There are a few takeaway points of what to look for in a metal detector and what to be aware of when buying the best metal detectors for beginners Naturally every budding enthusiast wants results right now- who doesn’t right? Buying the right unit at the right price certainly helps get results, making the process rewarding and fun.
The technology used in each detector’s electrical circuit design plays a crucial part in how well the metal detector works. It is also why reading up on the best metal detector for beginners reviews is worthwhile. Reading reviews helps reduce possible future disappointments brought on by rushing into a poor investment you’ll regret.
5 Basic Metal Detecting Terms To Get Familiar With
- Discrimination- discrimination is the detectors ability to exclude specific types of metal based on its conductivity. High conductivity means you can filter out the rubbish such as bottle tops, ring pulls etc when you want to find “real” treasure.
- Notch- is a feature which helps you target exactly the type of metals you’re searching for.
Digital Target ID- There are 2 types of digital target ID’s- Notch ID and Number ID. Notch ID identifys a target assigned it to a ‘category’ or range of metals based on its size and conductivity. Number ID is a more precise form of target ID. It runs on a scale from 1-99, allowing for much more precise identification of targets. For example low conductive trash signals can range from 0-30, whilest good higher conductive targets range from 30-99.
- Ground Balance- allows your machine to read your exact ground conditions and cancel out the unwanted ground signals. This allows you to track and identify targets at much better depths.
- Sensitivity-This particular setting gives you the ability to increase/decrease the depth at which the detector returns a signal. It’s better to hunt with the highest level of sensitivity as possible for maximum depth.
- Frequency- is simply the number of times your detector is pumping energy into the ground searching for a target. For beginners a detector working between 5 kHz or 10 kHz is fine. When you graduate to a high-end or specialty machine, the yes, frequency becomes important.
The most common technology used is VLF (Very Low Frequency), which specializes in distinguishing between different metal types. Any ground with a high mineral content is best suited for a VLF metal detector with a 4 kHz range. These are most sensitive to identify metals like copper and silver. When searching for gold, it is best to use a metal detector with a frequency range between 18-71 kHz.
Comfort of use is also very important to consider when buying the best starter metal detector. Using any metal detector for an extended period of time is likely to cause injury or soreness. For this reason, many types have installed a harness or bungee system that allows the user to lessen the strain placed on their arms from continuous holding. Also, newer models now tend to be of a much lighter design and implementations such as these are more suited to the older and heavier models. When considering buying metal detectors for beginners, the unit weight is an important consideration.
Which Are The Main Brands Of Metal Detectors For Beginners?
The 2 main metal detectors for beginners brands to start their metal detecting expeditions are;
Bounty Metal Detectors
Bounty Hunter provides metal detectors for beginners that are lightweight and affordable. They are produced in the US and use automatic ground balance technology as well as accurate target ID technology.
Precise readouts are given showing the target and its depth. Additionally, 4-level iron discrimination is used to make pinpointing finds easier. Most Bounty Hunter metal detectors come with a 5-year warranty.
Bounty Hunter Metal detectors are available in a wide variety of choices and included accessories. If you are a beginner in the field of metal detecting, a starters kit is a good idea as it contains everything you need from gear to instructions….
Garrett Metal detectors
Garrett metal detectors have been sold in the US since 1964. The company prides itself on designing metal detectors for beginners and professionals that bear multiple modes for an overall versatile design.
‘Coin Mode’ focuses the detector on only picking up coin signals. ‘Jewellery Mode’ lets you concentrate your search to detect rings, watches and necklaces.
‘All Metal Mode’ is one of the broadest default settings and will identify any metallic item buried in the ground. In any metal detector reviews, you will always find Garret metal detectors for beginners are one of the most popular and reliable metal detectors around.
A Garrett metal detector is thought by many to be the best metal detector for beginners since you don’t have to be completely familiar with all settings before you get going on your find; but rather, switch to your preferred mode and you’re good to go! Again, they have many excellent beginner packs with everything you need included which provides value for money.
