Mr Metal Detector

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40 Best Metal Detectors in 2020 (the Good and Bad) Reviews and Comparison

This is the ultimate guide to metal detectors in 2020.

In this guide i’ll show you:

– The best metal detector that’s value for money (what most people look for).
– The metal detector that will perform best for the type of hunting you’re looking to do.
– The pros and cons of each type of detector.
– A small write up on what I think you will like or dislike about the detector based on our testing.

Let’s get started. This is a big write up, so I’ve created the following categories to make navigation easier for you.

QUICK NAVIGATION
  • Best Metal Detector For Your Money
  • Best Metal Detector under $100
  • Best Metal Detector under $200
  • Best Metal Detector under $300
  • Best Metal Detector under $500
  • Best Metal Detector under $750
  • Best Metal Detector under $1000
  • Best Metal Detector under $2000
  • Best Metal Detector for Gold Nuggets
  • Best Metal Detector For Beginners
  • Best Metal Detector For Hobbyist / Intermediate
  • Best Metal Detector For Professionals / Experts
  • Best Metal Detector For Kids
  • Best Metal Detector For Coin Shooting
  • Best Metal Detector For Beach Sand & Salt Water
  • Best Metal Detector For Silver
  • Best Metal Detector For Relic Hunting
  • Best Metal Detector For Hearing Impaired

First though, the reality is that metal detectors are expensive, so it take a lot of time and money to be able to test and review detectors. This post alone has taken close to 2 months to pull together, and while all care is taken to provide you the correct information, on occasion I will miss a detail – if you see an error, or you have a question please reach out to me.


Nominating the best value for money metal detector is highly subjective, so I have ranked based on:

  • The number of use cases – Is the metal detector multi purpose, or can you only use it for 1 type of activity?
  • Ease of use – Do you need a PHD to use the machine?
  • Re-usability – Can this detector be used by both beginner and new comer alike?
  • Cost – Being value for money, price is a big factor. Having said that, most of the entry range of detectors don’t meet all of the above criteria, so the detectors I have selected are all mid range for price.

Ultimately these are your no regrets detectors. It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or an expert these machines will keep most people busy and having fun.

1st – Minelab EQUINOX 800

When it comes to being a gun all round metal detector, my favorite metal detector to recommend is the Minelab EQUINOX.

It’s one of the best metal detectors that I have ever owned, and while it’s on the upper end of many peoples price range at just under $900, it packs in so much value when compared to other more expensive metal detectors that it’s a steal. Using the EQUINOX I’ve managed to rediscover old stomping grounds that I thought had been completely turned over.

Check out why I love the Minelab EQUINOX – My detailed review

POSITIVESNEGATIVES
  • Easy to use (Beginner friendly – particularly for a minelab)
  • Backlit display
  • Light weight (Weighs under 3lbs)
  • Fully submersible up to 10ft (or 3 meters)
  • Multi-frequency (Good for finding a range of targets)
  • 11″ DD search coil
  • 3 Year warranty
  • Value for money
  • The included headphones aren’t waterproof
Common Questions & Answers:
  • Is the display backlit?
    Yes – The brightness can also be adjusted.
  • What depth can it detect gold?
    Depending on soil conditions, it will find nuggets down to 6″- 8″ and rings/gold coins to 16″ – 18″.
  • Are the batteries accessible or hardwired?
    The batteries (rechargeable lithium ion) can be removed, but it is not recommended.
  • Can it be charged with a portable USB charging bank?
    Yes, but be sure to use the EQUINOX charging cord.
Minelab EQUINOX 800 Videos [More Minelab EQUINOX 800 videos here]

2nd – Garrett AT Pro

I’ve put the Garrett AT Pro in the number 2 position for best value for money metal detector . It’s much cheaper than the EQUINOX 800 at under $600 and it’s a seriously good metal detector.

Read my Garrett AT Pro Review here

For the last 5 years I’ve had the trusty AT Pro in at the number 1 spot, and to be honest, you could make a case for it to stay there, but over the last few months I’ve found myself using the EQUINOX 800 significantly more than the AT Pro as i’m finding more with it. If you’re more budget conscious then you’ll love the AT Pro.

I’ve spent years on this hobby, and in terms of number of hours spent with any 1 metal detector – this is the 1 I’ve spent the most time with by a long way.

POSITIVESNEGATIVES
  • Pro Mode Audio (Gives you better information about a target)
  • Easy to understand display
  • Target Identification
  • High Res Iron Discrimination
  • 11″ DD Search coil
  • Beach ready / submersible up to 10ft (or 3 meters)
  • Value for money
  • Included headphones aren’t waterproof
  • Screen is not backlit
  • 2 Year warranty
Common Questions & Answers:
  • Are headphones included?
    Yes it includes land (not water proof) headphones.
  • What is the maximum depth detection of Garrett AT Pro?
    Between 10″ and 12″.
  • Is a charger included?
    No, It uses four AA Batteries.
  • Does it work in salt water?
    Yes, this is one of the best metal detectors that I have used in salt water. Note: You will need aftermarket headphones for use in salt water.
  • What frequency does the AT Pro operate at?
    15 kHz frequency
  • What size coil comes with this detector?
    This unit comes with a 8.5″x11″ PROformance DD Coil

 

3rd – XP DEUS

The XP DEUS has 3 main advantages when compared with most other detectors.

  1. It is the king of coin shooting.
  2. Wireless connectivity is a very nice feature. I never realized how much the cord bothered me until I used the XP DEUS for the first time and then went back to my AT Pro.
  3. If you want to go for a full day treasure hunting, the XP DEUS is both super light weight (after a few hours of detecting every pound makes a difference), and has a battery life to match.

Depending on what your searching for, this could easily be ranked as the number 1 detector, the only real issues I have with it is that it’s less intuitive than the EQUINOX and the AT Pro, and it’s over $1000. Now I know this is the value for money section of my review, and yet I’ve just said that the XP DEUS is expensive, but it is insane value when you compare it to many of the more expensive detectors and in many cases it also outperforms them. So while it’s a negative, it’s also massive value for money.

POSITIVESNEGATIVES
  • Super light weight (2lbs)
  • Wireless (no cables linking the coil to the control box)
  • Depth
  • Great battery life
  • Submersible search coil
  • 5 Year Parts and Labor Warranty
  • Excellent for coins
  • Steep learning curve (I’m used to Garrett and Minelab machines)
  • Not fully submersible
  • Over $1,000 (read the commentary above as to why it’s still in the value for money section)
Common Questions & Answers:
  • How is this unit Powered?
    The wireless Coil, Controller and Headphones each contain a sealed, rechargeable Lithium Ion battery. Each unit is plugged into the supplied charging cable and is recharged using your standard 110 volt outlet.
  • Is a charger included?
    Yes, a lithium battery and charger are included
  • How long does the battery last?
    Approximately 25-27 hours.
  • What size coil comes with this detector?
    This unit comes with a 11″ X35 Round standard search coil
  • Does it work in saltwater?
    Only the search coil can be submerged.

 

 


UNDER $100  – Bounty Hunter TK4

Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal Detector

If you’re looking for the cheapest and easy to use metal detector, then look no further. The TK4 is one of the most popular metal detectors that we sell. Most people who purchase the TK4 are either looking to purchase a metal detector for their child, they just want to try metal detecting as a hobby before purchasing something more substantial, or they are looking to local property markets without having to hire a surveyor.

Read my Bounty Hunter TK4 Review here

Overall the Bounty Hunter TK4 is a good entry level machine that won’t break the bank. If you are thinking you will want to continue metal detecting as a hobby long term, I recommend people go for the Garrett ACE 200 (next in this list) as you can get used to the Garrett interface so when you inevitably upgrade your machine, it won’t feel so unintuitive.

