and what the object is. Combined with an operating frequency of 7.69 kHz, this detector becomes an outstanding coin shooter.

It features an Iron Audio that allows you to adjust the volume of the signal for your iron targets minus having to notch them out. Besides, the iron audio makes sure that the detector is working at maximum speed and performance without delaying discrimination.

It comes with a reliable discrimination level that allows you to choose between coins, custom, coins, jewelry, and artifacts. Moreover, discrimination can help you locate the kinds of items you are most interested in finding.

With all commands being displayed on the LCD screen, you can control this device with ease via its simple controls adjacent to the screen. When you combine all these features with its lightweight design, there could be no better detector for beginners than this!

Pros

Waterproof search coil for all weathers
Excellent discrimination modes
Fast retune capability
Large easy to use the LCD screen

Cons

No manual ground balance

Garrett ACE 300

The Garrett ACE 300 is one of the highly recommended metal detectors for beginners. The features simple design and appearance yet very versatile when it comes to detecting in the field.

It has a 7 x 10-inch search coil that is large enough to deliver better depth and discrimination. Coupled with 8 kHz operating frequency, you can be sure to pick up almost everything. The search coil is waterproof and thus can be submerged to give you a great chance to search treasure in freshwater without a hassle.

With a simple flick of a switch, you can turn to different search modes depending on your search plan. This detector has search modes for jewelry, coins, custom, relics, and no discrimination. These modes work well once you turn off the segments from the Target ID scale. Although other targets will still show up on the LCD screen, the audio won’t alert you to them.

It features a digital target ID function that comes in handy in providing you with a numerical scale from 0-99. Metal such as gold are of high-frequency and will register high readings while the low-frequency metals like iron will register a lower reading. With this, you will be able to pinpoint valuable treasure and not junk and tin foil.

It weighs 2.8 pounds which is light enough to carry around. With its ergonomic design, you can swing and control it with ease making it a better choice for beginners.

Pro

User-friendly
Multi-tone audio
Depth indicators

Cons

No adjustable ground balance

Bounty Hunter Land Ranger Pro Metal Detector

The Bounty Hunter Land Ranger Pro has set the stage for entry-level metal detectors. It features a host of features that you won’t find on a budget detector. And since it is affordable, it means you will get more value.

Since this is an entry-level detector, it features simple controls and ergonomic design for easy swinging and balancing. It has a Target ID that allows for quick determination of the kind of metal detected. It is rated for positive detection up to at least 10-inches in depth.

It comes with 7 detection modes that consist of 3 discriminate programs and an all-metal mode. The other three modes are audio tone modes. With these modes, you can adjust your settings that include auto, manual ground balance, and sensitivity.

Pros

Enhanced V-Break
Adjustable settings
Target ID
7 Detection Modes

Cons

No accessories included

Tesoro Compadre

The Tesoro Compadre metal detector is one of the metal detectors that beginners can use. It has a simple design that isn’t confusing and won’t give beginners difficulty in figuring out how to operate it.

It has dial sets discrimination that if you start on the lowest setting you will most likely pick up everything. So to discriminate and leave behind trash, you must keep turning the dial. When it comes to choosing the coil set-up, you have the option of choosing an 8-inch or 5.75 inches.

Note that picking a bigger coil set-up allows you to search for a bigger area within a short period and finding targets buried deeper in the soil. A small coil set-up, on the other hand, will provide you better and focused discrimination in junk areas.

It has a waterproof coil while the control box isn’t. So when detecting in rain or water, make sure the control box isn’t exposed to water elements for long. The Tesoro Compadre metal detector weighs just 2.2 pounds meaning it won’t weigh you down in the course of your metal detecting adventure.

Even though this metal detector looks old fashioned, it does its job better than the flashy new models with advanced technology.

Pros

Quick recovery time
Excellent target pickup
Great discrimination modes

Cons

Doesn’t have a screen

Teknetics EuroTex PRO

The Teknetics EuroTex PRO metal detector is an entry-level metal detector that comes with a host of features to ensure it delivers better performance in the field. It has a waterproof 8-inch concentric coil that can allow you to hunt treasure in both wet conditions and freshwater streams.

It has a variable iron discrimination feature that allows for adjustments from 0-39 while the FeTone enables you to adjust the tones you receive from your target. With these, you get an accurate signal of what is underneath the ground before you dig it out.