Detectors
Brand Name
Star Rating
More Details
Deluxe Garrett Ace 300 Handheld Metal Detector With Free Accessories
4.3 / 5 Stars
Fisher F22 Weatherproof Metal Detector with Submersible Search Coil
4.4 / 5 Stars
Garrett AT Pro Metal Detector All Terrain Land and Water Metal Detector
4.5 / 5 Stars
1). Garrett Ace 350 Handheld Metal Detector
The Garrett Ace 350 comes with an enhanced iron resolution which gives users added control over iron discrimination levels to distinguish junk from good finds. A ‘Double-D Search Coil’ makes for added detection depth as well as increased performance quality when looking in highly mineralised terrain.
The larger frequency of the Garrett Ace 350 makes it one of the best metal detectors for beginners capable of exposing small targets like gold nuggets as well as larger ones like relics. Included headphones will ensure your expeditions are kept distraction-free and an electric pin-pointing system is also added to let users quickly find their targets. If you are after a handheld pinpointer- check out our 10 most popular units here
Benefits of the Garret Ace 350:
- Includes powerful new 8.5″ x 11″ Double-D search coil provides greater detection depth and performance in mineralized grounds and excellent scanning coverage.
- Enhanced Iron Resolution, helps separate good targets from adjacent junk iron
- Higher Frequency for improved ability to detect both small and large targets
- Electronic Pinpointing: to precisely locate target and speed recovery
- 5 Search modes, select pre-set discrimination pattern or create your own
- Interchangeable ACE series search coils available
- Includes Garrett Clear Sound Easy Stow volume control headphones
- Continuous Coin Depth Indicator: to determine target depth
- Battery Condition Indicator
- One-Touch operation, disassembles to 24″, adjustable arm cuff, 3-piece travel/storage, quarter-inch (1/4″) size headphone jack
What Are The ACE 350 5 Different Search Modes?
The choice between 5 different search modes exists for allowing users to select the appropriate option for their dig.
- 1) The ‘Coin’ option will set the Ace 350 to only identify coin-like objects while the ‘Relic’ selection alerts users to the existence of buried World War I and II items.
- 2) Advanced treasure hunters will likely gear toward the ‘Custom’ setting’ which also remembers the tuning of your detector for when you go to use it next time.
- 3) ‘All Metal’ will pick up anything made from a metallic substance
- 4) And the ‘Jewellery’ setting is there to help make finding that lost $100,000 ring much easier!
- 5) Relics of course picks up those hidden old relics tucked away…
- 6) Electronic pinpointing
A great little unit, pre-programmed search options remove the need for first timer trial-and-error when firing up the Ace 350. Along with an adjustable rod to accommodate for any person tall or short, the Garrett Ace 350 is one of the best metal detectors for beginners you can’t go wrong with this beautiful machine. Here’s a short guide on What Are The Different Types Of Metal Detecting Search Coils
2). Fisher F22 Metal Detector with Pinpointer
This is a great metal detectors for beginners unit as it includes a pinpointer to precisely target treasure. Sold with a pin-pointer function, the Fisher F22 Weatherproof Metal Detector with Submersible Search Coil is considered by many to be a perfectly balanced unit, packed full of many interesting features.
Using a lightweight and attractive design, beginners from youngsters to elders will enjoy the performance and ease of use that the F2 offers. With a choice of 3 coils for land to underwater treasure hunts, your first expedition at the beach can be free from the stress of a malfunctioning unit.
Fisher F22 Metal Detector:
- 7” Concentric Elliptical Searchcoil
- 11” Triangulated ConcentricElliptical Searchcoil
- 11” DD Elliptical Open Searchcoil
- 8-Segment visual target identification and 4-tone audio I.D.
- Fast and sensitive target response with 2-digit numeric target value
- One-touch pinpoint with numeric depth readout
- Includes Fisher Point Pinpointer and 4″ Search Coil
- Coin depth indicator in motion search mode
- Light weight with ergonomic S-Handle design
- Notch system for accepting or rejecting target categories
- 2x 9 volt alkaline batteries and 5 Year Warranty
Jumbo Sized LCD Screen Shows Read Outs At A Glance
The best metal detectors for beginners wouldn’t be complete without all important readouts such as depth and item ID able to be clearly displayed on the F22’s jumbo-sized LCD. Modern styled touchpad controls are straight forward to play with and the presence of an external headphone jack is there to provide a clearer hearing of any find.
