Picking The Best Metal Detector
Pose the question of "What is the best metal detector" on any of the popular metal detecting forums and more than likely you will receive as many different answers as the amount of responses to your post.
The reason is very simple..... The best metal detector is the metal detector you are familiar with.
The reason is very simple..... The best metal detector is the metal detector you are familiar with.
Picking the best metal detector can be a very complex and stressful undertaking, but it doesn't have to be that way.
With such a huge selection of quality metal detectors available with models ranging from basic turn-on-and-go machines up to units with fully customizable hunting options, picking the right metal detector may seem like a daunting task.
Relax... It won't be as hard as you think. you will first have to answer some basic questions, and then the rest will come naturally.
Though the answers will be unique to everyone that reads this, the answers will also be the same because you hold the key to picking the best metal detector. Make sense?
Hopefully after reading this article and answering the questions you will be presented with, you will have the knowledge necessary to make a well informed buying decision.
Fisher F-2 ... Another winner from Fisher Metal Detectors. First timers may wish to choose the factory default settings, which will have you digging your first treasure within hours after receiving it.
After you spend some time with this great detector, you will feel
confident in exploring all of the custom features and be able to turn this unit into a coin seeking, jewelry finding powerhouse which competes with higher priced metal detectors.
Whites Prizm III ... An entry level metal detector from Whtes Metal Detectors that is affordable yet has easy to operate features that are perfect for the beginner or as an adequate backup for the more experienced.
Tesoro Silver uMax... Though this detector is not strictly entry level, its affordable pricing and turn on and go simplicity make it an excellent choice and a unit to grow into. Backed by Tesoro metal Detectors lifetime warranty, this metal detector is a favorite of those both new to the hobby and detectorists with years of experience.
With such a huge selection of quality metal detectors available with models ranging from basic turn-on-and-go machines up to units with fully customizable hunting options, picking the right metal detector may seem like a daunting task.
Relax... It won't be as hard as you think. you will first have to answer some basic questions, and then the rest will come naturally.
Though the answers will be unique to everyone that reads this, the answers will also be the same because you hold the key to picking the best metal detector. Make sense?
Hopefully after reading this article and answering the questions you will be presented with, you will have the knowledge necessary to make a well informed buying decision.
What Will You Be Hunting For?
Will you be hunting for specific items such as relics and gold,
or is finding coins and jewelry more likely to be how you spend your time?
Some brands may perform flawlessly in the conditions in which you normally hunt, while others may have a hard time with the depth they achieve, or the way in which they determine the target under your coil.
or is finding coins and jewelry more likely to be how you spend your time?
Some brands may perform flawlessly in the conditions in which you normally hunt, while others may have a hard time with the depth they achieve, or the way in which they determine the target under your coil.
Where Will You Be Hunting?
Will you be metal detecting in parks, field, yards, beach or water. If you're beach or water hunting, will it be primarily a salt water or fresh water beach?
Again, some of the best metal detectors for on application may not perform favorably in other locations.
Mineralization of the soil, sand and water can play havoc with metal detectors which haven't been manufactured to operate in a highly mineralized environment.
Gold prospectors face this challenge also as the black sand deposits in which gold in normally found is highly mineralized.
Whats Your Metal Detector Budget?
Metal detectors are available in a wide range of prices, and prices as we all know dictate features.
You will find excellent performing basic metal detectors are available from all of the big name manufacturers.
Below is just a partial list of excellent performing entry level metal detectors by name brand manufacturers that won't break the bank, yet have enough power to have you digging coins and relics of the past in short order.
Fisher F-2 ... Another winner from Fisher Metal Detectors. First timers may wish to choose the factory default settings, which will have you digging your first treasure within hours after receiving it.
After you spend some time with this great detector, you will feel
confident in exploring all of the custom features and be able to turn this unit into a coin seeking, jewelry finding powerhouse which competes with higher priced metal detectors.
Whites Prizm III ... An entry level metal detector from Whtes Metal Detectors that is affordable yet has easy to operate features that are perfect for the beginner or as an adequate backup for the more experienced.
Tesoro Silver uMax... Though this detector is not strictly entry level, its affordable pricing and turn on and go simplicity make it an excellent choice and a unit to grow into. Backed by Tesoro metal Detectors lifetime warranty, this metal detector is a favorite of those both new to the hobby and detectorists with years of experience.
Should I Buy a New or Used Metal Detector?
Thats a question that only you can answer. If your decision is based solely on cost, an entry level machine like the ones above may be the answer.
There are two trains of thought on what the best metal detector you can buy are. Number one is to buy a less expensive machine to make sure this hobby is right for you. Do yourself a big favor and don't buy a toy, but an older, high quality metal detector with basic features needed to separate trash from treasure.
Number two is to get a top of the line metal detector with features you can grow into, and whose technology will not be replaced overnight. A purchase like this may give you a tool that will last a lifetime.
Again, this will depend on how involved you are or wish to become in this hobby, These top of the line units will take time to fully master, and the fun part is you will always be learning or trying new programs, settings and techniques to maximize your time spent in the field.
My take on this is look in on the forums online and read of others experiences both good and bad. One of my favorites is TreasureNets forum. You can browse the posts, read reviews, and see some of the items being found every day by the friendly members of this great metal detecting communities.
If you find yourself reading the posts for hours and your mind goes racing at the thought of pulling a 100 year old coin from the ground, this just might be the hobby for you.
