That’s why our top pick is inexpensive, a breeze to use, and even lets you focus on which materials you’re specifically looking to detect. For more of the best metal detector picks, check out our list below, or for a look at some of the best radar detectors, our roundup has you covered. Additionally, the inclusion of a discrimination mode can help focus the search on one specific type of detection, but you can easily switch it to the all-metal detection option to widen your scope. Finally, the 8t-inch search coil is submersible in shallow water, the adjustable stem allows for better positioning based on the height of the user and the padded armrest makes for comfortable searches. Weighing a reasonable 3.03 pounds and measuring at 22 x 11 x 5 inches, the telescoping range of its body works from 42 to 51 inches in length fully extended. The real standout is the AT Pro display and its Digital Target ID that goes from 0 to 99. The number gets progressively higher as the AT Pro determines if an object is worth digging up and maintains a lower number count when it recommends you pass on an object. The waterproof search coil helps make the F22 ideal for the beach or rainy conditions. The nine-segment visual and numerical target ID helps identify what is beneath the surface before you even grab for the shovel. Additionally, the four-mode search ability highlights if an object is an unknown artifact, jewelry, coin, or custom object. Unfortunately, its water-resistance doesn’t make the F22 completely waterproof, which means you can’t completely submerge it in water, but that’s an easy tradeoff for a metal detector with a feature set that’s generally only found in options far pricier. The BHJS is ideal for detecting the presence of multiple metals, including gold, silver, brass, aluminum, and steel in the hopes your child might be the next world-famous treasure hunter. The addition of a preset ground balance offers it the capability to use over various soil types and mineral content and still readily discover hidden objects. The 6.5-inch coil is suitably built for child use and can withstand basic exposure to the elements. The F75 includes a unique double-filter discrimination mode which is well-suited to searching trash-heavy areas—like the beach—as it attempts to distinguish between junk and items of value. Given its sensitivity in searches, the F75 is best for experienced metal detector users who can quickly distinguish false positives from treasure. For non-beginners, the deep set of options and settings make the F75 a standout selection for treasure hunting, and at just around 4 pounds, it’s easy to hold for hours on end without feeling tired or cramping. Despite its complexity, the F75 sets a very high bar in performance for beach hunting. The five total discriminate modes are easy to select and can help you search for all general metal items or specifically search for jewelry, relics, coins or custom metal objects. Additionally, the Ace 300 offers an easy methodology for determining if you should dig for an object. It even has a tone decibel that includes a “sound of money” ring to decisively tell you if the selected object is worth bringing out the shovel for. Beyond detection, the Ace 300 is powered by a set of four AA batteries providing anywhere between 20 to 40 hours of use. Dual ¼ and ⅛-inch headphone jacks are built in both for eliminating outside noise and improving your ability to hear the beep of the metal detector when it finds gold or other rare metals. Powered by a single 9-volt battery, the Gold Bug can perform up to 25 hours of continuous searching for items as deep as 12 inches—that’s nearly 4 inches deeper than similarly priced non-Fisher models. With an ultra-light weight of 2 pounds, the XP Deus is ideal for lengthy search sessions. In addition to being able to download software updates via the PC, the device’s coil is also submersible in water. And when you’re not combing the beach, it can easily collapse for simple storage. The included WS5 ear-cup headphones are a true standout set for detecting discriminate noises of detection. Like its attached metal detector, the headphones are fully weatherproof and work to help isolate noise regardless of the outside environment. Headphone jack - If you want to block out the noise around you so you can focus on finding hidden treasures — or if you just want to avoid broadcasting your finds — look for a metal detector that has a headphone jack. Some metal detectors come with headphones, but a unit that has a built-in jack allows you to plug in any earbuds or headphones you like. Discriminator - The best way to avoid digging up a lot of trash is to choose a metal detector that has an excellent discriminator. This is a microprocessor that the metal detector uses to differentiate between junk (like aluminum cans) and more interesting finds like old coins.