POSITIVESNEGATIVES
  • Easy to use
  • Performs well for the price
  • 2-Tone audio mode
  • Built-in Speaker
  • Cheap
  • 5 year limited warranty
  • Preset ground balance (this means it can’t be configured)
  • No pinpointing
  • Limited depth
  • No visual target ID
  • Limited feature set, meaning if you get serious about treasure hunting, you will need to upgrade
Common Questions & Answers:
  • Can this metal detector locate property markers / survey spikes?
    Yes – but only metal ones, not wood
  • Does it come with batteries?
    No. It needs a 9v battery.
  • Is the Bounty Hunter TK4 good for kids?
    Yes, it’s cheap and easy to use, the children will have a great time with it. I’ve ranked it 1st in the kids metal detector section below.
  • Is the coil water proof. Can it be used in a shallow stream?
    Yes, the coil is waterproof and can be used in shallow water.
  • How deep does it detect?
    I’ve tested it to 4 inches, but I know some people claim it will work up to 6.

UNDER $200 – Garrett ACE 200

The Ace 200 is an upgraded version of the Garrett Ace 150 detector (The 150 is no longer a current model, but can still be purchased cheaply – Read my Garrett ACE 150 Review) and comes with a 6.5″ x 9″ concentric PROformance search coil. This is Garrett’s entry level detector that has all the basic features you will need to start metal detecting as a hobby. I recommend that people start with either this detector or the ACE 300 so that you get a decent feature set and also become familiar with the Garrett interface should you want to upgrade in the future to either an AT Pro or AT Max.

POSITIVESNEGATIVES
  • Digital Target ID: 0 to 99
  • 6.5″ x 9″ searchcoil
  • Pulse-Width Modulation audio
  • 3 Tone Audio (High, Medium and Low)
  • 3 Search modes (Coins, Jewelry, Zero-Disc)
  • Waterproof search coil
  • Easy to use Garrett interface
  • Single/fixed frequency
  • No automatic ground balance
  • No pinpointing
  • No iron discrimination
  • No backlit display
  • No headphones included
  • 2 year warranty
Common Questions & Answers:
  • Where is the Garrett ACE 200 made?
    USA
  • How heavy is the Garrett ACE 200?
    2.75 lbs (1.25 kgs)
  • How deep can the Garrett ACE 200 find things?
    It is claimed to get to 12″, but the reality in my tests is closer to 8″ but it depends on many factors such as soil type and size of the object
  • How many batteries does the Garrett ACE 200 take?
    4 x AA batteries
  • How long do the batteries last in the ACE 200?
    The Garrett ACE 200 Owner’s Manual says – “You can expect 20 to 40 hours of operation depending on battery type and quality”. In reality I have noted that it lasts for only 15-20 hours.
  • Is the Garrett ACE 200 waterproof?
    Only the searchcoil is waterproof, the control box cannot be put in the water.

 

UNDER $300 – Garrett ACE 300

The ACE 300 is an upgraded version of the Garrett ACE 250 detector (The 250 is no longer a current model, but it was one of the best selling metal detectors in the world and can still be purchased cheaply – Read my Garrett ACE 250 Review here). The ACE 300 comes with a Concentric 7″ x 10″ search coil for coverage and detection depth and operates at 8 kHz to better find low and medium conductivity targets.

POSITIVESNEGATIVES
  • Easy to use
  • Backlit LCD Display
  • 7″ x 10″ PROformance submersible search coil
    Digital Target Depth Indicator (0 to 99)
  • Adjustable Frequency
  • Increased Iron Resolution
  • Pulse-Width Modulation audio (Sharper and more responsive audio)
  • Electronic Pinpointing
  • 5 search modes
  • 3 Tone Audio (High, Medium and Low)
  • Light weight 2.8 lbs
  • No adjustable ground balance
  • 2 Year warranty
  • No iron audio
  • Not a DD Searchcoil
Common Questions & Answers:
  • What’s the difference between the Garrett ACE 300 and the Garrett ACE 400?
    There are a few differences, but the main one for me is that the ACE 400 gets the 8.5″ x 11″ DD search coil and can operate at 10 kHz frequency.
  • Is the ACE 400 worth the extra money?
    In my opinion yes, but if you are on a tight budget then there is nothing wrong with the ACE 300.
  • Does it come with batteries?
    Yes, 4 x AA.
  • How much does the Garrett ACE 300 weigh?
    2.8 lbs (1.27 kgs)
  • How long is the ACE 300?
    The Garrett ACE 300 is an adjustable metal detector ranging from 40″ to 53″ (1.06m – 1.29m)
  • How long does it last on the battery?
    It lasts for approximately 15-20 hours.
  • How deep does the ACE 300 detect?
    Approximately 10 inches.
  • Is the ACE 300 waterproof?
    The ACE 300 detector has a waterproof coil, however the metal detector’s control box is not submersible. Only the coil can be used in the water.
  • Will the Garrett ACE 300 detect gold?
    Yes, but there are much better metal detectors for this purpose.
  • What is the standard search coil?
    7″ x 10″ PROformance submersible search coi
  • Why do some websites show the ACE 300 as having single frequency?
    Most of the metal detecting websites I see online these days are written by people who have never used a detector before and just copy information from each other without doing any real research. In short – they are wrong, this ACE 300 has adjustable frequency, which is a major reason why this detector is so much better than it’s predecessor.
  • Is the Garrett ACE 300 good for use at the beach?
    Yes, it’s not the best, but it’s probably fine for the average treasure hunter. Please remember that only the coil is able to be be submerged, the control box cannot go in the water.
UNDER $500 – Fisher F44

The Fisher F44 packs in a lot of value for the price and is clearly a star performer in the sub $500 range. In fact, if you do not plan on beach hunting, it is almost as good as the Garrett AT Pro, which is a couple hundred dollars more.

So the F44 comes with a standard 11″ Searchcoil and operates at 7.69 kHz frequency. The thing I love about the fisher machines is the display. It’s so easy to see and interpret – which makes it great for first timers and also people with poor eye sight.  The big draw back is the lack of submersion capability, but for this price point it’s a steal.

POSITIVESNEGATIVES
  • Backlit LCD Display
  • Large screen (great for old eyes)
  • 9-Segment Target Categories
  • 0-99 numeric Target-ID
  • 4-Tone Audo-ID System
  • Manual and automatic ground balancing
  • 5 Search Modes
  • Iron Identifier Icon
  • Light weight 2.3 lbs
  • 5 year warranty
  • Not fully submersible
  • Does not come with headphones
Common Questions & Answers:
  • Does it come with batteries?
    Yes, 2 x AA.
  • How long does it last on the battery?
    Approximately 30 hours of use
  • Can this be used on beaches?
    Yes, but, only the search coil can get wet.
  • What’s the difference between the fisher F22 and the F44?
    The F44 comes with an 11″ search coil whereas the F22 only has a 9″ coil. In terms of sensitivity, the F22 has 10 adjustments, while the F44 has 20. Also, the F22 is a preset ground balance, which is a major drawback.
  • How deep does it detect?
    8″ to 10″

UNDER $750 – Garrett AT Pro

The Garrett AT Pro was released in 2010 and has been around for a long time, but it’s also stood the test of time. I personally used the Garrett AT Pro as my go to detector for most of that time until the Minelab Equinox turned up. Having said that, I still do use the AT Pro, I love the Pro Mode Audio and find that nothing else really compares to it in that department.

I know this is the under $750 section, but it almost made the under $500 review, as currently the AT Pro retails for between $500 and $600, which for a detector with this many high end features is a great price.

