Metal detecting is a fun and interesting activity to enjoy the outdoors and find some interesting treasures. However, many people may not be familiar with this kind of device and its main usage.
So before we help you choose the best metal detector and explain the different types available on the market today, let’s first start by giving you a quick description of this product's main characteristics and usage.
What are Metal Detectors?
Metal detectors are devices specially designed to detect various types of metal buried under dirt, sand, or even in bodies of water. They work on the principle of transmitting an electromagnetic field around the electrical search coil which spreads to an average depth of 10 inches into the ground. If any conductive material is found within the detector’s range, the electromagnetic signature of the metal will disrupt the magnetic field.
Then, the metal within the electromagnetic field will become energized and the detector's visual and audio will alert you that you have found something. These types of machinery can be used in airports, by the military police, construction workers, or by everyday people who enjoy looking for metals as a hobby.
How Many Types of Metal Detectors are There?
Depending on your budget, your profession or which types of metals you are interested in finding there are different kinds of metals detectors you can choose from.
Metal detectors are usually categorized into three main types: very low frequency (VLF) detectors, pulse induction (PI) detectors, and multi-frequency metal detectors. All three types use a different kind of technology, so we’ll try to describe each one of them individually to help you make a better and more informed decision.
Very Low Frequency (VLF)
Very low frequency (VLF) is the most common type of metal detector. In addition to being inexpensive, these types of detectors are lightweight and durable which makes them a great option for kids and children. A VLF detector consists of two main types of coils: a transmitter coil that creates the magnetic field and a detector coil that can sense any disturbance in the field created by conductive materials.
Pulse Induction (PI ) Metal Detectors
The second type of metal detector is a little bit more advanced using PI induction technology. Unlike VLF, this detector works on the principle of using a single coil as both transmitter and receiver at the same time, or some types may even feature two or three coils that work together.
The typical pi metal detector sends about 100 pulses per second but the number can vary mostly on the manufacturer and the design. Each pulse generates a brief magnetic field and short bursts of current through a coil or wire. When the pulse ends, it reverses polarity which additionally results in a sharp electrical spike.
These types of detectors can detect objects deeper into the ground and are excellent for searching rivers, beaches, or underwater. However, one of its main disadvantages is that the pi metal detector is substantially more expensive than the VLF detector. Moreover, it’s not the most suitable type of detector for searching places like cities, because it can not distinguish between iron trash, like nails, and finding treasure items such as coins and gold.
Multifrequency Metal Detector
Third, on the list come the multi-frequency metal detector. These types of detectors are ideal for professionals and hobbyists who enjoy searching for different kinds of metals in a wide variety of locations. As their name suggests, you can change the frequency setting easily and use them on beaches, rivers, lakes, or even in the ocean. The only downside is that they tend to be more expensive than the previous two models.
What Are The Best Metal Detectors?
Now that we have explained the three most common types of metal detectors, let’s go over some of the best models of metal detectors that can be found on the market today.
Minelab SDC 2300
One of the best-known detectors that use pi induction technology is the MInelab SDC 2300 Metal Detector. Its body is constructed of military-grade material and features a sturdy full carbon fibre shaft and an 8- inch Monoloop coil. This type of pi metal detector has a small compact design which is perfect for beginners or for those who are traveling.
Besides, it is fully waterproofed and it can discover gold patches on land or underwater at depths of up to 3m with settings for both normal and salt sensitivity ranges. Moreover, it includes automatic noise cancellation, automatic ground tracking (AGT), and 9 LED indicators on its display.
Fisher Gold Bug Pro Metal Detector
The Fisher Gold Bug Pro is a powerful deep-seeking metal detector, specially designed to excel at finding even the smallest gold nuggets in highly mineralized soils. The built-in pinpointing mode enables you to easily detect even the smallest of gold nuggets.
Being equipped with a highly sensitive 5” search coil can help you locate the gold that others have left behind. This detector is ideal for searching bedrock cracks and crevices and finds objects around tight spot places like tree roots and bushes.
Rm RicoMax GC-1037 Metal Detector
The RicoMax GC-1037 is a VLF single frequency metal detector, which can detect all kinds of metals including iron, aluminum, gold, bronze, silver, and other types. It features a lightweight frame that weighs 2.32 lbs which makes it useful both for children and adults. Even though it is specially designed to detect most kinds of metals it has problems finding gold nuggets and small objects that may appear deeper than 8”.
Moreover, it features three modes available: All Metal, Disc, and PinPoint. For instance, with the All Metal mode which is non-discriminatory, you can use the DISC and PinPoint modes to acquire more information about the object-specific location. This model is most suitable for beginners on a budget. You may not find some more valuable objects such as gold nuggets or the like, but you can certainly find gold jewelry, artifacts, and other small goods.