There are a number of things to consider when looking for the best entry level metal detectors. While you are still looking for a ‘simple’ and easy-to-use metal detector kit, you want a product that will produce tangible results.
Does The Best Entry Level Metal Detector Include Accessories…
In other words, it may be alright to just shop for good basic metal detectors for beginners, however… In order for someone new to the hobby to enjoy it and find it rewarding, you will want quality equipment that finds treasure.
Yes, you can buy a bargain metal detector, but, does that metal detector include storage pouches, headphones, pinpointers, edge diggers, educational videos and more…. These additional extras can add up rather quickly as we have found when we first began.
Choose A Quality Beginners Metal Detecting Kit From A Known Brand
Just think HOW frustrating it is when you get a new item, you are itching to get out and start straight away…. And you discover much to your annoyance, you need to buy an additional necessary item/s. Or worse, the excitement nose dives when the detector breaks or fails to work.
What’s Usually Included In The Best Entry Level Metal Detector Kit:
- Metal detector
- Storage bag
- Many kits include a pinpointer
- Headphones
- Trowel
- Edge digger
- Treasure storage pouches
- Coil cover
- Multiple search modes
- Adjustable sensitivity
- Lightweight, solid construction
- Waterproof
- Easy-to-use, simple instructions to get you in the field quicker
Make Sure You Read The ” What’s Included” List
This is a basic list of course. Make sure you read the “what’s included” list carefully on your chosen detecting kit to make sure it contains what you need. They all vary. Often by spending time researching on Amazon and being patient, you can pick up a great deal from the better known brands. These brands are Garrett, Bounty Hunter, Fisher,Whites and Tesoro to name a few. Read those reviews on metal detectors and educate yourself.
Spend Time Reading Reviews On Metal Detectors
Think about where you will be detecting, freshwater areas, down at the beach, deserts, old diggings and so on. Will the best detector for gold or treasure you are thinking of buying be suitable for those environmental conditions?
Okay, let’s get into these 3 reviews of metal detectors by Garrett. These are quality beginners detecting kits designed to be inclusive for a beginner to experienced from any age or experience. Garrett makes detectors which work and if cared for properly after use, will last you for years to come.
Gold Pan
Brand Name
Star Rating
More Details
Garrett AT Pro Metal Detector Special with Pro Pointer AT PinPointer, Bag, Pouch, Hat, Cover and Digging Knife
4.7 / 5 Stars
Garrett Ace 250 Metal Detector with Headphones, DVD, Digging Trowel, Finds Pouch and Carry Bag
4.5 / 5 Stars
1) Garrett AT Pro Submersible Metal Detector Special with Pro Pointer AT PinPointer, Bag, Pouch, Hat, Cover and Digging Knife
The AT Pro by Garrett use one of their premium metal detectors. The next detector above the AT Pro is the AT Gold which is the Rolls-Royce in the line of Garrett products.
The AT Pro Goes Anywhere Anytime
This exceptionally rugged detector is designed to be taken virtually anywhere without worry. If you want to search for gold or treasure in lakes, deserts, ghost towns, in rivers, in streams or at the beach, you’ll find this model can take you anywhere for years to come.
The AT Pro will capably target jewelry, coins, gold, relics, and even should you get lucky, gold nuggets.
Benefits of the Garrett AT Pro:
- 8.5″ x 11″ PROformance™ DD submersible searchcoil (as shown)
- Garrett 1140900 Pro-Pointer
- Waterproof to 10 feet
- Garrett Mastersound headphones
- Garrett Diggers Pouch
- Garrett Edge Digger
- Garrett camouflage soft case
- Garrett camouflage cap
- Weighs 3.03 lbs
- Garrett storage pouch
- Educational videos
- Standard or professional search modes with enhanced audio feature
- 40 levels of precise ability to target treasure from trash
- Digital target ID
- Weatherproof housing
- Continuous battery indicator
Benefits Of A Water Proof Metal Detector
This is the beauty of the AT Pro. You can take this model and detect any type of water condition up to a depth of 10 feet. Which, when you think about it is pretty deep and the reality is most of us won’t be detecting in that depth of water. The housing is designed to protect the detector from human, wet or dusty environments as it is completely 100% waterproof.
Garrett 1140900 Pro-Pointer
The Garrett 1140900 Pro-Pointer included in this entry-level metal detectors kit is the latest model. It’s incredibly popular due to its effectiveness.
There are 3 sensitivity levels for improved detection of small targets and nuggets. One press the button instantly tunes out the environment or narrows the detection field for precise pinpointing.