Read my Garrett AT Pro Review here

POSITIVESNEGATIVES
  • Pro Mode Audio (Gives you better information about a target)
  • Easy to understand display
  • Target Identification
  • High Res Iron Discrimination
  • 11″ DD Search coil
  • Beach ready / submersible up to 10ft (or 3 meters)
  • Value for money
  • Included headphones aren’t waterproof
  • Screen is not backlit
  • 2 Year warranty
Common Questions & Answers:
  • Are headphones included?
    Yes it includes land (not water proof) headphones.
  • What is the maximum depth detection of Garrett AT Pro?
    Between 10″ and 12″.
  • Is a charger included?
    No, It uses four AA Batteries.
  • Does it work in salt water?
    Yes, this is one of the best metal detectors that I have used in salt water. Note: You will need aftermarket headphones for use in salt water.
  • What frequency does the AT Pro operate at?
    15 kHz frequency
  • What size coil comes with this detector?
    This unit comes with a 8.5″x11″ PROformance DD Coil

UNDER $1000 – Minelab EQUINOX 800

My new favorite detector in the under $1,000 price range is the Minelab Equinox 800. In my opinion this is the best value minelab detector on the market, the easiest to use and hits the most targets for a detector under $1,000. The only thing I have struggled with is the different tones between it and the AT Pro, which I am more used to.

Read my Minelab EQUINOX Review here

POSITIVESNEGATIVES
  • Easy to use (Beginner friendly – particularly for a minelab)
  • Backlit display
  • Light weight (Weighs under 3lbs)
  • Fully submersible up to 10ft (or 3 meters)
  • Multi-frequency (Good for finding a range of targets)
  • 11″ DD search coil
  • 3 Year warranty
  • Value for money
  • Included headphones aren’t waterproof
Common Questions & Answers:
  • Is the display backlit?
    Yes – The brightness can also be adjusted.
  • What depth can it detect gold?
    Depending on soil conditions, it will find nuggets down to 6″- 8″ and rings/gold coins to 16″ – 18″.
  • Are the batteries accessible or hardwired?
    The batteries (rechargeable lithium ion) can be removed, but it is not recommended.
  • Can it be charged with a portable USB charging bank?
    Yes, but be sure to use the EQUINOX charging cord.
UNDER $2000 – XP DEUS

I haven’t done a full review of the XP DEUS yet, but it’s next on my list as it’s a top of the line performer that consistently hits targets – particularly if you are into coin shooting.

The thing  I love about the XP DEUS is the weight. It might be a strange thing to be excited about, but when you go out often for hours at a time, the weight of your detector can become a major factor in

  • A) how much fun you have, and
  • B) how long you go out for.

I swear, sometimes when I use the Garrett ATX or when I did a recent trial of the Minelab GPZ 7000, I was ready to pack up after an hour as my arm felt like lead. If you’re getting on in years, this should be a major factor in your decision making. There is no point having the best detector in the world if you never use it because it’s too damn heavy!

Warranty on the XP DEUS is a huge selling point. I’m used to Garrett detectors that come with a 2 year warranty, so having 5 years with the XP DEUS is a big plus.

POSITIVESNEGATIVES
  • Super light weight (2lbs)
  • Wireless (no cables linking the coil to the control box)
  • Depth
  • Great battery life
  • Submersible search coil
  • 5 Year Parts and Labor Warranty
  • Excellent for coins
  • Steep learning curve (I’m used to Garrett and Minelab machines).
  • Not fully submersible
  • Over $1,000 (read the commentary above as to why it’s still in the value for money section
Common Questions & Answers:
  • How is this unit Powered?
    The wireless Coil, Controller and Headphones each contain a sealed, rechargeable Lithium Ion battery. Each unit is plugged into the supplied charging cable and is recharged using your standard 110 volt outlet.
  • Is a charger included?
    Yes, a lithium battery and charger are included
  • How long does the battery last?
    Approximately 25-27 hours.
  • What size coil comes with this detector?
    This unit comes with a 11″ X35 Round standard search coil
  • Does it work in saltwater?
    Only the search coil can be submerged.

 

Best Metal Detector For Gold / Finding Gold Nuggets


Normally when I go out treasure hunting for the day – I’m looking for gold. Normally I don’t find any, and when I do, it’s normally very small, but sometimes you can hit a big one and it really does help to have the right tools.

When I go gold nugget hunting I use the Garrett ATX (Read my detailed Garrett ATX review here). The controls are different from the standard Garrett unit, but it doesn’t take very long to get used to, with most people likely to be able to start using it straight out of the box.

Note: If all 3 of my top selections below are too expensive and you’re just looking for a decent gold detector that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, then I have 2 gold detectors that may be at a more suitable price point and still get the job done:

  1. Garrett AT Gold
  2. Fisher Gold Bug 2
1st – Garrett ATX

Garrett ATX Metal Detector

The Garrett ATX is ideal for gold prospecting, relic hunting in highly mineralized soils, shallow water coin and jewelry hunting, and even for industrial applications. The Garrett ATX metal detector includes Motion and Non-Motion Modes, Advanced Ground Balance, LED signal strength indicator, Iron Check, and much more. It features advanced pulse induction technology, a durable design that meets military specifications.

POSITIVESNEGATIVES
  • Advanced Pulse Induction (730 pulses per second)
  • 10″ x 12″ DD search coil
  • Built in waterproof speaker / does not require headphones
  • Frequency Scan: auto function for eliminating RFI interference.
  • Ground Track with 4 settings
  • Submersion Depth: 10 feet (3m)
  • Sensitivity Depth adjustments (13)
  • Electronic Pin Pointing
  • Quick Iron Check
  • Heavy (6.9 lbs)
  • 2 Year warranty
Common Questions & Answers:
  • What depth can the Garrett ATX detector identify gold nuggets in the ground?
    Depends on the size of the target and the soil conditions. With the standard search coil, It can find gold down 12-18 inches and handles high mineranization well.
  • How many batteries does it take?
    The detector comes complete with both alkaline and NiMH rechargeable batteries (8 AA batteries)  plus a 110V and 12V charger system
  • Is the whole unit waterproof when assembled?
    Yes, it is waterproof to to 10 feet.
  • How long does the battery last?
    The detector runs approximately 10-12 hours on a charge when using headphones, less if running off the speaker
2nd – Minelab GPZ 7000

The Minelab GPZ 7000 was designed for the goldfields through the world, it uses their ZVT technology to detect both very small and large gold nuggets at extreme depths.

 

As this machine is top of the line, it comes with a top of the line price tag, which will put many people off purchasing it and while it’s better at detecting gold than the Garrett ATX, I have put it in at 2nd place simple because of the price tag. It is also missing many of the basic features that cheaper metal detectors have such as iron discrimination and target depth ID, so you need to dig or investigate all targets.

POSITIVESNEGATIVES
  • ZVT – Zero Voltage Transmission
  • Gold Search Mode – High Yield, General, Extra Deep
  • Ground Search Mode Type – Normal, Difficult, Severe
  • Sensitivity (1-20 Levels)
  • Wireless Audio
  • GPS Locating
  • Precision Ground Balance
  • Enhanced Noise Immunity
  • SuperD smart coil
  • 3 year warranty
  • Expensive
  • Heavy (7.32 lbs)
  • No target Depth ID
  • No Iron Discrimination
  • No Pinpoint mode
Common Questions & Answers:
  • Can this device detect diamonds and gemstone?
    No, this is a “metal detector”, meaning it will detect all metals, not gemstones and diamonds.
  • Can this equipment be used underwater? and how many feet under the water?
    Yes, its waterproof up to 10 feet.
  • What is the maximum depth detection of Minelab GPZ 7000?
    Approximately 14-16 inches deep
  • What audio output is there?
    Headphones are supplied and connect via a 1/4″ Headphone Socket. There is also a Wireless Module With Speaker
  • What is the standard search coil?
    14″ x 13″ GPZ 14 Super-D
  • What battery does this come with?
    Li-Ion Rechargeable Pack, 7.2V, 72Wh
  • How long does the battery last?
    8 – 9 hours.
3rd – Minelab GOLD MONSTER 1000

 

I’ve included the Minelab Gold MONSTER in 3rd spot. I’ve only done a few tests with this machine, but so far it’s been very good at finding gold. Where this machine shines is that it’s super simple to use and it hits targets. It’s like an expert level gold detector, but for beginners that know very little about hunting gold and detecting in general.

