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There are countless entry-level metal detectors available in the market. However, not all metal detectors are created equal,
Despite the fact that many of these devices offer advanced features and greatly reduce searching time, choosing the right one for a beginner may be a challenge.
Beginner metal detectors are simple and come with some important features that are required for treasure hunting.
A good detector can locate targets even though they are fairly basic.
This article will review the best metal detectors for beginners. It is aimed at both the experienced and novice detectorist.
Page Contents
What Are The Best Metal Detectors For Beginners?
Here are the best beginner metal detectors on the market in 2024
Last update on 2024-12-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best All-Round Cheap Metal Detectors For Beginners
Affordable and cheap metal detecting devices are obviously not as advanced as the high-priced ones.
They come with the most essential features and a design that makes prospecting convenient for beginners.
These beginner friendly devices mix the latest technology with other key qualities like durability, ease of use, water resistance, and more.
Such devices are highly efficient at finding metal in challenging terrains and give the best value for money.
Let’s look at the machines that fall in this category and check out what makes them the best options.
Fisher F22
Whether you’re introducing yourself to metal hunting or looking for a backup machine, the Fisher F22 is the perfect pick.
This device combines all the advanced features that are found in some of the most expensive models.
The machine’s lightweight body is quite remarkable. It weighs less than most popular models that are on this list.
It prevents sore elbows and shoulders typically associated with heavyweight detectors.
Furthermore, the machine provides excellent balance, durability, and a waterproof coil that makes it suitable for treasure hunts near beaches.
The Iron Audio feature in the detector is quite impressive. By using this feature, you can adjust the volume produced by the machine when it detects ferrous items.
Since you will be avoiding trash items made of iron, such as bottle caps or pull tabs, your prospecting will get more precise and quicker.
The Fisher F22 has many other features such as clear digital display, multiple sensitivity levels, notch discrimination, and a depth indicator.
As the machine is designed for beginners, it is proficient in locating coins and relics buried in different terrains.
Seasoned detectorists can configure the device’s settings to find valuable targets such as jewelry and even gold nuggets.
The machine has a fast recovery time and gives you a decent detection depth of 9-inches. However, the depth reach tends to vary depending on the terrain.
Pros:
- Faster Processing Speed
- Lightweight Design
- 0-99 Target ID
- Weatherproof Body
Cons:
- Ground Balance is not effective
Garrett ACE 300
The Garret ACE 300 belongs to the popular ACE series manufactured by the company.
Though it’s made for beginners, it has some advanced features that can help beginners move to a higher level.
There are various modes included in the machine that makes it easier to find metal targets hidden underground.
The machine offers Zero-discrimination, Custom, Jewelry, Coin, and Relics modes to help you during your hunt.
Zero-Disc modes activate all the discrimination pixels of the machine so that you can find all kinds of metal targets. It comes in handy when you’re trying to hunt for valuables in high trash areas.
It has a custom mode that allows you to create unique detection patterns by adding or removing target segments.
Custom mode allows you to program the device to look for jewelry, relics, and coins, making your hunts more successful.
Any changes made to the customization mode of the device are restored to default when the machine is turned off.
Therefore, you need to remember the configuration sequence to get similar results after every hunt.
Another notable feature of the device is the ability to adjust the frequency output. Most metal devices produce a lot of chatter when there is a strong electromagnetic field nearby.
With the adjustable frequency feature, you can reduce the amount of chatter and get more precise signals from the target.
Pros:
- Different search modes
- Digital Target ID
- Comes with an inbuilt pinpointer
- Waterproof coil
Cons:
- The ground balance is not adjustable
Bounty Hunter Tracker IV
Bounty Hunter metal detectors are recommended for beginners, particularly children learning as a hobby.
There are a few standout detectors made by the company, like the Bounty Hunter Tracker IV. The Tracker IV is an excellent option for detectorists who are on a tight budget.
With this detector, you can save hundreds of dollars that you would need to spend on other essential accessories.
At this low price, the machine promises you great performance and durability. The machine has a simple design, and it comes with an easy-to-assemble body.
It has an easy-to-understand control panel that comprises an analog meter to show signal strength, knobs to make changes to the discrimination and sensitivity levels, and a LED warning light.
It does not have advanced features like Iron Audio, digital target ID, notch discrimination, and pinpointing mode.
However, it does have 3-position modes and automatic ground balance, which are quite helpful too.
Additionally, the Tracker IV has an astonishing depth reach and sensitivity, so you can find valuable targets in all kinds of terrains.
The company has added a 2-tone audio feature to the device, which can add convenience to your treasure hunting.
