Which metal detector is better to buy?
Let's consider the main criteria for choosing a metal detector.
Detection depth depends on the correct ratio of the coil frequency and the soil interference compensation technologies used in the device.
The domestic market offers models operating at the following frequencies:
- Up to 2.5 kHz – devices with low sensitivity, which are suitable for searching for large metal objects at a depth of up to 50 cm.
- 7 kHz – inexpensive devices with a maximum detection depth of up to 1 m.
- From 10 to 20 kHz - very advanced devices that allow you to find metals with low conductivity in highly mineralized soils at a depth of about 2 m.
In expensive professional-level metal detectors, the operating frequency range can be adjusted.
Soil balance - this function allows you to ignore interference caused by soil structure or contaminants. In budget models, manual adjustment is more common; automatic ground balancing can be seen in mid-range and premium models.
Detection method. Modern devices use VLF technology, which makes it possible to distinguish ferrous metal from non-ferrous metal and non-ferrous metals from each other.
More advanced models are equipped with VFLEX technology, which significantly increases the detection depth and recognizes metals better.
You can read more about choosing metal detectors in our article: how to choose a metal detector.
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Choice of price-quality combination
Naturally, everyone wants to buy an inexpensive metal detector. However, it should be borne in mind that the lower the price of a metal detector, the shallower the depth it can detect an object. It will have fewer functions (ground balance, pinpoint mode, etc.) and a very weak level of metal discrimination. However, by comparing metal detectors, you can find the best option and select a device to suit your needs, taking into account the “cost - quality” criterion.
The best entry-level metal detectors (up to 20 thousand rubles)
Models in the lower price category use the simplest detection methods. Characteristic features of budget detectors are a search depth not exceeding 50 cm and average discredit rates, which make it possible to distinguish ferrous metals from non-ferrous ones.
Minelab X-Terra 305 is the most functional budget model
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
92%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
A reliable device, perfectly adapted to searching for small objects, equipped with high-frequency coils. There is the ability to adjust the ground, which means that searching on difficult soils will be effective.
Detuning electrical noise allows you to work in close proximity to other metals and high-voltage power lines. And the 12-tone discrimination scale makes it much easier to exclude groups of unwanted objects.
Advantages:
- High frequency coils;
- An excellent set of functions and capabilities for this price segment;
- Precise discrimination;
- Long time of continuous operation.
Flaws:
- Weak attachment of the coil to the rod.
Minelab X-Terra will be a good choice for both a novice search engine and an experienced user. Despite its low cost, it is quite functional.
Fisher F-22 - metal detector with increased sensitivity
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
89%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
A good entry-level metal detector, equipped with an electronic detection system and automatic ground balancing.
The presence of three pre-installed programs makes it easy to search for jewelry, gold, antiques made of ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
The device also provides a fourth program - for combining user settings for volume, sensitivity and discrimination.
The display shows the depth of the object and the exception scale. The device is equipped with a speaker and a built-in headphone jack.
Advantages:
- Light weight;
- Sufficient set of functions;
- Electronic detection system;
- Ability to save custom settings.
Flaws:
- Difficulties in metal identification.
The Fisher F-22 is an excellent tool for periodically searching for coins in low mineralization soils.
Deteknix Quest Q20 – good for searching in land and water
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
88%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
An entry-level three-program metal detector is designed to search for objects made of ferrous and non-ferrous metals. It can work not only on the ground, but also in water with the coil submerged up to 3 meters.
Sophisticated software and manual adjustment of soil balance provide a high level of discrimination. And after the recent update of the model, the operating frequency of the coils has also increased.
The ergonomic design of the device is equally convenient for left-handers and right-handers. The rod here is three-sectional, and its length is adjusted with special clamps.
Nice bonuses from the manufacturer: pin-point function, built-in flashlight and wired headphones included. The metal detector is powered by a built-in battery with charging via a mini-USB interface.
Advantages:
- Housing with a high degree of moisture protection;
- Good discrimination;
- Informative display, plus sound identification;
- Effective in highly mineralized soils and sea water;
- Ability to set custom settings.
Flaws:
- There is a risk of cable breakage due to its poor location.
Quest Q20 is a universal metal detector that can be used at shallow depths, even underwater. It just requires careful handling.
Teknetics Alpha 2000 – detector with adjustable search depth
4.7
★★★★★
editorial assessment
88%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
The entry-level model is suitable for searching for small objects made of ferrous and non-ferrous metals. The effectiveness of the device is ensured by 3 discrimination modes (All-Metal, Notch, Target ID) and 10 levels of indicating the search depth.