One of the main features that the Minelab Gold MONSTER has is that it uses a single 45 kHz frequency, which is supposed to be in a sweet spot for gold. This means you don’t need to spend time worrying about soil mineralization and constantly adjusting settings. It’s probably the best gold frequency detector that I’ve used, but it does fall short when compared to the pulse induction models.

This then leads to the other interesting feature of the Gold MONSTER and that’s the automatic ground tracking system – essentially it’s how the Gold MONSTER does ground balancing. It’s hard to tell exactly how well automatic ground balancing actually works, but I felt confident that this machine was doing the job well, as I was hitting plenty of targets when I tested it.

Minelab has always been a leader when it comes to automatic ground balancing, so it makes sense that there were no issues – It’s probably a habit thing for me that makes be distrust automatic functions.

POSITIVESNEGATIVES
  • Automatic Noise Cancelling
  • Internal speaker
  • Automatic Sensitivity
  • 45 kHz VLF (Very Low Frequency)
  • Fully automatic operation
  • 2 waterproof search coils (10″ x 6″ Double-D and a 5″ Double‑D)
  • 2 Detect modes: Gold (Iron reject), Deep All-Metal
  • Gold Chance Indicator (high/low)
  • Fairly light weight 2.94lbs (1.33kg) (excluding battery)
  • Single frequency detector
  • Auto Ground Balance
  • Non standard 1/8″ headphone jack
  • 2 year warranty
Common Questions & Answers:
  • What battery does it take?
    It comes with a Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery and AC Charger.
    8 × AA Batteries (not included)
  • What audio output is there?
    It comes with stock headphones, but my gripe is that the headphone jack is 1/8″ and not 1/4″ like most detectors. This means I can’t use better headphones.
  • What is the standard search coil?
    It comes with 2 – 10″ x 6″ Double-D and a 5″ Double‑D
  • Can this equipment be used underwater? and how many feet under the water?
    The coils are waterproof to 1m (3′) and the control box is rain/splash-proof – there are better machines for this purpose.
  • What is the maximum depth detection of Minelab Gold MONSTER?
    I didn’t do my standard depth test with this machine, but the deepest gold I found with the Gold Monster was at least 10″
  • How long does the battery last?
    10 hours.

 

 


1st – Garrett ACE 300

POSITIVESNEGATIVES
  • Easy to use
  • Backlit LCD Display
  • 7″ x 10″ PROformance submersible search coil
    Digital Target Depth Indicator (0 to 99)
  • Adjustable Frequency
  • Increased Iron Resolution
  • Pulse-Width Modulation audio (Sharper and more responsive audio)
  • Electronic Pinpointing
  • 5 search modes
  • 3 Tone Audio (High, Medium and Low)
  • Light weight 2.8 lbs
  • No adjustable ground balance
  • 2 Year warranty
  • No iron audio (If you want this, check the my next selection)
  • Not a DD Searchcoil
Common Questions & Answers:
  • What’s the difference between the Garrett ACE 300 and the Garrett ACE 400?
    There are a few differences, but the main one for me is that the ACE 400 gets the 8.5″ x 11″ DD search coil and can operate at 10 kHz frequency.
  • Is the ACE 400 worth the extra money?
    In my opinion yes, but if you are on a tight budget then there is nothing wrong with the ACE 300.
  • Does it come with batteries?
    Yes, 4 x AA.
  • How much does the Garrett ACE 300 weigh?
    2.8 lbs (1.27 kgs)
  • How long is the ACE 300?
    The Garrett ACE 300 is an adjustable metal detector ranging from 40″ to 53″ (1.06m – 1.29m)
  • How long does it last on the battery?
    It lasts for approximately 15-20 hours.
  • How deep does the ACE 300 detect?
    Approximately 10 inches.
  • Is the ACE 300 waterproof?
    The ACE 300 detector has a waterproof coil, however the metal detector’s control box is not submersible. Only the coil can be used in the water.
  • Will the Garrett ACE 300 detect gold?
    Yes, but there are much better metal detectors for this purpose.
  • What is the standard search coil?
    7″ x 10″ PROformance submersible search coi
  • Why do some websites show the ACE 300 as having single frequency?
    Most of the metal detecting websites I see online these days are written by people who have never used a detector before and just copy information from each other without doing any real research. In short – they are wrong, this ACE 300 has adjustable frequency, which is a major reason why this detector is so much better than it’s predecessor.
  • Is the Garrett ACE 300 good for use at the beach?
    Yes, it’s not the best, but it’s probably fine for the average treasure hunter. Please remember that only the coil is able to be be submerged, the control box cannot go in the water.

 

2nd – Fisher F22

POSITIVESNEGATIVES
  • Easy to use
  • Iron audio feature (FeTone)
  • Digital depth indicator
  • 10 Levels of Adjustable Sensitivity
  • Pinpointing
  • 9-Segment Target Categories
  • 0-99 numeric Target-ID
  • 4 Modes of operation: Jewelry, Coin, Artifact, Custom
  • 9” triangulated elliptical concentric searchcoil
  • Visual target-id by category
  • Operates on 2x AA batteries (25-30 hours)
  • 4-Tone Audo-ID System (built-in speaker)
  • 7.69 kHz Operating Frequency
  • 5 Year Warranty
  • Single frequency
  • Over $200 (great value for money, but over double the price of the bounty hunter)
  • No automatic ground balance
  • Headphones not included
  • No back light
Common Questions & Answers:
  • Is this a good metal detector for beginners?
    Yes, it’s easy to master, has good depth and simple controls.
  • How heavy is the Fisher F22?
    2.3 lbs, which should be fine for most children.
  • Can a child use this, or is it too big?
    The height is adjustable so that the hand grip is 25 inches (approx) off the ground, and the arm rest is at 36 inches (approx). Noting that the detector should be held out at an angle when in use, this detector is fine for most children ages 10 and older.
  • How deep can the Fisher F22 detect?
    The deepest we could get it to hit was 8 inches, but we have seen reports of it going to 9 inches.
  • Can the searchcoil be submerged?
    Yes, but not the control box. Note: The F22 it is not intended for use on wet sand, but it is well-suited for detecting on dry sand.
  • Where is this made?
    El Paso, Texas, USA
  • Will the Fisher F22 find gold?
    The Fisher F22 will detect all metals including gold.
  • Will the Fisher F22 find iron pins / Property lines?
    Yes, but it will depend on the depth of the pins.
  • Can you use headphones with this unit?
    Yes you can, the headphones will require a 1/4 plug to connect – no bluetooth.
  • Can this device be disassembled?
    Yes, it can be broken down into three pieces.

 

3rd – Bounty Hunter TK4

Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal Detector

POSITIVESNEGATIVES
  • Easy to use
  • Performs well for the price
  • 2-Tone audio mode
  • Built-in Speaker
  • Cheap
  • 5 year limited warranty
  • Preset ground balance (this means it can’t be configured)
  • No pinpointing
  • Limited depth
  • No visual target ID
  • Limited feature set, meaning if you get serious about treasure hunting, you will need to upgrade
Common Questions & Answers:
  • Can this metal detector locate property markers / survey spikes?
    Yes – but only metal ones, not wood
  • Does it come with batteries?
    No. It needs a 9v battery.
  • Is the Bounty Hunter TK4 good for kids?
    Yes, it’s cheap and easy to use, the children will have a great time with it. I’ve ranked it 1st in the kids metal detector section below.
  • Is the coil water proof. Can it be used in a shallow stream?
    Yes, the coil is waterproof and can be used in shallow water.
  • How deep does it detect?
    I’ve tested it to 4 inches, but I know some people claim it will work up to 6.