This feature allows you to choose between the type of metal you want the machine to find.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- 2-search modes
- Adjustable sensitivity
- Amazing depth reach
- 2-tone audio
Cons:
- Lacks common features
Garrett ACE 400
The Garrett ACE 400 is the flagship model of the ACE series manufactured by Garrett. It has many features that can help you find coins, relics, jewelry, and more in almost all kinds of terrains.
It boasts of the company’s signature Iron Audio feature, which is found in high-end models such as the AT Pro and AT Gold.
This feature enables you to identify ferrous targets before you dig them up by producing low and mid-tones.
The Iron Audio function works in sync with the machine’s 3-tone feature. This feature enables the device to produce 3 different types of tones based on the targets detected.
For instance, if the machine detects valuables like gold or silver coins, you will hear a high-pitched bell tone coming from the device.
Similarly, when the machine locates a ferrous target, it will produce a low to mid-tone sound.
One of the biggest problems that detectorists encountered in the older models was the inability to identify the type of metal detected by the machine.
To correct this inconvenience, the company added a numerical digital target ID consisting of numbers between 0-99.
The Garrett ACE 400 has five preset search modes: coins, jewelry, relics, zero-disc, and custom mode.
You switch between the modes by using the mode button on the control panel.
Pros:
- Offers great performance at an affordable price
- Iron Audio
- Four discrimination segments
- Easy to use
- Digital Target ID
Cons
- No ground balance
- Not waterproof
Fisher F75
The Fisher F75 is renowned for its remarkable ability to detect metal and handle any kind of adversities.
This machine is loaded with advanced features, especially the highly informative display.
The device has several new features, which make it different from other options on this list.
It offers a deeper scan that can help you find coins, gold, and valuable relics. Moreover, this metal detector is suitable for beach use too.
Displayed on its display are a number of icons, symbols, and numbers that provide detailed information about the target.
Beginners might need some time to learn how to use the metal detector while reading the screen.
However, once you learn to interpret the screen, you will find all kinds of targets with ease.
For added convenience, the company has modified the screen with a backlit display which helps users read the display in any condition.
The Fisher F75 can perform exceptionally well in high trash areas. It uses the double filter discrimination mode that helps you find targets more precisely.
Furthermore, it comes with a Double-D search coil in the package. This search coil is waterproof, and therefore, you can use it in regions with shallow water.
These are the types of places where gold nuggets are most often found.
Pros:
- Works for 40 hours straight
- Single-button and dial interface
- Preferred by pros too.
Cons:
- Accessories are not included
Nokta Makro Simplex +
The Nokta Makro Simplex is an unconventional metal detector that is suitable for entry-level users.
It is easy to use, and you can start hunting with it right out of the box. The machine is a great alternative for people who need a secondary detector.
Its most notable feature is the waterproof body. This feature is found in premium devices or the ones used by seasoned detectorists.
Owing to its submersible body, you can dip the detector up to 10ft underwater.
The detector features a simple interface that has been designed in a way that is easy to understand. It has thumbnails to depict modes, target ID, and battery level.
The Nokta Makro Simplex+ has been designed in order to make it easy to use.
Furthermore, the device features auto-ground balance and pre-set search modes. The search modes can help you find valuable items in places like parks, fields, beaches, and more.
It also comes with matching headphones that work with the built-in wireless module.
The list of features doesn’t end here! It has both sound and vibration features which can be helpful when a target is located.
The vibrating alert comes in handy when you’re using the detector underwater.
Pros:
- Submersible up to 10 feet
- Easy to use
- Wireless headphones
Cons:
- Headphones are not waterproof
Garrett ACE 250
The Garrett ACE 250 is a VLF detector that has a frequency output of 6.5kHz. For those who are looking for relics, jewelry, and coins, the machine is a great choice.
However, the machine is not suitable for searching for gold and is also not designed for hunting in areas with high mineralization.
The device weighs only 2.7lbs which is lighter than most products in the market. It has a three-piece design with an elbow rest that makes the device more convenient and comfortable.
The Garrett ACE 250 features a simple, intuitive interface, as well as a control panel that is very useful in the field.
It has an adjustable shaft that can be adjusted between 42-51 inches.
Additionally, the detector runs on four AA batteries. You can save a lot of money on batteries if you choose to purchase rechargeable batteries.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Easy to use and understand control panel
- Runs on double AA batteries
- Notch discrimination
Cons:
- No volume adjustment
- No manual ground balance
What To Look For In A Starter Metal Detector?
The first detector you purchase can significantly impact how your journey as a detectorist moves forward.
Let’s take a look at the crucial elements you need to look for in a starter metal detector.
Features
Metal detectors come with features and technologies that help in finding valuables as quickly and conveniently as possible.
A number of starter metal detectors boast about having an endless list of features.
While a device with these features might seem like a good deal at first, it may not be wise to purchase one.
Detectors that have multiple features can be complicated to use.
Since you’re using a metal hunting device for the first time, you shouldn’t be spending a lot of time trying to learn about it.