I believe in buying the best metal detector that you can afford and grow into it. This might mean buying a used metal detector, or if your budget allows, one of the new models with all the bells and whistles.
There is a wide variety of excellent new and used metal detectors on Ebay and my advice to you is to research them all to see which one is the best fit for the type of metal detecting you intend to do.
My metal detector is a Fisher 1266 X, and though I've used it for close to 10 years, it still performs like the day I took it out of the box. If you browse any of the metal detecting forums, you will find that many hobbyists still prefer this model, so don't write a particular metal detector off just because of its age, or you think its old technology.
Of course, the technology available in the newer metal detectors make anyone that has been involved with this hobby salivate.
Some of the best metal detectors available today have multiple modes and programs for the different conditions you may encounter in the field.
With these models you have the ability to pick, tweak, or create your own program for the different conditions that you may find yourself in to get that extra inch or two of depth, fine tune your discrimination, or ground balance in heavily mineralized areas.
Two older models in particular I want to own one of these days is the Fisher CZ-5 and the Tesoro Golden Sabre. They were both great metal detectors that use the notching system that helps in finding those elusive nickels and gold rings, yet still eliminate the majority of trash dug.
The Minelab Explorer is one of the detectors on my wish list and hopefully I will be reviewing this unit in the future.
Hopefully this article will help you make an informed decision on buying the best metal detector for your needs.
Please check back regularly for updates to this article and future articles I will be posting all relating to the great hobby of metal detecting.
Until Next Time!
Mike
PS. If you intend on hunting primarily in urban settings, you may wish to consider a detector with a frequency shift option which will be a big help if you're hunting under power lines, or in close proximity to another source of electrical interference.
I've been trying to hunt my backyard in Chicago, but I have to crank my sensitivity down to practically non-existent. I've found coins down around the 5" depths using a 3" coil, but the coins are clad and dating to the early 70's.
I know there's silver deeper down, but the interference from the power lines is driving me nuts. I love my Fisher 1266, but I've gotta get my hands on one of the newer machines. I know that pulling silver from this will be the ultimate test, but one that the newer Fishers, Minelabs, Garretts, Tesoro's, Teknetics, (love the T2) will easily handle.
Whew!!!!! That was a long PS.
Thats a question that only you can answer. If your decision is based solely on cost, an entry level machine like the ones above may be the answer.
There are two trains of thought on what the best metal detector you can buy are. Number one is to buy a less expensive machine to make sure this hobby is right for you. Do yourself a big favor and don't buy a toy, but an older, high quality metal detector with basic features needed to separate trash from treasure.
Number two is to get a top of the line metal detector with features you can grow into, and whose technology will not be replaced overnight. A purchase like this may give you a tool that will last a lifetime.
Again, this will depend on how involved you are or wish to become in this hobby, These top of the line units will take time to fully master, and the fun part is you will always be learning or trying new programs, settings and techniques to maximize your time spent in the field.
My take on this is look in on the forums online and read of others experiences both good and bad. One of my favorites is TreasureNets forum. You can browse the posts, read reviews, and see some of the items being found every day by the friendly members of this great metal detecting communities.
If you find yourself reading the posts for hours and your mind goes racing at the thought of pulling a 100 year old coin from the ground, this just might be the hobby for you.
I believe in buying the best metal detector that you can afford and grow into it. This might mean buying a used metal detector, or if your budget allows, one of the new models with all the bells and whistles.
There is a wide variety of excellent new and used metal detectors on Ebay and my advice to you is to research them all to see which one is the best fit for the type of metal detecting you intend to do.
My metal detector is a Fisher 1266 X, and though I've used it for close to 10 years, it still performs like the day I took it out of the box. If you browse any of the metal detecting forums, you will find that many hobbyists still prefer this model, so don't write a particular metal detector off just because of its age, or you think its old technology.
Of course, the technology available in the newer metal detectors make anyone that has been involved with this hobby salivate.
Some of the best metal detectors available today have multiple modes and programs for the different conditions you may encounter in the field.
With these models you have the ability to pick, tweak, or create your own program for the different conditions that you may find yourself in to get that extra inch or two of depth, fine tune your discrimination, or ground balance in heavily mineralized areas.
Two older models in particular I want to own one of these days is the Fisher CZ-5 and the Tesoro Golden Sabre. They were both great metal detectors that use the notching system that helps in finding those elusive nickels and gold rings, yet still eliminate the majority of trash dug.
The Minelab Explorer is one of the detectors on my wish list and hopefully I will be reviewing this unit in the future.
Hopefully this article will help you make an informed decision on buying the best metal detector for your needs.
Please check back regularly for updates to this article and future articles I will be posting all relating to the great hobby of metal detecting.
Until Next Time!
Mike
PS. If you intend on hunting primarily in urban settings, you may wish to consider a detector with a frequency shift option which will be a big help if you're hunting under power lines, or in close proximity to another source of electrical interference.
I've been trying to hunt my backyard in Chicago, but I have to crank my sensitivity down to practically non-existent. I've found coins down around the 5" depths using a 3" coil, but the coins are clad and dating to the early 70's.
I know there's silver deeper down, but the interference from the power lines is driving me nuts. I love my Fisher 1266, but I've gotta get my hands on one of the newer machines. I know that pulling silver from this will be the ultimate test, but one that the newer Fishers, Minelabs, Garretts, Tesoro's, Teknetics, (love the T2) will easily handle.
Whew!!!!! That was a long PS.