Distracting sounds coming from nearby traffic or other beach goers will likely deter users from focusing on their hunt. For this reason, it’s further stressed that people put on a good pair of headphones while they search.
The Fisher F22 also comes with a free 5-year warranty. The inclusion of 2 9-volt alkaline batteries allows for immediate use of the F2 upon purchase and an ergonomically designed S-Handle creates the ideal level of comfort for any user.
This is also because the F22 is a single frequency detector that comes with a pre-set ground balance to make it easier for beginners to learn the ropes. This is definitely one of the best excellent metal detectors for beginners who are just starting that I can recommend, good and reliable with a long warranty. If you are looking for a useful sand scoop, check out our Best Metal Detecting Sand Scoops For Revealing ………Treasure
3). Tesoro Compadre Metal Detector Review
Engineered with the idea in mind that ‘less is more’, metal detector reviews have decided that Tesoro have come up with one of the perfect metal detectors for beginners that’s sure to give any newcomer to the world of prospecting a warm welcome!
Judged by many to be a great beginners metal detector, the Tesoro works best when being used to uncover coins and the occasional relic. More importantly, it works as a great metal detector without an obnoxious amount of knobs and dials to constantly go back and change. Perfect for the standard entry-level beginner!
Benefits of the Tesoro Compadre Metal Detector At A Glance:
- Features the Tesoro ED-180 Discrimination function for trashy type sites
- Designed for use by beginners to advanced users
- Perfect for relic hunting, coin hunting and competition hunting
- Silent Search All Metal and Discrimination Modes
- Quality built American Made metal detector
- 3-Piece Knockdown Pole
- Lifetime Warranty
“One Knob” Feature Makes The Tesoro Simple For Beginners
The default mode once you turn it on is ‘Silent Search’ which dually works as a ‘Motion All-Metal Mode’ for detecting. For any hunting site saturated with excess amounts of rubbish, a single knob located on the Tesoro turned once will raise discrimination levels to best deal with the environment.
This simplistic ‘one knob’ design feature makes it the best metal detector for beginners to pop their cherry on!
Advanced users can also benefit from the Tesoro’s ED-180 discrimination system; however, a novice is recommended to stick with the single knob control for the first few months of ownership.
Worried about making first-timer mistakes that can result in a broken metal detector? Worry no more!
Price is also something worth considering when checking out this particular metal detector. Online prices tend to range around the $150 mark for a unit like this. What should be noted is the Tesoro Compadre has been said to successfully detect the presence of nuggets and most metal detectors made for that purpose are priced over $200. To find out more, read the metal detector reviews of people who have bought this metal detector through Amazon.
4). Best Metal Detector for Coins: White’s Coinmaster – 800-0325
White’s Coinmaster Metal Detector makes it onto our list of the best metal detector for coins for any budding beginner to practice the fine art of coin hunting. The Target ID feature lets you know quickly what you’re looking at under the ground as well as how far you have to dig to get it out.
The Coinmaster is also fitted with a ‘5-Range Discrimination System’ that allows for users to hear the different signals of every item under the coil. Additionally, people may choose to block out the sounds caused by the detection of undesirables and isolate only the ones relevant to their expedition.
Benefits of the Whites Coinmaster 800-0325 Metal Detector:
- Five range discrimination is fully adjustable
- Waterproof 9″ Spider Coil is perfect for beach exploration
- See and listen to target and depth reading
- Screen shows you how deep you need to dig
- Pinpoint/All-Metal Mode-makes locating targets a snap
- Rugged Water-Resistant Box and weighs only 2.5lbs
- 2 x 9 volt batteries
- Made in USA
Perfect for exploring the local beach for loot, a 9” waterproof Spider Coil comes with the Coinmaster to ensure no dime goes unseen. A water-resistant control box further adds to the suitability of the Coinmaster to beach hunts.