Therefore, you need to look for a device that has all the essential features and convenient abilities.
Weight
Metal hunting can last an entire day, so the weight of the detector should be an important factor in your buying decision.
When you’re out on the field, you have to hold the device above the ground and keep swinging it to pinpoint the targets.
If the machine is too heavy, you might get a sore arm pretty soon. Furthermore, you might not be able to use the detector for the entire hunt due to aches and pains.
Thus, buying a lightweight device can be very beneficial for beginners.
Easy to use
As mentioned above, a complicated detector can leave you confused on the field, and in worst cases, you might even return empty-handed.
This is why you need to go for detectors that have simple features and are easy to use.
You can try looking for devices that have a well-defined control panel with buttons for easy configuration.
The device must be easy to assemble and should come with an instruction manual.
Durability
Even though the detectors designed for beginners fall in the lower price range, when you’re buying a device you should not overlook durability.
Look for machines that are made from sturdy metals and galvanized with anti-rust paint.
Apart from the body, you also need to check the durability of things like buttons, screens, control panels, etc as you would not want to hunt with a malfunctioning detector.
Beginner Features To Look For
Frequency
In simple words, frequency refers to the rate at which a metal detector creates a magnetic field while oscillating in mid-air.
It is often believed that detectors with high-frequency output are superior to those that have a lower output.
Detectors with a high-frequency output offer higher sensitivity towards smaller items. On the other hand, machines with lower frequency output offer deeper reach.
When it comes to entry-level metal detectors, most of the models come with a frequency output ranging between 5-10kHz.
This output rate is suitable for beginners.
Depth Indicator
The best model to choose when you’re considering depth and sensitivity is one with a depth indicator.
This feature will provide you with an estimate of how deep you need to dig to retrieve the target.
Numerous metal hunting devices offer coins indicators that work pretty well. However, their accuracy tends to vary according to the brand and the price.
Discrimination
Metal hunting becomes more like a gamble when you’re using a machine without a discrimination feature.
You might end up digging bottle caps and foils, misinterpreting them as actual finds. The discrimination feature prevents this.
A machine with discrimination enabled can differentiate between targets by identifying the metal type.
You do this by setting a threshold conductivity level, which instructs the machine to ignore any metal below the threshold level.
Furthermore, some devices come with notch discrimination. This feature allows you to choose the conductivity levels you want the device to ignore.
Ground Balance
Ground balance calms down the amount of chatter created by a device when it is being used in an area with high mineralization.
Moreover, this feature also increases the depth reach of the device in such locations.
Advanced detectors, on the other hand, have automatic ground balance. This allows the machine to adapt to the current ground conditions.
Search Coil
Metal detectors come with a search coil included in the package. However, this search coil might be pretty basic and is designed to get you started.
But, as you learn more about metal hunting, you will find coils that are advanced and more efficient.
There are big coils that offer more depth, and with their large swing span, they can cover a larger area. Smaller coils offer better target identification and are easy to swing.
What Types of Valuables Can a Beginner Metal Detector Find?
If you want to find valuable metals like coins and silver, you don’t need to buy high-end metal hunting machines.
All metal detectors are designed to locate metal objects such as tin, lead, silver, and more.
Normally, a beginner-level detector is designed to find things like coins, jewelry, and relics.
Items like these are found in places like parks, forests, beaches, and fields and buried roughly 6-8 inches.
If you’re planning to hunt for gold, you need to understand that entry-level metal detectors are not powerful enough.
Therefore, they are not capable of locating targets that are buried in areas with gold nuggets.
In some cases, a detector’s operating frequency can influence its ability to find metals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s The Best Metal Detector For The Money?
The best metal detector for the money that is suitable for beginners is the Garrett Ace 250.
Garrett makes several metal detectors, but the ACE 250 is the best choice for beginners.
Just like other Garrett machines, the ACE 250 also comes with many impressive features. The most attractive feature of this machine is the notch discrimination.
Furthermore, the device comes with a waterproof search coil.
The ACE 250 offers great performance even on beaches because of these features, which are normally found in high-end detectors.
Are Metal Detectors Suitable For Kids?
Many metal detectors on the market are designed for kids. Some metal detectors are suitable for kids below the age of 8 years old.
Metal hunting works as an excellent hobby for kids, it educates and incites curiosity among them.
It also makes them eager to explore the outdoors and cultivate a great habit. They can also join the adults and spend time with them as a family.
Lastly, metal hunting can also help them learn about history in a fun way.
How Much Should I Spend On A Metal Detector?
When buying a metal detector with a budget, you need to make sure that the model you choose should have all the essential features.
Most entry-level metal detectors come with basic features, but if you want a metal detector that makes metal hunting easy, you’ll need to spend around $100-$300.