10 Best Metal Detectors 2020

Buying a metal detector means either you have lost something or you are looking to join the hunt for treasure. In either case, getting the best metal detector is a must if you want to find things effectively. The difficulty that comes with buying your first metal detector is really in choosing which one is right for you.

There are the details of each to consider as well as the prices and the amount of use you would like to get out of it. To help make your decision easier we have outlined the top 10 most effective metal detectors on the market right now.

Things to Ask Yourself Before You Buy

  • How Deep Would You Like the Metal Detector to Work? 

In order to consider how deep a metal detector can pick up signals from the ground, we must first consider how it works. This piece of equipment uses battery power to create a magnetic field. This enters the ground and anything metal will be charged. This charge will send a signal back to the detector so you will know that you have found something. Most metal detectors can find metal one foot below the surface using this system. More professional detectors can reach further if you would like. In general, you will need to spend a great deal more money if you would like a deeper reach.

  • Which Component is the Most Important to You?

A metal detector consists of four basic components:

  • The stabilizer, which is the arm brace that is used to keep the detector steady as you work.
  • The control box is where all of the information is displayed including battery life, details of something being detected, etc.
  • The shaft, which adjusts to the height of the user.
  • The search coil is the aspect that actually detects metal.

These features determine comfort or effectiveness. You should focus on the one that is most important to you when investigating the details of these high-quality metal detectors.

Top 10 Metal Detectors Ultimate Table

PictureNameBest FeaturesPriceRating (1-5)
Picture
Name
Best Features
Price
Rating (1-5)
1. Garrett Ace 350 Handheld Metal Detector DD CoilElectronic pinpointing for maximum results.$$$$4.6
2. Bounty Hunter Discovery 3300 Metal DetectorMicroprocessor-controlled discrimination for sorting treasure from junk.$$$4.5
3. Fisher F2 Metal Detector Bonus Package8-Segment visual target ID for easy identification of valuable finds. $$4.5
4. Tesoro Silver uMax Metal DetectorAdvanced technology for silent search mode.$$$4.5
5. Bounty Hunter Time Ranger Metal Detector4-Mode Operation for professional use. $$$$4.4
6. Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal DetectorTough build and can really be taken anywhere. $4.3
7. Garrett Ace 150 Metal DetectorDepth indicator for precise search information. $$4.3
8. Bounty Hunter QSIGWP Quick Silver Metal DetectorAdvanced technology eliminates false-signals.$$4.2
9. American Hawks Explorer Metal DetectorFully adjustable for comfortable use. $$4.0
10. Winbest Pro Edition Metal Detector by BARSKAAuto balance and high sensitivity makes use very straightforward. $3.7

Tips and Advice for Buying a Good Metal Detector

Whether you are new to using a metal detector or looking to continue a hobby you should always investigate the most ideal ones independently. To determine which detector is the best metal detector for you, you should consider the following:

  • Extras and Price. Metal detectors in general can be found at inexpensive rates without compromising quality. What new users should be especially wary of are the added cost of the headphones and a digging tool.
  • Where. There are different metal detectors for those that frequently use their detector on the beach and those that use theirs in the water or in a wooded area.
  • Time Spent. The models with more electronic features on the control box are better for frequent users while occasional users could get by with a simpler model.

Top 5 Best Metal Detector Reviews

1. Garrett Ace 350

There are many models that claim to be great first detectors but often this limits it to not responding well when taken into rougher terrains. The Garrett Ace 350 is a “beginner” metal detector that performs like a professional model. In fact, as you progress in your abilities you will notice it picks up more than the majority of models on the market.

Not only is it great at detecting at lower depths but you will learn quickly with the useful target ID feature. It will give you the ability to identify junk and dismiss it, which will save time digging for nothing. It is possible to disable the sound for items that are not valuable so it will not distract you from your search.

For the true beginner, the best part about the Garrett Ace 350 is the accuracy of its depth indicator. It will pinpoint exactly where the treasure is, which will help you to cut down unnecessary time spent searching. The Garrett Ace 350 is a fine detector for first-time users and you will most probably find that you never part with it.

2. Bounty Hunter Discovery 3300

For an all round powerhouse of a metal detector, you can’t get any better than the Bounty Hunter Discovery 3300. It is extremely light and it is perfectly designed to be comfortable during long usage. It also has great adjustability to make it even easier to use. On top of everything else the display electronics are easy to read and are highly accurate, which means that the Bounty Hunter Discovery 3300 is great for beginners as well as those with a little more experience.

It comes with plenty of features that actually take a lot of time to get around to using them all. This could be a little daunting at first but for those starting out but there is the ability to use the basic functions and it is ready to use out of the box. Essentially what this means is that you will continually discover new things that you can do with this metal detector or for advanced users, there is everything you need.

For a metal detector that grows with your skills, the Bounty Hunter Discovery 3300 is an ideal choice.

3. Fisher F2

The Fisher F2 is one of the most used metal detectors for a range of different terrains. Often it is a disappointment to find your detector is not picking up great depths off of sand but this will never be the case with the Fisher F2. This is certainly an entry-level unit as it is very easy to get started with. If you are completely new to metal detectors then it may take a little reading of the manual but all of the instructions are clear.

On top of everything else, this detector is one of the lightest and most compact models on the market. It breaks down into three parts so it can be easily carried in a backpack. This kind of mobility is unbeatable when you really want to explore with your metal detector.

For beginners or those who are still learning, the Fisher F2 will give you an opportunity to grow and develop your skills whilst also easily detecting great finds.

4. Tesoro Silver uMax

There are so many extra bonuses to choosing Tesoro Silver uMax that it has become the number one choice for intermediate-level users. Essentially this model goes back to the basics of metal detecting which allows those with skills to really hone their ability. Without a digital output, the user has to rely on the intricate signal system. This is also unique for a detector as instead of the normal beeps it identifies metals with longer sounds, which helps with targeting.

For the experienced user that wants to train their “listening to the beep” techniques then the Tesoro Silver uMax is the perfect model.

5. Bounty Hunter Time Ranger

When starting out the Bounty Hunter Time Ranger is an ideal detector to invest in.  It is beautifully simple to use and can be quickly put together. While it does have advanced features it comes with a helpful manual that will quickly introduce everything that the metal detector can do.

With the pinpoint mode, you will be able to identify finds quickly and the results will be almost immediate. It is certainly a beginner model for those looking to use a metal detector for recreation but if that is your aim then it couldn’t be better.

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