Standard And Pro Settings
High-Res Iron Discrimination
Depending on the area that you are searching in, the High-Res Iron Discrimination has 40 levels to set the iron discrimination to help you weed out the good targets of treasure or gold from any trash.
Digital Target ID
The Digital Target ID as a scale of 0 to 99 which gives you the increased ability to distinguish one target’s conductivity from another. This is a huge benefit when you are metal detecting.
15 kHz Frequency
The 15 kHz frequency means you can more easily detect those smaller targets of small pieces of jewelry, tiny coins and gold nuggets. The Continous Coin Depth Indicator clearly shows you how far down your target is. They are Graphic Target Analyser shows you the targets conductivity as well.
Included Accessories
The Garrett Master Sound Headphones give you independent left and right volume control and they are comfortable to wear with their closed, air cushioned earpieces. The leather headband is completely adjustable and padded for comfort which is especially important if you’re wearing them for long periods of time. Note, these headphones are not waterproof.
The 1/4 inch stereo phone plug means you can use these headphones with any metal detector or stereo system, an extra bonus.
Garrett Edge Digger
The Garrett Edge Digger is made from tough carbon steel with a 7.5-inch digging blade with a total length of 12 inches. One side has cutting teeth to cut through tough roots and ground. The blade has a comfortable rubber handle to provide protection if you are doing a lot of digging.
Storage Bag
The storage bag is plenty of room to store both the detector and other small items, plus its padded for extra protection.
Educational DVD
The include educational DVD is easy to understand and includes all the necessary information you need to know on how to use the garret AT Pro, what all the different functions are and how to adjust them. You will learn how to use the AT Pro in different environmental conditions for the best results. As you can see, all the above included accessories, along with one of Garretts top metal detectors, you have quite possibly the best entry level metal detector kit here.
2) Garrett Waterproof Submersible AT Pro Digger’s Special
Well, there is not a lot more that I can say about the Garrett Waterproof Submersible AT Pro as I have said it all above.
Charles Garrett first began making metal detectors in 1964, 52 years ago. In their mission statement they are dedicated full giving an unparalleled customer satisfaction experience. They have an excellent return policy and they are continually improving their products as technology improves with new advances.
This entry-level metal detectors kit is $127 less than the first kit.
Benefits Of the Garrett Waterproof submersible AT Pro Digger’s Special:
- Garrett AT Pro Metal Detector with standard 8.5″ x 11″ DD coil
- Garrett Mastersound Headphones
- Coil cover
- Camo digger’s pouch
- Garrett Edge Digger with sheath
- At Pro Camo Ball Cap
- Deluxe Camo Carrying Case
- Educational DVDs
The At Pro Incorporates Garretts New Exclusive Technolgy
This is an all inclusive, all-terrain metal detector incorporating new and exclusive Garrett technology to give you the best metal detecting results possible. And, results are an important part of being out in the field. It’s a great feeling to come home with perhaps some old coins, a gold nugget of whatever size, or piece of jewelery which has been buried for years in some old ghost town…
Waterproof To 10 feet
As I have already mentioned, the AT Pro is waterproof which means you can use it at the beach, in a stream or a lake to a depth of 10 feet. Metal detecting can take you anywhere so it’s important you have a detector that can go anywhere, which is what this model can do.
Outstanding Fine Tuning Lets You Know What You Have Found ( Almost)
One of the great benefits of using a more advanced model is that you can fine tune to the point where you pretty much know exactly what you are detecting. Once you learn how the machine works and had some hours of practice, you’ll be able to hear very quickly what the tones mean.
The At Pro User Display
One of the best features is the Digital Target ID which goes from 0 to 99 which isn’t something that you’ll see on other Garrett detectors. This nifty feature helps you decide whether a target is worth while going after.
The touchpad gives you access to 40 discrimination levels to sift out trash from valuable targets depending on the iron levels in the ground around you.
Included Accessories
The Deluxe Camo Carrying Case is actually large enough to fit two detectors into it, it such a good roomy size. There is plenty of storage room.
Garrett Mastersound Headphones
The Garrett Mastersound Headphones and the Garrett Edge Digger with the included Sheath. The Mastersound headphones are designed with comfort in mind with the adjustable padded leather headband. The earmuffs are also well padded and a perfectly comfortable to wear for a few hours at a time.
As I have or be mentioned, the 1/4 inch jack will fit all other metal detector models, as well as your stereo so it can do double duty. Please note these headphones are not waterproof.
Garrett Edge Digger
The Edge Digger is a useful tool made from toughened carbon steel which you can use out on the field and around the camp site. It’s 7.5-inch digging blade is a very effective serrated edge to dig into the ground and clear away any fibrous matter.
