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.
Contents
Two different models having the same functionality
This article is for those who are not professional treasure hunters at all. Since people who get this metal detector are usually looking for something to entertain their kids. Therefore, we’ve tried to give as plain as possible explanations to describe what to expect from this device and whether it is worth the money spent.
Let’s begin with the most important thing, since when choosing a metal detector it turns out that there are two models with different appearance, but with the same functionality and approximately similar construction.
These are Bounty Hunter BHJS Junior and Bounty Hunter Junior T.I.D. (Target ID).
The first model is a classical one and it has been produced for many years already. However, in autumn 2016 the manufacturer introduced a new model.
These metal detector models have different appearance, but they offer the same functionality. T.I.D. has a digital control and a display on its handle, while Bounty Hunter BHJS Junior control is performed by means of potentiometers and the display is located on the shaft in front of the handle.
The main thing that Bounty Hunter Junior T.I.D. has different from the other model is that the manufacturer has substituted the needle indicator (which can be challenging for a kid to use) with easy-to-understand emojis.
The angry one corresponds to iron targets, the calm one is for targets with medium conductivity and the smiley-face emoji corresponds to targets with high electric conductivity (silver, for example).
So, why does the kid need this needle indicator? Here are the emojis and everything becomes plain and simple! The sad emoji means – don’t dig, let’s continue treasure hunting; the puzzled one – let’s dig and check; the smiling one – we should definitely dig this target.
Also, there is an indicator for depth gauge value and battery charge level.
As for the target sound indication, the sound reminds the one in the old model – Bounty Hunter Junior. Iron targets have a specific quack sound, small nickel targets produce a bit higher sound, while silver coins have the same high sound which somehow reminds the one produced by toy cars.
The Bounty Hunter Junior Metal Detector is designed specifically for children who are interested in exploring the exciting world of metal detecting. Here are some key features and information about the Bounty Hunter Junior Metal Detector:
- Child-Friendly Design: The Bounty Hunter Junior Metal Detector is tailored for kids, featuring a lightweight and ergonomic design suitable for smaller hands.
- Easy to Use: The detector is designed with simplicity in mind, making it easy for children to understand and operate. It often has straightforward controls for a hassle-free experience.
- Adjustable Length: The metal detector comes with an adjustable shaft length, allowing the device to grow with the child as they get older and taller.
- Visual Target Indicator: Some models of the Bounty Hunter Junior may include a visual target indicator that provides a simple display to help kids identify different types of metals.
- Audio Feedback: The detector emits audio tones or beeps to alert children when they are close to a metal target. This can add an element of excitement to the detecting process.
- Discrimination Control: Basic discrimination controls are included, allowing kids to focus on specific types of metals or objects while ignoring others.
- Battery-Powered: The Bounty Hunter Junior Metal Detector operates on batteries, providing a convenient and portable power source for outdoor adventures.
- Educational Element: Some models come with educational materials or guides that introduce children to the basics of metal detecting and the types of treasures they might find.
- Outdoor Exploration: The metal detector encourages outdoor exploration and can be used in various environments such as parks, beaches, or backyards.
- Affordable: The Bounty Hunter Junior Metal Detector is priced affordably, making it a suitable choice for parents looking to introduce their children to the hobby without a significant financial investment.
- FIND LOST TREASURE: A superb metal detector companion for any child’s treasure…
- DETECTS ALL METALS: Find all kinds of metal, valuable coins, relics, silver,…
- EASY TO USE FOR THE YOUNG TREASURE HUNTER: Easy to understand emoji’s tells…
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Source: Amazon Affiliates
| 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 |
What the device was designed for?
Are you a parent of a very active child? Would you like to be sure that he has the best leisure activity ever? All you have to do, is to show your kid a wonderful world of treasure hunting by getting him a special metal detector designed for kids. This will be a perfect device for those children, who dream to find some treasures hidden long ago. Metal detector is designed for kids 5+ years old.
The review
The shaft
The metal detector design differs from the classical one. It doesn’t have an armrest; the control unit goes along the shaft and then there is a handle.
The device is considered to weigh just 1.5 pounds, that’s why even the youngest detectorist will easily deal with such a device. However, the design is very inconvenient even for a child.
The only thing, that saves the situation is that kids won’t spend hours treasure hunting like the adults do.
The metal detector uses light two-section non-detachable shaft. It has wires inside that connect the control unit with the search coil.
The shaft uses a pivoted clamp as a fixation system. Due to this you can make sure that it is comfortable for your kid to use the device.
The coil
The metal detector is equipped with a concentric coil 6 inches (152 mm) in diameter. Both the coil and the metal detector are not waterproof.
The battery
The device uses two 9V batteries as a power supply. They are located inside the device holder. The batteries are not included into the package set, so you should get them on your own.
The batteries charge is enough for quite a long time. So, you’ll be able to complete all your tasks while your kid will be passionately searching for treasures, coins and other precious things.
Control unit and settings
The device doesn’t have that much settings. Bounty Hunter BHJS Junior has two 2 controllers – Power (to turn one the device and to adjust its sensitivity) and Eliminator (discriminator).
Also, the device has a needle indicator to trace the target as well as to control the battery charge level.
When turning the sensitivity controller (to the right) after the click, the metal detector will make a sound and the discriminator needle indicator will freeze in its left position.
If you continue turning the controller the sensitivity level will increase as well as the device detection depth.
When turning Eliminator controller, you can ‘cut off’ some unwanted iron targets from the search cover.
T.I.D. control is performed via a membrane keyboard. There are two buttons: the left one is to turn the device on, the right one is to control the discrimination function – you can exclude two left discrimination segments out of three.
Besides, Bounty Hunter Junior is equipped with a high-quality system of sound identification, which allows basing on the target response to define both its size and detection depth. The higher is the sound signal tone, the closer is the object to the search coil. The metal detector has an external speaker. However, the device also has a headphones jack.
Search modes
The device designers decided not to overload it with too many modes of operation. Both Bounty Hunter Junior metal detectors operate using one search mode – searching with discrimination.
Discrimination is adjusted by means of Eliminator controller or Disc button for T.I.D.
The metal detector can operate only in one dynamic search mode. Which means that to detect metal objects the device search coil should always move.
Bounty Hunter Junior has automatic ground balance function.
Discrimination
So, why do we need to use discrimination?
This function allows ignoring some unwanted targets. You can adjust the metal detector so, that you only hear signals from non-ferrous targets, for example.
Thus, by excluding ferrous targets from the search cover, the kid doesn’t receive signals from them and therefore, he doesn’t spend time on digging iron rubbish and saves time and efforts. Another thing you can do, is to increase the discrimination level and ignore foil, which is a dime a dozen on the beach.
Conclusion
The device will definitely do as an occupation for your kid: it detects metal objects and even excludes ferrous targets from the search cover. You can also try to scatter some coins around and ask your kid to find them – this will be the best fun ever for both of you, I promise!
However, I wouldn’t recommend Bounty Hunter Junior for any other more serious tasks.
Of course, this metal detector doesn’t have any super features which the professional ones have, but does a kid really need these? This device is a user friendly one and easy to work with.
So, if you are choosing between Bounty Hunter BHJS Junior and Bounty Hunter Junior T.I.D, I’d recommend getting T.I.D.
Why?
Well, T.I.D. has an LCD display, it has emojis to indicate a target. It actually highlights one of three emojis — sad, puzzled and smiling one. A standard Junior metal detector has a scale with a needle pointer. How is the kid supposed to work with it?
Except the above mentioned, these metal detectors are quite similar.