Tiny Treasures: Bounty Hunter’s Junior Metal Detector for Young Detectives

Here you’ll find Bounty Hunter Junior metal detector review. The article has information on how user-friendly the device is, if it will do for children, what is the difference between the two device models with the same name and whether this device can detect at least something.

Two different models having the same functionality

This article is designed for families and individuals who are new to treasure hunting. If you’re considering a metal detector primarily for entertaining kids, we’ll provide straightforward explanations of what to expect from these devices and whether they are worth the investment.

Choosing the Right Metal Detector

When selecting a metal detector, it’s important to note that two models may appear different but offer similar functionality and design. The models we’ll discuss are the Bounty Hunter BHJS Junior and the Bounty Hunter Junior T.I.D. (Target ID).

The Bounty Hunter BHJS Junior is a classic model that has been on the market for many years. However, in autumn 2016, the manufacturer introduced the Bounty Hunter Junior T.I.D.

Although these models differ in appearance, they provide the same essential features. The T.I.D. model features digital controls and a display located on the handle, while the BHJS Junior utilizes potentiometers with its display situated on the shaft in front of the handle.

One of the most significant differences is that the Bounty Hunter Junior T.I.D. replaces the traditional needle indicator—often challenging for children to interpret—with easy-to-understand emojis. For instance, the angry emoji signals iron targets, the calm emoji indicates targets with medium conductivity, and the smiling emoji represents high-conductivity targets, like silver.

This emoji system simplifies the detection process for kids:

• A sad emoji means “don’t dig, keep searching.”
• A puzzled emoji suggests, “let’s dig and check this target.”
• A smiling emoji indicates, “this target is worth digging!”

Additionally, the detector includes indicators for depth and battery charge level.

Sound Indication

In terms of sound alerts, the Bounty Hunter Junior T.I.D. retains a familiar sound pattern from the older Bounty Hunter Junior model. Iron targets emit a specific “quack” sound, while small nickel targets produce a slightly higher pitch. In contrast, silver coins produce a high-pitched sound reminiscent of toy cars, making it easy for kids to recognize valuable finds.

Model	Bounty Hunter Junior T.I.D.
Weight	1.5 lbs
Length (Adjustable)	19″ – 31″
Batteries	2 AA (not included)
Headphones	No
Warranty	1 year
Operating Principle	VLF
Standard Searchcoil	6″ concentric
Operating Frequencies (kHz)	7.69
Water resistance	No
Submersion Depth	No
Discrimination	Yes
Ground Balance	No
Audio Threshold	No
Sensitivity – Depth Adjustments	Yes
Electronic Pinpointing	No
VDI (0 to 99 scale)	No
Build-in flashlight	No

Last update on 2024-12-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Source: Amazon Affiliates

What the device was designed for?

Are you a parent of an active child? Do you want to ensure they have the best leisure activities? Introducing your child to the exciting world of treasure hunting with a specially designed metal detector can be a fantastic way to spark their imagination. This device is perfect for children aged 5 and older who dream of uncovering treasures hidden long ago.

The review

The shaft

The design of this metal detector differs significantly from traditional models. It lacks an armrest; instead, the control unit runs along the shaft and ends with a comfortable handle.

Weighing just 1.5 pounds, even the youngest treasure hunters can easily handle this device. However, the overall design may still be inconvenient for some children during extended use.

Fortunately, kids are unlikely to spend hours treasure hunting like adults, which helps alleviate any discomfort.

This metal detector features a lightweight, two-section non-detachable shaft with internal wiring that connects the control unit to the search coil.

Additionally, the shaft employs a pivoted clamp as a fixation system, ensuring the device remains comfortable and easy to use for your child.

The coil

The metal detector is equipped with a 6-inch (152 mm) concentric coil, which is effective for locating buried treasures. However, it’s important to note that both the coil and the metal detector are not waterproof, so care should be taken to keep them dry during use.

The battery

The device operates on two 9V batteries, which are housed within the device holder. Please note that the batteries are not included in the package, so you’ll need to purchase them separately.

Fortunately, the battery life is quite long, allowing your child to spend ample time searching for treasures, coins, and other valuable items without interruption.

Control unit and settings

The Bounty Hunter BHJS Junior metal detector offers a straightforward design with minimal settings, making it user-friendly for kids. It features two controllers: the Power controller, which turns the device on and adjusts its sensitivity, and the Eliminator controller, which discriminates against unwanted targets.

Additionally, the device includes a needle indicator to track target location and monitor the battery charge level.

When you turn the sensitivity controller to the right, the metal detector emits a sound, and the discriminator needle indicator will pause in its left position. Continuing to turn the controller increases both the sensitivity level and detection depth.

With the Eliminator controller, you can filter out unwanted iron targets from your search area, enhancing your child’s treasure-hunting experience.

The Bounty Hunter Junior T.I.D. operates via a membrane keyboard with two buttons: the left button turns the device on, while the right button controls the discrimination function, allowing you to exclude two of the three discrimination segments.

This model is equipped with a high-quality sound identification system, enabling users to gauge both the size and detection depth of targets based on the sound response. The higher the tone of the sound signal, the closer the object is to the search coil. The device also features an external speaker and a headphone jack for private listening.

Search modes

The designers of the Bounty Hunter Junior metal detectors intentionally kept the functionality simple by limiting them to a single search mode: searching with discrimination. This user-friendly approach makes it easier for children to focus on their treasure-hunting experience without being overwhelmed by too many options.

Discrimination is adjusted using the Eliminator controller on the BHJS Junior model or the Disc button on the T.I.D. model.

Both detectors operate in a dynamic search mode, meaning the search coil must always be in motion to detect metal objects effectively.

Additionally, the Bounty Hunter Junior features an automatic ground balance function, which helps optimize performance by adjusting to different soil conditions.

Discrimination

So, why is discrimination important when using a metal detector?

The discrimination function allows users to ignore unwanted targets, enabling the detector to focus solely on non-ferrous metals. By adjusting the settings, you can filter out signals from ferrous targets, which means your child won’t be alerted to iron junk, saving them time and effort during their treasure hunts.

For instance, increasing the discrimination level can help exclude foil, a common nuisance found on beaches, allowing for a more productive searching experience.

Conclusion

The Bounty Hunter Junior metal detector provides an enjoyable activity for your child, as it detects metal objects while also excluding ferrous targets from the search area. You can make it even more fun by scattering some coins around and challenging your kid to find them—this will surely be a memorable experience for both of you!

However, I would not recommend the Bounty Hunter Junior for more serious tasks. While it may lack the advanced features found in professional models, it’s important to consider whether your child truly needs those capabilities. This device is designed to be user-friendly and easy to operate, making it perfect for young treasure hunters.

If you’re deciding between the Bounty Hunter BHJS Junior and the Bounty Hunter Junior T.I.D., I highly recommend the T.I.D. model.

Why?

The T.I.D. features an LCD display with emojis to indicate targets, highlighting one of three options: a sad face for undesirable items, a puzzled face for potential finds, and a smiling face for valuable targets. In contrast, the standard Junior model relies on a scale with a needle pointer, which may be confusing for younger users.

Aside from these differences, both metal detectors share similar functionality, making the T.I.D. the better choice for kids.