It has an adjustable sensitivity that allows for fine-tuning of the detector to suit the ground conditions. It comes with a large LED screen that is easy to understand and operate.

Pros

Lightweight
Good adjustable sensitivity
Waterproof coil
Pinpoint mode
Easy to use

Cons

No ground balancing

Metal Detecting for Beginners: The Definitive Guide

One of the best, informative, and fun hobby is metal detecting. Normally, you use a device known as a metal detector to detect metals.

These metal detector devices use the principle of electromagnetic to locate metallic objects. What happens is that a magnetic current will be sent during the electromagnetic process, and once it gets into contact with a metallic object, electric current will be generated to alarm the sensors, thereby notifying the detectorists

Although the majority of metal detectorists do it for fun, it also widely used for the purpose of the criminal investigation.

Why do people go metal detecting?

While the majority of metal detectorists do it as a hobby, others use it for archeological and military research. Metal detecting is fascinating and enjoyable. It will keep your mind alert and focused.

Among the benefits of metal detecting, is it activates your imagination. Also, it requires you to learn a lot about history, and through metal detecting, you’ll significantly improve your problem-solving skills.

Tools and accessories for metal detecting

What is the best metal detector to buy for a beginner?

The best metal detector for beginners is Garrett ACE-400 since it is very easy to use, and within no time, you’ll have detected metal objects.

Part of the other reason Garret is best for beginners; it comes loaded with a digital target to help you in identifying the specific metal present.

Better still, this metal detector is very versatile; thus, it is useful in various terrains.

Also, it includes an iron audio mode, which helps you to accurately detect higher ferrous targets.

Digging shovels

Digging shovels are used in digging metal that is found deeply buried, and it is commonly used by the majority of relic hunters.

Digging Trowels

Metal trowels are made using sturdy stainless steel. The good thing with digging trowels is that they’re available in a wide range of width and length and you can customize them to your needs

Metal detector Pinpointer

Metal detectors pinpointer is a must-have for a beginner detector. While a metal detector helps you to locate the metal object, a pinpointer, on the other hand, is more accurate; it alerts you by tone and vibration as you get close to the metal.

Metal detector Diggers pouch

A metal detector diggers pouch is used to store the metals a detector finds. This pouch is crucial because metals are precious and rare to find; no detectors would be willing to lose that rare coin found.

How to use a metal detector

Normally, а metal dеtесtоr works by trаnѕmіting in еlесtrоmаgnеtіс fіеld іntо the ground and signal response for the detectorist to interpret. Find below simple steps to follow.

Assemble the metal detector tools
Switch on the metal detector
Put it on a detection mode
Adjust it to advanced user settings
Get ready to start.

Where can you legally metal detect?

In the majority of the National Forest System, metal detecting is legal

However, it is important to note some of the National forests have issued blanket closures to metal detecting in place. This is due to the fact that the metal detection process has a history of the property and natural resources destruction

Currently, it is legal to carry out metal detect on the Tonto national forest.

Rules of conduct when metal detecting

Different States or Countries have specific local registration regarding metal detecting. Below we’ve listed up- to -date best legal practices that you need to be aware of.

You should not trespass private property or go about metal detecting without the consent of the owner
Always obtain permission in writing to avoid future disputes
Avoid practices that might contaminate natural resources such as wells or creeks
Always ensure you observe the country code, for example, do not damage crops or do not deliberately disturb both domestic and wild animals.
Keep the environment clean, i.e., do not litter
Leave as little sign of your passing as possible.
Ensure to use the correct metal detecting tools so as to make the minimum intrusion
Ensure that your holes, including plowed fields and beaches, are filled
Do not put the trash found back in the hole.
In case you come across any items of possible significant historical value, ensure you report it to the local historian or museum in accordance with the most current legislation of the area.
Metal detecting around archaeological monuments is prohibited
You should report any live ammunition or other potentially dangerous objects you may find to authorities. Ensure you accurately mark the location without interfering with any such devices.
All finds must be reported to the landowner.

Getting authorization to metal detect

Acquiring an authorization to metal detect will certainly depend on your preferred site. So If уоu’re planning to go hunting in рrіvаtе рrореrtу, then you must get the lаndоwnеr’ѕ реrmіѕѕіоn. Similarly, If you intend to hunt at а раrk, you’d need to соntасt the lосаl оffісіals for authorization.