Camo Pouch
The Diggers Camo Pouch is a lightweight, 110-inch deep zippered bag which you can secure around your waist.The strap is adjustable. There is an interior zippered in which you can store your treasure. The way strap fits up to a 48 inch waist.
The Garrett Waterproof submersible AT Pro Digger’s Special is one of the best entry level metal detector kit, minus the Garrett 1140900 Pro-Pointer AT in the kit above.
3) Garrett Ace 250 Metal Detector with Headphones, DVD, Digging Trowel, Finds Pouch and Carry Bag
Okay, let’s just say it. Right out of the box, this collection of accessories bundled together by Garrett make the Garret Ace 250 Metal Detector kit one of the best mid-range, entry-level metal detectors you will find.
Combine this with a kit which includes a whole bunch of extras, and you are set to go. As we have mentioned, those extra items can add up to a lot of extra dollars. This metal detectors kit for beginners is an excellent, inexpensive gift choice, to yourself, or for someone else….
One point to be aware of: The Ace 250 is not to be used in saltwater areas.
Benefits of the Garret Ace 250:
- 6.5″ x 9″ PROformance™ coil
- Electronic Pinpointing to exactly locate your target for a fast recovery
- 5 Search modes: create your own continuous coin depth indicator or use the preset discrimination mode
- Garret headphones
- Garret recovery finds pouch
- Garrett bag
- Garret Trowel
- Instructional Ace 250 DVD
Electronic Pinpointing And How To Use It
Learning how to use electronic pinpointing function on the Ace 250 is an important one. Luckily it is really simple to learn how to use this technique.
A 6″Hole Or A 2 ” Hole….
When you are out in the field treasure hunting, you need to know how to pinpoint correctly because this can make the difference between digging a 6 inch hole or a 2 inch hole. I’m sure you’d agree with me, the least amount of digging the better!
The PinPoint Button
When you have detected a target, you then place the 6.5″ x 9″ PROformance™ coil
on the ground to the side of the targets “suspected”location. Next, press and hold the Pinpoint Pushbutton while you maintain contact with the ground with the searchcoil. Slowly sweep your searchcoil from left to right and up and down… The maximum amount of sound will be heard when the target is directly beneath the centre of the searchcoil.
The Upper Scale LCD Screen
You will note that while using the electronic Pinpointing function, the Upper Scale on the LCD screen will indicate signal strength. When the highest number of LCD segments which work from left to right on the screen appear, you are now directly over the target. It’s easy isn’t it?
“Coil Scrubbing”
The reason you keep the 6.5″ x 9″ PROformance™ coil on the ground is to ensure you keep direct contact with the ground-this is called “coil scrubbing”. If the ground is too uneven for coil scrubbing, make sure you keep the coil and even distance from the ground for accurate detecting. By learning how to listen to the audio signals and reading the Upper Scale display, you’re very quickly learn how your Ace 250 pinpoints both deep and shallow targets.
Adjustable Stem
The stem, which is the long piece between the coil and the control box has an easy pushbutton function on it. This means the whole family can use the ACE 250 from the youngest to the oldest to suit everyone’s body and arm length.
Padded Handgrip and Adjustable cuff
Another benefit Garrett have included is the padded handgrip. This high density foam grip stops your hands from cramping and getting sore.
The adjustable cuff can be tightened all loosened all loosened with the Velcro fastening
Included Accessories
Included in the Garrett ACE 250 metal detector the beginners kit is a lightweight digging trowel made from plastic. Having a trowel on hand is always a good thing for digging away the dirt from around your find.
The Headphones
Included are a set of headphones with a1/4 inch jack which will suit any other Garrett metal detector. The benefit of wearing headphones is so you can block out any other noise around you, so you can focus more intently on the metal detector sound when it finds a target.
The Carry Bag
The Garrett ACE 250 is an ample size to carry the detector and its accessories. There is a shoulder strap to sling the whole lot over your shoulder as you are off in the field exploring.
Jims Final Thoughts On Buying An Best Entry Level Metal Detector….
The rewarding hobby of treasure hunting has come a long way with Garretts cutting edge innovations in metal detecting. For a while it seemed to be a hobby that the average person couldn’t afford to enter…. Now that there are many ‘starter kits’ in existence, metal detecting manufacturers such as Garrett have seen the value in putting together the best entry level metal detector kits which are comprehensive and suited for beginners. These 3 sets here are 3 of the most comprehensive, good metal detectors for beginners created to include everything you need at reasonable price point. As we said, read up on reviews on metal detectors, get to know them, how they work and people’s experiences. Reviews are a great way to make an informed choice for future success…
