Choose with confidence

First metal detector guide: where you will hunt, weight and balance, target ID, discrimination, ground balance, waterproofing, coils and budget.

Set up a new metal detector with its manual, search mode, sensitivity, target response, ground balance and simple practice before a first outing.

Compare simultaneous multi-frequency detectors and selectable single-frequency modes by target mix, setup control, ground response and model features.

Metal detector technologies compared: single-frequency VLF, multi-frequency and pulse induction, by discrimination, depth, salt beaches, mineralized ground and gold.

Beach metal detecting guide: dry sand vs wet salt sand vs water, why multi-frequency and PI work best, waterproof ratings, sand scoops, tides and beach rules.

Compare metal detectors with waterproof coils and fully submersible control boxes for beach, shallow-water and rain use by depth rating and sealing.

Choose a gold prospecting detector: high-frequency VLF vs pulse induction, mineralized ground and hot rocks, nugget size, coils, and checking mining claims first.

Compare small and large gold prospecting detector coils by small-target sensitivity, ground coverage, maneuverability, mineralization and detector compatibility.

Compare Double-D and concentric metal detector coils by search pattern, ground coverage, mineralized soil, pinpointing and detector compatibility.

Choose a metal detecting pinpointer: probe design, waterproof ratings, sensitivity adjustment, detector interference, wireless pairing and lost-pinpointer alarms.

Compare a handheld pinpointer and a detector’s pinpoint mode by target recovery, hole size, control, battery needs and accessory compatibility.

Choose a metal detector search coil by size, target coverage, trash separation and detector compatibility, then compare DD and concentric designs.

Where metal detecting is allowed: private land permission, national parks, BLM and Forest Service land, ARPA, state parks, beaches, UK rules and a code of ethics.

Compare permission checks for public and private land metal detecting in the United States, including land managers, protected sites and mining claims.