 

 

 


1st – Minelab EQUINOX 800

POSITIVESNEGATIVES
  • Easy to use (Beginner friendly – particularly for a minelab)
  • Backlit display
  • Light weight (Weighs under 3lbs)
  • Fully submersible up to 10ft (or 3 meters)
  • Multi-frequency (Good for finding a range of targets)
  • 11″ DD search coil
  • 3 Year warranty
  • Value for money
  • Included headphones aren’t waterproof
Common Questions & Answers:
  • Is the display backlit?
    Yes – The brightness can also be adjusted.
  • What depth can it detect gold?
    Depending on soil conditions, it will find nuggets down to 6″- 8″ and rings/gold coins to 16″ – 18″.
  • Are the batteries accessible or hardwired?
    The batteries (rechargeable lithium ion) can be removed, but it is not recommended.
  • Can it be charged with a portable USB charging bank?
    Yes, but be sure to use the EQUINOX charging cord.

 

2nd – Garrett AT Pro

POSITIVESNEGATIVES
  • Pro Mode Audio (Gives you better information about a target)
  • Easy to understand display
  • Target Identification
  • High Res Iron Discrimination
  • 11″ DD Search coil
  • Beach ready / submersible up to 10ft (or 3 meters)
  • Value for money
  • Included headphones aren’t waterproof
  • Screen is not backlit
  • 2 Year warranty
Common Questions & Answers:
  • Are headphones included?
    Yes it includes land (not water proof) headphones.
  • What is the maximum depth detection of Garrett AT Pro?
    Between 10″ and 12″.
  • Is a charger included?
    No, It uses four AA Batteries.
  • Does it work in salt water?
    Yes, this is one of the best metal detectors that I have used in salt water. Note: You will need aftermarket headphones for use in salt water.
  • What frequency does the AT Pro operate at?
    15 kHz frequency
  • What size coil comes with this detector?
    This unit comes with a 8.5″x11″ PROformance DD Coil

 

3rd – Fisher F75

POSITIVESNEGATIVES
  • 0-99 Numeric target identification display
  • 3 Search modes (Motion All Metal, Static All Metal, Discrimination)
  • 11″ Double-D Waterproof Search Coil
  • Magnetic mineralization bar graph read out
  • Trigger pinpointing with variable audio pitch
  • 13kHz Operating Frequency
  • Automatic and manual ground balance
  • Waterproof coil (not the control box)
  • 4 AA bateries (30-40 hours runtime)
  • 5-year warranty
  • No headphones
  • Not as intuitive to use as the Garrett AT Pro or Minelab EQUINOX
  • Always on backlight
Common Questions & Answers:
  • How deep will the Fisher F75 detect an object?
    The max depth we could get it to hit a target was 8 inches, but officially it is 8-10 inches.
  • Does it work in salt water or wet salty sand?
    Yes, it does, but you will need to use the correct settings to maximize results.
  • How much does the F75 weigh?
    3.5 pounds
  • Is the F75 good for gold prospecting?
    Yes, it is one of the better detectors on the market for gold hunting in this price range.

 

 


The expert category is the most difficult. The reason for that is because when you move into being more of an expert, you are usually looking to find just a single type of target. As an example, you might want a great coin shooting metal detector, or if you’re looking gold nuggets, you will be looking for a nugget hunter.

About the only thing I think everyone will agree on is that when you get into the top end of the market, there are plenty of great detectors to select from. The king in terms of price ($5,000 – that’s not a typo) and functionality is the Minelab GPX5000 (Gary’s GPX 5000 Review), however, there are cheaper detectors you can buy if you just want to go for more of a specialist detector.

1st – Minelab GPZ 7000

The Minelab GPZ 7000 was designed for the goldfields through the world, it uses their ZVT technology to detect both very small and large gold nuggets at extreme depths.

 

I’ve put the GPZ 7000 in at number 1 for the expert category as if you’re a heavy treasure hunter like I am, then the cost of a machine like this won’t bother you as you’ll know that over time you’ll make the money back and have a blast while doing it.

The GPZ 7000 will find things other detectors just cant. It might be due to a lack of noise interference, ability to cut through soil mineralization or just because the ZVT technology really does find gold deeper than other technologies. Whatever the reason, it 100% does find targets that every other detector misses and for that reason it has to be in 1st position despite the high cost.

POSITIVESNEGATIVES
  • ZVT – Zero Voltage Transmission
  • Gold Search Mode – High Yield, General, Extra Deep
  • Ground Search Mode Type – Normal, Difficult, Severe
  • Sensitivity (1-20 Levels)
  • Wireless Audio
  • GPS Locating
  • Precision Ground Balance
  • Enhanced Noise Immunity
  • SuperD smart coil
  • 3 year warranty
  • Expensive
  • Heavy (7.32 lbs)
  • No target Depth ID
  • No Iron Discrimination
  • No Pinpoint mode
Common Questions & Answers:
  • Can this device detect diamonds and gemstone?
    No, this is a “metal detector”, meaning it will detect all metals, not gemstones and diamonds.
  • Can this equipment be used underwater? and how many feet under the water?
    Yes, its waterproof up to 10 feet.
  • What is the maximum depth detection of Minelab GPZ 7000?
    Approximately 14″-16″ deep
  • What audio output is there?
    Headphones are supplied and connect via a 1/4″ Headphone Socket. There is also a Wireless Module With Speaker
  • What is the standard search coil?
    14″ x 13″ GPZ 14 Super-D
  • What battery does this come with?
    Li-Ion Rechargeable Pack, 7.2V, 72Wh
  • How long does the battery last?
    8 – 9 hours.
2nd – Garrett ATX

Garrett ATX Metal Detector

POSITIVESNEGATIVES
  • Advanced Pulse Induction (730 pulses per second)
  • 10″ x 12″ DD search coil
  • Built in waterproof speaker / does not require headphones
  • Frequency Scan: auto function for eliminating RFI interference.
  • Ground Track with 4 settings
  • Submersion Depth: 10 feet (3m)
  • Sensitivity Depth adjustments (13)
  • Electronic Pin Pointing
  • Quick Iron Check
  • Heavy (6.9 lbs)
  • 2 Year warranty
Common Questions & Answers:
  • What depth can the Garrett ATX detector identify gold nuggets in the ground?
    Depends on the size of the target and the soil conditions. With the standard search coil, It can find gold down 12-18 inches and handles high mineranization well.
  • How many batteries does it take?
    The detector comes complete with both alkaline and NiMH rechargeable batteries (8 AA batteries)  plus a 110V and 12V charger system
  • Is the whole unit waterproof when assembled?
    Yes, it is waterproof to to 10 feet.
  • How long does the battery last?
    The detector runs approximately 10-12 hours on a charge when using headphones, less if running off the speaker
3rd – XP DEUS

 

POSITIVESNEGATIVES
  • Super light weight (2lbs)
  • Wireless (no cables linking the coil to the control box)
  • Depth
  • Great battery life
  • Submersible search coil
  • 5 Year Parts and Labor Warranty
  • Excellent for coins
  • Steep learning curve (I’m used to Garrett and Minelab machines).
  • Not fully submersible
  • Pricey (Over $1,000)
Common Questions & Answers:
  • How is this unit Powered?
    The wireless Coil, Controller and Headphones each contain a sealed, rechargeable Lithium Ion battery. Each unit is plugged into the supplied charging cable and is recharged using your standard 110 volt outlet.
  • Is a charger included?
    Yes, a lithium battery and charger are included
  • How long does the battery last?
    Approximately 25-27 hours.
  • What size coil comes with this detector?
    This unit comes with a 11″ X35 Round standard search coil
  • Does it work in saltwater?
    Only the search coil can be submerged.

