Bounty Hunter Lone Star Pro: Reliable but Outmatched by Newer Models

Here you will find Bounty Hunter Lone Star Pro metal detector review. The article contains information about the operating frequency of the device, its search coil type, if headphones are included into the device package set as well as how long the metal detector operates using one battery set, etc.

bounty hunter lone star

What the device was designed for?

The Bounty Hunter Lone Star Pro metal detector is designed and manufactured in the USA, marking it as the first model in the Bounty Hunter Pro product line. As the simplest detector available in this series, it is an excellent choice for beginners. With just a press of the ON button, the device is ready to use, eliminating the need for complex procedures—even in challenging treasure-hunting conditions.

This model is built upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, the Fisher F2, both of which are produced by the same company, First Texas Products. While some metal detectors can be difficult to master, often requiring extensive knowledge of physics for effective operation, the Lone Star Pro stands out for its user-friendly design.

This early model in the new product line demonstrates that metal detecting can be accessible and enjoyable without the intricacies associated with more advanced devices. Whether you are searching for coins in your backyard or exploring more complex terrains, the Bounty Hunter Lone Star Pro ensures that your treasure hunting experience is straightforward and rewarding.

ModelBounty Hunter Lone Star Pro
Weight2.50 pounds
Batteries9 Volt (1)
HeadphonesNot included
Warranty5 years
Operating PrincipleVLF
Standard Searchcoil8″ concentric
Operating Frequencies (kHz)7.69
Water resistanceWaterproof coil
Submersion DepthNo
DiscriminationYes
Ground BalancePreset
Audio ThresholdNo
Sensitivity – Depth AdjustmentsYes
Electronic PinpointingNo
VDI (0 to 99 scale)No
Build-in flashlightNo
Best Choice No. 1
Bounty Hunter PROLONE Lone Star Pro Metal Detector, One Size, Black
  • 9-Target ID Categories
  • Graphic Target Depth Indicator
  • Sensitivity Bar Graph
  • Multiple Notching System

Last update on 2024-11-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Source: Amazon Affiliates

The review

Bounty Hunter Lone Star Pro standard package set includes the following:

  • Control unit
  • S-shaped shaft
  • Mono coil 8 inches in diameter with operating frequency of 7.81 kHz
  • Mounting bolt
  • Battery

The control unit has 5 years warranty and the search coil has one year warranty.

The shaft

The device features a standard S-shaped shaft, which provides comfortable handling, and includes an adjustable armrest for personalized support during extended use.

The search coil

The metal detector is equipped with an 8-inch concentric waterproof search coil, making it suitable for use in shallow waters along coastal areas. This coil strikes an excellent balance between detection depth and sensitivity, effectively locating targets up to 10 inches deep and accurately identifying them.

Additionally, the metal detector is compatible with a 10-inch DD coil, which is featured in the next model in the product line. The advantages of the 10-inch DD coil include superior performance on highly mineralized ground, greater detection depth, and enhanced stability during operation. This allows users to confidently search for treasures in diverse environments, ensuring reliable results.

The headphones

Headphones are not included in the device’s package, but the metal detector features a standard ¼-inch headphone jack, allowing users to connect their own headphones for a more immersive and focused treasure-hunting experience.

The battery

The metal detector operates on a single 9V battery (not included in the package), providing an average operating time of approximately 20 to 25 hours.

The device features a display that includes a battery charge icon with three segments. As the battery drains, the number of active segments decreases, giving users a clear visual indication of remaining power.

Waterproofness

The metal detector is equipped with a waterproof search coil, making it ideal for beach hunting in shallow waters. However, it’s important to note that the control unit is not designed for submersion, so users should take care to keep it dry during use.

The control unit

The Bounty Hunter Lone Star Pro features a large, easy-to-read display that helps users identify the type of target located beneath the search coil. The display symbols are designed for optimal visibility, even in bright sunlight.

On the monochrome display, users can view essential information, including the type of metal detected, the target’s depth, and the sensitivity level of the device. It’s important to note that the target depth is a relative index, typically based on an average value obtained using a one-cent coin as a sample target. Thus, this measurement primarily indicates the intensity of the signal received from the target. For instance, if a small object is buried, the device may suggest it is deeper, whereas a larger object at the same depth will produce a stronger signal, indicating it is likely closer to the surface.

The display includes a nine-segment target identification scale, with each segment corresponding to a specific target category, such as iron, foil, nickel, aluminum can pull tabs, and coins. When the device detects a target, it emits a sound and highlights the corresponding segment on the target identification scale.

The Lone Star Pro boasts quick target response and recovery rates, enabling it to identify even closely located targets effectively. The manufacturer claims the device has exceptional sensitivity, which can be adjusted by pressing the SENS button followed by the “-” and “+” buttons. There are six sensitivity levels available; higher sensitivity settings increase detection depth but can lead to less stable performance. Upon turning on the device, the sensitivity level is set to 4 by default.

Search modes

The metal detector features three distinct tones—low, medium, and high—that vary depending on the type of object detected. This auditory feedback helps users quickly identify potential targets.

Additionally, the device includes a special discrimination mode that allows users to ignore unwanted targets, such as corroded iron debris and foil. By pressing the Notch button, users can select specific target types to be disregarded, with all target categories clearly displayed on the scale at the top of the screen.

While the metal detector does not include a pinpointer mode, similar to the Garrett Ace 150, this limitation is somewhat mitigated by its mono coil design. The cone-shaped radiation pattern ensures precise detection of target locations. Furthermore, the signal processing rate of the Lone Star Pro is significantly higher than that of the Garrett Ace 150, enhancing its overall performance in identifying targets accurately.

Ground balance

The metal detector features a pre-set ground balance value, which is crucial for optimizing performance in different soil types. This pre-set value helps to minimize false signals caused by mineralization in the ground, allowing the device to focus on detecting metal targets more effectively. By maintaining an accurate ground balance, users can enhance their treasure-hunting experience, especially in areas with varying soil conditions, such as highly mineralized or sandy terrains. This functionality enables the metal detector to differentiate between valuable items and unwanted noise from the ground, ensuring more accurate and reliable results during searches.

Conclusions

Lone Star Pro is rather good metal detector, but in my opinion it is rather an outdated one. Even several years ago, it could be a rival for other metal detectors of this class, but now…

If you are interested in metal detectors produced by this manufacturer, I’d advise you to consider Bounty Hunter Land Ranger Pro or Fisher F22. Both device models are a bit more expensive, but they offer much wider range of functions.

If you are looking for something new on the market, you can take a closer look at Nokta Simplex. This is a Turkish metal detector, which is quite likely to become a 2024 hit on the market.