The 10 Best Metal Detectors For Beginners
This wiki has been updated 28 times since it was first published in August of 2018. We won’t promise you'll find any long-lost treasure, but if you pick up one of these metal detectors for beginners, you will get plenty of other benefits. This hobby is an unusual form of exercise, a fun way to potentially boost your change collection, and a great way to dive into history. We’ve included models for everyone, including kids and those on a tight budget. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Bounty Hunter TK4
2. Garrett Ace 200
3. National Geographic Pro Series
Editor's Notes
December 06, 2020:
For this update, we removed the Bounty Hunter Quick Silver and replaced it with a model with a comprehensive kit, the Marnur Waterproof. This new option includes an entire kit's worth of accessories and supplies, making it a great choice for beginners.
We also added a low-priced option for beginners who aren’t yet comfortable making a big investment in their metal detecting hobby, the Bounty Hunter Gold Digger. This model doesn’t have a ton of bells and whistles, but its budget-friendly price and straightforward controls make it a good starter model until you’re ready to upgrade to a more professional unit. Its two control knobs are also easy to use, and won’t overwhelm you like more advanced models.
If you’re looking for a metal detector specifically for a child, this collection of metal detectors for kids should provide some good options to choose from.
You’ll need a way to unearth your hidden treasures once your detector alerts you, and a reliable gardening trowel is the ideal size for bringing on a treasure-hunting excursion.
A magnifying stand could also be a good investment, allowing you to clean and inspect any finds you make.
July 03, 2019:
Metal detecting is only a fun hobby if you actually find things, which is why we wanted to make sure most of our choices had strong sensors. The only exception to this is the Bounty Hunter Junior, which shouldn't be expected to be the most powerful model considering how little it costs. It's still a great way to teach kids about the hobby and, as their interest grows, you can them move them up to a better, more costly model like the National Geographic Pro Series.
The Fisher F22, Garrett Ace 200, and Teknetics Delta 4000 are all made by well-respected companies that produce some of the best metal detectors out there. While the three units that made our list are their entry-level models, they still perform quite well. Not only can they find small objects at pretty impressive depths, but they also allow for a lot of adjustability to target specific materials and reject unwanted metals. We feel the Bounty Hunter TK4 and Bounty Hunter Quick Silver both offer a lot of value for their price, giving users features that would usually be reserved for slightly more expensive models.
If you don't plan on searching large areas, a pin pointer like the Garrett Pro Pointer AT might be a good choice. It is completely waterproof, so you can use it in shallow bodies of water; features a built-in flashlight; and comes with a belt holster for convenient carrying.
4. National Geographic Junior
5. Marnur Waterproof
6. Garrett Pro Pointer AT
7. Teknetics Delta 4000
8. Bounty Hunter Junior
9. Treasure Cove TC-3020
10. Bounty Hunter Gold Digger
Alex Rennie is a writer from Los Angeles, CA, and holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Missouri. Having been a successful residential and commercial carpenter for six years in New York City, he has a comprehensive knowledge of woodworking, power tools, and the world of home DIY. His passion for construction and carpentry keep him up to date on the latest gadgets and techniques, and he never misses an opportunity to patch up a drywall dent or sand down a rough edge. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking the Santa Monica mountains with his family and their dogs, and fostering rescue animals.