It is important to note authorization dоеѕn’t guarantee you the lіbеrtу tо dо whаtеvеr уоu wаnt.

Yоu’ll need to fоllоw the laid down rules and роlісіеѕ аnd in all cases аdhеrе tо thе соdе оf еthісѕ.

How to dig responsibly

Responsible digging requires the detectorists to learn the Code of Ethics!

Also the detecrorists needs to creat аwаrеnеѕѕ fоr rеѕроnѕіblе mеtаl digging tо hеlр bеgіnnеrѕ rеаlіzе thе іmроrtаnсе оf bеіng іnfоrmеd.

How to clean you finds

It is not advisable to clean finds that include artifacts.With such finds, you may need to engage professionals to clean.Have a look at the best way to clean finds that are not artifacts

Use of mild acids where you soak the metal finds in an undiluted acidic solution such as brown sauce or white vinegar.
By use of baking or washing soda, here you soak a toothbrush in the washing soda and use it to clean the metal finds .This method does well in cleaning silver metal finds.
Using distilled water, this method, you’ll soak your finds in plain distilled water for a couple of days. For best results, you’ll need a nail-brush and use its get into hard to reach corners and spaces of the metal finds.
One the safest and best way of cleaning your valuable finds is by soaking them in olive oil.Although it may take time to entirely clean your finds,olive oil is so gentle to metals and can’t harm the patina.

Public liability insurance for metal detecting

The most effective way for metal detectorists to get public liability insurance for metal detecting is by becoming a member of the National Council for Metal Detecting. They’re a recognized voice for detecting.

Public liability insurance through the National council covers you up to £10,000,000 . The other advantage of getting your insurance through the council is that it also covers you while on organized events abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth getting a metal detector?

Getting a metal detector is worth it because the majority of the metal detectors will show you the difference between 10- 22 karat gold rings.Besides, it helps you locate metal easily without guesswork.

Metal detectors are easy to set up. They will also help you in eliminating counterfeit items.

Can I keep the treasure I find?

As a general rule, if you find ancient objects, regardless of whether they’re made using precious metal or other metals , it is a treasure, and it belongs to the Crown. Therefore you must report it to the Treasure Trove Unit at the National Museums or to a local museum or the local authority archaeologist. However, If you’re uncertain if a find is a treasure ,remember to contact the Treasure Unit for further advice.

It’s always advisable to report the find and also make a cautious note of the location of the treasure. Lastly, ensure that you don’t damage the find by cleaning it.

How deep do most metal detectors go?

Although we do not have a maximum set depth level maximum due to the diversity and capabilities of metal detectors, the most efficient detectors can detect any type of metal up to 3 meters deep .In addition, you can also expand this capacity, depending on the type of land you’re exploring.

What is the richest treasure ever found?

Black Swan Project for $500 million back In 2007,a Marine Exploration firm used metal detectors to find an astounding $500 million worth of treasure.

Although the firm kept the origin of the treasure confidential, later, the origin of the treasure was discovered and proved in the trial .

Is it legal to metal detect in cemeteries?

Well, it’s fine to do so, unless you’re hunting on top of the grave or too close to it.

If the local has laws prohibits it, then it is illegal to detect metal on cemeteries.

Can I use a metal detector on the beach?

Yеѕ! Mostly on рublіс bеасhеѕ. Remember tо сhесk wіth thе local ѕtаtе аnd thе раrk оffісе reposible of maintaining the bеасh.

Gеnеrаllу, you won’t require authorization unlеѕѕ thеre іѕ an obvious еvіdеnсе оf hіѕtоrісаl rеѕоurсеѕ іn thе аrеа.

Bear in mind thаt рrіvаtіzеd аnd rеѕtrісtеd аrеаѕ оf а bеасh аrе not permited. Some bеасhеѕ do not аllоw mеtаl dеtесtіng unlеѕѕ уоu prove that you’re rесоvеring a lost item .

Conclusion

We have reviewed 5 best metal detectors for beginners that we hope will best serve your metal detecting needs. By choosing any of these metal detectors, we assure you that you will boldly kick-start your metal detecting adventure. Just pick one that is within your budget and get to know how it works!