Not only does the Coinmaster pick up coins, several treasure hunters have uncovered relics ranging from Indian arrowheads and wheats. One user even dug up a military uniform button from the 1870s!
Beginner treasure hunters across the world all agree the Coinmaster is one of the best starter metal detectors to use while you’re still on training wheels, as many come up with several old coins and other miscellaneous items of jewellery.
5). White’s TREASUREmaster Metal Detector – 800-0345
Much the same as the traditional Coinmaster, White’s TREASUREmaster Metal Detector comes with a slightly larger search coil to comb those more challenging hunting sites. Aside from a larger coil, another difference is the inclusion of many signature sounds to represent the various types of metals detectable by the Coinmaster Pro. This is a slightly more advanced unit, yet perfect for a beginner, which is why it makes it onto our list metal detectors for beginners
White’s Coinmaster Pro – 800-0345:
- 5-Range Discrimination helps you target everything, or, the signal types you choose
- Waterproof 9.5″ Spider Coil is ready for beach exploration
- Target ID-Display shows I.D. of targets as you hunt
- Features different audio tones for different objects
- Smart Notch that allow you to reject tabs at low discrimination or accept nickels at high discrimination
- Adjustable Sensitivity-maximizes depth in varying grounds
- Rugged Water-Resistant Box
- 2x 9 volt batteries
- Weighs only 2.5lbs
What Is ” Notch” Discrimination?
‘Notch Discrimination’ has also been added to the Coinmaster Pro along with a 
3-tone Target ID feature which advanced Coinmaster users have been known to find very helpful in their searches. Traces of iron detected cause the sound of a very deep tone to emit while other more desirable metals result in a higher pitched noise.
The notch feature will let you filter out all the unwanted items you’re likely to come across during a dig like pull-tabs from aluminum cans which is very useful when you are buying metal detectors for beginners
6). Best Metal Detector for the Money : Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Detector
The ever popular Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV is made with a lightweight design that is very appropriate for one of the best metal detectors for beginners to get used to using and feeling.
This metal detector can work in extreme ground conditions rich in mineral content such as saltwater beaches. Sensitivity settings are automatically maintained without needing users to always make changes to the TK4’ circuitry settings.
Bounty Hunter TK4 IV Detector:
- Rugged metal detector ideal for to detect in extreme ground conditions
- Motion All-Metal mode, Discrimination mode, and 2-Tone audio mode
- Preset ground balance works to safely neutralize response to ground minerals
- Disc/notch control alerts you to difference between ideal targets and unwanted metals
- Motion All-Metal mode, Discrimination mode plus 2-Tone audio mode
- Preset ground balance neutralizes response to mineral content in the ground
A Full Range Of Detection settings Is Vital
When looking at buying metal detectors for beginners, length of battery power life is vital. Running off 2 x 9-volt batteries, the TK4 Tracker is easy to handle and ergonomically built for comfort lasting several hours.
This type of detector works on different mode settings. If you’re going out looking for anything metallic, the TK4 Tracker can be set to ‘Motion All-Metal Mode’ to ensure that anything made of metal glossed over will become found in seconds.
‘Discrimination Mode’ is included to remove the detection of unwanted metals such as iron. Lastly, the TK4’s 2-tone audio feedback system makes distinguishing between unwanted metals and valuables a breeze when it goes off as the coil nears closer to a target.
A disc/notch control feature of the TK4 further eliminates any unwanted metals from detection. On top of that, sensitivity control works to lower all electromagnetic interference picked up by the metal detector. A target indicator metre is there to give the user visual cues displayed on the TK4’s LCD screen to the location of a nearby target.
This metal detectors for beginners detector goes deeper than many others do, thanks to its 8” open coil design.
The TK4 can detect any coin-sized object at up to 8” with larger objects able for detection at 3 feet depths. Submersion underwater is also possible as the TK4’s stem and coil are both waterproof, making one of the perfect metal detectors for beginners to learn how to look around shallow waters or damp grasslands. This is a good choice if you’re going metal detecting with the kids
7). Garrett AT Pro Metal Detector
Don’t let the name fool you, this is one of the best metal detectors for the money for both beginners and more advanced users too.