 

 


Metal detecting isn’t just something us grownups get to do and enjoy, it’s also great to get kids involved too. Most kids aren’t going to be interested in the latest and greatest functionality or depth penetration, rather they are going to want ease of use and something that’s not going to be too heavy for them to carry around. I know that you can pick up some metal detectors for kids for under $50.

1st – Bounty Hunter TK4

Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal Detector

I’ve put the bounty hunter in first place, not because it’s the best detector for a child, but because many parents are budget conscious when it comes to buying electronic things for their children and this is about as budget conscious as you can get. The detector will work and find plenty, but if budget isn’t a primary factor for you, then go to my 2nd pick the Fisher F22 as it’s a far superior metal detector.

POSITIVESNEGATIVES
  • Easy to use
  • Performs well for the price
  • 2-Tone audio mode
  • Built-in Speaker
  • Very cheap / Inexpensive
  • 5 year limited warranty
  • Preset ground balance (this means it can’t be configured)
  • No pinpointing
  • Limited depth
  • No visual target ID
  • Limited feature set, meaning if you get serious about treasure hunting, you will need to upgrade
Common Questions & Answers:
  • Can this metal detector locate property markers / survey spikes?
    Yes – but only metal ones, not wood
  • Does it come with batteries?
    No. It needs a 9v battery.
  • Is the Bounty Hunter TK4 good for kids?
    Yes, it’s cheap and easy to use, the children will have a great time with it. I’ve ranked it 1st in the kids metal detector section below.
  • Is the coil water proof. Can it be used in a shallow stream?
    Yes, the coil is waterproof and can be used in shallow water.
  • How deep does it detect?
    I’ve tested it to 4 inches, but I know some people claim it will work up to 6.

 

2nd – Fisher F22

POSITIVESNEGATIVES
  • Easy to use
  • Iron audio feature (FeTone)
  • Digital depth indicator
  • 10 Levels of Adjustable Sensitivity
  • Pinpointing
  • 9-Segment Target Categories
  • 0-99 numeric Target-ID
  • 4 Modes of operation: Jewelry, Coin, Artifact, Custom
  • 9” triangulated elliptical concentric searchcoil
  • Visual target-id by category
  • Operates on 2x AA batteries (25-30 hours)
  • 4-Tone Audo-ID System (built-in speaker)
  • 7.69 kHz Operating Frequency
  • 5 Year Warranty
  • Single/fixed frequency
  • Over $200 (great value for money, but over double the price of the bounty hunter)
  • No automatic ground balance
  • Headphones not included
  • No back light
Common Questions & Answers:
  • Is this a good metal detector for beginners?
    Yes, it’s easy to master, has good depth and simple controls.
  • How heavy is the Fisher F22?
    2.3 lbs, which should be fine for most children.
  • Can a child use this, or is it too big?
    The height is adjustable so that the hand grip is 25 inches (approx) off the ground, and the arm rest is at 36 inches (approx). Noting that the detector should be held out at an angle when in use, this detector is fine for most children ages 10 and older.
  • How deep can the Fisher F22 detect?
    The deepest we could get it to hit was 8 inches, but we have seen reports of it going to 9 inches.
  • Can the searchcoil be submerged?
    Yes, but not the control box. Note: The F22 it is not intended for use on wet sand, but it is well-suited for detecting on dry sand.
  • Where is this made?
    El Paso, Texas, USA
  • Will the Fisher F22 find gold?
    The Fisher F22 will detect all metals including gold.
  • Will the Fisher F22 find iron pins / Property lines?
    Yes, but it will depend on the depth of the pins.
  • Can you use headphones with this unit?
    Yes you can, the headphones will require a 1/4 plug to connect – no bluetooth.
  • Can this device be disassembled?
    Yes, it can be broken down into three pieces.

 

3rd – Garrett ACE 200

POSITIVESNEGATIVES
  • Digital Target ID: 0 to 99
  • 6.5″ x 9″ searchcoil
  • Pulse-Width Modulation audio
  • 3 Tone Audio (High, Medium and Low)
  • 3 Search modes (Coins, Jewelry, Zero-Disc)
  • Waterproof search coil
  • Easy to use Garrett interface
  • Single/fixed frequency
  • No automatic ground balance
  • No pinpointing
  • No iron discrimination
  • No backlit display
  • No headphones included
  • 2 year warranty
Common Questions & Answers:
  • Where is the Garrett ACE 200 made?
    USA
  • How heavy is the Garrett ACE 200?
    2.75 lbs (1.25 kgs)
  • How deep can the Garrett ACE 200 find things?
    It is claimed to get to 12″, but the reality in my tests is closer to 8″ but it depends on many factors such as soil type and size of the object
  • How many batteries does the Garrett ACE 200 take?
    4 x AA batteries
  • How long do the batteries last in the ACE 200?
    The Garrett ACE 200 Owner’s Manual says – “You can expect 20 to 40 hours of operation depending on battery type and quality”. In reality I have noted that it lasts for only 15-20 hours.
  • Is the Garrett ACE 200 waterproof?
    Only the searchcoil is waterproof, the control box cannot be put in the water.

 

 


The first thing you need to know when looking for a good metal detector to find coins, is that pretty much all metal detectors will find coins – if you configure it correctly (Metal Detecting Coin Shooting Tips). Having said that, there are some great machines that are targeted more to the coin shooting hobbyists among us.

The metal detectors that I have had the most success with when coin shooting are the XP Deus ($1,500) and the Garrett GTI 2500 ($1,000). The XP Deus is the better of the two, but it is also more expensive.

1st – XP DEUS

POSITIVESNEGATIVES
  • Super light weight (2lbs)
  • Wireless (no cables linking the coil to the control box)
  • Depth
  • Great battery life
  • Submersible search coil
  • 5 Year Parts and Labor Warranty
  • Excellent for coins
  • Steep learning curve (I’m used to Garrett and Minelab machines).
  • Not fully submersible
  • Pricey (Over $1,000)
Common Questions & Answers:
  • How is this unit Powered?
    The wireless Coil, Controller and Headphones each contain a sealed, rechargeable Lithium Ion battery. Each unit is plugged into the supplied charging cable and is recharged using your standard 110 volt outlet.
  • Is a charger included?
    Yes, a lithium battery and charger are included
  • How long does the battery last?
    Approximately 25-27 hours.
  • What size coil comes with this detector?
    This unit comes with a 11″ X35 Round standard search coil
  • Does it work in saltwater?
    Only the search coil can be submerged.