All information is displayed on an LCD display with two headphone jacks. The metal detector is powered by a 9-volt Kronov battery.
Advantages:
- Excellent ergonomics;
- Several discrimination modes;
- Sound three-tone indication;
- Setting the search depth;
- American assembly;
- Simple and intuitive controls.
Flaws:
- No ground balancing;
- Impressive dimensions.
In essence, the Alpha 2000 is the same Fisher metal detector, only more understandable and easier to learn, which is especially important for beginning treasure hunters.
Garrett ACE 250 – a device for beginners
4.6
★★★★★
editorial assessment
85%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
A good ground model of a metal detector, which enjoys well-deserved popularity among novice searchers.
The main features of the device are automatic ground balancing, six operating modes and microprocessor detection technology.
An informative display, built-in speaker and headphone output will allow even a beginner to easily cope with the search.
Advantages:
- Compact size and light weight;
- Digital detection technology;
- There is an adjustment of the coil sensitivity;
- Automatic ground balancing.
Flaws:
- Low moisture protection;
- Small detection depth.
The Garrett ACE 250 is suitable only for beginner searchers who use the device as entertainment. However, it will help you understand all the features of such equipment, after which you can move on to more serious detectors.
The best mid-level metal detectors (up to 35 thousand rubles)
Mid-class models are high-tech devices that are characterized by high search accuracy, impressive detection depth, good discrimination, as well as a solid set of functions and various settings.
GARETT ACE 350 EURO – ideal price/quality ratio
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
95%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
Garett Euro is the European analogue of the American model ACE 250. The main differences between the two metal detectors concern the discrimination of metals, as well as the diameter of the coil (it is larger here) and the depth scale - it was converted to centimeters.
The device is universal and has 5 preset search programs, a pin-point mode, automatic ground balancing, and a three-tone sound indication. The detector is powered by two AA batteries.
Advantages:
- Simplicity and reliability of design;
- The ability to search at greater depths than its American counterpart;
- Russified menu;
- Carrying backpack and electronics case included.
Flaws:
- Expanded discrimination based on ferrous metals has led to a reduced segmentation of non-ferrous metals.
Despite the weak division in non-ferrous metals, the Euro-version of ACE will find its fans - mainly among those who are just looking for large iron objects.
Detech EDS Gold Catcher – deep search for jewelry
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
90%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
This detector is “tailored” to detect gold and jewelry, and it has an extensive list of preset discrimination modes for these purposes. Gold Catcher can operate at high frequencies, which greatly simplifies the search for small objects and increases the depth of their detection.
The manufacturer has provided here for switching between normal and deep search modes, sensitivity adjustment, automatic manual balancing and pin point. The device comes with two 6″ DD and 10″ DD coils, as well as six AA batteries with a charger.
Advantages:
- Excellent functionality;
- Dual-mode search;
- Working with higher frequencies;
- Rich equipment;
- Possibility of connecting wireless headphones.
Flaws:
- There are no pre-installed search programs.
Detech EDS is designed for experienced users and is rightfully considered one of the best detectors in the mid-price segment. However, in terms of its capabilities and functionality, it is quite similar to a professional model.
White's Treasure Pro – autonomous and reliable detector
4.7
★★★★★
editorial assessment
88%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
This metal detector is positioned by the manufacturer as a professional one. However, the main functionality of the device is limited by the presence of only 5 preinstalled search programs.
But there are plenty of additional goodies here: there is graphic and numerical discrimination, 8-tone sound, automatic ground balancing and sensitivity adjustment. The main thing is that the device can operate for more than 20 hours on just two AA batteries.
Advantages:
- Waterproof coil and control unit;
- Accurate determination of the depth of an object;
- Long battery life;
- High quality build.
Flaws:
- The rod is a little loose.
White's Treasure Pro is the senior model in the manufacturer's line. It has very interesting functionality and excellent autonomy. And most importantly, the device is not afraid of moisture, which expands the possibilities of its use.
Minelab X-Terra 705 – with VFLEX technology
4.7
★★★★★
editorial assessment
87%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
The main advantage of this device is the ability to operate at three frequencies and the advanced VFLEX technology, which significantly increases the detection depth and quality of metal recognition.
Among the most useful functions of the device are: 6 preset search programs, several discrimination modes, automatic and manual ground balance, frequency shift for tuning out interference.
