The 10 Best Metal Detector Wands
This wiki has been updated 18 times since it was first published in June of 2019. Metal detecting can be high-stakes work, whether finding hidden weapons on nightclub patrons or searching for ancient coins buried at sea. Handheld wands are portable metal detectors that are just as high-quality and reliable as full-length models. They are great for scanning people and surfaces, and include options suitable for hobbyists, adventurers, and security personnel. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Garrett Super Scanner V
2. V-Resourcing VLT023
3. Garrett Pro-Pointer
Editor's Notes
November 16, 2020:
If you plan to travel with your detector, portability may be an important factor. Most of these devices are of comparable size, but the lightest options on our list are two of our newest additions. The For Doc Pinpointer only weighs ten ounces, while the Ricomax Handheld weighs a mere six ounces. Both are good travel-friendly choices.
If you want your kid to get a taste of treasure-hunting, the recently included Kidzlane Junior is worth checking out. This device isn’t just a toy, as it can detect jewelry and coins. Brightly colored plastic and fun lights make it kid-friendly, while adjustable sizing allows you to customize it to your kid’s height and age, with the wand version meant for pre-school aged children.
If you enjoy ocean adventures, choose from several waterproof devices on our list. The Garrett Pro-Pointer comes with a flashlight for dimly lit, underwater searches. However, the best waterproof option on our list may be the Dr. Otek IP68, which can operate when submerged up to 32 feet.
For serious hunters or security personnel, close-range detection is probably the highest priority. The Garrett Super Scanner V remains on our list for its high sensitivity. It detects guns from about a four-inch distance and senses knives from five inches away. However, the most sensitive detector on our list is the V-Resourcing VLT023, which can sense a handgun from nine inches away, making it a great choice for high-stakes security for social events and schools.
June 14, 2019:
Though most metal detector wands on the market have similar functionality, one of the most obvious distinguishing features between them is the quality of construction. This is something that factored heavily into our ranking. Typically, models from more well-known brands were sturdier and could withstand heavy usage. The Garrett Super Scanner V and the Fisher CW-20 fall into this category.
Of course, how well each pick detected metal was also considered. The Garrett Pro-Pointer with its ability to scan in 360-degrees, providing uniform sensitivity, is a great choice for those trying to sniff out metal in tight spaces, like vehicle interiors.
We also looked at the social skills a device had -- or in other words what alert modes it had. Those working security at a house of worship or a courthouse likely won't want an alarm going off every few minutes. Therefore, we tried to highlight whether a detector had a vibrate mode or a headphones jack.
4. Ricomax Handheld
5. Dr. Otek IP68
6. Zircon MettaliScanner
7. Uniroi Portable
8. Kidzlane Junior
9. For Doc Pinpointer
10. Pyle PMD38
Building PCs, remodeling, and cooking since he was young, quasi-renowned trumpeter Christopher Thomas traveled the USA performing at and organizing shows from an early age. His work experiences led him to open a catering company, eventually becoming a sous chef in several fine LA restaurants. He enjoys all sorts of barely necessary gadgets, specialty computing, cutting-edge video games, and modern social policy. He has given talks on debunking pseudoscience, the Dunning-Kruger effect, culinary technique, and traveling. After two decades of product and market research, Chris has a keen sense of what people want to know and how to explain it clearly. He delights in parsing complex subjects for anyone who will listen -- because teaching is the best way to ensure that you understand things yourself.