2nd – Garret GTI 2500

Garrett Metal Detector GTI 2500

The real selling point of the Garrett GTI 2500 is the True-size imaging. This technology allows the user to know exactly what the size of the target is before digging. As you can see from the images below, the Graphic Target Imaging (GTI) shows both the size and depth of a target, and it’s very accurate – even at depth. Other than the weight, this machine is a boss for pretty much all types of detecting (including gold – see other gold detectors)


 

 

 

 

 

POSITIVESNEGATIVES
  • Detects really deep (up to 6 feet for large objects)
  • True-size imaging (know the size of the object before digging).
  • True all metal mode (Detects all types of metal)
  • Discriminate Mode (Coins, Jewelry, Relics, Zero, or Custom modes)
  • 7.2 kHz, user-adjustable frequency
  • Fast track ground balance (quickly balance in mineralized soil)
  • Adjustable audio threshold
  • Electronic pinpointing
  • Automatic and manual ground balancing
  • 24 Segments of Notch Discrimination
  • 9.5″ searchcoil
  • It’s heavy 4.6 lbs. (2.1 kgs.)
  • 2 years warranty

 

Common Questions & Answers:
  • Is the Garrett GTI 2500 water proof?
    The searchcoil is, but not the control box.
  • How deep can the Garrett GTI  2500 detect?
    In my standard 1899 Barber Quarter test, it hit at 15 inches., but we have seen it hit large objects at 6 feet under.
  • How many and what type of batteries does the Garrett GTI 2500 take?
    8x AA batteries
  • Will the Garrett GTI 2500 find gold?
    Yes, and it will do so well. It only just missed my list for top 3 gold detectors, and depending on what types of gold and where you are looking for it then the GTI could easily best some of the ones I have listed.

 

3rd – Minelab EQUINOX 800

POSITIVESNEGATIVES
  • Easy to use (Beginner friendly – particularly for a minelab)
  • Backlit display
  • Light weight (Weighs under 3lbs)
  • Fully submersible up to 10ft (or 3 meters)
  • Multi-frequency (Good for finding a range of targets)
  • 11″ DD search coil
  • 3 Year warranty
  • Value for money
  • Included headphones aren’t waterproof
Common Questions & Answers:
  • Is the display backlit?
    Yes – The brightness can also be adjusted.
  • What depth can it detect gold?
    Depending on soil conditions, it will find nuggets down to 6″- 8″ and rings/gold coins to 16″ – 18″.
  • Are the batteries accessible or hardwired?
    The batteries (rechargeable lithium ion) can be removed, but it is not recommended.
  • Can it be charged with a portable USB charging bank?
    Yes, but be sure to use the EQUINOX charging cord.

 

 

 


Many people just assume that all metal detectors can be used in the water, however, it’s just not the case, and you will likely break your detector and void your warranty if you do so. If you do plan on using your metal detector in the water, please ensure you read up about it and confirm that it is able to be used in the water. Some can have the search coil in the water, others can’t have anything in the water, while others can go fully under.

For me, I only ever use the Minelab EQUINOX 800 or my Garrett AT Pro whenever I decide to go beach hunting. They both work amazingly when submerged and don’t give any unusual feedback. It is important to note though that the standard head phones that come with the AT Pro aren’t waterproof (so don’t use them in the water). Buy yourself some quality headphones that are rated to go into the water – you won’t regret it.

There are 3 main types of submerged metal detectors that you will find

  1. A metal detector that has a searchcoil that can be used in very shallow water but can’t be submerged. Most manufacturers will list these as water resistant.
  2. A metal detector that has a searchcoil that be be fully submerged in water, but not the control box. The first 2 detectors in the list below fall into this category.
  3. A metal detector that can be fully submerged (searchcoil and control box). Most of the time the depth of submersion should be prominently displayed by the manufacturer. My 3rd pick in this list fall into this category.
1st – Minelab EQUINOX 800

POSITIVESNEGATIVES
  • Easy to use (Beginner friendly – particularly for a minelab)
  • Backlit display
  • Light weight (Weighs under 3lbs)
  • Fully submersible up to 10ft (or 3 meters)
  • Multi-frequency (Good for finding a range of targets)
  • 11″ DD search coil
  • 3 Year warranty
  • Value for money
  • Included headphones aren’t waterproof
Common Questions & Answers:
  • Is the display backlit?
    Yes – The brightness can also be adjusted.
  • What depth can it detect gold?
    Depending on soil conditions, it will find nuggets down to 6″- 8″ and rings/gold coins to 16″ – 18″.
  • Are the batteries accessible or hardwired?
    The batteries (rechargeable lithium ion) can be removed, but it is not recommended.
  • Can it be charged with a portable USB charging bank?
    Yes, but be sure to use the EQUINOX charging cord.
Minelab EQUINOX 800 Beach Videos

 

2nd – Garrett AT Pro

POSITIVESNEGATIVES
  • Pro Mode Audio (Gives you better information about a target)
  • Easy to understand display
  • Target Identification
  • High Res Iron Discrimination
  • 11″ DD Search coil
  • Beach ready / submersible up to 10ft (or 3 meters)
  • Value for money
  • Included headphones aren’t waterproof
  • Screen is not backlit
  • 2 Year warranty
Common Questions & Answers:
  • Are headphones included?
    Yes it includes land (not water proof) headphones.
  • What is the maximum depth detection of Garrett AT Pro?
    Between 10″ and 12″.
  • Is a charger included?
    No, It uses four AA Batteries.
  • Does it work in salt water?
    Yes, this is one of the best metal detectors that I have used in salt water. Note: You will need aftermarket headphones for use in salt water.
  • What frequency does the AT Pro operate at?
    15 kHz frequency
  • What size coil comes with this detector?
    This unit comes with a 8.5″x11″ PROformance DD Coil

 

3rd – Fisher 1280X-8

 

As far as beach hunting goes, the Fisher 1280X-8 isn’t very good.

So why is it in the list? Because some people like to hunt underwater whilst diving, and in that use case the EQUINOX 800 and AT Pro are not going to work. This machine will allow you to go up to 250 feet underwater, which is it’s main selling point. Honestly, unless you are going diving, the EQUINOX 800 and AT Pro are all you need on the beach.

Just to be absolutely clear – do not, I repeat, do not buy this detector for beach hunting unless you are planning on going dive hunting!

POSITIVESNEGATIVES
  • Fully submersible up to 250 feet
  • Full range target discrimination
  • Adjustable sensitivity control
  • Audio and visual target response
  • VLF discrimination
  • 75+ hours of battery life
  • Operating Frequency: 2.4 kHz
  • Very basic detector – not good above water
  • 2 Year Warranty
  • No LED readouts – you need to dig all targets
Common Questions & Answers:
  • What type of batteries does it take?
    8 AA batteries
  • What weight is the Fisher 1280X-8
    Weight: 5.8 lbs. (2.6 kg) w/8” (20 cm)

 

 


1st – Garrett ATX

Garrett ATX Metal Detector

POSITIVESNEGATIVES
  • Advanced Pulse Induction (730 pulses per second)
  • 10″ x 12″ DD search coil
  • Built in waterproof speaker / does not require headphones
  • Frequency Scan: auto function for eliminating RFI interference.
  • Ground Track with 4 settings
  • Submersion Depth: 10 feet (3m)
  • Sensitivity Depth adjustments (13)
  • Electronic Pin Pointing
  • Quick Iron Check
  • Heavy (6.9 lbs)
  • 2 Year warranty
Common Questions & Answers:
  • What depth can the Garrett ATX detector identify gold nuggets in the ground?
    Depends on the size of the target and the soil conditions. With the standard search coil, It can find gold down 12-18 inches and handles high mineranization well.
  • How many batteries does it take?
    The detector comes complete with both alkaline and NiMH rechargeable batteries (8 AA batteries)  plus a 110V and 12V charger system
  • Is the whole unit waterproof when assembled?
    Yes, it is waterproof to to 10 feet.
  • How long does the battery last?
    The detector runs approximately 10-12 hours on a charge when using headphones, less if running off the speaker
2nd – XP DEUS

I haven’t done a full review of the XP DEUS yet, but it’s next on my list as it’s a top of the line performer that consistently hits targets – particularly if you are into coin shooting.

The thing  I love about the XP DEUS is the weight. It might be a strange thing to be excited about, but when you go out often for hours at a time, the weight of your detector can become a major factor in

  • A) how much fun you have, and
  • B) how long you go out for.