There is also a CoinsPlus mode, which stabilizes the detector readings on highly mineralized soils. The metal detector is powered by 4 AA batteries.
Advantages:
- Rich functionality;
- Two modes of pin-point operation (target position and dimensions);
- VFLEX technology;
- Compatible with all types of Minelab coils;
- Possibility of searching in multi-tone mode without turning on the discriminator.
Flaws:
- Low accuracy of the pin point on the original reel.
Overall, the X-Terra 705 turned out to be very functional and smart in its own way. It is most often used for beach searches for small objects.
Fisher F44-11DD - the most popular model
4.5
★★★★★
editorial assessment
82%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
The waterproof, compact and inexpensive metal detector offers 5 operating modes with user settings saved, adjustable sound identification, 9 discrimination programs, automatic ground balance and target designation.
All parameters are displayed on the LCD display. The device comes with an 11” DD coil, which can be powered by 2 AA batteries for 15 hours.
Advantages:
- Compactness;
- Light weight - only 1 kg;
- Not a bad set of functions.
- FeTone function to change the sound of ferrous metal.
Flaws:
- Ill-conceived cable fastening from the reel to the block;
- Small detection depth (maximum 80 cm, and for coins only 35).
The Fisher F44-11DD offers a decent detector for experienced treasure hunters. The main thing is that its price is affordable for you.
The best professional metal detectors
Such metal detectors are characterized by high sensitivity, high-quality multi-level discrimination and maximum detection depth.
The advanced technologies and solutions introduced here make it possible to find objects smaller than a match head under a very thick layer of soil.
XP DEUS – a technologically advanced and savvy detector
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
72%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
This device contains all the most advanced technologies available to professional metal detectors.
It can operate at 7 frequencies, in addition, the manufacturer has provided 9 search programs, manual and automatic ground balance, interference rejection, multi-tone identification, multi-level discrimination, VDI/TargetID and pin point modes.
All these capabilities are hidden in an ultra-light device weighing less than a kilogram. True, weight reduction was achieved only by wirelessly connecting the modules to the main control unit.
Advantages:
- Rich functionality;
- 7 available frequencies;
- Ability to record user settings;
- Built-in batteries;
- Port for software update.
Flaws:
- The kit comes with headphones, but they are not very comfortable.
The XP Deus has both admirers and detractors – the variation with an 11″ DD coil is especially unfortunate. But in general, this option is great for thoughtful research of a previously explored area rich in finds (single-yard, old settlements, etc.).
AKA Signum MFT 7272M – for searches at great depths
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
91%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
A multi-frequency professional metal detector from a domestic manufacturer is the result of a refinement of the legendary model 72/72.
MFT technology and tuning to the required frequency in the range from 1 to 30 kHz provide high-quality search at any depth, especially if you switch to the “Turbo” mode. For example, the device is capable of detecting 5 Soviet kopecks at a depth of up to 2.5 m.
There are also plenty of other improvements here: SFT reduces interference from ground mineralization by 10 times, and the S-algorithm significantly improves discrediting. Identifying finds has also become easier thanks to the visual display of objects.
Advantages:
- Large detection depth;
- Advanced functionality;
- Visual and sound identification;
- Customizable discrimination masks;
- Automatic ground balance;
- Two sensitivity adjustment modes: automatic and manual.
Flaws:
- It is noisy and quickly drains battery power.
AKA Signum is best suited for searching for antiquities and military items at great depths.
Over 40,000 rubles - depth 50 cm for a coin and 150 cm for a large object
These types of metal detectors are used by real professionals who hunt for treasures. Thanks to the implemented modern technical solutions, they allow searching at the maximum depth accessible to modern technology.
Typical representatives of the category are E-Trac and CTX 3030. When determining the type of object, data on conductivity and inductance is used, which not every model can provide. Also, 28 frequencies can be used in operation, and not one, as in conventional metal detectors.
- Minelab EQUINOX 800
- Aka Signum MFD
- XP Deus
When choosing a metal detector, it is better to try not to save money. Most often, this is a one-time expense that can justify itself only at certain levels of search. It is worth understanding that coins or treasures cannot regrow. And when saving, for example, 12,000 rubles, there is a high risk of missing an expensive coin or valuable item, which will have a value significantly greater than the amount of money saved. Treasure hunting is increasingly becoming part of the everyday life and hobbies of ordinary people. Therefore, it is worth carefully studying how to choose the right metal detector for yourself so as not to miss your first treasure.
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