With waterproofing of up to 10”, the Garrett AT Pro Metal Detector will have you combing the rivers and oceans for hours in the hopes of finding some valuable treasures.
Sensitive Enough To Pick Small Coins To Gold
This metal detectors for beginners unit can pick up anything from coins to relics and can even be used to prospect for gold. Wonderfully priced for an ‘all terrain’ metal detector, the coil will give out a definitive sound whenever it is mulled over a piece of silver.
Long Battery Life
The AT Pro is also very sustainable when it comes to battery life. It’s not to often you have to do a battery-swap out in the field since the AT Pro can run for several hours at a time in a way that helps to conserve its power.
AT Pro Metal Detector:
- Rugged waterproof metal detector ideal for detecting treasure in extreme ground conditions
- 3 Detection Modes:Motion All-Metal mode, Discrimination mode, and 2-Tone audio mode
- Preset ground balance neutralizes response to mineral content in the ground
- Disc/notch control distinguishes between targets and unwanted metals
- Rugged metal detector ideal for detecting treasure in extreme ground conditions
- Motion All-Metal mode, Discrimination mode, and 2-Tone audio mode
- Preset ground balance neutralizes response to mineral content in the ground
- Disc/notch control distinguishes between targets and unwanted metals
- Searches to 8 inches for coin-size objects and 3 feet for larger objects
- 5 year warranty
At Pro Detector Offers Greater Choice Of Control
The control box on the Garrett AT Pro Metal Detector All Terrain Land and Water Metal Detector is very well laid out and offers minimal to no confusion in getting used to. Filtering out undesirables is made easy by its target separation features. The AT Pro will rapidly sort through trash and pick out the items you want through its superior-performing discrimination settings.
Auto Ground Balance Function For Ease
The ‘auto ground balance’ feature further makes the AT Pro a breeze to use especially when seeking out loose change or historical coins for collection. An easy to view, well laid out control box is an important element in any metal detectors for beginners kits.
Can Be Used For Ocean Detecting
Although it can be used in the water, the AT Pro for beginners is best tried out on land since ocean water particularly contains a larger amount of minerals likely to sound off lots of unwanted noise. You want to keep it simple when buying metal detectors for beginners.
Pro Performance Every Time
So all in all, the AT Pro metal detector is easy to set up, use and is always reliable for its ability to pick up many items that other modern metal detectors do occasionally miss. Whether you go treasure hunting at the beach, or scour the home for lost valuables, the AT Pro is favored by some to be the best all round metal detector created.
7 Best Metal Detectors For Beginners
When buying the best metal detectors for beginners, it’s a great idea to do your research intensively, read metal detector reviews of your chosen metal detector, watch videos on You Tube, if possible speak to someone from a metal detecting club about the different models of detectors and research metal detecting websites. This gives you confidence you haven chosen a good brand and one suitable for your level of experience.
There is nothing to beat a day out, whether it is at the beach, gold detecting or wandering through old mining sites searching for relics of days gone by… You just never know what you may find and how exciting when you unearth that find with your new best metal detectors for beginners. If you are thinking of beach detecting, check out my What To Look For In A Beach Metal Detector For Beach Detecting
I know my heart rate goes up in excited anticipation and I just can’t wait to see what the metal detector has found. I love the adventure of puzzling over an old coin or an implement and imaging what its history could be, where did it come from, who owned it, what kind of people where they…
My first metal detector for a beginner was a Tesoro which my grandparents bought for me and I spent hours fossicking around with my grandpa. I was so proud of its beautiful shiny face and fell completely and irrevocably in love with treasure fever for years. I read treasure stories voraciously and dreamed of lost treasure, gold, jewels, old coins, treasure chests abandoned or buried by people long ago…..
Now I am older and have progressed to different metal detectors, I always read metal detector reviews as I like to keep up with the news of what’s out there in new detecting units and technical knowledge.I believe the above are the best all round metal detectors on the market and I know you will have hours of fun!
Happy treasure hunting:)
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