I swear, sometimes when I use the Garrett ATX or when I did a recent trial of the Minelab GPZ 7000, I was ready to pack up after an hour as my arm felt like lead. If you’re getting on in years, this should be a major factor in your decision making. There is no point having the best detector in the world if you never use it because it’s too damn heavy!

Warranty on the XP DEUS is a huge selling point. I’m used to Garrett detectors that come with a 2 year warranty, so having 5 years with the XP DEUS is a big plus.

POSITIVESNEGATIVES
  • Super light weight (2lbs)
  • Wireless (no cables linking the coil to the control box)
  • Depth
  • Great battery life
  • Submersible search coil
  • 5 Year Parts and Labor Warranty
  • Excellent for coins
  • Steep learning curve (I’m used to Garrett and Minelab machines).
  • Not fully submersible
  • Over $1,000 (read the commentary above as to why it’s still in the value for money section
Common Questions & Answers:
  • How is this unit Powered?
    The wireless Coil, Controller and Headphones each contain a sealed, rechargeable Lithium Ion battery. Each unit is plugged into the supplied charging cable and is recharged using your standard 110 volt outlet.
  • Is a charger included?
    Yes, a lithium battery and charger are included
  • How long does the battery last?
    Approximately 25-27 hours.
  • What size coil comes with this detector?
    This unit comes with a 11″ X35 Round standard search coil
  • Does it work in saltwater?
    Only the search coil can be submerged.
3rd – Minelab EQUINOX 800

POSITIVESNEGATIVES
  • Easy to use (Beginner friendly – particularly for a minelab)
  • Backlit display
  • Light weight (Weighs under 3lbs)
  • Fully submersible up to 10ft (or 3 meters)
  • Multi-frequency (Good for finding a range of targets)
  • 11″ DD search coil
  • 3 Year warranty
  • Value for money
  • Included headphones aren’t waterproof
Common Questions & Answers:
  • Is the display backlit?
    Yes – The brightness can also be adjusted.
  • What depth can it detect gold?
    Depending on soil conditions, it will find nuggets down to 6″- 8″ and rings/gold coins to 16″ – 18″.
  • Are the batteries accessible or hardwired?
    The batteries (rechargeable lithium ion) can be removed, but it is not recommended.
  • Can it be charged with a portable USB charging bank?
    Yes, but be sure to use the EQUINOX charging cord.

 

 


1st – Garrett ATX

Garrett ATX Metal Detector

POSITIVESNEGATIVES
  • Advanced Pulse Induction (730 pulses per second)
  • 10″ x 12″ DD search coil
  • Built in waterproof speaker / does not require headphones
  • Frequency Scan: auto function for eliminating RFI interference.
  • Ground Track with 4 settings
  • Submersion Depth: 10 feet (3m)
  • Sensitivity Depth adjustments (13)
  • Electronic Pin Pointing
  • Quick Iron Check
  • Heavy (6.9 lbs)
  • 2 Year warranty
Common Questions & Answers:
  • What depth can the Garrett ATX detector identify gold nuggets in the ground?
    Depends on the size of the target and the soil conditions. With the standard search coil, It can find gold down 12-18 inches and handles high mineranization well.
  • How many batteries does it take?
    The detector comes complete with both alkaline and NiMH rechargeable batteries (8 AA batteries)  plus a 110V and 12V charger system
  • Is the whole unit waterproof when assembled?
    Yes, it is waterproof to to 10 feet.
  • How long does the battery last?
    The detector runs approximately 10-12 hours on a charge when using headphones, less if running off the speaker
2nd – Minelab EQUINOX 800

POSITIVESNEGATIVES
  • Easy to use (Beginner friendly – particularly for a minelab)
  • Backlit display
  • Light weight (Weighs under 3lbs)
  • Fully submersible up to 10ft (or 3 meters)
  • Multi-frequency (Good for finding a range of targets)
  • 11″ DD search coil
  • 3 Year warranty
  • Value for money
  • Included headphones aren’t waterproof
Common Questions & Answers:
  • Is the display backlit?
    Yes – The brightness can also be adjusted.
  • What depth can it detect gold?
    Depending on soil conditions, it will find nuggets down to 6″- 8″ and rings/gold coins to 16″ – 18″.
  • Are the batteries accessible or hardwired?
    The batteries (rechargeable lithium ion) can be removed, but it is not recommended.
  • Can it be charged with a portable USB charging bank?
    Yes, but be sure to use the EQUINOX charging cord.

 

Minelab EQUINOX 600

POSITIVESNEGATIVES
  • Easy to use (Beginner friendly – particularly for a minelab)
  • Backlit display
  • Light weight (Weighs under 3lbs)
  • Fully submersible up to 10ft (or 3 meters)
  • Multi-frequency (Good for finding a range of targets)
  • 11″ DD search coil
  • 3 Year warranty
  • Value for money
  • The included headphones aren’t waterproof
Common Questions & Answers:
  • Is the display backlit?
    Yes – The brightness can also be adjusted.
  • Can it detect gold?
    Technically yes, all metal detectors can detect gold, but the EQUINOX 800 is far better suited to this.
  • Are the batteries accessible or hardwired?
    The batteries (rechargeable lithium ion) can be removed, but it is not recommended.
  • Can it be charged with a portable USB charging bank?
    Yes, but be sure to use the EQUINOX charging cord.

 

 


1st – Minelab EQUINOX 800

POSITIVESNEGATIVES
  • Easy to use (Beginner friendly – particularly for a minelab)
  • Backlit display
  • Light weight (Weighs under 3lbs)
  • Fully submersible up to 10ft (or 3 meters)
  • Multi-frequency (Good for finding a range of targets)
  • 11″ DD search coil
  • 3 Year warranty
  • Value for money
  • The included headphones aren’t waterproof
Common Questions & Answers:
  • Is the display backlit?
    Yes – The brightness can also be adjusted.
  • What depth can it detect gold?
    Depending on soil conditions, it will find nuggets down to 6″- 8″ and rings/gold coins to 16″ – 18″.
  • Are the batteries accessible or hardwired?
    The batteries (rechargeable lithium ion) can be removed, but it is not recommended.
  • Can it be charged with a portable USB charging bank?
    Yes, but be sure to use the EQUINOX charging cord.

 

2nd – Fisher F44

POSITIVESNEGATIVES
  • Backlit LCD Display
  • Large screen (great for old eyes)
  • 9-Segment Target Categories
  • 0-99 numeric Target-ID
  • 4-Tone Audo-ID System
  • Manual and automatic ground balancing
  • 5 Search Modes
  • Iron Identifier Icon
  • Light weight 2.3 lbs
  • 5 year warranty
  • Not fully submersible
  • Does not come with headphones
Common Questions & Answers:
  • Does it come with batteries?
    Yes, 2 x AA.
  • How long does it last on the battery?
    Approximately 30 hours of use
  • Can this be used on beaches?
    Yes, but, only the search coil can get wet.
  • What’s the difference between the fisher F22 and the F44?
    The F44 comes with an 11″ search coil whereas the F22 only has a 9″ coil. In terms of sensitivity, the F22 has 10 adjustments, while the F44 has 20. Also, the F22 is a preset ground balance, which is a major drawback.
  • How deep does it detect?
    8″ to 10″

 

3rd – Garrett ACE (200 / 300 / 400)

I’ve put all the entry model Garrett metal detectors into this section of the review simply because they are easy to visually interpret without the need to hear anything. The displays show almost everything you need to know for target type, strength of hit and depth.

The people at Garrett have put together a great comparison of all the tech specs for each of the ACE models which I have included below

https://www.garrett.com/sport/ace/ace-300#techspecs

 

 

If you’ve made it this far – thanks, this write up has consumed a big chunk of my life and I hope it helps you to make an informed decision.

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